Chapter 11: The Proposal

Disclaimer: read chapter 1

...

"Autumn is a second spring and every leaf's a flower" – Albert Camus

...

"Alright back up. Back up! Little more... Stop!"

The movers grunted at Elise's command. They were carrying a lounge chair from four flights of stairs and into the living room. Today was the day for Kathryn to move into her best friend's condo. Kathryn was about to live the dream with all the benefits, including her very own walk-in closet. How could Kathryn say no to Elise's generous proposition to come live with her?

"Drop it!"

The movers immediately dropped the chair that slammed against the hardware floor. Kathryn was in the kitchen, polishing the silverware. She winced at the loud bang, no doubt the chair cracked the floor by its weight.

"What is wrong with you?!" Elise cried.

"You told us to drop it!" the heavy mover raised his hands up defensively.

"Gently! Drop it gently! I am not paying you guys to break my floor!"

"You're not paying us at all!" The thin mover argued, pointing at Kathryn. "She is!"

"Yeah," Kathryn jumped into the argument, "but I am not paying you guys to break the floor either. One scratch and you will get no tip."

The movers rolled their eyes, going back downstairs to get more of her things.

Elise hurried over to her best friend, smiling widely. "Isn't this cool? You pay, I boss people around!"

"It does sound fun, doesn't it?" Kathryn grumbled, drying off a fork and sorting it in the silverware drawer.

Elise sat on the barstool, resting her elbows on the counter. "I hate moving day, too. So much work. Lucky for us, I have some entertainment." She switched on her CD player, playing her favorite song. "Karaoke, baby!" She leaped from her seat, swaying her hips to the music. Kathryn couldn't help but laugh.

"Come on! You love this song, don't you? Sing with me!" Elise dragged Kathryn to the center of the room, snatching the spoon from her.

"I am unwritten," she sang, using the spoon as her microphone. "Can't read my mind. I'm undefined. I'm just beginning. The pen's in my hand. Ending unplanned!"

Kathryn giggled at Elise's off-key singing. She pulled Elise's arm, pointing the spoon at her own face. "Staring at the blank page before you," her voice was just as bad as her friend's. It's almost like she wasn't even trying. "Open up the dirty window. Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find!"

Elise laughed and twirled Kathryn around while singing. "Reaching for something in the distance! So close you can almost taste it!"

"Release your inhibitions!" The girls cried, jumping and dancing to the beat.

"Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life-"

"Ladies!"

Their dancing came to a stop when the movers returned with a thick mattress in their hands. Kathryn hurried to widen the door for the movers.

"Okay, boys," Elise resumed her instructions," into the bedroom. Off you go. Every man's favorite place to be at night."

"Not true," The thin mover retorted with a grunt, keeping the mattress steady in his palms. "Mine is fishing at the docks."

"At nighttime?" the heavy mover grunted, scooting back to the stairs. "Where a thug could put a bullet in your brain? Hell no! Mine is at Mooney's Saloon."

The girls shifted their bodies uncomfortably at the mention of that skimpy strip joint run by a woman who knew nothing of modesty. How did they know? Requiring a fake ID at the time, Elise sneaked herself and her high school peers inside to check out the place, assuming that the men would be stripping. That wasn't the case.

Elise ended the conversation by clapping her hands. "What's with the chit-chat? Get your asses upstairs! Chop! Chop!"

The men rolled their eyes and ground their teeth as they shuffled their feet upstairs to the bedroom, knocking down a hanging picture in the process.

...

Elise poured two margaritas into wine glasses. It was only three o'clock. A little early to be drinking, but this was for celebration.

"A toast," Elise raised her glass then Kathryn followed suit, "to a new beginning."

Kathryn clicked her glass with Elise's, "To new beginnings."

They sipped their drinks, more like Elise tilted her head back and chugged hers in three gulps. She slammed the glass with satisfaction, motioning Kathryn to do the same.

"C'mon, Kat," Elise urged. "Drink up!"

"Wish I could, but can't," Kathryn set the drink down. "I have plans that don't require me to be drunk."

"Oh?" Elise raised a brow. "What kind of plans?"

Kathryn shrugged, "Staff meeting at work. Nothing big really."

"Oh yeah?" Elise snatched her friend's glass to finish the drink for her. "Well, I guess, the last thing we want is for you to drive drunk. Maybe next time, we can endure a hangover together? What do you say?"

Kathryn scuffled a laugh, "We'll see."

Elise resumed the music, and the girls continued to dance, sing badly, and giggle all day long. Around seven the condo received a call from the gate entrance. Kathryn was surprised to hear her date from the speaker. Then again, punctuality was in his vocabulary, not to mention he's a gentleman. For that, she allowed his lincoln through the gates and confirmed her condo number to the driver.

...

'So are you gonna screw her, tonight?'

Jonathan ignored his thoughts, adjusting his tie in the car mirror.

'Johnny-Boy?'

"The effects from my medication should kick in shortly," Jonathan didn't want to take any chances tonight. The last thing he needed was Scarecrow's interference.

'C'mon, Johnny! I'm just curious! She's a pretty girl, and we are a good looking man. We'll all be alone in our apartment, something is bound to happen.'

Jonathan sighed. "We'll see," he exited the car and stalked towards the condo building. He climbed up the four sets of stairs, tiring him out slightly. Jonathan made a mental note to work on his cardio; perhaps he should schedule a gym visit next week or month.

He knocked on the door, only to see a taller, blonde woman instead of the brunette petite. This must be the waitress Kathryn mentioned. All the crazy stories, he had heard from their coffee meetings. He knew he shouldn't have brought the flowers with him. The woman might ask intrusive questions. Taking in her appearance, there was something oddly familiar about her. Where had he seen her? Did he see her working in Gotham's cafe? Perhaps. Regardless, Jonathan introduced himself to the blonde.

"Good evening, I-" Jonathan was cut off when she slammed the door in his face. What was that? He knocked on the door again with much force. The door opened again, revealing the same blonde who looked like she had seen a ghost.

"Not interested," the woman declared.

After two seconds of interaction, Jonathan knew for certain that this woman could be trouble. He could smell the evidence of alcohol in her breath.

Jonathan's fist tightened at the misinterpretation, "I'm sorry. I believe you're mistaken. My name is Dr. Crane, and I'm here to see Dr. Knightly. Is she home?"

"Who wants to know?"

Jonathan furrowed his brows, recalling the introductions had already been made. No doubt that she had too much to drink. Nonetheless, he played along.

"Dr. Crane."

Elise giggled, "Oh yeah! You're the creep from Kat's work."

Jonathan pressed his lips together, not liking where the conversation was going, "I don't think it's polite of you to say, Miss-"

"She told me all about you. You shouldn't be here. You are bad," Elise slurred as she leaned against the doorway, narrowing her eyes and pointing the finger at him. "Bad to the bones. Duh-duh-duh-duh!"

"Kathryn!" Jonathan cried over Elise's shoulder. Clicking heels met the hardwood floor in a hurry fashion.

Elise winced, squeezing her eyes shut and sticking a finger in her ear. "Ow! Why are you yelling?"

"Kath..." A lump caught in his throat that forced him to swallow as he was taking in the brunette's appearance. Kathryn wore a V-neck, purple dress that had a ruffled skirt down to her knees. Her recently permed hair spread onto her shoulders. Her eye shadow was glittering pink that matched her lips. She was indeed a vision.

"Jonathan," Kathy whispered breathlessly, taking in the sharp suit and the bouquet of white roses in his grip. She couldn't help but smile at him. "Hi."

Jonathan didn't respond, his face remained cold but dazed.

"Aww," Elise cooed at her friend, a smile plastered across her face. "You look adorable. You are dressing up like it's your first date." She whipped her head back to Jonathan with widened eyes. "This isn't a date, right?"

Kathryn slightly pushed Elise aside, "Lise, I don't have a date." She mouthed an apology to Jonathan.

"Really? What's up with the flowers?!" Elise retorted, gesturing at the bouquet. She slimmed her gaze at Jonathan, not liking how he wasn't giving her friend proper eye contact. "Seriously? Could you be any more creepy?"

"Okay, you..." Kathryn pointed at her, then the couch, "need to watch TV or something."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of the tyrant!"

"Excuse me?" Jonathan questioned, pinching his brows together.

Kathryn shoved Elise out of the way, turning her attention to Jonathan with a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry. My friend is - uh - um - a little tipsy. We were celebrating the big move - and..." When Kathryn accepted Jonathan's invitation, she didn't think about Elise and the plans that came with it. At first, it didn't seem like it was an issue for her time between the two were in different time zones. However, she didn't think about the outcome when drunk Elise answered the door. Jonathan should be offended, might ask questions as to why Elise would call him names. A wise man once said that a drunk mind speaks soberly.

Kathryn closed her eyes in dismay, 'Oh, Lise. What did you have to start drinking so soon?'

"Did you tell her about us?" he whispered with authority in his tone; the same voice he used for work.

Kathryn shook her head, silently answering his question. She turned her attention to the flowers in his hand.

"Are those for me?" she wondered.

Jonathan looked at the flowers, before smirking, "No, these are from Dr. Arkham."

Kathryn's mouth dropped then scoffed. "You're joking, right?" Jonathan's extended grin confirmed her question. She playfully hit his arm. "You jerk!"

"I know," Jonathan handed the flowers to Kathryn.

The corner of her lips curled as she stared at the roses in awe. "Well, either way, these are beautiful. Thank you."

Jonathan couldn't help but peer his eyes at the blonde who tumbled onto the couch. This was an obstacle that Jonathan didn't see coming. Suppose if he and Kathryn decided to be an item. No way, Jonathan could come over to Kathryn's new place, not with Elise there. He could tell that Elise was a wrecking ball, waiting to knock down Jonathan's walls and potentially ruin his plans.

"Don't worry," Kathryn dismissed his worries. "She won't remember seeing you. Believe me."

A part of him believed not to take any chances. His dark half said as much. However, Kathryn knew this woman more than he. If she said that Elise wasn't going to remember, he should take her word for it. He didn't have a choice for Kathryn was standing pretty.

"Very well," he reluctantly held out his hand, offering for her to take it. "Shall we?"

Kathryn accepted the invitation with a smile, "I'm going, Lise. Try not to do anything stupid while I'm gone."

Elise grumbled something under her breath that Kathryn couldn't make out. Kathryn debated if it was a good idea to leave her friend alone tipsy. She didn't have a say as Jonathan led her out of the apartment and into his lincoln.

~000~000~000~

Jonathan and Kathryn arrived at his apartment safely. Kathryn took in her surroundings to see that the neighborhood was anything but pleasant. She saw a couple of people smoking outside, a man drinking beer and fist-pumping another man who appeared drunk. She could hear parents shouting at their kids, their volume overpowered the radio. Her stomach tied in knots, worried that she might face danger on the way up to the apartment. She snuggled close into Jonathan's suit jacket that he lent to her. She wanted to ask if they could go to a nice restaurant, but decided against the idea for it wouldn't be polite. Who knows? Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

Jonathan parked the car and stepped out to open the door for Kathryn. She took his hand to pull her out of the car, swiping the bouquet of flowers with her.

"You don't have to bring the flowers," Jonathan said.

Kathryn sniffed into the bouquet, hoping the smell could comfort her, "I want to put them in water."

Jonathan accepted her reason as he squeezed her hand, leading her inside the building. She noticed the way the people were looking at them. Their hooded eyes stared at the couple like they were a piece of meat but quickly looked away as if Jonathan spread a protective vibe around them. They were afraid of him. Tough, macho, not to mention drunk residents against a lean man with zero defense skills? It shouldn't be a contest, right? She didn't dare address it, only kept her head down and focused on their entwined fingers.

It seemed like Jonathan was holding her hand quite a lot. It was odd for him to behave like a normal lover. She was surprised that he presented her with flowers and offered to drive her here. Despite his freezing cold body while the air was warm and stuffy, he's trying to be human.

Jonathan released her hand only to withdraw his room key from his coat pocket. Kathryn breathed out, warming her hands together.

"You cold, Kathryn?"

"Just a little," she admitted.

"Fear not. This apartment is known for its heat, no air conditioning. You will warm up in no time."

Kathryn breathed out slowly but jumped at the click from the door. What was there to be afraid of? It's not like Jonathan had his own dungeon that Elise joked about. Though, she couldn't help but visualize it in her head.

"You ready?" he asked.

Kathryn furrowed her brows, not entirely sure what he was asking. "Ready? For what?"

"You'll see," Jonathan murmured as he opened the door. Her heart was racing at the smooth jazz that echoed inside. He placed his hands on her shoulders and led her in the dark.

A click of the light switch illuminated the room, taking Kathryn's breath away. Her mouth agape and her eyes widened in disbelief.

(Song: Me and Mrs. Jones - Michael Buble)

This wasn't a dungeon. Not even close. The outside apartment was a dump compared to this vintage living room and kitchen. Leather couches, a widescreen TV, granite kitchen counters. The walls were painted boring grey and stoned bricks but the bookshelves, hanging certificates, and a mirror neutralized the tone. A red-clothed, dining table was the centerpiece, replacing the coffee table that had been shoved beside the couch. Kathy walked around the room with amazement.

"Impressive," she approached the table, taking a better look at a champagne bottle in the ice bucket, two candles lit by Jonathan on both sides. She turned her attention to the fancy silver food coverings as if this place provided room service. She lifted one up, revealing chicken Alfredo with rib-eye steak drizzled in red sauce.

"Mm," She smirked up at Jonathan. "You sure know how to treat a lady. Are you sure you don't date?"

"Let me take your coat," Jonathan instructed.

"Don't you mean your coat?" Kathryn allowed Jonathan to swiftly slide the coat from her arms and hang it on the rack by the door. He returned to her side only to watch her seat herself on the cushioned chair. He approached his end of the table, removing the second lid.

Kathryn began cutting the steak, not bothering to wait for her date to sit. He was surprised that she already had taken a few bites of the alfredo.

"How is it?" he asked.

Kathryn nodded and moaned in satisfaction, slurping a noddle while giving a thumbs up.

"Steak is the best," she spoke with her mouth full.

"I will be the judge of that," Jonathan properly sliced a tiny piece. Kathryn stopped eating to watch Jonathan's reaction as he chewed the steak slowly then swallowed it in one big gulp.

"Well?" she asked, leaning forward slightly.

He shrugged in a dismissive manner, "Overcooked."

"Really?" Kathryn looked down at her steak to see the pink in the middle. "They've cooked mine medium-well."

"Yes, I asked them to cook yours that way. I should have asked the same thing for mine is well done."

"Oh," Kathryn slowly bit into her steak, feeling the tension already.

"But it will do," Jonathan ate another bite of his steak.

The two continued to eat and listen to music in content. She recognized the jazz singer - Michael Buble - another Frank Sinatra. She loved his voice and could listen to him all day if the radio decided to play his music.

"Would you like to have some champagne?" he offered.

Kathryn lifted her glass, "Sure."

Jonathan picked up the bottle, unwrapping the paper off the lid. One thing that Kathryn liked about champagne bottles was the part when the cork flies across the room.

"Ooh!" Kathryn hurried out of her seat, standing by Jonathan with the bottle. "Can I do it?"

"Open the bottle?"

Kathryn nodded, taking the bottle from him. "It's my favorite part," she was about to twist the cage while unknowingly aimed the bottle straight at Jonathan's stomach.

"Stop."

Kathryn ceased, meeting Jonathan's gaze with confusion, "Huh?"

Jonathan let out a chuckle, standing behind Kathryn. "First off, if you want to make the fly successful, don't hit someone you are having dinner with."

"Oh," she giggled and apologized sheepishly.

"Second," Jonathan's hand hovered over Kathryn's left hand, raising it where her thumb was over the cork. He angled the bottle at forty-five degrees.

"Don't move your thumb," he instructed firmly.

"Yes, Sir."

Jonathan loosened the cage, "Now turn the bottle. Don't move your thumb."

Kathryn twisted the bottle against her hip, only the pressure got the best of her grip.

With a loud pop, the cork flew out of the bottle, smashing the mirror. The bubbly liquid leaked and spilled onto the floor.

"Sugar!" Kathryn cursed more horrified of the broken mirror than the messy floor. She clenched her teeth, afraid to look at Jonathan's face.

Jonathan placed his hands behind his back, stepping towards the mirror. He stared down at his broken reflection, clicking his tongue and bowing his head in dismay.

"There goes seven years of luck."

...

"I'm so sorry," Kathryn apologized, sliding the glass from the pan and into the trash can.

Jonathan sighed as he threw away the wet paper towels, "It's fine, Kathryn."

"I'll pay for the mirror."

"Don't. I never use that mirror anyway. Not exactly sure why I bought it."

"Still a mirror is worth something. How can I pay you back?"

Jonathan cleared his throat, "Well... Now you mention it, there is one thing you can do for me."

"Like what?" she asked hopefully. "Anything."

Jonathan reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, gray box that was wrapped in a white bow.

"This," he placed the gift on her palm and stepped back, resuming the professional demeanor.

Kathryn narrowed her eyes at it then at Jonathan questionably, "What is it?"

"I believe the only way to know is to open it yourself, Kathryn."

Kathryn looked back at the present that was nicely wrapped. She cautiously slid the bow off the box, before removing the lid. She gasped to see what was inside. A golden heart-shaped locket with a tiny, diamond gem in the middle.

"Oh my gosh," Kathryn dangled the chain, sparkling the gem in the candlelight.

Jonathan tensed, not sure what she was thinking as he watched her. He hoped that she likes the gift. It didn't cost him an arm or leg, but the gem wasn't entirely fake.

"Kathryn?" Jonathan pressed. All he needed was a sign or a noise of sorts to know the truth. "You have to say something. Do you like it? If you don't-"

"Are you crazy, Jonathan? This..." Kathryn smiled widely, big enough to hurt, "this is so beautiful."

His heart thumped louder by her declaration, "You really like it?"

"I love it!" Kathryn raised her eyes at Jonathan, the smile never faded. "Thank you..." She loved the locket, it must've cost Jonathan a fortune. A question rang inside her mind. Why? "Not that I don't love this beautiful necklace."

"Because you do," Jonathan declared the obvious.

Kathryn nodded, "Yes, but..." Her brows pinched as she asked the question, "Why did you give me this? What's the occasion?"

"Well, the occasion's for Valentine's Day."

"Valentine's Day? But Valentine's Day was over-"

"I'm long overdue, I know, but there is more to the reason why I gave it to you."

"Oh?" She raised her brows, intrigued. "What is it?"

Jonathan motioned her to sit back down on the chair. No doubt their dinner became cold, not that they were hungry at all, which surprised Kathryn. She was usually the type to finish her meal before anyone else, besides her younger sister for she was about thirty pounds heavier.

Michael Buble stopped singing. The candles were losing their wax. Clouds were passing the moon, shielding its light. The entire atmosphere grew quiet as Jonathan's intense gaze locked with hers. She so much wanted to look away and hide her tremored hands. It was almost as if Jonathan was trying to find and steal her soul. She inhaled sharply when a cold hand covered hers.

"Relax, Kathryn," he commanded. "I don't bite... much."

The command was easier said than done.

Kathryn giggled nervously, "Sorry." She withdrew her hand, trying to warm them up with the table cloth.

"You're not going to eat?" Jonathan asked.

"You said you have something to tell me."

"Yes, I suppose we should start the discussion. The real reason for this evening."

Kathryn continued warming her hands, waiting for Jonathan to get on with the conversation. It sounded crazy, but she could've sworn that he was as nervous about the subject as well. Jonathan Crane? Nervous? Those two words don't mix at all.

"I must confess, Doctor Knightly, I am not a man who believes in romance. I never thought of being with a woman, not since... her." Kathryn didn't need to ask who he meant. He continued, "nor the kind who would dare pour an appetizer on me."

Kathryn couldn't help but giggle at that gruesome memory. She was too embarrassed to show her face in the restaurant. The smile was wiped the second she met Jonathan's stern gaze.

"Come on. Looking back, it was pretty funny."

"Perhaps if you were the one covered in hot chicken broth, I might consider having a laugh."

Kathryn cleared her throat, resting her elbows on the table, blowing warm air against her freezing hands.

"Anyway. It is rare for anyone to gain my attention, not until you came along, Doctor."

Kathryn widened her eyes at his confession. Did he just admit that he had feelings for her? This wasn't love. Not entirely. This was an attraction. An experiment to test their own hypothesis.

"You made me take risks. You challenged me. You impressed me."

"What are you trying to say, Jonathan? I know all this. I think I'm the only female in Arkham, you can tolerate."

"Indeed. We can both agree..." He paused to let out a deep breath, "that we are drawn to each other in a personal manner. We are incapable of escaping the attraction, especially when you dated that camera boy."

Kathryn scoffed, "Cocky much?"

"I only state facts, Kathryn. I thought perhaps we should consider the proposal."

"What proposal?"

"For you to be mine."

Kathryn blinked and tilted her head, slightly grazing her lip. "Yours?"

"It will not be easy, but if you agree, we can take our professional relationship to the next level."

Kathryn leaned her back against the chair in disbelief, "Are you asking for a sexual relationship?"

Jonathan mirrored her expressions, "What? No!"

"Because that is not happening. I am not that type of woman."

"I know. I am not asking that from you. Believe me." Jonathan couldn't hear his half but could imagine him saying the opposite, especially the tightness in his pants. He cleared his throat, scooting closer under the table. His hands closed together, forming sweat in between his fingers. He wasn't nervous. He couldn't be. He was the Master of Fear. Yet, talking about the subject of romance was new to him. He had never given thought about offering this to a woman before, only Louise.

April was indeed full of color and beauty, a sign of hope in this wretched world, but not without its heavy showers and practical jokes. Louise played Jonathan. She used his feelings against him. She stabbed him in the heart then abandoned him for death. As for October, the leaves may change color and eventually fall from their branches. The season may look like it's closer to the end, but really, it's a start of a second spring - a new beginning when every leaf was a flower. A chance to reveal one's true colors that remained hidden all year. Kathryn was his unexpected prize, a woman who wanted him despite his flaws. She wanted to show him that he, too, could be a decent human being.

"All I am offering is a simple relationship," he stated with forced calmness.

"But the rules-"

"We can have the sentiments - dinner, movie, coffee break." Kathryn snorted at the latter. "Whatever you want so long as we keep it discreet," Jonathan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I understand that it will not be as public as we like, but we can at least give it a chance." He straightened his posture and cleared his throat, eyeing her with expectancy, "What say you?"

Kathryn inhaled sharply, looking down at her lap. Could this actually work? Could they actually have a normal relationship in secret? It seemed forbidden but exciting. What do they have to lose besides their jobs? Was it really worth it? Kathryn suffered heartbreak many times, while Crane mourned for his so-called friend. The attraction and need were so strong, they were inseparable.

Kathryn took the necklace from the box, dangling it in between her fingertips. She let the chain fall onto Jonathan's hand. His heart skipped a beat, wondering why she gave it to him. Was she rejecting him? Was the future going to be awkward between them at work?

Kathryn turned her back to him and lifted her curls up, exposing the tiny hairs behind her neck.

"Can you help me put this on?"

Jonathan couldn't help but release a shaky breath, removing himself from his seat to lace the necklace around her small neck. The dark half of him imagined strangling her from behind, ending her life on the spot. Jonathan quickly discarded the horrid thought as he hooked the chain together.

Kathryn shivered as the cold metal landed on her bare chest. She looked down to see the locket up close. The gemstone continued to glitter as her heart raced by this new revelation.

Kathryn Knightly was in a relationship. Someone that she actually had feelings for. With Sam, it was more like a fling, physical attraction than emotional. Jonathan was different. He wasn't like the jocks she had the hots for in high school. Jonathan wasn't built for brawn; he was the nerd she'd never paid another glance. He was a charismatic, professional, intelligent, beautiful mystery. He was all hers.

Taking his offered hand, Kathryn pulled herself up to her feet; her face met his chest. Golden brown met crystal blue. His cold hands grazed her arms that formed goosebumps and erected arm hair. Their breathing became shallow as they came closer.

What started off as a peck on the lips turned into a passionate liplock. Arms snaked around shoulders and hips, consuming each other's electricity.

...

Outside, a shaded man with a mustache was standing next to a white Sudan, watching one particular terrace across the street.

The man in plaid held up a camera zoomed the extended lens to see Kathryn and Jonathan kissing. Instantly, the guy snapped pictures of the distracted couple.

Once the man had enough to create a photo album, he smirked with satisfaction and walked away from the car.

...

Kathryn and Jonathan eventually broke apart, and couldn't help but smile widely at each other. Kathryn laid her head on Jonathan's chest, cuddling up next to him. He wrapped one arm around her waist and raked her hair with the other.

For the first time in a lifetime, they were at peace, until Kathryn had to return to her new home.