A/N: Here's the next chapter. I always liked the poem from Sex and the City and for these two if felt right to use it so I did. Currently writing the last chapter. Just two more chapters to go. Thanks again to all who keep liking this fic. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter forty-eight

Not much had been spoken ever since Red had told her his story. He'd felt exposed and vulnerable and that wasn't something that came easy to him. Lizzie recognized his feelings and let him be. Though they were finally getting closer, it was obvious there were still demons to deal with on both sides.

It was late that evening when Red walked outside to find his Lizzie sitting on the steps. He admired her beautiful form with the scenery of the sunset behind her. He sighed in content. Despite all the hardship, the long road travelled, he knew that this was where he belonged. This, her, she was home. He knew there would never be anyone else.

In his hand he held a small rectangular box. He'd seen this when Lizzie had been away and without really knowing if he would see her again, he'd bought it. It felt right to give it to her now. For all intent and purposes he knew what this implied and he didn't mind at all. After all his heart was spoken for and the selfish part of him wanted other men to see that she was taken.

He saw Jethro lifting his head, acknowledging his presence but apparently the dog was too comfortable at his boss' side to move. He returned Lizzie's smile when she looked over her shoulder at him.

"Come on, let's take a walk." He held out his hand for her and helped her up. Easily their fingers entwined and in a comfortable silence they walked along the beach with Jethro following them.

"I never expected us to be here." Lizzie started. "For so long it was difficult to get out of bed. I often wished it had been me and not you and that it was life's cruel way of punishing me for my failures. I started to believe I deserved it. Drinking was the only thing that helped. I knew I was going downhill and somehow I got into some sort of routine again and it helped me. I was still depressed but I was getting out of the house again. Getting Jethro was the best thing I did. If it wasn't for him I don't know where I'd be now."

"I'm glad you have him."

"Yeah." She stopped walking and turned to him. Without hesitation she wrapped her arms around his waist and cuddled close to him. "I am so happy that you're here with me."

"Me too." He whispered, kissing her forehead softly. He was thrilled that she was seeking him out, wanting and maybe even needing to feel his touch.

"I know I haven't made things easy for you. I know I still got some way to go, but I wouldn't be here or wouldn't get there without you by my side. You give me strength every day." She turned around in his arms, her back against his chest now. She smiled as he nuzzled her neck. "After Tom I lost faith in love. I thought I was naïve thinking soul mates existed."

"You're not naïve, Lizzie. There is nothing wrong with believing in true love, in soul mates."

She shrugged. "Maybe." She waited for a moment, enjoying how his arms tightened around her. "Do you believe it?"

"What, true love? Soul mates?" The way the conversation was going suited him just fine. In fact it was perfect. He felt her nod and continued. "I do."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Simple, I feel it." He stared over the sea. "I feel a sense of belonging, of coming home every time I am near you. My heart skips a beat every time I see you or hear you. My heart, my mind, all of me loves all of you." Taking the small box out of his pocket he held it out in front of her.

"What's this?" She asked, her voice trembling.

"It's a promise, sweetheart."

"I…"

"Open it."

Carefully she opened the box. She gasped when she saw what was in it. Inside was a beautiful silver ring, a platinum band with engraving in it. "It's beautiful, Raymond."

"It's a claddagh ring. It symbolises friendship, loyalty and love." He whispered in her ear.

He took the ring from its box and with his hands on her waist he turned her towards him. Taking her left hand in his, he gentle slid the ring on her ring finger. "Ever mine, ever thine, ever ours." He softly said, as he played with the ring that was now on her finger. "I'll always be here sweetheart."

TBC...