Like every morning for decades, Beatrice's body was accustomed to wake up at 5 AM even when she got back late from the mission or is jetlagged if she was sent somewhere far. Her inner clock knew how to tell time and wake her up for morning prayer or sparing with sister warriors. This morning was no exception. She did wake up at the crack of dawn but this time she didn't leave the bed. She remained in bed staring at the person by her side. As usual, Ava was dead to the world and Beatrice found it cute that she could sleep through anything. During their time at Cat's cradle not even the church bells could wake her up. After some time of just staring at Ava, she got out of bed and went to the bathroom to get ready for the day, even if that meant having a lazy day with Ava. She went downstairs to the kitchen, started the cattle and make herself cup of strong English tea. She missed it during her years in the convent and now that she was finally out she dared to indulge few guilty pleasures she had as a child and young teen. She got back upstairs and took it out to the balcony. Her book was already by the door so she settled into her chair and continued reading and enjoying her tea. Few hours later she heard Ava shifting in the bed and rustling of the sheets.

''Ducks! Awesome!''

She smirked because she knew Ava would love the sheets. She got up from the chair and stood at the door watching Ava look around the room.

''There are also baby elephants and angry clouds. I knew those are the sheets you would have loved the most.''

''Are there also some gray, white and black ones?''

''Yes, we can't sleep all the time in the sheets that look like someone vomited children's store on the bed.''

''That is a disturbing image Bea.''

''I know. That is why we have grownup sheets too…''

Ava smirked…

''We…?''

''Unless you want to sleep in another room…''

''No, I could live with us having grownup sheets from time to time so I could sleep with you.''

They both realized how that sounded and blushed. Beatrice looked at Ava with her eyes wide opened and Ava covered her eyes with her hands. It's not like Beatrice never thought about being with Ava in that way, but one thing was thinking about it and other was hearing Ava say something like that.

''Shit! Fuck! I didn't want to say that. I meant that… I meant in the same bed…Like we did in the Alps…''

''It's ok Ava. I know what you wanted to say.''

Ava lifted her hand and offered it to Bea.

''Can you please come back to bed… I missed you.''

Beatrice smiled and did what Ava asked of her. She cuddled up to her and Ava placed her head on Bea's chest.

''Your heart is beating very fast.''

''I am still terrified that I will open my eyes and you would be gone.''

''I don't' want to be gone… I have you… mattress without lumps and baby ducks… Life couldn't be better.''

That made Beatrice laugh. She was reminded of the mattress they had in the Alps. It was so used that the only way to sleep comfortable was to sleep on only one side of the bed… That mean that they spend every night in each other's arms because the other side of the mattress was painfully uncomfortable.

''Now we have good mattress and you are still pretty much on top of me.''

''Are you complaining? I don't remember you complaining then…''

''I could never complain being this close to you and you know it.''

''I love it too…''

Ava jumped from Bea's arms and kneeled on the bed.

''So, can you show me the bathroom, give me something to change to and then show me the house?''

Bea got out of the bed and offered her hand to Ava. She took her to the bathroom and showed her where things were.

''And all of your clothes are on your side of the closet. You can pick from your own things Ava…''

''You love when I wear your shirts.''

''Not always… You tend to stain them.''

Ava pretended to be insulted, but still pulled Bea into a kiss. During the time Ava took to get ready, Beatrice made the bed and got her teacup inside. Just as she finished tiding everything, Ava emerged from the bathroom dressed in tights and crop top.

''How about I make you something to eat before I show you around?''

''I never say no to food.''

They got downstairs and during the time Beatrice took to cook, Ava spent her time looking around. She stood and watched photos that Bea put up and for a moment she felt bad. There was photo of her with Mary and Lilith. Now both of them were gone from her life. There was also photo with very young Beatrice and Sister Shannon… She was dead too… And there was their picture…and she was dead as well… That shelf was some sort of mantle where Beatrice kept her dead and loved… Well, aside from her and Lilith that somehow came back to life…but the rest…

They ate outside and Beatrice couldn't stop watching Ava inhale the food. After she was done she got up and stood near the fence watching the vineyard and people like ants working in them.

''Bea, this is beautiful. How did this even happen?''

Beatrice told her the story and also shared with Ava story of the couple owning it before them. Ava smiled at the use of the plural. She didn't have enough money to own piece of gum let alone this property.

''Our place?''

''Yes, I got it to make a home out of it. Home for both of us, since none of us really had one.''

That made Ava sad for a moment. She didn't remember much of her mother, but what she did remember was the safety and warmth that existed before the accident.

''I love our home and I can't wait to live in it and have the best life possible together.''

She took Bea's hand and pulled her into a kiss. They were kissing for a moment and then Ava started playing with Bea's ring.

''So, let me get this straight. You get the ring so everyone would leave you alone and I get nothing and I am being thrown into this sea of hungry sharks that are after my sexy ass? Not cool Bea, not cool.''

Beatrice was laughing hand.

''So, in other words, you want a ring?''

''Well, duh…But not as yours, I think it would clash with my homeless esthetics.''

Bea rolled her eyes at the comment.

''Ava…''

''What? I do dress sometimes like homeless people… At least Lilith told me that.''

Beatrice took her hand and they went back to the bedroom. She went to her closet and came back with the thing box. She took Ava to the bed and they took a seat on Ava's side. Beatrice opened the box and Ava looked at the ring and then back and Bea. She loved. It was perfect in a morbid way. Both of them would have their crown of thorns. She understood why Bea choose these rings. Crown marked them in many ways. It has marked last few weeks of their time before the battle with Adriel.

''I've got them the same day. I couldn't get mine without having yours there too…''

''It's beautiful Bea… I can't believe you've got me a ring… Even without knowing if and when I would be back.''

''I didn't care Ava. I was willing to wait all my life for you to come back to me.''

She got it out of the box and put it on Ava's finger.

''Now your sexy ass is safe in that pool of sharks.''

''I love you.''

''I love you too…''

They shared a short kiss because Beatrice was needed on the phone. Paola called to tell her she would be arriving the following day and that she already shad some sketches ready for Bea too look. She thanked her and told her she will be waiting for her.

''Who was that?''

''An architect. She is making plan for the pavilion. She had few ideas and she is coming tomorrow and staying for a few days until we have all the details.''

''Should I be jealous?''

''No reason. We just work together.''

''Is she pretty?''

Beatrice have her a look.

''Ava…''

''I am just asking.''

''Ava Silva, I love you and I would have loved you until the end of my days. I haven't looked at another person when you were gone. Why would I be interested in anyone with you here. You are the only person I love.''

Beatrice took Ava to show her the vineyard and introduce her to the workers and the staff. She was not surprised how fast people were enchanted by Ava and how much Ava enjoyed chatting with all of them. She tried some of the wines they made and she loved it. She heard how people loved Beatrice and how she earned their respect in a very short time. She was proud of what Beatrice was becoming and happy others were seeing how amazing she was. They spent some time walking around the vineyard and Beatrice was telling Ava what changes she wanted to make and she also spoke about different grapes they were growing. Ava enjoyed listening to Bea getting her nerd on and telling her bunch of numbers and facts that only she would find fascinating. After some time, Ava stopped listening, she was just seeing Bea's happy face and that was all she needed to feel like she was really home. She knew there will be a moment to burst their bubble, but she was not ready. She was not ready to speak about what happened on the other side, about Reya and about the war ahead of them. She just wanted to live here and now with Bea, without thinking about bad things that might happen.

When they got back into the house, Beatrice started making lunch and Ava watched her from the barstool. During the time at the Cat's cradle, Ava never knew who prepared their meals. She just knew when the time for them was. She didn't know Beatrice could cook. If you ask Beatrice, she would say she is not much of a cook but she would not end up hungry. She knew how to make few easy things and she was also very good at following recipes and tutorials. She was making for them pasta with mushrooms and cream and some herbs. She opened for her and Ava one of the rare whites they produce and Ava loved it. It was chilled at the proper temperature and somehow each sip she took was smooth and perfect. She was never much of a wine person, but she had to admit this one she loved very much. Maybe it was more about Beatrice than the wine, but at that moment, she was happy and life was perfect. Bea moved around the kitchen with same elegance she always had. She would stir the mushrooms and take sips of her wine telling Ava about things happening in her life. Yes, it was about work, but Ava was proud. She felt bad that Bea spent so much time here alone, but then she was not sure how she would have felt if she came back and found Bea with someone else. For a moment she grew serious. She could imagine herself looking at Bea's new life. This house, other woman, another ring on her finger, children… Someone else kissing her, someone else hearing those three words Ava grew to love so much. And then she was a bit selfishly happy Bea choose not to live her life. Beatrice noticed shift in Ava and put her glass on the kitchen counter.

''What is it Ava? Are you well?''

She noticed Ava crying and just looking at her. She quickly came to her and put her palms on her face.

''What is it Ava?''

''I love you…''

''Oh, I love you too…''

''I am a bad person Beatrice…''

''Why would you ever say something like that?''

''I lied to you… I told you to live your life… I hurt you with what I did… And now I am happy you haven't moved on…I am glad that you waited for me… How can I be a good person when you being unhappy makes me happy?''

''Oh, Ava… ''

Beatrice kissed her and kissed her tears away.

''Ava, you are not a bad person. It's normal to be a little selfish when it comes to love. I am sure I would be glad you haven't moved on too if the roles were reversed.''

''But you would have never done what I did?''

''Wished to protect you and put my life on the line for you?''

Bea gave her a smile.

''Ava, I would give my life here and now if that would bring safety and good life to you…and you did that for me and the people you love. So, no. That doesn't make you a bad person. It just makes you human. Love is complicated and sometimes even selfless people have selfish moments or wishes. I am not sorry for waiting… I would have waited forever for you Ava… Don't doubt that.''

Ava pulled Beatrice into her arms and just held her.

''I am so happy I am back.''

''I am too…''

They ate in the house this time because it looked as it would rain. There was pleasant silence in the room and Ava and Bea were looking at each other from time to time and smiled.

''So, when are they coming?''

''Who?''

''Camila and Mother Supereon?''

''I don't know. I haven't spoken to them in a few days.''

That was a surprise to Ava.

''You didn't tell them I was back?''

''No, I wanted us to have a moment to ourselves. As soon as they learn you are back, you would have to go and…''

''You would not come with me?''

''I am not a nun anymore.''

''Maybe, but you are still hell of a warrior.''

Beatrice smirked.

''That is true.''

''So, what is the real reason Beatrice?''

'' As soon as they know… It all starts again… Even if I follow you back into all this. We will have to go back to the convent. Vincent is there…Mary's grave is there…''

After hearing about Vincent and Mary, Ava understood.

''Bea… I think we should take some time just for us… We deserve a moment. I know that coming back into all that will trigger a lot for you and I really need you by my side. I can't do this without you by my side. Part of me wishes to take your hand and make us disappear somewhere but I know I can't. Even angry at the world, you still have your moral code and would join the fight.''

Beatrice just looked at her.

''I am scared Ava… Losing you…that pain… those feelings… I don't think I could do it again.''

''Than let's make sure none of us has to feel it ever again. Fight by my side and make sure that we have everything in this life first.''

''How much time do we have?''

''Just for us?''

''Yes, just for us…''

''Three months…''

''Almost like in the Alps.''

Ava took her hand.

''But better. Now we have a home and something to look forward to.''

''Ava, I had a home then too… You were my home…are my home.''

''And you are mine…''

Ava kissed Beatrice and pressed her forehead to hers.

''So, what do you want to do Ava? I am sure you have some idea how you want to spend these three months… What is the first thing on your bucket list? What do you want to do?''

''Get married…''