Over the next several days, Anna, Millie, Griffin, and David made the U.R. their home for the time being. Even though he wasn't used to working with others, Anna encouraged Griffin to train the new recruits on how to better defend themselves.

David and Kyle helped him, while Anna and Millie helped Naomi in the kitchen. Many of the younger kids took a shining to Anna and Millie, especially the youngest Benson sibling, Ruby. At nine years old, Ruby was the only female jumper of her family, but being so young, she was sort of the outcast of the group. Anna would ask Ruby to help out in the kitchen so that she would feel useful in a way.

It saddened her, though, that some of these kids weren't even in puberty yet, and they were being captured, tortured, or killed even. Some of them had to leave their families behind, like Millie did, for them to be safe. Now, they were being hunted like animals just because they were different, and learning the art of war.

It wasn't right.

It wasn't right at all.

Xxx

One night, Millie, Anna, Naomi, Ruby, Mrs. Benson, and another female jumper named Kida were having a girls' night on the back porch, while everyone else was getting ready for bed or heading to sleep at the safe house.

"I think David's gonna propose," Millie blurted out suddenly. Everyone stared at her.

"You think so?"Kida asked.

Millie nodded. "I've known him my whole life, and we've been together for a couple of years now. I think its time."

"That would be nice. We need to have a something happy in the midst of all this chaos," Mrs. Benson blurted out.

"I agree. And, you two have my blessing," said Anna.

"Thanks. What about you and Griffin, though?"

Anna looked at Millie. "What about me and Griffin?"

"Do you think he wants to get married anytime soon?" Millie asked.

Anna shrugged. "Um, Griffin's not the marrying type. I'm surprised that we've lasted as long as we have."

"She's right. When I first saw you two together, I couldn't believe it either. You two are, like, total opposites," Kida commented.

"So, that doesn't mean anything. In fact, opposites help to balance each other out. My mother was the nicest woman in the world, and my father…not so much. However, when they were together, it was beautiful. She softened him up, and he toughened her up. It worked. I think Anna and Griffin might be the same way."

All of the women nodded with approval.

Xxx

When Griffin walked into the bedroom, fresh from his shower, he noticed Anna shuffling through her Kindle on the bed. "What are you doing?" he asked as he placed his stuff back into a duffel bag.

"Reading L.J. Smith quotes. Listen to this one: "I fell in love with you. I didn't do it on purpose." Ironic, isn't it?"

Griffin climbed into the bed next to her, and asked, "What do you mean by that?" He wasn't really interested, but he was curious as to what she meant by her statement.

"Well, look at us. When we met, we couldn't stand each other. Now look at us two years later. Notice how much has changed?"

Griffin nodded and Anna blurted out another quote, "It means that there's only one love for everyone who exists. And when you meet that love, you know them. You know you were meant to be together, and nothing can keep you apart."

Anna sighed softly, hoping that Griffin wouldn't notice, but he did. He knew all of her tells. He knew that she was wondering if they were going to last, if Griffin really loved her as she hoped he did. Now he was going to prove it, and killing Paladins was nothing compared to this.

"Anna, I want to ask you something. Before you say anything, let me ask this question first. Do you…do you love me?"

Anna blinked at him. Griffin looked so nervous and uncomfortable that it was a real shock to her. Not to mention what just came out of his mouth was even more out of character for him.

"If you don't remember, I blurted it out to everyone in a heated rage a few weeks ago. So, yes, I do love you. Griffin, what is going on?"

Griffin took her hands in his and then reached into his pants' pocket. He pulled out a small pouch, opened it, and placed the ring in her right palm. Anna gasped, and looked up at his face in shock.

Griffin blurted out, "Willyoumarryme?" all in one breath, and for the first time in her life, Anna was speechless.

There was a long pause before Anna remembered to breath, and whispered, "Yes."

"Huh?"

Anna grinned and slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Then,she leaned over and gave him a long, passionate kiss.

Griffin breathed, "So, is that supposed to be a yes or something?"

Anna rolled her eyes and kissed him again.