"Do you think that's true?"
Aaron's eyebrows went up, and he turned slightly to look at Emily, resting her head on his shoulder as they watched the movie.
"What?"
She nodded at the TV. "What he just said about never attaining happiness, only being able to pursue it."
He frowned, thinking the question over. "I'm happy now," he murmured, kissing the top of her head.
Emily sat up slightly, looking at him thoughtfully as one hand came up to his cheek. "But you'll always have pain, too. You'll never forget some of the victims we've met, or the horrible things people have done to each other. You'll never stop grieving Haley, or blaming yourself."
His hand came up to rest over hers. "Without the pain," he said quietly. "I wouldn't know happiness."
From other men, it would have been a line. But Emily was looking him right in the eye, and she knew - knew - that he meant every word. He didn't deny the pain, but he was letting the happiness in. Giving him a soft kiss, she settled down again, resting her head on his shoulder.
It was enough for her.