The thunder rolled through him and he felt it in every fiber of his being. When she contracted around him it signaled his orgasm, and despite the feeling in his bones, he continued with his motions until she was fully off her climax. His head was spinning. Everything had new importance now.

Kahlan had new importance.

He gazed on her face, supporting himself on his forearms, which were on either side of her. She seemed to be glowing. Her eyes fluttered open, her breath slow and evening.

She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

He'd do anything for her.

He smiled down at her while he lifted his hand to move some of her hair off of her face, which had a thin sheen of sweat layering it. He couldn't stop smiling. Her every move delighted him. He was aware he was softening inside of her, but he didn't want to move. The feeling of her legs wrapped around him was the best he's ever known.

This woman was his world.

"Richard?" Kahlan's eyes grew wider, the consequences of the event sinking into her. She lifted her hand to his face, cradling it. He turned his cheek into her palm, placing a light kiss on the flesh. He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers.

"Yes, Amnell?" Kahlan's eyes popped open from their recovering state, excitement shining through her features. She tightened her legs around him as she placed kisses all over his face, giggling.

"You aren't confessed!" She was practically squealing. He shook his head, his nose rubbing against hers as she bit her bottom lip and started to squirm, causing Richard to slip out of her. She pouted when she felt him leave, but quickly pushed him onto the bed and curled up beside him, grabbing his pendent with her left hand as she nuzzled into his arm. She couldn't stop moving, tracing her hands over his flesh at every opportunity.

"How?" She looked up at him as he moved to place the covers over them. His boyish grin crept on his lips as he leaned to press a kiss to her forehead.

"Because I wasn't scared of your magic." Kahlan furrowed her eyebrows, lips pursing. "Because I'm in love with you." He could feel her jump in his arms and in an instant she was placing kisses all over his neck and chest. His arm tightened around her, slightly calming her movements as she settled back into his embrace. Richard's heartbeat was hammering, and he was sure it was quite loud under Kahlan's ear. The rhythm seemed to lull her to sleep, and soon her breathing was steady and her body fully relaxed. Richard smiled as he stared up at the ceiling, taking in exactly what just happened.

This was the start of a whole new life.