That afternoon they went back to Halt's cabin to get him resettled back home Pauline still had a few days off through the new year so she had gone with him to spend more time together while they had the opportunity. They settled in easily Pauline often helped him settle back in when he came home though this time she had the pleasure of putting both their clothes in the wardrobe. She smiled taking in the pine and coffee scent that lingered there it smelled like him. Halt walked back in with an arm full of firewood settling it by the fireplace he peered into the room and saw Pauline sitting on the edge of the bed. He walked in watching her softly she was in her own little world. "Hey" he said softly walking in a little closer to her when she looked up at him and smiled he settled next to her "what are thinking about so hard?" He asked tenderly. She leaned into him "just remembering all the good times we had here this time of year" she said softly. He held her tight and nodded softly "we did have a fair few of those" he said softly kissing her cheek. She smiled wrapping her arms around his neck pulling him back and down over her kissing him deeply he returned it happily lovingly. She turned them and pinned him beneath her caressing her fingers through his shaggy hair when the kiss broke she smiled down at him tenderly her heart spreading up in his chest when he smiled back at her. She leaned in and kissed his cheek more softly as she rested against his chest lightly he held her close.
She toyed with the ties of his shirt lightly "Halt?" She said softly. "Hmm" he said softly his head laying lightly on his pillow and buried against her hair. Pauline floundered she didn't know how to say what she wanted to say "Halt we have been off and on for years... I know over the last few we have been together on a more consistent basis... But you have still been gone a lot..." Halt nuzzled her "is there a question in there?" He asked softly. She nuzzled him and kissed his cheek "Halt we have only slept together once." He hugged her close "we have slept together plenty of times" he teased. She jabbed him in her ribs slightly not enough to hurt him but enough to let him know she was serious "you know what I mean... We only made love once" she said. "Well it didn't exactly go so well" he said then cocked a brow "after the fact that is." She eyed him incredulously he kissed her softly to sooth her "I know we only had the one night my love but it was more than I every could have asked for." She stroked his cheek gently at his soft words "It meant the world to me as well but I am curious... Has there ever been anyone else? I wouldn't blame you if there was-" Halt placed a finger to her lips stopping her before it started "no my love there never has been and never will be anyone else..." He said and kissed her softly "only you." She kissed him again lovingly "there has never been anyone for me either... Just you" she said stroking his scruffy cheek. He smiled softly at her and nuzzled her face tenderly he would only ever be this soft and gentle with her. She leaned in and captured his lips on her own pouring all her love and devotion into that kiss. When it broke their eyes met and she carefully reached out resting her hand on his chest and murmured "Halt I don't want to wait... Make love to me" softly. He leaned in and pressed his lips lovingly against hers when the kiss broke he covered her body protectively with his own "are you sure?" She held him over her "7 years... Yes I'm sure" she said pulling him down to kiss her once more.
That afternoon they made love for the second time in their 11 year relationship. Afterwards they had lay together wrapped in each other's arms Halt had faded off to sleep with a relaxed and content look on his face. Pauline stayed beside him stroking his face lovingly quite relaxed and content herself. She would happily marry the man beside her now if he asked her but she knew it was still impossible due to his job. That was why she had given herself to him, if this was all she could have with him she would take it over losing him again. She nuzzled against his neck tenderly and he hugged her close in his sleep. She smiled softly leaning in against his ear kissing it softly and whispering "I love you" softly. He stirred slightly and murmured "I love you too" in a drowsy but contented tone. She smiled and moved to his lips kissing him softly when the kiss broke he said something he never thought would leave his lips "marry me?" She looked at him surprised not sure she had heard right "did you just-?" "Yes. Pauline DeLacey will you marry me?" He said his green/brown eyes melting her heart. She couldn't speak instead she just kissed him deeply her arms tight around his neck, the kiss took his breath away. "Is that a yes?" He asked when it broke. She nodded "I never thought you would ask. Yes" she said kissing his cheek. He hugged her close nuzzling into her neck. Needless to say they didn't get much done the rest of the evening.