Ila had slept rather deeply for a nap, and when she finally woke she had to remind herself that Thorin had really come home and she had not just dreamed it. She remembered now, she had fallen asleep in her husband's arms, very happily and comfortably, but that was not the case now.

Ila sat up and looked around, her hair tousled and falling in a great dark mess around her. He must have taken a bath while she slept, because she could see water in the great brass tub and a towel on the side. Had she slept that long? She looked to the door and listened for him.

"Thorin?" She called as she got off the bed. A moment passed and he came through the door, clean and dressed in his ususal blue tunic and not his traveling clothes anymore. He smiled warmly at his wife and walked to her as he adjusted his belt.

"Well hello sleepy head. It did not take much to tire you out," he said kissing her on the forehead.

"Well, I have been without you for some time," Ila blushed. "And I have been up early making sure everything was ready for your arrival."

Thorin wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her gently to him. "Everything is perfect, I'm sure. My very thoughtful wife. Now, freshen up quickly, you slept nearly till supper. We will be expected downstairs." Thorin said and gently steered her towards her vanity.

Ila went obediently to her vanity and sat down to tame her tresses and touch up her face. Luckily Thorin had not undressed her before they coupled, since she had no idea where Dwala was to even call on her. But that is fine, she had wanted Dwala to have the time to reunite with Dwalin. She wondered how that went and if she would get to ask her tonight. She might have to wait till tomorrow, since Thorin would likely remain downstairs long enough to dine and then whisk her back upstairs to rid her of her dress and properly reunite with her.

It was the thought of how much Ila wanted to feel Thorin's hands on her naked body again that made her remember. She hadn't told him! Her mind screamed at her. She had to tell him and now.

"Darling?" she called as Thorin had left the room again.

"Yes dearest?" he called from the next room.

"There's something I need to tell you," Ila said still brushing her hair and setting it right. He did not respond however and Ila grew a little agitated. She had hoped he would walk back into the room. Putting the last lock of hair in place, she rose from her vanity. As she passed into the next room though she noticed that they were not alone anymore.

Ila stopped short at the threshold, not wanting to barge in. She had not heard Dis enter the antechamber, but she was now embracing Thorin on the other side of the room. Neither she nor Thorin saw her standing there, and Ila wanted to give them their moment, so she receded into their bed chamber and barely peered around the door at them instead.

Thorin had his back to her and was leaning over a bit to embrace Dis who was not as tall as her brother. Her arms were around his neck and her chin rested on his shoulder. Her eyes were closed and it was the first time Ila had ever seen her smile like that. Not her usual sad smile, but a warm and happy smile. A light and relaxed smile. Ila smiled herself, glad to see it. They pulled away from each other then, but Thorin rested his hands on her upper arms, looking down into her face.

"Will you not come to supper?" Ila heard Thorin ask hopefully.

Dis smiled weakly and shook her head. "No, I am not hungry anyway." She replied and Ila could barely see that Thorin was frowning in response.

Ila had a sudden moment of terror then when she wondered that Dis might mention her fall to Thorin. Surely she wouldn't, but Ila couldn't be sure. She held her breath and listened to their conversation.

"Are you unwell?" Thorin asked with concern evident in his voice.

"No, no I am well brother. You worry so easily." She said and stroked his face ever so lightly.

"You worry too," he replied and Dis smiled.

"Perhaps, but between you, Fili, and Kili how can I not?"

Thorin smirked, knowing she was right. They three were a handful for any dwarf to keep up with.

"Soon you will have a little nephew to worry over as well," Thorin was nothing less than adorable with the look of pride that came over his face, Ila thought.

"Or a niece," Dis corrected.

Thorin made a face that communicated she was wrong but that he would not bother correcting her. "Perhaps," was his only admission.

"Either way, I will love the new little Durin as much as I love the others," Dis said and kissed her brother on the cheek.

"I am glad you are home safe," she added and turned towards the door to leave.

"You are sure you won't come to supper?" he tried one more time.

Ila decided to make her appearance then, wanting to speak with Dis again because she did want a better relationship with her, and did not want her request for counsel on the subject of babies to come entirely out of nowhere when she finally got the urge to ask. Ila also did not believe that Dis could be convinced to accompany them to supper, but felt she should try. This gesture would make Thorin happy as well, which was always worth doing.

"Oh please, do join us Lady Dis," Ila said entering the room and making her presence known now. Dis looked a bit startled but Thorin just smiled happily at her.

Dis had not been expecting to see Ila and certainly not to be invited to supper by her. Dis considered it for a moment. She wanted to go back to her room, but she also wanted to make her brother happy, and he did look so happy at the moment. And Ila was so agreeable, and had had such an effect on Thorin and in such a positive way, she hated to say no.

"Alright, I shall come." Dis replied.

Thorin looked surprised but then overjoyed. Ila looked surprised and quickly masked her distress that she would not have time to tell Thorin about her little fall before supper now. Oh, Mahal, please do not let anyone mention it during supper, Ila silently prayed.

"Are you ready darling?" Thorin asked but was already moving towards the door where Dis was waiting.

Ila knew she couldn't stall now, and she was obviously ready so the nodded and walked to Thorin who held his right arm out for her. He gave his wife an appreciative look and then held his left arm out for his sister. With the only two ladies that he loved on his arms, Thorin led them from the room and down to supper, and Ila couldn't help but feel a slight sense of foreboding.

While Thorin and Ila had been busy getting reacquainted with one another earlier, Dwala had been obediently waiting at the entrance to the palace as Dwalin had asked. She was anxious to see him again, their reunion had been far too brief. Though it had been very sweet, and he seemed to have genuinely missed her. No one had seemed to notice their little embrace, or at least pretended not to, which Dwala was glad for. She longed for the day when they could walk about arm in arm and nothing be thought of it. She hoped that day was quick at hand.

Dwala absentmindedly twisted and played with her fingers while she waited for Dwalin to arrive. She hoped Ila would not need her for anything soon, as she had no idea what Dwalin wanted to meet her for or how long it would take. And she thought the main entrance was a little strange of a place to meet but she had agreed without question.

Finally, after what seemed a little more than an hour to Dwala, she saw him approaching through the main hall. He had come from the direction of the mines and workshops, not the stables or his own chambers. She thought that was a bit odd. He had taken his traveling clothes off and now was in his normal fur collar and cloak but without his knuckle dusters, which allowed all of his tattoos to be displayed. She liked them, though she wasn't sure why exactly, but she liked to trace her fingertips along them when they would just sit quietly with each other.

He had reached her then and Dwala smiled being again overcome with happiness at his return. But Dwalin did not return it. He looked unsettled, or bothered by something, though Dwala couldn't tell why.

"Is something the matter?" she spoke first.

"No, no lass. Would you like to take a walk with me? Out of doors?" Dwalin asked but she still felt something was amiss.

She nodded and followed him out of the palace, and it wasn't until they had stepped away a bit and near some trees that he held out his arm for her to take. This was after he had swung his cloak over her shoulders to keep her warm, since she had not gone back to retrieve one from her chambers while she waited. He had not mentioned going outside so Dwala had not bothered. His cloak practically engulfed her but she did not mind. She was warm and toasty underneath it with her arms sticking out to intertwine with his.

"So, how was your trip?" she asked when it did not appear that he would make conversation.

"Oh, t'was fine." He replied simply.

"So all is well in the Blue Mountains then?"

"Aye," came an even simpler answer.

Dwala looked at him with concern and a bit of irritation. His mood had very obviously changed since she saw him but an hour and a half ago.

When he did not look back at her she cast her eyes towards the path they followed, not knowing what else to say if he was going to be like that. This was not how she thought their reunion would be, and she was a bit saddened. Had she done or said something to make him act this way? She couldn't think of what it would be.

They walked in silence for a bit. Dwalin wanted to ask her now but couldn't think of how to start or of the right thing to say. He wanted it to be right, to be memorable and what she deserved. Preferably he wanted to do it under the stars, but they wouldn't be out for a few hours yet. He didn't feel he could wait that long, and she clearly sensed something was amiss. It wasn't as though he hadn't had three weeks to consider what he would say, but nothing seemed just right.

He looked down at her. She seemed sad now, likely because of his unreadable attitude at the moment. He needed to get a grip on himself. He needed to be a dwarf and just do it. But somehow all the battles and skirmishes he had fought in paled in comparison to what he was about to do.

He stopped abruptly and she walked another pace before realizing and it jerked her back a bit. She looked to him confusedly and he withdrew his arm from hers.

"What is—oh," Dwala began to ask but Dwalin quickly dropped to one knee in front of her.

His face was sincere, hopeful, and a bit pained. Dwala quickly told herself this wasn't what she thought it was, but also knew it could be nothing else.

"Dwala, I know I am too old and ugly for you—"

"Stop that. I will not hear you say such about yourself." She cut him off resolutely.

Dwalin stopped and smiled a little for the first time. She was generally so timid and unaggressive, he liked to see her fire when it flamed up in her.

"I realize you may very well say no, but I must ask." He continued and pulled something out of his pocket. As he held it up for her to see, Dwala saw that it was a ring. A ruby of medium size set in a thick silver band, with runes covering the band. Dwala couldn't focus long enough to read it, she was too much in awe of it. So was so much in awe that she barely heard Dwalin ask for her hand.

"Will you have me? Will you be my wife? Knowing that I can never deserve you, but I will endeavor to until the day I die." Dwalin finished and waited breathlessly for her answer.

Tears were rolling down Dwala's cheeks now and he wondered what they meant. Her hands had flown to cover her mouth when he brought the ring into view and that certainly wasn't helping her speak.

The suspense was killing him, so he spoke her name tentatively.

"Dwala?"

That was enough to make her burst.

"Oh of course I will marry you, you silly dwarf!" Dwala shouted and fell into his arms. Dwalin fell backwards, still holding the ring in one hand and his other grasping Dwala's waist. Their mouths were joined and Dwala was holding his face firmly and passionately. He was pressing her into him so forcefully but she didn't care. Her heart was soaring and her consciousness practically on another plane. Dwalin felt the same, but was present enough to roll Dwala over on her back and pen her to the ground. Their lips never parted though, until Dwalin rose up and broke the kiss.

He reached for her left hand and placed the ring on it, Dwala watching his every movement. It fit perfectly and Dwala laughed she was so happy. Dwalin chuckled a bit too, then lowered himself back down to kiss her again. Dwala wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close, barely believing it was all true. Dwalin was happier than he could possibly tell her, that she had so quickly dashed his many fears, not to mention her utter joy at being his wife warmed his normally dour heart beyond anything he had ever hoped to experience in his long life.

They stayed their, entwined on the ground and wrapped in his heavy cloak, getting properly reacquainted with one another.

Later, Fili and Kili were already in the great hall waiting for supper to begin. All they needed was for uncle to arrive, which they hoped he would soon since they were rather hungry and tonight's feast was to be a particularly lavish one. Ila had seen to that in her excitement to have Thorin home and in her eagerness to please him in every way. Fili was a bit glad that uncle was late though, as it gave him a moment to talk to his brother. Kili had slipped away almost as soon as Thorin and Ila retired earlier, and he didn't have a chance to ask him what he had been doing that was so important he was almost late for uncle's arrival.

Standing behind their chairs at the head table, Fili thought he would start the conversation as casually as possible.

"So, why were you almost late this morning? Did something happen?" his tone neutral.

"Oh, nothing really. Asta and I were just taking a stroll and I lost track of time," Kili replied coolly.

Fili gave his brother a stern look. "A stroll? Was that all? Doesn't sound like the sort of thing where time just gets away from you…"

"It's not what you're thinking. Though there would be nothing wrong with that if it were,"

"Yes, there would be. If you got her with child you would have to marry her, for honor's sake, and then you would have a very unplanned baby, and of royal blood at that."

"What does it matter how planned or unplanned any child of mine might be? I nor it will ever rule anything," Kili shot back.

"A baby always matters. And you are too young yet to be a father." Fili said firmly. "And so am I. Not to mention, when did you and Asta become so serious? We've known her forever, but you've never had any interest in her before." Fili probed.

"So I can't ever have any interest in her? I don't understand you lately. You thought that I harbored secret feelings for Ila and told me to dash them, and now that I am interested in Asta you don't approve of that either?"

Kili had a point unfortunately. Fili knew that and told himself he was right at least about that. But there was something else bothering him about his brother's behavior.

"And why have you been avoiding Ila lately? Do you think that she has not noticed? I did not mind watching over her so much this last week, especially since she has joined me for so many of the council meetings. But that does not mean she hasn't noticed you'd rather spend your time with a pretty lass than see to her."

Kili shifted on his feet and looked a bit irritated. "Well I figured with all the trouble I've caused I should keep my distance," he said through gritted teeth.

Fili felt a bit bad then. Perhaps he had been a bit hard on his younger brother. When he spoke again, it was more sympathetic than before.

"Well, I am just saying that you might hurt her feelings if you keep it up. She was so used to seeing you and spending time with you every day. She may feel rather replaced by Asta."

Kili nodded to say that he agreed, but his thoughts were different. She won't even notice, now that uncle is back. Kili really had no interest in Asta. She was pretty and was very taken with him, but she was also silly and much too eager. But he was doing his best to make it appear that he was interested in someone that wasn't Ila. Apparently he was doing a good job. It was easier to stay away from Ila, being so close to her could be so painful. But then being deprived of her presence was almost equally as painfui. Kili starting to realize there was just nothing for it.

Fili told himself he was just nervous because uncle might come storming in there, angry that they hadn't mentioned Ila's fall. But, Ila had intervened for them and not even given them the chance to tell him anyway. Still, they would be nervous until they saw their uncle.

They didn't have to wait long to be greeted by a most unexpected surprise. Not only did uncle appear to be in a good mood, but their mother was on his left arm.

Fili and Kili stood staring in disbelief for a moment and Dis barely stifled a small smile at seeing their faces. Thorin looked so proud to have both his ladies on his arms that one might think he had just conquered all of Middle Earth if they didn't know better.

The room full of dwarves grew quiet at the sight and then roared in cheers and approval. Dis began to blush a bit, not being used to great crowds anymore and Thorin felt her grip his arm harder. He gave her an encouraging smile and nudged her lovingly toward the head table. Ila smiled from around Thorin at Dis and then up at her husband. He gave her a doting smile in return. As they approached the head table, Fili moved to take his mother's hand and lead her to her seat which was formally his. She touched Kili on the cheek as she passed him and he gave her the smile he saved especially for his mother, the smile that made him look like a little dwarfling again. Fili pulled out her seat for her and then sat next to her, which meant that Kili had to sit on the other side of Ila. Thorin took his seat and Ila next to him and then Kili next to her.

Ila smiled brightly at Kili and he did his best to return it.

"I haven't seen much of you at all lately," she said normally and then leaned closer to add in a lower voice that Thorin would not be able to hear, "Is that because you have been with your new lady?" she said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Kili gave her a dry smile as he answered, "Perhaps, a bit."

Ila smiled widely, "I'll say nothing," she said and sat up straight again. Thorin took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She returned it and ran her nails over the inside of his wrist and he gave her a promising look.

Supper was served then and everyone dug in, including Ila. The dwarf in her belly and that afternoon lovemaking combined to make her extremely hungry, along with the fact that she didn't eat lunch. Ila finally noticed that Dwala was nowhere in sight, and she wondered what she and Dwalin could be up to, since he was not to be seen either. She hoped Dwala would have most joyous news to share with her when she did see her next.

Thorin was making conversation with his sister, or trying to as she was being rather quiet and focusing on her meal, and he was trying to make her feel more at ease. Fili was trying to help too. Mostly they asked Thorin how Ered Luin was, since they had lived there for some time, Fili all his life until recently, and Thorin obliged them. Kili listened intently too, craning from around Ila. Ila was listening with interest as well. She had never seen the Blue Mountains but would like to. She hoped that sometime after she gave birth Thorin would take her one day. When their baby was big and well enough to travel of course.

Thorin told a few funny stories that had happened during the last three weeks, and ending by looking to Ila and taking her hand to say how glad he was that he was home. Ila beamed at him and laced her fingers with his. He then turned his gaze to Fili.

"So, everything seems in order as I left it. Was it very quiet around here in my absence then?" he asked.

Fili looked to Ila, who ever so slightly shook her head from side to side while holding his gaze. He instantly knew what she meant by that, and as such hesitated to answer, but Kili did not have that view. So he leaned past Ila and answered for his brother.

"It was uncle, save for the day you left of course," he said with a congenial smile and went back to the large chicken leg he was eating.

Thorin looked to Kili and then back to Fili, the question evident on his face. He was smiling still though, with no idea what they meant.

"What happened the day I left?" Thorin asked, expecting something funny or of no consequence.

Kili and Fili looked at each other in surprise tinged with a tiny bit of horror. She hadn't told him. Oh for the love of all Erebor, they thought.

Ila felt that she had to answer, but Kili also felt he should since he knew it was his fault, and Fili felt like he had to answer because he was left in charge of everything. So they all spoke at once, talking over one another, then all silencing awkwardly at once too. That coupled with their guilty expressions made Thorin very suspicious now.

"So, something did happen in my absence then," he said with a more serious tone. Dis said nothing but her face betrayed that she knew something. Thorin noticed and then looked to Fili, the oldest and the one he left in charge of his kingdom, expecting him to answer and not yet suspecting that Ila really had anything to do with it.

Fili saw that he expected him to explain this so be began but Kili interrupted him. Thorin turned his attention to the other end of the table. Ila could already feel her face burning in embarrassment and fear. She looked down and not at Thorin's face. You should tell him, you should tell him, her brain was screaming at her, but she just couldn't make her mouth move for some reason. Kili was well into it now anyway.

"—and so I took her down to see the hall of treasures, because I couldn't believe she had never seen it before—" Kiil was talking fast and Thorin's face was growing darker and darker.

"—and then Ila slipped. And fell."

Those were the only parts that Kili said that Ila actually heard. She had been too busy processing what was going to happen and bracing herself for Thorin's reaction to actually listen to the entire thing. Kili looked at his uncle with eyes that were bigger than usual and his mouth shut tight. Dis was looking from her son to her brother, Fili was staring at Thorin, and Ila was looking down at her hands. She was certain that he was about to tear into Kiil, but instead he turned his gaze to her.

"You fell?" he sked simply in an unreadable tone.

Ila looked up at him, her eyes big and blinking at him.

"I did, dear. But I am fine, as you can see."

"You said nothing happened. Nothing of note," he said in the same tone.

"I know, I was going to tell you but that was nigh three weeks ago and I hadn't had the proper chance to tell you." Ila said meekly, hoping that he was going to remain calm and not be angry after all. He hadn't exploded yet.

Thorin stared hard at her, his eyes not blinking but his chest rising and falling more rapidly than before.

"You've had ample opportunity to tell me," Thorin said lowly and Ila felt like she was shrinking away, if only in her mind.

"You did not think it of note that you fell down a pile of gold while caring the heir of Durin? You thought that traipsing around in the hall of treasures was a good idea given your condition? And you waited all of mere hours once I was gone to throw caution to the wind?"

Thorin's voice was dark and dangerous now, If he was angry with Kili or Fili or anyone else, it was not evident. He was angry with her. Furious, by the look of his barely shaking hand that had balled into a fist.

Ila's voice quivered as she answered. "I…of course I do. But I am fine as you can see and I…"

"You lied to me."

His words cut her like a hot blade. She immediately shut her mouth, too injured to immediately respond. She could feel her eyes filling with tears that she earnestly tried to hold back. She didn't want anyone to see her cry in public, though she was not sure she would manage.

"Thorin—" Ila began again but he resolutely rose from his seat. Without a word he walked away from the table and was obviously going to leave the room altogether, even though his supper was not even half eaten.

Ila rose to follow after him, knowing she had to fix this. If he would just listen for a moment, she felt she could reassure him. And she could not bear him being angry at her.

Ila caught up to him and took his arm to make him turn towards her. He stopped and looked down at her.

"Darling, I was going to tell you when we retired for the night, I just didn't have the chance, please do not be angry—"

"Go back to your supper." He said curtly and began to walk again. Ila held onto his arm though and walked with him.

"No Thorin, I will retire with you and explain," Ila protested.

Thorin stopped once more and gave her a look that chilled her bones. His blue eyes were bright with anger and his voice had a rueful edge.

"Go back to your supper. The child needs to eat, assuming it is well." He replied with a brief cut of his eyes to her stomach, then walked forward leaving Ila where she stood. She let go of his arm and did not make to follow him anymore. She simply stood there in the middle of the great hall, her expression as though she had just lost everything she held dear. She was entirely unaware that so many eyes were upon her, nor did she care. She simply watched Thorin go until he could be seen no longer. She didn't even notice Dis place her hands on her shoulders until she began to pull her back towards the table.

"Come now," Dis said gently. "I will talk with him. But come back to supper for now."

Ila felt tears roll down her cheeks now but nodded without looking at Dis. She let her steer her towards the table again where FIli and Kili were sitting and silently exchanging sheepish expressions with one another.

Ila sat down once more and looked to her plate but was no longer hungry. Dis left the room but Ila barely noticed. Fili moved to sit next to Ila so that she now sat between him and Kili. She was too embarrassed to look at either of them and if she made eye contact she knew she would burst into tears.

Fili placed a hand on her shoulder and Kili gently laid his hand over hers.

"He will get over it. Uncle can be rather harsh sometimes. He actually controlled himself very well there," Fili said.

"Yeah, he's said far worse to us through the years." Kili added.

Ila sniffled and didn't look up.

"He called me a liar…" Ila croaked out.

"He didn't mean it, he's just worried about you and the baby." Kili added, feeling particularly horrible. This was all his fault. He had expected uncle to be mad at him and after seeing Ila so upset wished he had taken it all out on him instead.

Fili couldn't help but add, though very gently and without accusation, "Why did you not tell him earlier? We thought for sure you had mentioned it by now."

Ila blushed but it wasn't obvious with her face already pink from crying.

"I….he didn't give me a chance…..and then we fell asleep and when I woke your mother was in our rooms and I, I tried to tell him—"

Fili stopped her, getting the picture. Kili had too and looked down while she sputtered and cried while trying to talk.

"Here, eat a little more and then we'll escort you to your rooms. You don't need to trouble yourself so. And uncle just needs some time to cool off. It will be alright." Fili assured her.

Ila finally looked at him, her eyes red and welling with new tears. She nodded without conviction and tried to do as he said. She briefly wondered if Dis had gone after Thorin, or if she had just had enough for the night. She didn't feel that she could talk any sense into Thorin anyway, not as upset as she had made him.

Dwala and Dwalin had seen Thorin practically storm out of the great hall. He had not seen them approaching from the main entrance and they did not make themselves known, only quietly watched him walk away. They were late for supper as they had spent most of the evening in each other's arms. There had been no one to see them out of doors and under the warmth of Dwalin's cloak. Dwala's cheeks were still flushed from the cold and others things. She looked to Dwalin who was watching Thorin disappear deeper into Erebor.

"What do you think is the matter?" she asked.

"Dunno. But he had best not be bothered, not until he cools off." Dwalin said knowingly. He had likely seen Thorin angrier than most any other. But Dwala wondered where Ila must be.

"We should go in now, I need to check on Ila, if she is there. If not I will need to look for her." Dwala said. Dwalin nodded in agreement and they walked into the great hall. Dwala immediately saw Ila sitting at the head table, clearly something wrong. But Dwala knew instantly what that was. He had found out, somehow, and not in the best way possible. Or he was simply handling it badly as they had feared he would. Dwala squeezed Dwalin's hand and he gave her a look that let her know he understood. She walked away while he sat down to eat with some dwarves she didn't recognize. She made her way to Ila's side.

"My lady," she said gently. "Are you alright?"

Ila looked at her and Dwala saw that she wasn't. Ila blinked back more tears and replied,

"He did not take it well."

Of course he didn't, Dwala thought. And likely he was angry at her too. Probably thought it was all her fault and wanted to send her back to the Iron Hills. Let him try, Dwala thought. She was betrothed now, to his right hand, best warrior and friend, and she knew Dwalin would not stand for it, king or no.

"Come now, it will be alright. We knew he wouldn't take it well." Dwala said, her hand on Ila's shoulder.

"You need to eat some more since you skipped lunch but then we'll retire. You need some sleep and things will be better in the morning," Dwala said very decidedly. Fili shook his head in agreement and Dwala sat down to eat a little bit herself. She looked across the way to Dwalin, instantly meeting his eyes that she had felt on her. She was so happy, and so wanted to share it with everyone. But now was not the time, they both silently agreed on that. Ila had been so upset she hadn't noticed her ring, but then it hadn't even really been in her view.

Dwala looked down at it, still not believing it was hers. She had looked at it so many times over the past few hours but it was never enough. The runes on the sides that she had been too excited to read when she was first presented with it were well known to her know. "Always" and "Forever" were on either side of the ruby in the center of the ring. It was perfect, for that is how she felt about him, and she was happily at peace to finally know with all certainty that he felt the same.

A/N: So it now appears that I am updating once a week, but I am trying to make the chapters a bit longer than usual to make up for it. I am currently stranded in my house thanks to the Winter Storm Leon that is pounding Georiga and Alabama as you may have seen on the news. I hope you are safe and warm where ever you are!