When his fingers slide back into her hair, she closes her eyes again and the tears that had filled them up, fall down her cheeks. These are good tears. They are happy tears. They are tears of absolute amazement and some disbelief and joy.

"I love you," she whispers again, this time her voice steady. When his fingers trace her neck, she tilts her head to the side, pliant under his touch. He'll feel her heartbeat strong and quick.