With Respect," Said Red, And His Voice

You Know Not, Yet, The Sort Of Love That Strikes Like A Lightning Bolt; That Clutches Hold Of You By The Heart, As Irrevocably As Death; That Becomes The Lodestar By Which You Steer The Rest Of Your Life. I Would Not Wish Such A Love On Anyone, Man Or Woman, For It Can Make Your Life A Paradise, Or It Can Destroy You Utterly.

This Is A—a Proposal Of Marriage?” He Asked Me, And There Was The Very Smallest Trace Of A Smile At The Corner Of His Mouth, Something I Had Never Seen Before. “i Suppose So,” I Said, Blushing Again. “and, As You See, I’m Doing It Properly, On My Knees.” “this Would, However, Be A Partnership Of Equals You’re Offering, I Imagine?” “undoubtedly.” (448-49)

He Was Sitting Not Far Away, Watching Me, And I Surprised A Smile On His Face, The First Real Smile I Had Ever Seen Him Give, A Smile That Curved And Softened The Tight Mouth, And Warmed The Ice-cool Eyes; A Smile That Brought The Blood To My Face And Made My Heart Turn Over.

He And I…we Share A Bond. Not Love, Exactly. It Goes Beyond That. He Is Mine As Surely As Sun Follows Moon Across The Sky. Mine Before Ever I Knew He Existed. Mine Until Death And Beyond.

I Could Not Imagine Living Away From Sevenwaters, Away From All That Was So Much A Part Of Me. Maybe, If You Cared Enough About Someone, You Could Do It And Not Feel Your Spirit Torn In Two. But The Forest Keeps Her Hold On All Those Who Are Born There, And They Cannot Travel Far Without The Yearning In Them To Return.