* From the book LaViolette *

Blushing, Dusty sighed contentedly, "I love you, too."

Withdrawing, Maxwell rolled onto his back and smiled.  She snuggled into his side.  For the first real time in fifteen years, he was alive.  He had a wife who loved, wanted, and needed him by her own choice.  He wore his armor and it meant something again.  Smiling, he closed his eyes and slept.

Opening her eyes, she listened to his deep breathing and steady heartbeat.  She felt the warmth of his body and the rise and fall of his chest.  Carefully sitting up and watching him sleep, she studied every perfect feature of him, the tears slowly building.  The powerful arm that had been around her was now resting over his captivating violet eyes while the other was draped across his rigid stomach.  His long, flowing, black hair fell over one shoulder and spilled onto the bed.  His mouth, wise when needed, sharp when deserved, and always loving, was so inviting.  His liquid silk whispers caressed her skin while his stronger raw velvet voice glided over her flesh, licking the whole way.  At all other times to others, his voice was cold, hard steel.  His hands, gentle, knowing, and protective, held her when she needed, caressed her into a puddle of liquid heat, and stood between her and everything he didn't think she deserved.  His broad shoulders bore her burdens, his muscled chest intercepted any danger coming at her, and his strong legs carried her.  In truth, he was everything a woman could ever want, need, or desire.  He could dance, was poetic, could smile, would cry, and was the most handsome man she'd ever seen.  He took away her breath, he was her everything, and she loved him deeply, devotedly.

Dusty brushed aside the tears, I do love you so very much, my beloved husband, Sir Maxwell LaViolette of the hamlet of Hope.  Wanting to watch him sleep, she so desperately wanted to touch him, I am so lucky you found me and I wouldn't trade a single minute of it, except for the horrible times with the bladed weapons.  Laying her head down on his shoulder again, she curled into him.  His arm slowly slipped around her again.