the tears that had so threatened and stung her eyelids slid silently down her cheeks. "i'm so afraid," she whispered. but at the same time, the heavy weight, the burden she'd been carrying around, lifted and took wing. she felt lighter and freer as hope unfurled.

he pulled her away just far enough that he could look into her eyes. "the only way you could disappoint me is by giving up on us, because all i ever want you to be is mine."

she stared at him for a long moment, taking in the loving sincerity in his voice. and then she smiled through her tears. "i certainly never want to disappoint you, damon."

"then say yes," he said, his voice urgent and hoarse. "say you'll come home with me."

she curled her arms around his neck and raised her lips to his. for the first time, her fears subsided. renewed hope, alive and strong, surged hotly through her heart.

"take me home," she whispered.