"I don't know," Rupert told Fred. She seemed to know more than her about relationships and being in love. She seemed to understand herself and what she felt better. She seemed to know better what she wanted.
But still he stood in front on her, wondering what she was going to say, whether she was going to decide this wasn't worth it and leave, hoping she wouldn't. When she looked up, he found himself holding his breath.
And then she said the words.
A moment later, she was in his arms, and Rupert was embracing her tightly, holding her close. He wasn't sure how they would get married or where, but they would. He meant it when had said he wanted to be her husband. He had never wanted that with anyone before, but he did with her.
"I love you too," he told her, bending his head to nuzzle the top of her head. "You mean everything to me. And I swear that Ethan is going to bloody well pay for what he did to you."