Hope picked up on the love that filled his gaze instantly. It was the signal, the acceptance, she had been waiting for. Hope took a step forward and reached out, unable to help herself. She reached out and hugged him. It was brief, but it was needed. She had thought him gone forever and yet, in this place, he was capable of being here. It was amazing and she held on before stepping back.
She knew he only wanted her to be safe. To live a normal life. To be happy. While it was not quite normal, she was not...miserable. She was okay. Just like he wanted. "I'm safe. I promise. This man, Merlin, he's a magic-user. He's my guardian here, but now that you're here. You can be that guardian."