There wasn't a question in her head any longer. She knew she was where she belonged. No other hugs fit quite like his did. Rose held him as tightly as her worries for him would allow. "You never did," she reminded him, though she was smiling against his shoulder. "But neither did I, so I think we're probably even there."
When he pulled back, she searched his eyes, refusing to let go. Oh, he'd have a hell of a time getting rid of her now because she wasn't going anywhere. She'd needed this for far too long to walk away. "And I'm sorry. For being too proud to do this before now, for being too selfish and wrapped up in my own issues and for not fighting harder. I just.." Her voice dropped, but her eyes remained on his. She could be honest, too. As hard as it was, he needed to see. That yes, she still loved him and no, she'd never stopped. And nothing in England or Norway or Kansas was going to change that. "I honestly thought you didn't want me around. And I know that's not true," she insisted, placing a finger against his lips to stop the potential protest, "but in some ways I'm still just a stupid girl with a stupid crush on the entirely unattainable older man."