[Crystal Heart]

He loved her! She had always wished for him to say those words. It was the reason why she had rejected every courter that came to call. The only man she had ever wanted to be with was Thomas. She would have to give his brother a piece of her mind once they were done with the journey. How little did Thomas' brother know.

She stepped closer to him and placed her hand upon his cheek. She studied his eyes, knowing that hers were welling up with tears. How could he think that she was mad at him? She had never been mad at him. Just worried sick about where he was and how he was, but never mad.

"Oh Thomas. I am so sorry for what you have seen and lost during your time as a soldier. Your brother was very wrong. You didn't need to go off to Gondor in order to win my hand. Yet, you did and for the reasons that you went. . . they touch my heart and soul. You never hurt me by going. You just had me worried sick. I didn't know where you had gone and I just. . . I couldn't bare the thought of losing the one man that I have ever loved. I love you too Thomas. So very much and you always have my forgiveness. And don't say you are foolish. You did the most beautiful thing. You wanted to prove you were good to my father. That is honorable Thomas," she whispered to him.

Memories swirled in her mind of their childhood together. Yes, she always knew that he was the one for her. Now and forever. Now he was here with her and that forever was starting right now. That she knew. Her heart raced as she reached up and kissed him softly upon his lips. A blast of pure happiness and love shot through her small frame. She smiled as she returned to where she was standing.

"I love you so much Thomas. And now you know my father respected you highly," she stopped and giggled as she thought of the condition and the words in her father's will, "Thomas, father's will came with a condition for you. The condition was that if you wanted the land you had to marry me in order to get it. Father wrote in the will that he felt that you need a push to ask me before I became an old maid."

She moved a tad bit closer. She whispered softly, "I would have waited my whole life for you." She smiled as her heart burst with joy. He loved her and she loved him! Perhaps the world was changing for the best after all.