"You're being strong," he replied, pulling her hand to his lips again. "I know I been saying that so much today..." And that he'd put her through so much more. But he meant it, every word and every time.

"When all this is over, we'll do something fun. Something simple. Have a barbecue, play fetch with the dog." He gave her a smile again. Maybe, when things were calmer, he'd bring up the velvet box that sat in the drawer next to him.