On the karmic scale, it means you"ve been very, very good.” She closed her eyes, clasping his strong forearms. “Or it means God is very, very merciful.” She hadn"t believed that, not after Kyle"s death, but somehow, the love she was finding here told her she might find that faith again. Human tragedy might have taken her son from her, but he was in Love"s hands now. Maybe, wherever he was, he was happy and at peace. And maybe she could find the same in Jon"s hands.

“Oh, sweet girl.” He slid from her at last. Just as he"d done a remarkable few days ago, he turned them and curved around her, protecting, sheltering and caressing her at once, holding her pain and happiness in the same capable hands. “I"m here. And whether whatever we call God is merciful or not, I"m not going anywhere. You deserve everything I can give to you, and I want to give you the world.”

“I only want you,” she said softly. “If God lets me have that, then I won"t ask for more.”

The End