"I know. I understand," Terri assured him. She eased up into a sitting position. She was surprisingly light-headed.
"In my excitement, I got a little carried away," Bastien told her apologetically. "It won't happen again."
"Are you kidding?" she cried. "I sincerely hope it does. That was…" Terri shook her head. It was mind-blowing.
Bastien smiled slightly, but said, "Terri, I do love you. But I'm not perfect, and I've made mistakes, and will make lots more over the years. I'm sorry I—"
"Shh." She hushed him and took his face between her hands. "No one's perfect, I'm not perfect, and you're not perfect, Bastien. But you're perfect for me."
They kissed gently, and Bastien pulled back and eyed her. "So, what are you doing for the next forty to fifty years?"
"Hmm." Terri smiled. "Actually, I don't have any plans at the moment. I just quit my job and sold my cottage, so I'm rather at loose ends."
"Yeah?" He grinned. "Would you care to spend them with me?"
"I thought you'd never ask," Terri said with a smile.
"Hmm." His expression turned solemn, telling her what was coming was important to him. Bastien brushed one finger down her cheek, then asked, "Would you care to make it four to five hundred years or more? There's a lot to do in this world, and it would be nice to do it all together."
Terri raised a hand to caress his cheek in return, and nodded. "I think I'd like that."
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