Then hurry up and say what you think is so necessary for me to know. Because this is the hardest thing I've ever done. And you're not making this any easier."

He chuckled again. "Yes, ma'am. What I need to tell you..." he closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to her hand and blew out a long, slow breath. "—I want to tie my life to yours."

"Is this ... Is this a marriage proposal?" Her heart kicked up it's beating and she knew that he could hear it.

"No, baby. It's something much stronger, more durable than that. I tie my life to yours. When you die, I...