“Catherine,” she breathed. “Ask me truly.” Catherine looked up, her face shining with hope and love and joy. “I am asking you to stay with me for the rest of our lives. I am asking you to join me in making this world a better place, insofar as we are able. We cannot stand up in a church and make vows—but we can stand up, publicly, and declare that we are important. Together.” Lucy’s breath caught in a hiccup, as Catherine raised one hand and cupped her cheek. “I love you, Lucy Muchelney. I always will.”
