Couldn't quite leave it at the last chapter, despite the fact that the story has run its course. It's always hard to let go, even though this one had already gone a lot longer than I'd ever anticipated it would. Anyway, a short epilogue…

She awoke comfortable and relaxed. The window was cracked open allowing a breath of morning air to gently ruffle the drapes and bring in the faint scent of Crepe Myrtle and freshly mown grass. Gillian lay quietly, inhaling the pleasant fragrance but also listening to the soft breathing next to her.

The nightmares had finally faded. They'd started to lose their power not long after the emotional breakdown in her office. It had cleansed her mentally and physically, allowing her to isolate, analyze and put it all forever in the past. Of course Dr. Beck had been an excellent guide in helping her achieve that goal. And then there was Cal who not only unfailingly stood beside her but allowed her to help him too. They were healing together.

Their ordeal had occurred four months ago and in that time so much had changed. There were no more games and no more secrets. He'd worked so hard to change his impulsive behaviors and aside from the occasional digression, he'd done pretty well. He couldn't stop himself completely, after all he was who he was, but he'd made great strides to temper those impulses. And he'd done it all for her. The gravity of that commitment wasn't something she took lightly, in fact, when she took time to really contemplate it, it overwhelmed her, often bringing tears to her eyes. Change was amazingly difficult for most people but for someone like Cal it was close to impossible. But he was attempting the impossible and rising to the task. Because of this and a million other reasons, when he, almost shyly, asked if she'd move in with him, she said yes. She hadn't even taken any time to think about it. Hadn't needed to.

"You're awake early." Cal's voice was rough with sleep.

Smiling, her gaze settled on him, taking in the bleary eyes and the hair sticking up at every odd angle. He was absolutely adorable and she never tired of waking up near him.

Gillian gave a tiny shrug. "Just reflecting."

Turning on his side, he reached over and gently pulled her closer to him, before planting a soft kiss against her shoulder. "Reflecting, huh?"

"Uh huh."

He tilted his head to look down into her face. Contentment. Warmth. "In a good way I gather?" His lips dropped again as he pressed them to her neck, loving the feel of her silky skin.

Her arms found their way around him, palms against his smooth, lean muscles before using her nails to scratch lightly, feeling the slight shudder go through his body. "I'd say that that's a safe bet."

Smiling, he moved upward again to look into her eyes. He didn't say anything. He didn't need to. Instead he leaned forward and gently kissed her, pleased when she immediately responded. They fit together perfectly.

There was a good two hours before they needed to be at work. Of course if they were late, that was always okay too. It was even expected now.