Never Again

Hearing Misty come out behind him, Carson spun around in surprise. As her words hit his ears, he searched her eyes, desperate to know if they were really true. What about last time? What about when he'd been so sure she'd accept him back and she hadn't? He'd promised himself he wouldn't risk that again...

For a moment, the world seemed to stop. The only thing Carson saw was Misty's tear-streaked face. Nothing else seemed to exist. It was just her. And him. And the flame of love that refused to die.

Going to her, he wrapped his arms around and held her closely. Tightly. As if she might disappear if he let go too soon. He kissed the top of her head then buried his face in her shoulder, trying to get his own tears to slow.

"Never again." His promise was muffled until he lifted his head once more. Shifting back, he took her face in his hands, his thumbs running over her cheeks. "Never again will I leave you," he whispered.  "Never again will I lie. Never again will I try to go it alone." His eyes searched hers again. "I love you, Misty... I never, ever stopped."