I don't know why, but somehow, I have a vague feeling...that Josef, poor Josef sold himself...somehow...
"How? Well, I'll keep that story for a rainy day. For now, it's over. You're safe. You're both safe. She's coming back to you, my friend." Mission complete, Josef stood and headed for the door.
The vagueness has been replaced with assuredness...oh lord, what has Josef done...Josef sacrificed...*cringe*...himself? What? Oh...
Harsh words wrapped in a soft tone as he tried to hide his wish that she would do just that and save them all from the heartache that was to come.
My elation that Mick and Beth are free to be together is tempered with anxiety for Josef.
I adore Beth's relationship with Josef and this beautiful sequence is a reflection of how special it is. Only Beth could know...feel...that Josef has been as much a victim as she and Mick...if not more....
Josef interrupted, "Beth, just let me ask you one more time. Are you sure this is what you want? Because after tonight, there's no going back, you know that?"
She blanched. "What are you asking me? There's something. I knew there was something you hadn't told me." She stood, planting herself in front of him. "What is it? What have you had to do to make this happen?"
He turned away. Her direct questions harder to avoid but no less painful than Mick's trusting acceptance. "You're right." He hesitated. The words were slipping out; he tried to hold back. "I-"
"Stop." She pulled him round, pressing her fingers to his lips, urgent and imploring. "Is it anything that will stop me marrying Mick tonight?" Josef shook his head. "Then don't tell me. I don't need to know."
Josef took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "Mick's a lucky man."
"Yes, Josef, he is." She searched his face. "You look..."
"My age?"
"Something like that. This year has taken its toll on all of us." She brushed her fingers lightly across his cheek, thumbing the edge of his sad smile.
So lovely...
Warmth, life, her, like autumn rain on parched earth, flowing through cracks and crevices, reaching into his corners, washing him clean.
Oh, how perfect!
"Hey." It was all she could manage, and it was enough.
"Hey."
My favorite passage...not expected and so fitting...so, so perfect for Mick...
He had expected the vampire to roar but his desire was all him, all human. In the fire of her embrace, he felt like a man, a husband once more.
Oy...
One part of the deal was done. The remainder would not come to pass so easily. Sinking back in his seat, he allowed his eyes to close, a futile attempt to block out the images of the future, of what he must do, of the pain he would bring to bear on those he loved most.
Oh, wait...this is my favorite passage!
Now, that just leaves something blue. Hmmm. Let me think what that could be. If the way you and Mick were looking at each other when you arrived is anything to go by, I don't think that's going to be a problem."
Oh, Red...I ache for Josef. I never in a million years thought that when Mick and Beth were once again united, I'd be aching for Josef!
Tremendous emotions, beautiful writing...a reader's dream.
Part of me doesn't want to know, but the part of me that does want to know can't wait to see what happens in the final chapters of this amazing and expertly written story!!!! 
. But I had to give them just a little happiness along the way. Thanks for the kind words.
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