Alanna gave him a smile that showed him her strength as well as her compassion. "We’ll do it together. Every piece, every hammer stroke, we’ll forge them together."

"Sounds like bliss, that does. Or a lot of bloody work."

"But worth it?"

"Aye, love." Niall sank into her warmth, took her mouth in a long kiss, ignoring his sons’ gleeful laughter. Laughter meant love, and he’d take it. "’Twill be well worth it."

END