When she woke up a sudden wave of fear flushed over her. Had last night been a dream? Zan had come to her. He was okay. She remembered seeing Zan, holding Zan, making love to Zan. She cautiously turned her head. Her soul screamed with joy. Zan was sleeping next to her.

Ava watched him sleep for a long time. Watched him breathe in and breathe out, wondering what he was dreaming. His face looked content. He had been so tired from traveling for months. Suddenly his eyes fluttered open.

"Ava?" he called out.

"I'm here," she said. Their eyes locked. Zan wrapped his arms around her. They kissed.

"I love you," he told her.

"I love you too," she said. She started to cry.

"Baby, don't cry," he said and pulled her closer to him.

"I thought I'd never hear you say those words again," she told him.

"Shhh," he soothed her. "I'm here now. Everything will be ok."

He smiled at her. She couldn't help but smile back. He kissed her tenderly.