William's cheeks went ruddy again as she spoke of the past and how he had always been something of a follower of hers.  It was painfully true but his character had changed since those fondly remembered days spent in her company; he had become a man now, one of quiet dignity and firm principles, and he was in charge of his patients' well being.  He couldn't afford not to make decisions now for their very lives might depend upon it.  How much of that star-eyed, shy little boy he had once been remained was a mystery even to himself.  He offered her that same, kind smile that he had given her so many times before in their youth and a little piece of that boy became evident.<br/><br/>"That's very true.  You always had some scheme or plan for us to pursue.  Your poor mother's garden or your cousin's horse.. we were something of a terror, weren't we?"<br/><br/>They had been just as mischievous as other children, as thick as thieves and twice as cunning.  Or so they believed.  Her father had often caught them red-handed but the old man always had a soft spot for his daughter and her dutiful friend.  He wondered how much of it had changed now that he had gone away and grown up without her.  William lay a hand on her own as she put the uncertain future into perspective and left his heart aflutter.  His dreams were spoken by her and he could do nothing to stop himself from leaning forward and suddenly kissing her with all the burst passion of his heart.<br/><br/>"Neither can I.  I will never leave your side again, Catherine... if you'll have me."