((OOC- Pleas take no offense from my RPW post, I meant nothing by it. And I'll see what I can do about back to back posting when my schedule allows it.))<br/><br/><br/>Susanna watched Robert closely, her gaze never leaving his face as he spoke. She clung to his words, unsure how he could be describing the same woman that she was. Never had anyone seen so much in her as Robert appeared to. Even her past husband, although Susan never doubted their love, had never said such kindness. It sent a shiver up her spin as his lips met her hand, her blue eyes waving softly. Was this fear she felt? No, such an emotion did not exist when Robert was around. Robert may believe that she had saved him only, but Susan knew that she would not have been able to continue her life of solitude if he had not come. Even the strongest minds could shatter.<br/><br/>As he rose to attend the soldiers, Susanna reached out to pull him back, closing her hand before contact was made. The men were more important than her thoughts. They would have to discuss this later. She smiled as the soldiers came to bid her thanks and farewell. It was sweet of them, and unnecessary. She would have done it for anybody.<br/><br/>She rose and stood beside Robert, her eyes shimmering with hope to the Sargent's words. She had not witnessed the true horrors of battle and was ignorant to how little comfort the offer should have given. For her in this moment, nothing meant more to her than the Sargent's oath. She smiled and waved to them as the soldiers marched off, dimming her excitement only when Robert held her close. She smiled, nestling against him as she rested her head against his shoulder. Robert was right. She would never be able to feel Timothy's warmth again, but Robert was here and now. He was the one that would hold her when she was sad and bring tears to her eyes from laughter.<br/><br/>Susanna wrapped her slender arms around the arm that held her as she leaned against him. "I don't see a broken man," Susanna said softly, gazing to where the soldiers had disappeared in the horizon. "I don't see a burden that holds over me. I see you, Robert. A man that has come from hell and back only to land upon my doorstep.  Someone who can make me laugh and a soul that I want to share my home with, our home. I have only one answer if you were to ask me to marry you: Yes," she said, turning her head to kiss him softly. "Most people think we are anyway, and that suits me just fine. You are right. Tim isn't coming back, but you did."