Have you the faith--the _courage_--to face that ?" Her eyes, steadfast and serene, met his.
"I have courage to face anything--with you, Garth.

But I haven't courage to face living without you." He bent his head and kissed her on the mouth--a slow, lingering kiss that held something far deeper and more enduring than mere passion.

And Sara, as she kissed him back, her soul upon her lips, felt as though together they had partaken of love's holy sacrament.
"Beloved"-- Garth's voice, unspeakably tender, came to her through the exquisite silence of the moment--"Beloved, it shall be as you wish.
Whether I am right or wrong in taking this great gift you offer me--God knows! If I am wrong--then, please Heaven, whatever punishment there be may fall on me alone.".