Her face lit with joy as she talked about her mother, the same light filling her spirit and warming him as he listened to every word, studying her as she spoke. It was the excitement of a new journey taken, and it both saddened and delighted him that she was only just now discussing this...and that she was sharing it with him.

With a grin, he reached out and trailed his fingers over her cheek as he gave up her hand. "Well, she left behind a hell of a legacy in you. Smarts, logic, bravery...and especially beauty. Inside and out...'cause I don't think I tell you enough just how quick you take my breath away, Zee."