awesome

I know she's just a character, but every time I read little references to Cammie's dog sitter, I get all tickled inside! :)

It's amazing how you create tension so that a reader wants to keep reading even in a non-action domestic scene like this. That white envelope was a nice touch. You mentioned it so that I was like, ooh, what's in it? And then you kept me in suspense until after Steve and Cath washed up! :D

Cath and Steve's heart for each other is so evident in every word they say. This whole scene was like Cath and Steve's winding down from the danger and fear that they had to go through. Reaffirming what they mean to each other since they almost lost each other. Nicely done, building up the emotion.

I want forever...exactly what I plan on giving you - Again, Steve got a great line, but I think you gave Cath just as great a line. And it was the perfect way to end this scene. Makes a girl just a tad bit envious that these two can say such things to each other ;)

I'm so totally in love with this one! I just loved it! It was full of love sacrifice giving honesty and partnership.
I'm so happy that I got to read it! Thanks for sharing !

A sweet story that just radiates contentment. When do we ever see our guy content? Well, when he's with his girl...now exclusively in the Real World. xoxo :D

By rights I should probably finish reviewing An Earlier Heaven before reviewing the missing scene, but it's just calling to me.

This is a thing of beauty. Pure beauty. As gloriously emotional a piece as I've ever read.

As I expect from you, first you make sure the details are all taken care of - from Duke and Grover finishing up at the scene, to Esther's care of Cammie, to later with Cath's phone and weapon being evidence. That level of attention to detail is so impressive and very much appreciated - as is the follow-through with the mortgage papers arriving. Just ties everything together so wonderfully well.

Love both taking time to shower Cammie with love (and to be showered in return) because they've missed her as much she has missed them. Aww - such an amazing view of their family unit and a beautifully REAL moment!

Speaking of beautiful moments . . . holy cow, Steve watching her climb the stairs in their home. Savoring that simple moment. Guh. Arrow to the heart. First of many for this fic.

"Just yell if you need anything." Love how he doesn't stay and insist on helping, instead taking her at her word that she's good. Because he NEVER undervalues her abilities or coddles her. But he will absolutely offer help and she will accept it when she needs it. Excellent characterization of both.

"Is it weird that I find these exciting?" Not at all! I said the words aloud even before I got to Steve's response :-). Again, this idea of the deed and the mortgage was absolutely INSPIRED. And an amazingly concrete and tangible symbol of their commitment to each other and the life they are creating together. Absolutely remarkable.

Superb physical details, as always. The comfortable, natural way they shift to lie down together. The way they touch each other even as they talk. The almost involuntary touches that they need as a reminder that the other is safe and whole and that they are together. Beautifully, masterfully done.

Love their talk about Gabby's potential return, about Gabby and Danny - again, so REAL, so natural. And the conversation flows perfectly to Gabby during and after the abduction with Catherine reiterating how she may have been a little freaked out at first - with good reason - but how she held it together and did her part to aid their escape.

Guh - another arrow. Steve's observation that Cath's touch could both arouse or calm him, depending on the situation. And you also do such a fabulous job of showing that in this, and every, story.

Incredible characterization - Catherine downplaying her role in bolstering Gabby's confidence and Steve not letting her. Fantastic. Perfectly IC

And the arrows start flying fast and furious now. Catherine saying that she felt his strength with her every step, her assertion that "Not getting to you in time" wasn't an option, his "Thank you" because he knows without a doubt that she would have risked anything and everything to warn him.

The beauty of this scene - and this character - is that he's not some cliched male who can't believe or accept that the woman who loves him would do anything to protect him. He doesn't need convincing of that here - that's not what this scene is about. He believes that absolutely and completely, because he knows *her*. And the fact that she's the one person in his life who he can say that about, well, at this point you could knock me over with a feather. Because the feels. THE FEELS! You've done such a phenomenal job of conveying the utter depths of this beautiful relationship. But you don't stop there. Oh no, you just keep on going. You don't just want me knocked over, you're aiming for ded on the floor.

Because just as she would risk anything, sacrifice everything for him, he would do the same for her. And you express that so magnificently and succinctly with "I would willingly give my life for yours. Without a second thought." It's not a flowery, overdone declaration. It's a simple, exquisite fact. It simply is.

From a pure writing standpoint, I LOVE how you transition briefly into a couple of paragraphs describing their dialogue rather than having every word there. It gives the reader a moment to breathe, to take in the momentous exchange they've just experienced without losing the emotion of the scene. Outstanding choice.

Then the glorious, magnificence of "Just one more minute" and Steve pulling her back to him. That one line of dialogue and description so amazingly shows his emotional state better than a whole page of prose could have. Incredible.

And speaking of glorious and magnificent . . . the final arrows are launched with "I want forever" and her response. Utterly astounding in the beautiful feelings evoked.

The "favorite story" checkbox isn't enough - I need something more descriptive! I have to borrow one of your words, I need a box marked "Ded Ded DED" because each arrow landed with pinpoint accuracy here.

You are amazing, my friend. This was absolutely stellar - and you know I save that word for the best of the best. You've crafted a masterpiece here. And I say *that* without a second thought.

Loved the missing scene! Awesome!

Brilliant x

This was the perfect ending to your story. The end made me tear up. Thank you!

WOW! The end of this chapter made me cry also! The unconditional love they have for each other is so amazing! You guys are phenomenal writers...you bring such emotional vitality to these characters! Thank you!

That ending was amazing! So sweet! Just kept reading it again, over and over. Their declaration of love...such a precious moment you have written.

A very nice addition to an excellent story - thanks for posting this for us to read!

"If it ever came down to a moment like that, I would willingly give my life for yours. Without a second thought." - Wow, such a big moment & big declaration. The second part of the fic is soooooo beautifully written and heart-warming. Thank you.

Many thanks for the missing scene!

Sammy!
You almost made me cry. I was this close!

Thanks for giving us this missing scene. I was hoping for it ever since An Earlier Heaven's last chapter was posted.
I feel a bit tricked though. If you planned to write this all along, I came up with all those jokes and it wasn't even necessary! (I could have just talked to Mari to try and cheer her up instead...)

I love when they are emotional. It doesn't really matter why as long as they openly show affection and love. We've got to read that a lot in all the RealWorld stories and I really appreciate it.

I think I've n seen anyone so damn happy about being in debt for years to come... It's kinda cute though. Even shared debt is great for them, because it is something they share. Something that gives them roots and security and something to look forward to in the future.

Very sweet!