To first be friends

"There's a very romantic side to me that you never saw, Emily," Shep said. "You like candles and flowers, don't you, Em?"

"Of course. What woman doesn't? I just never pictured you giving it a moment's thought."

"The matching half coins we exchanged on our wedding night were rather romantic," he said, giving her a quick glance.

"Yes, they were."

He moved close to her. "Where's your half of the coin, Em?" He reached inside his sweatshirt and pulled his chain out. "My father had mine, and I put it back on the minute he returned it to me. It's what they used as proof of my death, wasn't it?"

"Yes," she whispered, her gaze locked to his.

"Well, it's back around my neck, proof of my life with you. Where's yours, Em?" He slipped his fingers inside the top of her blouse. "Ah, Emily," he said as he felt the gold chain. He lifted it out and placed the coin in his hand, watching the sunlight dance across the shiny surface. "Did you ever take it off? When you filed for divorce, when you thought I was dead, did you take it off?"

Sudden tears misted her eyes. She shook her head, unable to speak.

"Oh, my Emily. My love. I love you so much, and seeing this chain around your neck means more to me than I can ever tell you." He lowered his lips toward hers. "Thank you..."