"Yeah," Billy said breathlessly, the possibilities rushing through his mind. He imagined the people from her world, struggling here in the midst of a battle, a small reprieve, a stolen moment. As the war got more intense, it would likely be like that in their lives too. Already they were being separated by missions more and more often...

With that in mind, he gathered his courage.

"Ronnie...before it's over, before we're all swept up in the end of this war and our futures are so uncertain?"

He paused, making sure his eyes met hers. He couldn't look away, not now when he was putting his heart on the line. Again.

"I want to marry you. Properly this time, if we're going to be lifemates."