" Giving her a slight smile, he whispered, " I'm putting my hand to your cheek right now." The stubborn strength that had kept her knees locked threatened to give way. Closing her eyes, she whispered back, " I'm putting my arms around you, and leaning my head on your shoulder." " And I'm stroking your hair, and kissing you." He took a deep breath. " And I am always, always going to hold on to you with all of my strength. Always, Pia. "