Annie nodded, unable to speak, kneeling beside him on the floor. She started to get up when Rick stopped her. "And Annie," he said, gently touching her arm, "I love you."

A weak smile lit her lips. "I love you, too." She gave him one last sweet kiss and rose to her feet. She looked at me and nodded.

I knelt down briefly beside Rick and said, "Rick, how can I tell you everything you mean to me?"

Rick smiled, then said, "Don't. Tell me later."

I smiled through my ...