Damien walked over and crouched down in front of her.

He reached out and gently touched her eyelids. The skin there was faintly pink, and at his touch, she gave the smallest tremor. His voice dropped low and rough. "I just want someone to be there for you. For you and the kids, after I'm gone."

He didn't deny it.

Scarlett's reddened eyes went even reder. Her voice climbed, just slightly, raw with feeling. "That day is never coming. And even if it did, ...