In response, his hand found her waist, gentle and reassuring - as he had always been for her. Malou knew it was the type of memory that would be imprinted in her memory, a gentle reminder of all she had gained in the past year.

Always modest, Malou wished she could object to his words, she hardly deserved any special treatment, but it would be rude to say as much. Besides Faustus had begun speaking again, saving her the awkwardness of trying to wave away his comment so sincerely meant.

At the sound of her name Malou felt as if something had shifted, her eyes met his as he spoke, watching him as he moved away from her, took in his words. And realized, her heart stilling for a second in surprise, what this was all about. Was he.... was he about to propose?

She smiled slightly at the memory of Fautus sharing the kitchen escapades of his son with her, of the stories about them that had followed. But they need a mother. The thought stilled her for a moment. Could this mean.... could it mean he felt she could be the one to fill that void for them? Malou herself wasn't certain, but she loved Faustus and understood the burden of losing a parent. She didn't think she'd ever replace their mother, but perhaps she could help soothe the ache the children felt in some small way.

He turned back to her and Malou watched him, taking in his words. Without realizing it she had stepped forward, clasping his hands, one in each of her own and squeezing gently, before letting one go and reaching up to place a hand on the side of his face in a gentle caress. "Always." Came her whispered response, an answer just for him.