"I've had a similar effect on my proximity in the past," Brooke agreed. "Once, when Alexander and I...well, you know." Her first time had been a Big Deal. "And then yesterday, when he proposed. I may or may not have sent a shockwave through the school." These were things she was going to need to learn to control, one way or another.

"I know. Forever here...the meaning is a lot different, isn't it? Than what one usually means?" Brooke smiled down into her lap. "For the longest time, I wasn't sure I'd find anyone who would love me. A suitable match, sure, but someone who loved me for me? For all of my...you know." Brooke was, after all, a special person, as far as these things went.

"I believe he is. I know he loves me. I can feel that much. And I love him too. If I hadn't, I wouldn't ever have...you know." Because that had been a very big deal for Brooke. "You know how all we ever want is someone stable, but someone who can still surprise us and keep life interesting? I mean, what's more stable, but still mysterious enough, than a demigod?" She paused. "It's a big step, marriage. I'm not even sure what one would look like. Mom wasn't married to Father. Not really. And my grandmother was long gone by the time Mom had me." She looked back up at Stephanie. "But I don't know if I can imagine my life without Alexander in it anymore."