[ Well, then in that respect, they make quite a pair, because he fears that he is not enough for her. What does he have to offer her except for his family home and a never-ending swirl of reports to be read and meetings to preside over? He imagines that his is quite a dull life in comparison to hers. Still, his wants are simple; in his mind's eye, he sees the two of them sharing cups of tea by the fireplace, or her sitting on the couch, legs tucked beneath her as she reads a book and he peruses more reports. Or better yet, they converse with each other until both of them feel the need to retire to their bed.

Already she is a part of his life and he cannot imagine not having her there with him to share his home and whatever may come for them in the future.

That is why, to his surprise, he is willing to consider crossing this particular line even before they are finally joined. ]

I will always want to make you happy and to keep you with me, but more than that... It seems as though my mind and my heart are in agreement on this: you are a part of my life now, and part of my family as well, and I would withhold nothing from you, not even my own self.

But then, at the same time, I realize that confessing this to you may well place you in a position of obligation, which is not at all what I desire. My only aim in telling you this is so that you know my thoughts and my heart as well. I have no expectations for you other than that you know the depths of my regard for you, Lantaa.