“Just don’t get used to it,” he responded gruffly as he scooped her into his arms. A whine from the corner had him turning with Katie tight in his grasp. Gabriel was lying safely in the corner with his paw over his eyes.

“I guess we were too much for his doggy sensibilities,” Katie said laughingly.

“I love you, Katie.” Cain’s voice was thick with emotion as he spoke. She had changed his life so much by accepting his darkness while sharing her light and laughter with him.

“I love you, too.” Snuggling her head on his chest, she wrapped her arms trustingly around his neck and placed a kiss by his heart. Cain wrapped her even tighter in his embrace and carried her from the room, smearing the paint on their two bodies together where they touched.

The picture against the wall was no masterpiece, but it was indeed a testament to their love. The dark blue of his outline was a stark contrast to the vibrant colors of Katie, but somehow they looked right together, felt right together. Just like him and Katie. Cain planned to have it hung tomorrow.