The moment they emerged into the light, Tom tugged her arm hard to haul her against him as he ran for all he was worth, an arm around her shoulders keeping her beside him until they reached an ambulance...safe harbor.

When Rachel turned, Tom kept his arm around her, instinctively pulling her against him as the ground shook with the explosion, the square collapsing into a massive crater where the station had once been.

He wasn't even quite aware of her fingers tightening in his...or even that their hands were still linked...it felt too natural to be given much consideration.

All he saw was what used to be their offices...and what had nearly been his tomb.

Suddenly remembering what he'd wanted to say to Rachel when he thought he was going to die, he turned to look down at her. "Will you go out with me?"