Wow, thanks so much for letting me know! I'm relieved to see that this resonated and came across the way I intended it. Sometimes, writing about something like a sensitive issue like abuse can come across as condoning it or exploiting it for kicks and grins, and I definitely don't and wouldn't. I'm rooting for these guys to stay together, too. I honestly haven't decided exactly how or when I'll end the series. I can say without giving anything away that if they do end up together, I'd never do a happily-ever-after. I love these characters too much to fairy tale them. They're complex, strong willed men who'd never settle for such a dull life. :-D