Emma, startled by Niles' sudden entrance, tried to compose herself and smiled at him. He could see the concern in her eyes and knew that something was bothering her. "Niles, I was just thinking about something," she began, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Niles walked towards her and gently took her hands in his. "What is it, my love? You seem troubled," he said, his voice filled with genuine care.

Emma took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "It's about our future, Niles," she confessed. "I've been thinking about what will happen when I grow older and you don't age. I worry about the imbalance it may create between us."

Niles listened attentively, his expression a mixture of understanding and empathy. He squeezed Emma's hands reassuringly. "Emma, my love, I understand your concerns. It's only natural to think about such things," he replied softly. "But please know that my love for you goes beyond the passage of time. Age will never be a barrier to our love."

Emma nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know you love me, Niles, and I love you with all my heart. I just want to be sure that we can have a life together, no matter what challenges may come our way."

Niles smiled, his eyes filled with warmth and devotion. "Emma, our love is a bond that transcends the constraints of time. We will face every challenge as a team, supporting each other and finding solutions together. Just as we have built a life of love and understanding."

Emma felt a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that Niles understood her worries and was willing to face them head-on. She embraced him tightly, feeling the strength of their love enveloping her. In that moment, she realized that their love was a force that could conquer any obstacle, including the passage of time.

As they went outside they sat on a bench in the garden, basking in the warm glow of the setting sun, Niles pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket. With trembling hands, he opened it to reveal a delicate antique necklace adorned with a shimmering gem. He looked into Emma's eyes, his heart pounding with love and anticipation.

"Emma," Niles said, his voice filled with emotion. "You are my light in the darkness, my reason for living. Will you do me the honor of becoming my forever companion, my partner in this eternal journey?"

Tears welled up in Emma's eyes as she gazed at the ring and then at Niles. Overwhelmed with love and joy, she nodded, unable to find words. Niles carefully placed a delicate necklace around Emma's neck, his hands trembling slightly with emotion. The necklace sparkled in the soft light, adorned with a beautiful pendant that held a special significance.

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"Emma," Niles began, his voice filled with tenderness, "this necklace belonged to my mother. It has been passed down through generations in my family. And now, I want you to have it."

Emma's eyes widened in awe as she touched the pendant, feeling the weight of its history. She looked at Niles, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. "Niles, I don't know what to say. It's incredibly meaningful."

Niles smiled, his eyes shimmering with a mix of joy and nostalgia. "My mother cherished this necklace, just as I cherish you. It represents love, strength, and the enduring bond of family. And now, it represents our love and the future we will build together."

Emma's heart swelled with emotion, realizing the depth of Niles' love and his desire to intertwine their lives. She leaned in and softly kissed him, their connection deepening in that moment.

"I will wear this necklace with pride and honor," Emma whispered, her voice filled with love. "It will serve as a reminder of our love, the legacy of your family, and the promises we have made to each other."

Niles pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace. "Emma, you are my family now," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction. "Together, we will create a future that is filled with love, happiness, and the strength of our bond."

In that moment, as they were in each other's arms, the weight of the necklace around Emma's neck seemed to signify not just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol of their intertwined destinies.

Weeks prior after the night of the proposal Niles sat with a heavy heart, contemplating the weight of his immortality and the impact it could have on his relationship with Emma. He had discussed this dilemma at length with Seain, seeking his guidance and wisdom.

As they sat together in the dimly lit room, Seain spoke softly, his voice filled with both concern and determination. "Niles, we've always been there for each other, and now I need you to support me in this difficult decision. I am thinking of changing Desdemona into a vampire, but we both know the risks and uncertainties involved."

Niles nodded, his gaze fixed on the flickering candle flame. "I understand, Seain. I know you do not want to impose you immortality on Desdemona if she doesn't wish for it. It's a choice that should be hers to make. But I do feel the same about Emma, if there's a possibility for us to share eternity together, I can't ignore it."

Seain reached out and placed a comforting hand on Niles' shoulder. "Brother, I know how deeply you love Emma. And I've seen the way she looks at you. If this is what you both want, then I will do everything in my power to make it happen. But remember, it's a path filled with uncertainty and sacrifices. If we fail on either one of them, we must be prepared for the consequences."

Niles took a deep breath, "Thank you, Seain. I couldn't imagine going through this without you by my side. We will tread carefully and consider all the possible outcomes for both Emma and Desdemona. And if Emma and I cannot share immortality, then I will find a way to cherish the mortal life we have together." Seain silently nodded, agreeing he would felt the same with an outcome with Desdemona.