{"id":33694,"date":"2023-03-03T12:10:44","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T18:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=33694"},"modified":"2023-03-03T12:10:44","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T18:10:44","slug":"chapter-30-settling-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2023\/03\/03\/chapter-30-settling-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 30: Settling In"},"content":{"rendered":"

Had last night really happened? Tabby considered this on her way to the clinic the following day. Had she imagined it, and filled in meanings that weren\u2019t there? It all felt surreal somehow. Trepidatious but excited, she opened the clinic door, and there was Thomas. Shyly, her gaze swept down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI missed you,\u201d he said, closing the distance between them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s only been seven hours,\u201d she pointed out. It had been well after midnight that he had left, after kissing and talking and more kissing\u2026 sighing blissfully, she sank into his embrace. This was nice.<\/span><\/p>\n

A door swung open somewhere in the building, but neither paid it any heed, being entirely wrapped up in each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThomas, I’m going to need your signature on–oh!\u201d Strawberry entered the room, and stopped short when she realized what she had walked in on. \u201cI’m sorry–I’ll just–\u201d Thoroughly flustered, she darted through the doorway whence she had come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, dear,\u201d Tabby said in dismay, drawing back. \u201cShe’ll be scandalized! She thinks I’m still engaged to Toby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll work it out,\u201d Thomas said, in no hurry to let her go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to talk to her,\u201d Tabby said, leaving him with a parting kiss before dashing off.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo… some things happened last night,\u201d Tabby admitted, perching on the edge of Strawberry\u2019s desk and twirling a pen in her hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry stopped typing and faced her friend with an inquiring glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI broke up with Toby,\u201d Tabby blurted out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Strawberry, with an involuntary glance at the bouquet of roses that was still on the counter from yesterday. \u201cAnd Thomas was involved in this decision?\u201d Her tone was not judgmental, just curious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 yeah. Yeah,\u201d said Tabby vaguely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry cocked her head. \u201cAre you happy?\u201d she asked gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I think I am,\u201d Tabby said, sounding surprised to her own ears.<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry looked pensive, then nodded her head. \u201cThen I’m happy for you,\u201d she said, smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd maybe\u2026\u201d Tabby looked askance at the rose bouquet. \u201c…you could do something with the flowers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of them,\u201d Strawberry agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Later, Thomas approached Strawberry\u2019s desk, and she looked at him pensively. Thomas knew that he was being judged in a new light.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTreat her well,\u201d Strawberry said at length.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Thomas said, and he meant it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry nodded her approval.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, spirits at the clinic were light that morning, but by afternoon there seemed to be a cloud over Tabby. \u201cWhat\u2019s bothering you?\u201d Thomas finally asked, taking her aside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking–what Toby threatened–\u201d Tabby said haltingly. \u201cI can\u2019t shake the feeling that I\u2019ll lose everything!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning thoughtfully, Thomas sat next to her and took her hoof in his. \u201cIt’s been, what, eight, nine years?\u201d he said. \u201cI don’t think they would come after us now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d Tabby demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, there must be a statute of limitations\u2026\u201d Thomas trailed off, having no real facts, but wishing he could erase her fear. \u201cLet’s not worry,\u201d he said encouragingly. \u201cIt’s unlikely anything would come of it, even if Toby did go to the authorities. And even if it comes to that, well, we’ll deal with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have only myself to blame,\u201d she said morosely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will have me, no matter what,\u201d he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

After that momentous day, life was sweeter, richer, fuller. Day-to-day operations hadn\u2019t changed, not really; but with feelings acknowledged, there was an added depth of experience. The two unicorns were completely absorbed in each other, falling deeper and deeper in love with each passing day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby and Thomas easily fell into a comfortable routine for those times that work didn\u2019t tie them together, and they were no longer obligated to go their separate ways. Sometimes they went out for supper; sometimes they were guests at Strawberry\u2019s table; sometimes they stayed in and had each other over to their respective lodgings for meals–with mixed results, generally failing when Tabby was depended on for anything with food preparation.<\/span><\/p>\n

And then, after work and the evening meal, there was always something to do–whether a long walk, or a movie, or the SSSS, or whatever seasonal activities were offered, or some combination thereof, eventually ending in a prolonged farewell.<\/span><\/p>\n

They talked about everything, their preferences and family and experiences and dreams and every little insignificant detail that was nonetheless fascinating and absolutely required knowledge when pertaining to one’s beloved. It was exciting, heady stuff.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This was life, Tabby realized. This is what she\u2019d been searching for all along, but hadn\u2019t known what she was looking for.<\/span><\/p>\n

The days flew by, and before anyone knew it, Christmas was right around the corner; and everyone in Misty Hollow was gearing up for the animal shelter benefit ball at the civic center, considered by residents to be the premiere social event of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven’t told Elaine about us yet,\u201d Thomas confessed after going over his sister\u2019s holiday travel plans with Tabby. Elaine had wrangled some days off after all, and would be spending time in town.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShould I be offended?\u201d Tabby asked in an unconcerned manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Thomas said hastily. \u201cIt’s just, I thought in pony would be more meaningful. She still thinks that I’m… I’m\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA philanderer? Libertine? Rakehell?\u201d Tabby helpfully filled in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas winced. \u201cUm, something like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, will she be more convinced that way?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not sure,\u201d Thomas admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo she won’t approve?\u201d Tabby prodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas looked pensive, then shook his head. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. It will be fine,\u201d he said with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby!\u201d Elaine exclaimed, entering the clinic late one afternoon. \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hi, Elaine,\u201d Tabby said, less effusive but still pleased to see the younger mare. There didn\u2019t seem to be any hangers-on this time, so that was a relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s so good to see you!\u201d Elaine enthused, hugging her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow was your trip?\u201d Tabby asked, because she thought that was the proper thing to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat, great, no problems,\u201d Elaine said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about that… weather.\u201d Tabby was at about the end of ideas for small talk, and she had not looked outside recently to know what current conditions were.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s great!\u201d Elaine said, beaming. \u201cA perfect shower of snowflakes! Do you need help with anything here?\u201d She looked at Tabby expectantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, it\u2019s been quiet today,\u201d Tabby said. \u201cJust waiting around for closing time. Strawberry left already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas entered the room, and Elaine was similarly enthusiastic to greet him. \u201cI\u2019ve been studying restaurant reviews, and I\u2019m starving,\u201d she chattered. \u201cThere\u2019s this Nature Vibes place that\u2019s supposed to have a good eggplant lasagna. Have you been there? Otherwise Cafe Carousel sounds nice. Or the SSSS is fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you want,\u201d Thomas said indulgently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby, can you join us?\u201d Elaine asked, turning back to the pink unicorn. \u201cHow about Toby?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUhhh… we broke up, actually,\u201d Tabby admitted, casting a look at Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I’m sorry,\u201d Elaine said, appropriately sympathetic. \u201cI didn’t know. Thomas doesn\u2019t tell me anything.\u201d She looked at her brother judgmentally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s fine,\u201d Tabby said quickly. \u201cUmm, actually\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby and I are going out now,\u201d Thomas spoke-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Elaine said, and there was a poignant pause. \u201cWell–\u201d She brightened, but it seemed artificial, somehow. \u201d–then I guess we’re all here, aren’t we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Over dinner, it was determined that there was no need for Elaine to get a room at the hotel when she could just as well stay in Tabby\u2019s spare room (which may have had more dolls than space, but Elaine was delighted with the invitation). After dinner, Thomas went to collect Elaine\u2019s luggage which had been left at the clinic, and the two mares went on ahead to Tabby\u2019s home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby, this is really nice of you,\u201d said Elaine cheerily as they mounted the steps to Tabby\u2019s house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no problem,\u201d said Tabby, a bit cautiously, as she sensed a follow-up statement coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine reached out for Tabby\u2019s foreleg. \u201cI don\u2019t want you to pin all your hopes on this relationship,\u201d she blurted out, looking at her earnestly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think he\u2019s not serious,\u201d said Tabby flatly, unlocking the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI <\/span>think<\/span><\/i>,\u201d Elaine continued, \u201cthat he doesn’t know his own mind. I’m worried that he hasn’t considered the depth of this commitment, and I don’t want you to end up hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby was silent. She had guessed Elaine\u2019s thoughts, but hearing them voiced aloud caused doubt to crystalize.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn’t know him before, when everyone was treated as a commodity!\u201d Elaine continued with a beseeching look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s no room in your consideration for him having changed?\u201d Tabby asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine sighed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I don\u2019t mean to hurt your feelings. All I’m saying is, give it more time to be sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Tabby said with a brittle smile. She didn\u2019t exactly begrudge the younger mare her view; she was sure Elaine had good reason to think so. But it did make her anxious to talk to her sweetheart about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

But once Thomas arrived, Elaine, hyped up with exuberance, still had countless questions about life here, and stories about school; so she kept the visit going until quite late. But, eventually, it must have occurred to her that she was a third wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Elaine said with an exaggerated yawn, \u201cI’ll just, um, be going to my room. I’ll see you in the morning.\u201d And she took her leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not pleased,\u201d Tabby said, shaking her head once Elaine\u2019s door had closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Thomas asked, surprised. \u201cYou\u2019re getting along great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, she’s not pleased with <\/span>us<\/span><\/i>,\u201d Tabby said pointedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that,\u201d said Thomas, as if it were only a minor consideration. \u201cWell, just give her time to get used to the idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnless\u2026\u201d Tabby trailed off. \u201c…she has a point I should heed.\u201d She pinned him with a look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby!\u201d Thomas said, looking horrified. \u201cNo, put that out of your mind.\u201d And Tabby allowed herself to be distracted as he set to work convincing her of the depth of his feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

The next evening, while Elaine was primping for the party, Tabby was similarly sequestered in her chamber, staring at her reflection in the vanity mirror and feeling very critical of herself. Was she pretty enough to hold the interest of one like Thomas who, by all accounts, had a long history of cavorting with mares of exquisite poise and beauty, with some of the more recent candidates going to be in attendance that night? <\/span>Everyone<\/span><\/i> was going to be there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby, unable to shake the insecurities, did something she never thought she would–she called her sister and asked for a makeover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tamara responded with alacrity, coming over immediately–where she was during the day, Tabby was never clear on–with her sizeable makeup kit, and got to work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many steps later–shimmering eyeshadow, bold eyeliner, volumizing mascara, groomed eyebrows–Tabby didn\u2019t think she looked much like herself, but this is how the really popular mares looked, wasn\u2019t it? Tamara assured her that Thomas would love it, then scampered off for her own preparations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The doorbell rang, and Tabby collected herself, for that would be her escort. With a last unsure look at her elevated coiffure and dazzling earrings, she went to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh–Tamara?\u201d Thomas asked, momentarily taken aback by the vision before him in the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo–it\u2019s <\/span>me<\/span><\/i>!\u201d the mare said, looking annoyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Thomas said, realizing the voice was, indeed, Tabby\u2019s. \u201cYou look\u2026 different.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t like it!\u201d Tabby said petulantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

“No, you’re very beautiful,\u201d Thomas hurried to assure her. \u201cI just wasn\u2019t expecting\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think I\u2019m not capable of getting dressed up properly for a party?\u201d Tabby asked, still appearing cross.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Thomas said carefully, \u201cI was just thinking, I prefer your hair down; but,\u201d he added, drawing her closer, \u201cperhaps that can be seen to later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember to keep an eye on Elaine,\u201d Thomas said, scanning the room full of mingling ponies and fuzziwugs. \u201cShe’s very shy, and I don’t want her to get overwhelmed.\u201d Elaine had been swept up in the activity as soon as they had walked through the door, and Tabby saw her across the room talking to a blue stallion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think she’s doing just fine for herself,\u201d Tabby observed. She wasn\u2019t accustomed to actually looking out for a sibling, but Thomas seemed to have a deflated opinion of his sister\u2019s capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is that talking to her?\u201d Thomas asked, frowning as he zeroed in on her position.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think his name’s Hawkley,\u201d Tabby said nonchalantly. \u201cWorks at the casino.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Thomas looked horrified. \u201cI’m going over there.\u201d He was about to march off, but Tabby grabbed his foreleg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd do what?\u201d she challenged. \u201cThey look to be enjoying themselves. She can talk to ponies. It’s a party.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t like the look of him,\u201d Thomas muttered, shaking his head. \u201cI’ll be watching.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Tabby soothingly. As off-base as his fears seemed to be, she found it somewhat endearing that he was so protective of his sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThomas!\u201d Moonglow flagged him down when the party was in full swing. \u201cAnd Tabby,\u201d she acknowledged the other mare. \u201cThis is my friend, Lucian,\u201d she introduced the golden stallion at her side, and hooves were shaken all around. Tabby found the niceties grating, but understood that she had to go along with it or reflect poorly on Thomas. There were all these unexpected ways of realizing she was starting to think of someone other than herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lucian asked Tabby to dance, and she started, not having thought ahead to that contingency; despite that being the primary activity of the event, she had not imagined anyone but Thomas as a partner. Flustered, she looked to Thomas, who gave her an encouraging look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t monopolize you all night,” he reasoned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby wouldn\u2019t have minded if he had; but a new set was forming, Moonglow took Thomas by the hoof, and the event had been set in motion.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe makes you happy,\u201d Moonglow made the simple observation as they twirled around the dance floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Thomas said with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonglow looked on with a bemused glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby watched Thomas and Moonglow from afar, wondering what they were discussing. Could she trust him, really trust him, that this wasn’t a game he was playing with her affections?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo the the thing that most ponies don\u2019t realize about fixed rate mortgages\u2026\u201d Lucian was droning on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby smiled, and he seemed content to continue talking, so she hoped that was a sufficient response.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas came back to her side to collect her for the next dance, and she felt more at ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, look who we have here, the veterinarian and his assistant, all starry-eyed and looking very chummy.\u201d This was said by Dr. Appleshine, who met the couple as they came off the dance floor. \u201cIt would seem that my advice fell on deaf ears.\u201d She gave them an arch look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Dr. Appleshine! Good to see you,\u201d Thomas greeted the other veterinarian, while recalling their last conversation and feeling uneasy. \u201cI didn\u2019t know you were in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I was passing through, and it seemed like a good cause,\u201d Dr. Appleshine acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d agreed Thomas, drawing Tabby a little closer, as if daring Dr. Appleshine to take them to task.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think you’re both fools, but I don’t suppose there’s anything I can say to change your minds,\u201d Dr. Appleshine said prosaically. Aside to Tabby, she added, \u201cDon’t let him hold you back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby\u2019s face flushed. \u201cHe doesn’t–that\u2019s not–\u201d she floundered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever the future holds, there’s no reason we can’t be in it together,\u201d Thomas maintained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor both your sakes, I hope you\u2019re right,\u201d Dr. Appleshine said with an assessing glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw you talking Thomas down earlier,\u201d Elaine said, approaching Tabby some time later while Thomas danced with Becca. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it’s\u2026\u201d Tabby looked down at her hooves, never comfortable with gratitude. \u201cI didn’t do anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHawkley\u2019s a bit of a flirt, but I won\u2019t lose my head over him,\u201d Elaine said with a giggle. \u201cI’ll always be a helpless little filly in Thomas\u2019 eyes,\u201d she continued without animosity. \u201cI’ve given him enough reasons, I suppose. It didn’t help, becoming my guardian.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour guardian?\u201d Tabby gave her a questioning look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m five years younger than him, you know,\u201d Elaine explained. \u201cHe was just eighteen when our parents disappeared, and he took custody of me. He didn’t have to, and I wouldn’t have faulted him if he hadn\u2019t… but I’m glad he did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn’t realize\u2026\u201d Tabby trailed off. He hadn\u2019t mentioned that specific detail, and she felt deficient for not having put those pieces together. It was a stark realization that there was still so much she had to learn. She watched Thomas and Becca across the room, but found she was at peace, confident that he would return to her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything last night,\u201d Elaine said softly, seeing the direction of Tabby\u2019s gaze. \u201cHe dotes on you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot everyone thinks that\u2019s a good thing,\u201d Tabby said. It was Elaine\u2019s turn to look questioning. \u201cYou haven\u2019t met Dr. Appleshine,\u201d Tabby explained. \u201cShe thinks the relationship is damaging to our self-development or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that just means you can prove her wrong,\u201d said Elaine matter-of-factly.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas found Tabby on the veranda, leaning against a balcony railing in the cool night air. It might be the midst of winter, but the inside temperature was significant, and this was a welcome reprieve. He joined her in companionable silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having her in his life–well, it felt like everything had been set right in the world, Thomas considered. He thought he finally understood that this is what his parents had shared. It was this kind of connection that had made them turn their backs on all that was familiar, leave their old lives behind forever, just for the privilege of being together. His and Tabby\u2019s story didn\u2019t have to be as dramatic, but they would have their own challenges. Thomas found himself looking forward even to the trials, so long as they were together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou never told me you took custody of Elaine,\u201d Tabby finally said, turning to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was the only thing to do,\u201d Thomas said matter-of-factly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have dumped her in foster care,\u201d Tabby pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not!\u201d Thomas was indignant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m just saying, it was a good thing to do.\u201d Tabby\u2019s gaze swept down. \u201cShe’s lucky she has you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou<\/span><\/i> have me, too.\u201d Thomas lifted her chin to look her in the eye. \u201cDon’t forget it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She blushed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas drew her closer. \u201cI’d do anything for you,\u201d he insisted. \u201cIf you want to go to vet school–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t let Dr. Appleshine get you on this tangent again!\u201d Tabby said, looking displeased. \u201cWe’ve talked about this, and I’m not interested!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you could change your mind,\u201d Thomas said, taking her hoof, \u201cand I want you to be aware of your options. I have this three year contract in Misty Hollow; but after that, we could go anywhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’d\u2026 go with me?\u201d Tabby asked hesitantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes–wherever you go, I want to be with you. I want to marry you!\u201d Thomas hadn\u2019t planned for that, and it wasn\u2019t exactly how he had seen this conversation going, but he didn\u2019t regret having spoken. He waited with baited breath for her response.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked momentarily taken aback, but quickly recovered her equanimity. \u201cThe last time I agreed to that–and it wasn’t so long ago–it didn’t turn out well,\u201d she observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is different, and you know it,\u201d Thomas protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that whatever happens, I want to be with you,\u201d Tabby said softly. \u201cYes, I will marry you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And in the resulting kiss, her coiffure was well and truly dislodged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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