{"id":40120,"date":"2024-09-09T19:22:12","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T00:22:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=40120"},"modified":"2024-09-09T19:22:12","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T00:22:12","slug":"chapter-13-the-announcement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2024\/09\/09\/chapter-13-the-announcement\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 13: The Announcement"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thomas was in his office after lunch break, making follow-up calls to owners from that morning\u2019s surgeries, while Tabby sat across the room on the couch, studying a journal. She was humming to herself, bathed in sunlight streaming in through the window. This was their routine. It had started as a way for her to stay informed; now that they were working with different patients, it was more of a way to spend time together.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he was done making calls, she\u2019d look up and smile, invite him to join her, and taking her in his forelegs\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, that was the ideal, Thomas thought, frowning. That\u2019s how things had been going. But the last day or two she had seemed somewhat distant. That happened sometimes, and Thomas didn\u2019t want to face the ramifications of what it meant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we could do something this weekend,\u201d he said, replacing the receiver in its cradle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Um, sure,\u201d Tabby said distractedly, not looking up, staring but not really focusing on the diagram in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike that Mansion on the Precipice you\u2019re always going on about,\u201d Thomas continued, hoping to entice her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d she said, clearly not listening.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was an awkward silence, broken by the buzzing of Tabby\u2019s phone, which she had left sitting on the desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

She suddenly came to life. \u201cOoh, that’s probably a response to an offer I made on eCove,\u201d she said, her eyes lighting up. \u201cLet me see that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, if that\u2019s what made her happy, he would humor her. Thomas, who was within reaching distance, picked up the phone and glanced at the screen. \u201cYour offer has been\u2026\u201d But with a casual glance he saw that the notification was not from eCove at all, but a text message from a name that practically made him drop the phone as if it were scalding hot. \u201cGuido Casale?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d A shadow clouded Tabby\u2019s face. \u201cGive me that,\u201d she said, jumping up from the couch and leaping across the room to snatch the phone from his hooves, and swiftly swiped the message away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou still talk to him?\u201d Thomas asked, dumbfounded to learn that their correspondence had continued after she had found the Italian stallion\u2019s friendship so discomfiting the past fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot\u2026 really,\u201d Tabby said haltingly, tucking her phone away. \u201cI mean, a little.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Thomas, and there was a poignant silence. \u201cIs he bothering you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d she said quickly, a little too quickly, Thomas thought. \u201cIt’s just an update on that magic users\u2019 legislation. He’s keeping me posted–that’s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so you talk politics with Guido Casale?\u201d Thomas asked, a little incredulous. Tabby never spared a thought for politics. At least around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby did not catch the note of disbelief, or chose to ignore it. \u201cThe anti-magic league is throwing roadblocks in the way of foreigners contributing to domestic campaigns. Go figure.\u201d She shrugged, picking up the journal that had fallen to the floor in her haste to reclaim her phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does he care about influencing policies abroad, anyway?\u201d Thomas asked, unsure what to do with the barrage of emotions this exchange had released.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe has, uh, widespread interests and\u2026 stuff,\u201d Tabby said with vagueness that would have been endearing if the topic were not so fraught with tension. \u201cThere\u2019s like, I dunno, tax breaks or whatever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Thomas, narrowing his eyes. \u201cIf he gets out of line,\u201d he said, putting a hoof on her shoulder and turning her to face him, \u201cyou’ll let me know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what could you do about it?\u201d she murmured absentmindedly, not meeting his gaze. \u201cAnyway, just forget about it. It\u2019s nothing. Now, I have to get back to Elaine.\u201d Pasting an artificially bright smile on her face, she exited the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

She hadn\u2019t even kissed him. It was hardly the sort of exchange he wanted to be having with his fiance, Thomas thought resentfully. Her words echoed in his mind: <\/span>And what could you do about it?<\/span><\/i> Indeed, what <\/span>could<\/span><\/i> Thomas do against the multi-millionaire business stallion? His pride injured, he stared unseeingly across the room at the chart of feline skeletal structure hanging opposite him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

And that was how Belen found him when she trotted into the room shortly after brushing past what appeared to be a cheerful Tabby in the hallway. Which was good to see; the two of them had seemed\u2026 Belen didn\u2019t know how to put it into words, but something just felt <\/span>off<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belen felt indebted to the pair for giving her a chance at this job, and she had her heart set on a happy ending for them. They did seem to suit each other, when Tabby wasn\u2019t in one of her distracted moods, with Thomas chasing after her, desperate for any small morsel of attention. Well, all couples had their ups and downs, she reasoned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll marry her someday,\u201d Belen said, eyes twinkling as she handed the x-ray she was carrying to Thomas\u2026 too late noticing that his demeanor did not match Tabby\u2019s. Perhaps she had been mistaken.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas snapped his head to attention, coming out of his thoughts as he absentmindedly took the x-ray. \u201cDo you really think so?\u201d he asked with a wry smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t you?\u201d Belen asked with a quizzical look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes I feel so close to her,\u201d Thomas said with a sigh. \u201cOther times, I wonder if this is all just a game to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSurely not!\u201d Belen protested, wondering what kind of lover\u2019s quarrel she had inadvertently stepped into.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did ask her,\u201d Thomas said after a moment\u2019s pause. \u201cTo marry me, I mean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did she say?\u201d Belen asked, treading cautiously on what was clearly a sensitive topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe said yes… as long as we don’t tell anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen was that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust before Christmas,\u201d Thomas said, beginning to pace in an agitated manner. \u201cI rushed into it. We\u2019d only just started going out; it was all just a rebound for her; it wasn\u2019t even a month prior she\u2019d been wearing someone else\u2019s ring!\u201d The words all came out in a rush. \u201cWhy did I ever think it was a good idea to propose? I\u2019m going to end up losing her because of it.\u201d He looked at Belen then, a haunted look in his eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou should be talking to her about these things,\u201d Belen advised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think she\u2019d want to talk about it,\u201d Thomas said, sitting down in his chair and crossing his forelegs. \u201cShe must be miserable. I\u2019ve got to set her free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that what you want? Are you sure that\u2019s what <\/span>she<\/span><\/i> wants?\u201d Belen cautioned. \u201cIt sounds like you have some fears, that may or may not be grounded in fact. You should discuss this with her before doing anything rash.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I know what she\u2019s going to say. I\u2019ve been so blind,\u201d he said, looking very forlorn and vulnerable.<\/span><\/p>\n

The only thing Belen could think of to say was the trite reply, \u201cDon\u2019t give up yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he said resolutely. \u201cI know what I have to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, dear,\u201d said Belen, thoroughly dismayed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tabby was assisting Elaine with a surgery, and Belen hovered about the area, anxious to speak to her when she was through. She had already put her hoof in her mouth once–should she continue this? But she thought Tabby deserved a heads-up before Thomas did something desperate in an attempt to fix what he perceived to be wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the door to the surgery room popped open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby, I was just going to have coffee,\u201d Belen said, quickly stepping forward. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you join me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as I can drink not-coffee, sure.\u201d Tabby turned to look behind her. \u201cElaine, are you coming?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And Belen was relieved that Elaine answered, \u201cYou two go ahead. I\u2019ve got to finish the after-care instructions. Fortunately, these interactive templates from Macrohard make things easy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Belen wondered at the sharp glance Tabby cast at Elaine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I say, I\u2019m a fan of their whole Paws n\u2019 Claws suite. I\u2019m so glad we upgraded!\u201d Elaine gushed. \u201cThomas was dragging his hooves for some reason, but he finally saw reason.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d said Tabby with lackluster enthusiasm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey say the guy that makes it,\u201d Elaine continued chattering, \u201cowns his own private island! Can you imagine?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Humming to herself, Elaine bustled about, and Tabby and Belen made their way to the break room. Nursing a warm cup of coffee in her hooves while Tabby sipped limeade, Belen wondered how she could bring this up. Tabby appreciated straightforwardness, didn\u2019t she? Or at least, she herself was straightforward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI talked to Thomas,\u201d Belen jumped in. \u201cAbout you and him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a long pause as Tabby looked startled. \u201cOh,\u201d she squeaked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe thinks you\u2019re not happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot happy?\u201d Tabby set down her glass, her hoof appearing a little shaky. \u201cNo, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something that\u2019s come between you,\u201d Belen forged ahead. At that, Tabby winced. \u201cI also think\u2026\u201d Belen took a deep breath. \u201c…that you\u2019re crazy about each other, and you\u2019re a great match, and you\u2019ve got to stand up for what you have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby stared at her, wide-eyed and speechless–not in an angry sort of way, but more puzzled and overcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not saying you need to marry him this instant,\u201d Belen said earnestly. \u201cBut he needs to know where he stands with you–needs some certainty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby finally found her voice. \u201cI mean, I don\u2019t want to show off, and Strawberry just lost out on her wedding\u2026\u201d she trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven’t known Strawberry nearly as long as you,\u201d Belen said, \u201cbut I really can’t see her holding your happiness against you. Anyway, that\u2019s not the reason you\u2019ve been distant. Something else is bothering you, and you won\u2019t let him in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to tell me what\u2019s troubling you–but you do need to tell <\/span>him<\/span><\/i>.\u201d Belen pressed Tabby\u2019s hoof reassuringly before exiting and leaving the unicorn to her thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh, I\u2019m just so bad at this! This relationship stuff,\u201d said Tabby to herself, wringing her hooves in a flustered manner. \u201cI\u2019m always messing up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She thought she\u2019d been hiding her discomfiture better than that. If even Belen was aware that something was up, then what must Thomas be thinking of her behavior? It wasn\u2019t Thomas causing the trouble, of course. It was that other guy contributing to her unsettled mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas had known from the start that Guido had been trouble, Tabby reflected, and that she\u2019d been in over her head. That\u2019s why she had wanted to handle this herself, and avoid the I-told-you-so conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

She thought of the slim velvet-lined box in her satchel, and a shiver ran down her spine, along with a fear that she didn\u2019t have this under control at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby knew, of course, that Belen was right, that she owed it to Thomas to be forthright. But it didn\u2019t make what she had to do any easier. Downing the rest of her drink, she steeled her nerves and headed in the direction of Thomas\u2019 office.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTabby, we need to talk,\u201d said Thomas at the same time she announced, \u201cI have to tell you something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two unicorns stood staring at each other for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou first,\u201d said Thomas at length, gesturing for her to have a seat. Instead, she adopted her usual pacing stance when she was thinking or disturbed, but remained silent. \u201cIt\u2019s about Guido,\u201d said Thomas flatly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas\u2019 heart sank. Knowing they had kept up correspondence, and that he hadn\u2019t even known about it\u2026 could he really hold out hope at this point? Wasn\u2019t it obvious where this was going?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he has the wrong impression about me. And him,\u201d Tabby said, abruptly turning on her heel to face Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat impression do you want him to have?\u201d Thomas asked carefully, not sure what direction she was taking this.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby sighed deeply as she thought. \u201cThat he\u2019s a marginal acquaintance as my mom’s business associate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought maybe you were friends, at least,\u201d Thomas said, feeling some flicker of hope that she didn\u2019t sound enamored of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby snorted. \u201cI don’t think he’s capable of being just friends. It’s like he,\u201d here her voice cracked, \u201clike he owns me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has he done?\u201d Thomas asked as heartbreak gave way to anger on her behalf.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t so bad at first; I mean, I could excuse it, but now\u2026\u201d Tabby muttered, continuing to be vague. She went back to pacing in front of the desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling frustrated, Thomas said, \u201cIf he\u2019s making you uncomfortable, you have to do something. What\u2019s been going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere have been gifts, and at first they didn\u2019t seem that bad, but now it\u2019s like\u2026\u201d Tabby picked up a pen and twirled it in her hoof. \u201cI mean, maybe I\u2019m wrong; maybe it\u2019s just, I dunno, cultural differences.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of gifts?\u201d Thomas narrowed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt started with books–like a signed copy of some Sasquatch medical book we had talked about–and I could explain that away.\u201d Finally she stopped her pacing, and flopped down on the couch. \u201cBut he sends something every month, and now it\u2019s stuff like jewelry and flowers. This came yesterday.\u201d She pulled out a slim box.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas took the box and opened it, taking a momentary look at the no doubt expensive bauble. Having dabbled in gifting jewelry to his past flirts, many of whom had high standards when it came to accessorizing, he recognized quality. Silently, he handed it back to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I don\u2019t know–I\u2019ve been sending everything back,\u201d Tabby said in a small voice. \u201cI thought he would get the message.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you tell him to stop?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course! I don\u2019t want his attention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seemed like you were maybe a little attracted to him,\u201d Thomas muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was intriguing, and I couldn\u2019t figure him out.\u201d Tabby sighed. \u201cBut then I <\/span>did<\/span><\/i> figure him out, and I wasn\u2019t impressed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s harassing you. He can\u2019t do that,\u201d Thomas said, sitting next to her. \u201cYou need legal counsel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At that, Tabby started. \u201cLegal counsel? Against Guido? He has a lot of money, not to mention prestige, at his disposal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn’t mean he can stalk you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Tabby shook her head. \u201cI don’t want it to get out of hoof.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIsn’t it already out of hoof?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just want it to stop.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn’t you tell me any of this earlier?\u201d Thomas asked in a wave of anguish and frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I thought I could handle it!\u201d Tabby burst out. \u201cOtherwise you would just have an excuse to say I told you so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to trust me enough to tell me these things,\u201d he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean–it wasn\u2019t–I thought–\u201d she spluttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo more secrets, okay?\u201d He took her hoof and held it against his chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking repentant, she nodded. \u201cWhat did you want to tell me?\u201d she asked in a small voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? It’s nothing. Erm.\u201d Thomas chastised himself to take his own admonition to not keep things from her. \u201cI thought you were regretting this arrangement. I thought you might like to be… free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFree? From you?\u201d She drew herself up indignantly. \u201cWhy would you think that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI rushed you into an engagement that you weren’t comfortable with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s not true,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen why can\u2019t we let anyone know?\u201d Thomas gave voice to his frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked away. \u201cI\u2019m afraid he\u2019s not going to like it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does he have to do with any of it?\u201d Thomas snapped, not needing to clarify the identity of the <\/span>he<\/span><\/i> that she spoke of.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t trust him.\u201d She rocked back and forth as a tactic for calming her nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d said Thomas, frowning, \u201cbut he doesn\u2019t control our lives.\u201d He gathered her in close and she relaxed in his embrace. They sat like that for a long spell, silent, just enjoying the sensation of being together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s do it,\u201d Tabby said, finally breaking the silence. \u201cLet’s tell everyone tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to do it because you <\/span>want<\/span><\/i> to, not just to make me happy,\u201d Thomas said, nuzzling her neck. \u201cAre you absolutely sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve been sure for a long time now,\u201d she whispered, leaning in to kiss him. She rarely initiated displays of affection, and it felt divine. \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But announcements could wait, Thomas mused. Right now was for getting caught up on quality time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI’m so happy for you both! Planning your wedding will take my mind off Vanguard being away!\u201d Strawberry declared, embracing the two unicorns in turn (and hopefully putting Tabby\u2019s fears on that count to rest, Thomas thought). They were at the ice cream shop, and had just shared their news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI already knew. I guessed it,\u201d said Elaine, beaming. Belen, at her side, smiled contentedly and held her peace. \u201cI\u2019m going to be his attendant. Isn\u2019t that fun? I\u2019m planning the bachelor party,\u201d she said with obvious pride.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThough an engagement announcement is <\/span>typically<\/span><\/i> accompanied by a ring,\u201d said Tamara with an arch look at Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re working on that,\u201d Thomas said with a warm smile at Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’ll need a princess cut,\u201d said Tamara, turning to face Tabby. \u201cIt’s always been what suited me best. Rose gold, remember that, even the prongs. Don’t let them wimp out and give you white gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s my ring!\u201d Tabby protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m just telling you, I have a lifetime of experience styling this particular look. You should be grateful to have me to guide you,\u201d Tamara chided.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh my goodness, we’ll need to get on the bridal shower right away!\u201d Strawberry looked panicked, as if this was something that needed to happen yesterday. They hadn\u2019t even shared the date.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Strawberry, you get to work on the shower, and I’ll tackle the ceremony and reception,\u201d Tamara said, grabbing a napkin and hastily scribbling down notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAllow me to contribute my expertise for the bachelorette party,\u201d said Athena grandly. \u201cI’m thinking a Shakeshoof production at the Tableau in Hayton.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That sounded very sensible, Thomas thought, grateful that Athena\u2019s cultured preferences would preclude some of the seedier ideas for such an event.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOoh, good idea!\u201d said Tamara, nodding as she wrote. \u201cThen we’ll hit the dive bars after.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely,\u201d said Athena matter-of-factly.<\/span><\/p>\n

So much for keeping things tasteful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho will your bridesmaids be?\u201d Elaine demanded. \u201cAnd the maid of honor?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe, naturally,\u201d Tamara interjected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t just assume that,\u201d said Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m your sister, your <\/span>twin<\/span><\/i> sister, of course I\u2019ll be your maid of honor,\u201d Tamara said, looking indignant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI already made plans, you know,\u201d Tabby said with a sour look at her sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>You<\/span><\/i>? Make plans?\u201d Tamara asked incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby shot her an impatient look. \u201cIt will be a small ceremony at the ruins in the woods. You know the place. We had tea parties there. Tiny will officiate and–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s very sweet,\u201d said Tamara patronizingly, \u201cvery pastoral, but a bit last century. No, no, here\u2019s my vision. Festoons of roses all through the church, candles, light streaming through the stained glass, the bride makes her entrance–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby\u2019s brow crinkled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you should let her–\u201d Thomas started to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s okay,\u201d said Tabby, unexpectedly backing down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA release of butterflies–or bubbles? What is more eco-friendly these days? I\u2019ll poll my subscribers.\u201d Tamara got her phone out and typed quickly even while continuing to talk. \u201cThe veil color\u2026 antique white <\/span>could<\/span><\/i> work, but I think you would really stand out in ecru.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat flowers will be in your bouquet?\u201d asked Sugarberry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if Baby Bobbin were flower filly–no, she\u2019s probably too old for that–maybe a junior bridesmaid. Wouldn\u2019t that be cute!\u201d said Elaine, clapping her hooves with delight.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mares prattled on, making seemingly limitless plans, until the owner was turning off the lights; and even then, they didn\u2019t get the hint.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps we should get going,\u201d said Thomas, gently guiding Tabby to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAre you okay with Tamara planning things?\u201d Thomas asked on the walk home. They had taken a turn that took them away from the rest of the crew, who wisely allowed the engaged couple their privacy. Most of that evening\u2019s attention had been focused on Tabby, despite her not being able to get a word in edgewise, and Thomas assumed she would be overwhelmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026 yeah, I think maybe I am,\u201d said Tabby, sounding surprised herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas cast her an inquisitive glance. \u201cWhy the change of heart?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt gives me a sense of, I don\u2019t know, community.\u201d Tabby shrugged. \u201cI didn\u2019t think I wanted that. It\u2019s still exhausting. But it\u2019s kind of nice. Sometimes.\u201d She stopped in her tracks, thinking. \u201cAnd maybe there\u2019s safety in numbers,\u201d she added softly, almost to herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas frowned, wishing she could put that dilemma out of her mind. \u201cYou can\u2019t let him continue to have this hold over you.\u201d He turned her head to face him. \u201cWe\u2019ve got this. Together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Not directly answering, she brightened and asked, \u201cMovie at my place?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing that meant more time to kiss her, he readily agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Thomas was in his office after lunch break, making follow-up calls to owners from that morning\u2019s surgeries, while Tabby sat across the room…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1071],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40120","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-writing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40120","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40120"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40120\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40121,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40120\/revisions\/40121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40120"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40120"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}