She arrived back home without an escort. She was happy to tell her mother about Taylor's plans to come for dinner.
She walked through her door and saw her mother smiling and sitting at the kitchen table with a tall, broad shouldered, brown-haired man. Skye was briefly terrified, until the man turned around. Tim Curran smiled shyly at her.
"Hello, Skye. I thought I would check on your mother. She looks like she's doing very well and says that you've been taking care of her."
"Yeah, she's much better now. Mostly thanks to you, Tim." Skye smiled, glancing between Curran and her mother.
"Tim was so wonderful when he rescued me from Mira. I'm so glad he stopped by for a visit. He's a fine young man." Deborah smiled kindly at the former exile.
"Why don't we invite him to stay for dinner, Mom?" Skye surprised herself by asking.
"What a lovely idea, Bucket. Why don't you go wash up and Tim can help me set the table."
Skye realized that she was still covered in dirt and scratches from her night in the forest. She took a quick shower and then the three sat down to dinner.
At some point during their pleasant dinner, Tim accidentally mentioned that he had received special permission to visit them that night. Skye smiled kindly at him when he seemed embarrassed, remembering that he still was wearing the ankle monitor.
He left soon after the meal, thanking Deborah profusely and promising to stop by again soon.
Skye and her mother sat down in their living room. Deborah wrapped an arm around her daughter and squeezed her tightly.
"He is a nice young man, Bucket. Please don't feel pressured, but I was just thinking that you two might get along."
Skye closed her eyes and smiled. "Thanks, Mom. I think we might, too."