The Love Tree

by AaronCottrell97

After George the Steamroller is banished from Sodor, Thomas and Emily decide to look for a special place that always makes them feel better. A place that's peaceful, not just for them, but for every engine couple on Sodor. With Gina's visit, all seven engine couples on the island are together for the first time ever, so Thomas and Emily search for the perfect 'Love Tree'.

There were great joyful stirrings across Sodor. On this very evening, after giving Emily and Gina a great slew of most insulting trouble, stress and a potentially devastating accident, George the Steamroller was at long last banished from the Island of Sodor for at least five years and beyond, as long as the Mainland saw no change in his ever-hateful ways. David and Beatrice had been dropped off back home at Arlesburgh, and now Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina were on their way back to Tidmouth Sheds after meeting Buster the Steamroller, a much jollier and friendlier sort than George had ever been. To keep road construction running and to heal the Sudrian image of steamrollers, Miss Jenny had declared Buster to be Sodor's new official steamroller in response to George's banishment.

Soon enough, on into the evening, word got around of the grumpy steamroller's exile, and all the engines got around to talking all about it. From the Main Line, to the Branch Lines, to Ulfstead Castle, to Vicarstown, and most particularly the Narrow Gauge Engines. When Sir Handel heard the news from the Thin Controller, he simply could not believe this had ever come to be.

"Well, I'll be!" Sir Handel wheeshed. "To think I should live to see the day that the likes of that great, clumsy road-hog departs the Island of Sodor for good. Looks like I'M the only one who has special wheels now...much better-fitting than George's ever were!"

"Just don't go talking about nothing but steamrollers too much, eh, Falcon?" Skarloey advised, referring to Sir Handel by his first-given name.

"Oh, I won't," Sir Handel promised. "I certainly didn't make George go away this time like I thought before. David and Beatrice have already truly done that."

"What happened to Emily and Gina that day proves that Skarloey and I were right," chuffed Rheneas. "Steamrollers are rubbish! So good riddance!"

"Not all steamrollers," said Skarloey. "Not since Buster became part of the Pack...and is now Sodor's official steamroller from here on out."

"Oh, yes. He'll bring such joy to the roads. And oh, this is a proud, proud day for all of Sodor," said Peter Sam.

At last, as the sky darkened and the stars shone overhead, Thomas, Percy, Emily and Gina returned to Tidmouth Sheds. Rebecca, Gordon, James and Nia were all looking right at them with wide, astonished eyes and big smiles, having heard the news themselves. Thomas, Emily and Percy backed into their berths while Gina stayed on the turntable and looked to the other engines, waiting for one of them to speak.

"Thomas...we heard what happened today," said Rebecca. "I can say I've heard of the occasional incidents this George conjured up before."

"But what we learned today...it's quite conclusive," said James. "Very conclusive indeed. So all four of you, and David and Beatrice...you..."

"That's right, James! We did it! Got rid of him!" Thomas announced.

"Indeed, David and Beatrice did," Gordon replied. "That steamroller has caused rather ridiculous, unneeded incidents before, even with me and Duck, but crashing Emily and Gina into a barn, nearly killing another family! That should be liable for getting a vehicle, on road or rails banished!"

"And it did," said Thomas.

"George is gone?" Nia asked.

"He's in a more fitting place now," said Thomas. "The Mainland shall hold bonds on him until which time he learns to be polite, patient and careful."

"Which of course will never come to be," said Percy. "That great, clumsy road-hog never learned sense anyway."

"And it means the two of us can truly indulge in each other from tonight onwards," Gina gleamed.

"I sure hope we can, Gina," said Percy. "Tomorrow marks your tenth day...which means your visit is over half-done. I really want to spend it well with you. Especially after an absolutely horrendous time with George."

"And so we will, Percy. Just as we did since the beginning," said Gina. "After two straight days of utter rubbish, I'm not wasting an instant without you. And to the rest of you, Buoana Notte."

And so Gina crossed over the turntable, buffered up to Percy and pushed him right inside. The other engines looked to the berth and could her a few kissing sounds and a few little giggles from both green engines before they fell asleep inside.

"Well then. Goodnight to all of you," said Thomas. "We shall all sleep very well tonight."

The other engines said goodnight to Thomas and each other before they backed into their berths in sequence, until only Thomas and Emily were left awake, looking out to the stars for a while. They both fell silent as they thought a little about a Sodor without George and how much more pleasant the rails and roads would feel from here on out, and it made both of them feel rather proud.

But almost half an hour later, Emily turned and saw Thomas looking down at his buffers again. But this time he didn't seem bothered or losing himself to inner troubles like he did before. As she looked closer, she could see he was smiling gently. She wondered what he could be thinking this time now that George was gone from Sodor.

"Thomas?" she whispered kindly. "What...what are you thinking?"

Thomas looked up with a gentle glimmer in his eyes, which made Emily feel a little warm rush in her boiler.

"Emily, I've been thinking," said Thomas. "With George gone from Sodor now, I think you and Gina have been through an awful lot over the past two days, and you both deserve a treat for bearing through all that George dealt you. I'd like us to visit the forest again. Maybe Henry's Forest, or the Whistling Woods..."

"Why, Thomas?" Emily asked. "That sounds lovely, but is there any particular reason?"

"Well, Emily," said Thomas. "In light of another wave of poetic justice befalling all of us, I thought it would do us well to be surrounded by a place that always makes us feel better. A place that's peaceful, not just for you and I. Maybe Percy and Gina could come along too."

Emily thought a little to herself and she found this to be a fond idea.

"Hmm. Perhaps we could, Thomas," she answered. "It's been quite a while since we stopped at any forest, unless you count Black Loch when you and I had our most sacred night of unity together just after the Admiral visited...but I would be delighted to spend a while in the forest with you."

"Actually, it's not just about the forest," Thomas added. "I have a feeling that something significant might come along for us, and Percy and Gina too. Something simple, but significant to our hearts. I don't know exactly what it is yet..."

This made Emily's heart begin to stir with wonder. What did Thomas have in mind, and what would it lead to?

"Oh, Thomas," she whispered. "I can only wonder what you might be putting together, but I'd be glad to come with you as soon as we have the time together, whichever forest it may be. Sweet dreams, Tommy."

And she smooched her lips and blew him a kiss goodnight. Thomas smiled and blew her a kiss too.

"Sweet dreams, Emily, my love," he whispered.

And Thomas and Emily happily fell asleep with immense smiles on their faces. Neither of them knew exactly what would follow, but from the next day onwards, and even the day after that, there was to be another shift in emotion, not just for Thomas and Emily, or Percy and Gina, but for all the other engine couples too. Something that none of them considered before, but would turn out to be quite meaningful for all of them.

The next morning, Thomas woke up to the sunrise first, soon remembering what he and Emily had talked a little about the night before. Then he heard a deep, drowsy yawn to his left. He saw Emily come out of her berth and let off steam drowsily.

"Ooh...good morning, Thomas," she yawned again.

"Good morning, Emily," Thomas replied. "Do you think you'd be up to visiting one of the forests today?"

"I think so, Thomas," said Emily. "But before that, we'll have to see what our work is today. I've got a passenger run this morning, but I'll soon find out what else there may be, as you will too. I'll see you at Knapford."

And she set off with another yawn as she was still waking up a little more. While Thomas' crew fanned his firebox further to start making steam, he heard two more yawns to his left. He looked and saw Gina back out with Percy buffered right to her, which made him smile until he was ready to go. He turned to the Main Line on the turntable and was on his way to Knapford too.

"Well, Gina," said Percy. "What shall we do together, with George out of the way now?"

"We shall see, Percy," said Gina. "Let us start this day together. It's you and I truly from today onwards."

With that, Gina turned right around on the turntable and set off down the line with Percy following closely behind.

Emily made her way to Knapford Station and fetched two of her coaches for her passenger run. But as she waited for her passengers to start arriving, she still felt a trifle drowsy, feeling it was due to the strong relief of being rid of George for good all thanks to David and Beatrice's efforts.

"Ohh...I'm still a little sleepy," she yawned. "I...I think I'll close my eyes and rest a minute..."

So Emily did. She closed her eyes and napped for a few minutes more, so as to relax until her passengers would come. But while she was napping, someone had already arrived before the passengers. From behind the station wall, David peeked his head out and saw Emily. In light of his victory against George with the Sodor Island Council, he was in a considerably frisky mood to briefly share with Emily before he'd return to Arlesburgh and start work for the day. When he saw she was enjoying a nap, he suddenly got an idea.

David began to walk his way quietly toward Emily, wearing a gleeful and slightly mischievous grin. He stepped so quietly, Emily didn't wake up. Just as the Fat Controller came out to see Emily, he saw her sleeping form, and he saw David come up right beside her running plate, then take a deep breath. David just opened his mouth to give her a big wake-up surprise when...

"Don't even think about it," Emily said blankly, not bothering to open her eyes.

David sighed with a smirk and shook his head as Emily's eyes opened and she woke up with a little superior smile, feeling fully awake now. But someone else started coming into the station, right toward David while he and the Fat Controller spoke next.

"Morning, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "I saw you enjoying a little morning wink just now. And what were you doing that for, David?"

"Just feeling frisky after George's departure, sir. How'd you know it was me, Emily?" David asked.

"I'm your engine. I know everything about you," Emily smirked playfully. "Now what are you doing here, David?"

"Heh! I thought you knew everything," David replied with a smug grin.

Suddenly, someone jumped on David and began jostling playfully with him, making Emily and the Fat Controller jump.

"Ohh! Oof! Rraagh!" David exclaimed and growled playfully.

In the same instant, Emily and the Fat Controller rolled their eyes to each other as they saw it was Sir Lowham Hatt who had played another surprise joke on David before looking up again and straightening his moustache to Emily.

"Top of the morning, Emily me-lady!" Sir Lowham gloated jollily. "I heard all about what happened with that great clumsy road-hog, sending you and Gina flying, only for him to be sent packing! And you're looking fabulous after your little run in the field!"

"Hello, Sir Lowham," Emily said, looking away and quite uninterested.

"Got Davey again too!" Sir Lowham laughed as David got back to his feet, shaking his head.

"Now then, Lowham! None of your monkeyshines," the Fat Controller reminded sternly.

"Oh, but forgive me, brother!" Sir Lowham protested playfully. "I could not resist."

"No, you probably never can," David said to no one in particular.

Sir Lowham tipped his hat to Emily and scampered out of the station while the Fat Controller and David looked to each other.

"Brothers will be brothers," David remarked.

"Oh, him and his old tricks," the Fat Controller remarked, shaking his head.

At that moment, Thomas, Percy and Gina all arrived at the station to start their day. Thomas saw the Fat Controller and gave a little wink to Emily, who smiled right back at him.

"And good morning to you three," the Fat Controller said to the other three engines.

"Good morning, sir," said Thomas. "I have a little question to ask of you...what jobs will the four of us be doing today?"

"Why do you ask, Thomas?" asked the Fat Controller.

"The four of us?" Percy asked. "What do you mean, Thomas? Have you and Emily been thinking of something?"

"Something for us, you say?" Gina asked.

Thomas looked to the Fat Controller, then to Percy and Gina. He told them about his idea to visit the forest with Emily, and how he hoped that Percy and Gina could enjoy it too, so as to enjoy well-deserved peace after George's banishment. Percy and Gina both smiled dearly, thinking this would be a wonderful idea, and David found himself keenly interested in this prospect too. It made him begin to wonder just what Thomas and Emily would come to find out if his feelings were correct.

"Visiting the forest?" Percy pondered. "That's a wonderful idea, Thomas. And Gina would love it too."

"I don't believe we've done that quite yet," said Gina. "A Bellissima idea, Thomas. Especially after what Emily and I have gone through together."

"I see," said the Fat Controller. "Well, then...if that's your plan, Thomas, I will of course tell you all what you'll be doing today. Luckily, today isn't too busy a day for either of you. Emily, I see you're here in good time. You shall be taking your passengers to Maron and Cronk Station for today. Thomas, you'll be on your Branch Line throughout this morning. Then just around noon, I need you both to take two goods train runs to Arlesburgh. Perhaps you'll see David there later."

"Yes, sir," said Thomas and Emily. David gave a nod to Emily.

"And Percy and Gina," the Fat Controller added. "You two shall be busy with another mail run through this morning until noon. Then you must take two goods runs to Arlesburgh West, where Ryan and Daisy shall manage them to Harwick."

"Si, sir," said Gina. "Grazie, sir."

"Yes, thank you, sir," said Percy. "And thank you, Thomas, for bringing up this idea. I'm sure Gina will love the forests here."

"Bellissima, I'm sure they are," said Gina. "Just like the little forests back in Italy."

"They are indeed, Gina," said the Fat Controller. "Henry absolutely loves the forest to his core."

"Very good, then," said David. "Now, I must be getting to work too. I'll see you later, Emily."

While David set off to return to Arlesburgh and start work himself, Thomas gathered Annie and Clarabel and waited with Emily as their passengers started arriving. As the passengers arrived and boarded their coaches, Percy and Gina gathered their mail wagons together and set off to start the mail run. Thomas and Emily exchanged gleaming smiles to each other as their passengers boarded.

"So, Thomas," said Emily. "I remember what you said last night...what significant thing is it that you think will come along for us?"

"You know...the more I think about it, Emily," said Thomas. "I believe it's something we never considered before. I think we should keep an open eye for a certain clearing, or even a certain tree, like the Wishing Tree, only much more special."

"Hmm," Emily pondered. "Tree? That sounds interesting, Thomas. But just what tree could be more significant than the Wishing Tree, said to be the oldest thing on the island? Older than Edward, Sir Handel, the Fat Controller, and probably most of the Railway."

"I'm sure we'll think of something, Emily," said Thomas. "As long as it means something special for us...and a few others too..."

"Others?" Emily asked. "Like Percy and Gina?"

"Yes, Emily...and I also think that..."

Before Thomas' sentence was complete, Emily's guard's whistle blew, as did Thomas' guard. They were ready to start their day as Emily set off with her passengers. Thomas followed alongside her for a few minutes, each of them bearing a smile to each other until Thomas' line turned him onto his Branch Line, and they were off.

"We'll talk more later. Have a great day, Emily," Thomas whistled.

"You too, Thomas! See you later," Emily whistled back.

Through the morning hours, and on towards noon, Thomas and Emily worked tirelessly on the Branch Line and the Main Line alike, looking after their passengers and keeping right to schedule. Annie and Clarabel were pleased to work so well with Thomas, the passengers were all pleased with the comfortable journey both engines gave them, and as Thomas and Emily worked onward through the day, they couldn't stop thinking to themselves about which forest they would visit and the mention of the Wishing Tree. They kept thinking to themselves over what they would probably do or find out for themselves and in which forest it could happen in, and in due course that very afternoon, Thomas and Emily would come to a certain conclusion that would put them on a certain search...

Meanwhile, Percy and Gina had collected the mail and parcel supply from Knapford Harbour and were well on their way delivering the mail together, just as they did together on their first full day together since she and Thomas returned from Italy. After all the trouble she had to face alongside Emily no thanks to George, Gina felt absolutely elated to be delivering the mail alongside Percy again, knowing that for the remainder of her visit on Sodor, the two of them could bask in each other's company for as much as they possibly could.

"Well, Gina. Here we are together again," said Percy. "Two engines of finest greenery delivering the mail again."

"Indeed we are, my Perfect Percy," Gina smiled. "This is most fitting for me to do with you again after such a wretched two days with that George!"

"I know, Gina," said Percy. "You did not deserve any of what he did to you, but we've had a wonderful time together so far since you returned, and I'd be glad to show you around the forest once we're through today."

"I'd be delighted to see the forest with you, Percy. Perhaps with Thomas and Emily too," Gina replied with a wink.

"That would be lovely, Gina," said Percy. "Between you and me...it would be truly lovely because of you."

To this, Gina gave a curvy smile and a whistle of approval to Percy as they continued onward together with the mail run. But little did they know just what would lie ahead for them both, as well as Thomas and Emily...and others beyond that.

Eventually, just before noon, Thomas and Emily's passenger runs were done. They made their way back to Knapford Station and left their coaches in separate sidings. As they returned to Platforms 1 and 2 to check with the Fat Controller, they glanced to each other and could see deep expressions in each other's eyes. They had been thinking about the forest all morning and they still didn't know yet what they would exactly do.

"Hello again, Emily," said Thomas. "How were your passengers?"

"They were all pleased, Thomas," said Emily. "But I couldn't stop thinking about the forest and what you said about certain clearings...and even certain trees. Given what you told me this morning, I just can't help but wonder...could there be another tree out there besides the Wishing Tree? One that could be particularly special for you and I? And Percy and Gina too?"

Thomas looked at Emily with an even deeper expression. He had been thinking about a few other things too.

"Well, Emily," he replied. "Since we'll be going to Arlesburgh, maybe David can help us on this matter. Being your navy mentor, he might have a suggestion for both of us. The more I think about it, I don't think we'll be visiting just one forest."

"What do you mean, Thomas?" Emily asked. "Are you thinking of searching for a certain clearing or tree?"

"I think so," said Thomas. "But we still have work to do before then...but I think I'm getting another idea for Percy and Gina..."

Right that moment, Percy and Gina's whistles were heard in the distance. Thomas and Emily looked up and saw them returning too with their now empty mail wagons, bearing cheerful smiles to each other.

"Hello, Percy and Gina," said Thomas. "How did you two get on with the mail run?"

"After dealing with George...it was Bellissima, Thomas!" Gina whistled. "The best mail run with Percy since my first full day here."

"The finest greenery back together with the mail," Percy added. "And we're both looking forward to visiting the forest like you suggested for us, Thomas. Maybe we could go your way from Arlesburgh or Arlesburgh West. Do you think we can meet up at one of those places and then we can choose a forest to visit together?"

Percy waited for an answer, but there was none. He and Gina looked and saw Thomas closing his eyes, clearly full of thought in that moment.

"What is it, Thomas?" Percy asked a few moments later.

"Are you alright, Thomas?" Gina asked.

Thomas opened his eyes and looked up to Percy again, suddenly feeling as though his plans would change, or rather, get bigger.

"I...I'm alright, Percy...but I'm starting to think our plans might change a little."

"How so, Thomas?" Gina asked.

"Gina? Percy? Once you're both finished with your load to Arlesburgh West, do you think you could wait there for us?"

"Why, Thomas?" Gina asked.

"Well, I'm starting to think that since Emily and I are going to Arlesburgh, we might see David. If we can talk about what we're thinking about, depending on what he may say, we'll come and tell you at Arlesburgh West...I'm starting to feel that something significant will befall us in any one of the forests here on Sodor."

"Like what, Thomas?" Percy asked. "Another tree, like the Wishing Tree?"

"Wishing Tree? What's that?" Gina asked.

"Oh, we haven't told you yet, Gina," said Emily. "It's said to be the oldest tree, or even the oldest thing on the island. Children go there and make their own little wishes. Even Henry made a few wishes there sometimes."

"Hmm. I see. Admirable sentiments," said Gina. "Well, Thomas...you and Emily keep thinking, and we'll be waiting for you at Arlesburgh West."

"Yes, Thomas and Emily," Percy peeped. "We'll be ready and waiting for both of you."

"Thank you, Gina and Percy," said Thomas as he winked to Emily, who winked right back.

At that moment, the Fat Controller came out of his office. The four engines all told him their progress so far with their day's work and he was quite impressed. Then they told him about their plans to meet up and see what they would do about the forests.

"Well, you've all made good time so far," said the Fat Controller. "And if these are your plans, that's fine by me. Now, Thomas and Emily, your goods trains for Arlesburgh are right in the yards for you to take on their way. And Percy and Gina, your goods are also ready to take to Arlesburgh West. Then you may do as you please in whichever forest you see fit."

All four engines whistled in response, feeling their inner senses starting to bubble in their boilers. Thomas and Emily in particular started to feel the pretences that something significant would happen sometime today or the next day, and they all had a strong feeling it would be something special, especially if David said the right things about the right topic.

While Percy and Gina set off with their goods runs to Arlesburgh West where they would stand by, Thomas and Emily gathered their goods trains for Arlesburgh together, starting to feel their hearts beat very steadily. They looked to each other with a certain glimmer of excitement in their eyes as they whistled and set off.

"Here we go, Emily," said Thomas. "We're off to Arlesburgh."

"Yes, Thomas. We are," said Emily. "And then...it's into the forest, however we shall do it."

So Thomas and Emily whistled and set off side by side along the line. Within ten minutes of the journey, Emily spoke again.

"So, Thomas...where do you think this certain tree or clearing could be? Henry's Forest? The Whistling Woods? Black Loch?"

"I don't know, Emily," said Thomas. "The thing is, all those forests have their own particular landmarks and fames. Henry has his own forest, given how much he loves the peaceful surroundings there, the Whistling Woods is where Hiro stayed hidden for all those years, and it's where Sodor's most beautiful roses grow and blossom. And Black Loch, well, it's our own little kingdom, and it always will be. That place is specifically about us beyond all else."

"I agree in every way. And something else, Thomas," said Emily. "You were about to say something about others too, before we had to set off with our passengers. Who or what did you mean by that?"

Thomas looked up to Emily with a solid look in his eyes.

"Well, Emily. I'll share something else with you. The reason I'm thinking about something significant. Whichever forest we visit, it's more than just you and I, or Percy and Gina. When it comes to which forest we visit, I'm starting to think of a place or a tree that all the couples on Sodor can enjoy. Not just you and I, or Percy and Gina."

Emily felt her heart jump with a sense of wonder. Thomas had never brought up something like this. If there really was a tree to visit on this subject, it had to be truly special and very beautiful to behold with their own eyes.

"A tree for all the engine couples?" she asked. "Well...what if there were another Wishing Tree? Another very old and wholesome-looking tree?"

"Another Wishing Tree?" Thomas asked. "I don't think so, Emily. There's only one Wishing Tree."

Emily sighed, but then suddenly felt another thought tweak in her smokebox that almost made her heart skip a beat. Something she and Thomas had not noticed before with everything that had been happening. There was also one other forest Thomas didn't yet mention...and something else having to do with trees which she had never given much thought to before. She suddenly began to feel another rush of excitement.

"Oh, my God!" she suddenly gasped.

"What?" Thomas asked.

"Why didn't I think of this before? Thomas...are you familiar with the term called the Family Tree?" she asked surely.

Thomas looked up with a jump in his heart. "Well, of course, I am, Emily. I've heard of the expression before."

"Because...have you noticed a certain coincidence surrounding your thoughts about a tree for all the engine couples?"

"What do you mean, Emily?" Thomas asked.

"Think about it, Thomas," said Emily. "I know we've been very occupied with many other things lately, but given that Gina is right here on Sodor with all of us until she has to return...that means that all seven engine couples are now on Sodor. You and I, James and Molly, Rosie and Stanley, Luke and Millie, Belle and Flynn, Gordon and Rebecca, and Percy and Gina. We're all here together. All the romantic engine couples."

Thomas slowly widened his eyes as he looked at Emily with a sense of surprise. Never did he think of something like this until now. He began to feel an ever-growing suspicion that any visit to the forest wouldn't just be a visit. It would be a search of some sort.

"I...I didn't even notice that," he said with shock. "We've been too caught up in everything that's been going on so far. And you are brilliant, Emily! Perhaps with all seven couples taken into account...perhaps we all form our own family tree."

"And speaking of Family Trees," Emily went on. "There's one other forest you haven't mentioned, where we could probably search for a tree of our own. Maithwaite Forest. I remember when you crashed through those buffers trying to find a shortcut and beat Bertie at another race, but what if there were a special tree there?"

Thomas suddenly looked ahead and thought back to that day for a few moments. Then he looked to Emily with an almost sacred expression.

"Maithwaite Forest," he murmured. "I don't really remember what the trees are like there. The neighbouring Marthwaite Woods wouldn't be an option as that line is only for the 1/3 Gauge Engines like Rex, Mike and Bert...but Maithwaite Forest. Hmm...Perhaps that could work, Emily. It's settled then. I say if David isn't busy, we talk to him about all of this and see what he thinks."

"I agree, Thomas," said Emily. "So we shall."

And Thomas and Emily gave a whistle of surety as they huffed onward together along the line to Arlesburgh, feeling their excitement and speculation growing and growing. Their little revelation was less than an hour away at this point. Soon, these two engines would find something that would not only provide joyous experience for them both, but it would also flourish the links of love on Sodor to a new and interesting level.

Eventually, as 12:30 p.m. came upon the day, Thomas and Emily made their way to Arlesburgh. They delivered their loads in good time, then went right along the line to David's house to see if he was home. They looked up and with a smile, they saw he was outside talking with Beatrice on lunch break. Thomas and Emily gave a wink of hope to each other, then whistled hello, making David and Beatrice look up and smile.

"Hello, Thomas and Emily," said Beatrice. "You're both looking chipper today."

"Why wouldn't we be, Beatrice?" Thomas replied. "It's our first full day with George gone from Sodor!"

"And? How are Percy and Gina?" Beatrice asked. "How is my little green patient?"

"They both had a wonderful mail run together," said Emily. "Now they're off to Arlesburgh West together. But we've been thinking about some things since last night. Thomas has been feeling that something truly significant will come upon us, and seeing as you and David are here right now, we actually came here to ask a little favour."

"What favour be that, Emily?" said David. "I have to return to work at the harbour in half an hour."

"Don't worry, David. You'll make it back in time," she assured. "It...it's actually about Thomas' little plan to visit a forest."

Beatrice looked up and suddenly began to smile.

"Oh, yes...David actually told me about this idea. He heard it himself back at Knapford," she remarked.

"You told her, David?" Thomas asked.

"I did, Thomas," said David. "And I also told her about my little jostle with Sir Lowham this morning."

Thomas was puzzled. "What jostle, David? What did he do?"

"You didn't yet arrive when it happened, Thomas," said David. "I came to give Emily a little surprise wake-up while she was napping at the station, but she knew I was there. Then Sir Lowham jumped right on me and jostled me. One of his old tricks again. That's all."

"Hmm. He is peculiar without doubt," Thomas sighed. "Anyway, David. Do you think you and Beatrice can help us with our little idea for the forest?"

"If we can do it before 1:00," said David. "I'll see if I can help."

"So you were thinking of paying a visit to one of the forests in light of George's departure," said Beatrice.

"Well...we were initially," said Thomas. "But it's actually a lot more than just that, Beatrice...something Emily and I were thinking about Percy and Gina too, but by now, it's feeling like something even bigger."

"What do you mean, Thomas?" Beatrice asked.

"Well, Beatrice, as David heard at Knapford, Emily and I were hoping to visit a forest once we're finished here for the day, in light of George's departure. Last night, I began to wonder if something significant might befall us when it comes to the forest, be it Black Loch, the Whistling Woods, Henry's forest or what have you. But we've been thinking quite a bit today...and now, I don't think we'll just be visiting one forest."

"Why is that?" Beatrice asked.

"Well, Beatrice," said Emily. "Thomas is starting to think of finding a certain clearing or tree not just for us, but for all the other engine couples as well. We've been very occupied with everything that's gone on before, what with Thomas' nightmare about me, reciting the vows of marriage with him, then everything having to do with George of course...but today we've noticed that with Gina on Sodor...all seven engine couples are here on Sodor. Myself and Thomas, James and Molly, Rosie and Stanley, Luke and Millie, Belle and Flynn, Gordon and Rebecca, and now Percy and Gina."

To this, David clutched his silver charm and held onto it, feeling his heart jump. Beatrice patted her hands together, thinking a little more to herself about what Emily had said until she stood up and spoke again.

"Remarkable...most intriguing," Beatrice pondered. "All seven couples are indeed here on Sodor now. Well, in that sense, I think with Gina's visit here, you should do more than just visit a forest, Thomas and Emily. I think you should do something...as an engine family. I trust you've heard of what's called a Family Tree?"

"Well, of course, Beatrice. I mentioned that to Thomas on our way here," said Emily.

"That's right, Beatrice," said Thomas. "It's a most interesting way of comparing family relations."

"Exactly. It's comparing family relations to the branches of a tree," said David. "For example, my mother and father would link two branches together, and I'd be the branch right underneath their names. Basically, with each generation, the tree branches go in descending height and order, with siblings, cousins and other relatives intertwining the many twists and turns of the many branches, stretching out to cross the generations."

"Indeed they do," said Thomas. "Which made me think even deeper, David. With all seven couples here on Sodor, do you think they can form a family tree of engines in any way?"

David looked a little perplexed, but with what he had just heard, he suddenly conjured a little idea himself...one that would bring Thomas and Emily right to the discovery they were hoping to figure out.

"Well, Thomas," he answered. "I have two answers for that question. If we get very descriptive...I do think the other engines do form a family tree."

"How so, David?" Thomas asked.

"Well, Thomas, given how some of you view each other, I think we can make a fair comparison. When it comes to how you all view each other, I'd say the family tree branch would be you and Emily's branches joined together, then Percy would be right under Emily as her son figure. Beside Emily, I'd say Donald and Douglas have branches as her brother figures, and Rosie would have a branch beside Thomas as his little sister figure."

"Hm-hm! Cute, David," Emily chortled. "In that sense, I think we do form a family tree. Even the Fat Controller says his engines are a family."

"I do believe he's right. But now for my other answer," said David. "You said you're looking for a certain clearing or tree, Thomas?"

"Yes, David. I did," said Thomas.

"Well, then. Taking everything into account with all seven couples and this talk of family trees...why not look for an even better tree?"

"What could be better, David?" Thomas asked. "There's already the Wishing Tree and Family Trees."

"Isn't it obvious, Thomas?" said David. "With all seven couples here together, think about it. If you could bring them all to the same spot at the right time, if you wish to take this tree aspect to a whole new level, why not search for what I'd like to call...the Love Tree?"

It was in that moment that something suddenly clicked in Thomas and Emily's minds. They both thought back to the first time they saw the Wishing Tree, then Henry was told all about it, who at the time was wishing for more of a chance to pull passengers. But after doing an unexpectedly poor job at it that time, Gordon was repaired soon enough and Henry had learnt that Wishing Trees don't run railways. Then the Wishing Tree had been damaged by a storm, leading Henry to think it would be cut down. As such, he tried to save the tree by blocking all the tracks and not letting the special woodsmen in, only to learn from Harold that the woodsmen were the ones to save the tree. From that point on, Henry wished that the Wishing Tree would last forever and ever.

But when it came to the supposed Love Tree, Thomas and Emily felt something even more special than any Wishing Tree could give. They closed their eyes and tried to imagine a very special tree right beside the rails in any given forest, with the two of them and all the other engine couples gathered around it, smiling away and simply feeling perfectly harmonious together. They thought of a tree that was very big and very lush with purely green leaves spreading tall, far and wide. It seemed absolutely perfect...if it could only be found, and if only all the couples could be bright together.

Thomas and Emily's eyes opened again and they slowly formed very big smiles as their white teeth shone in the sun.

"By my Angel's Ring!" Emily gasped. "David...that sounds truly beautiful!"

"Our...Love Tree. Our Love Tree!" Thomas exclaimed. "It's remarkable! It's ingenious! It's staggering! Why did I never think of that all these years?! This must be exactly what I was trying to figure out!"

"There has to be a tree unlike any other tree in one of these forests!" Emily exclaimed. "Perfect for all the couples on Sodor that there are! Percy and Gina must know about this! Okay! Come on, Thomas! Good day, David and Beatrice! Thanks for the tip!"

And with a most ecstatic whistle and chortle, Thomas raced away with Emily whistling with a happy squeal right after him down the line.

"I say...was it something I said?" David asked.

"I think it was, David...and what you said sounds truly meaningful for all the engine couples," Beatrice winked with a smile.

David winked right to his mother, then looked at his pocket watch. It read 12:50 p.m. Ten minutes before he had to return to work.

"Well, this worked in favour for all of us," he said. "Thomas and Emily are off to find the Love Tree, and for now, I have to return to work."

With that, David hugged his mother and made his way back down to the harbour to work through the rest of his day.

---

Meanwhile, Thomas and Emily raced along the line toward Arlesburgh West, both their boilers bubbling with glee and delight. Their plans were now changing for a most impressive turnout, and they couldn't wait to tell Percy and Gina all about it...and likely get others involved too.

At Arlesburgh West, Percy and Gina were resting and waiting for Thomas and Emily. They didn't have their trucks now, since Ryan and Daisy had come along and took them onward to Harwick. Now that their work was done, their minds now turned to thoughts of the forest, and Thomas and Emily. Gina turned to Percy.

"Well, my Percy. We've done our work for today," she remarked. "And I'm sure Thomas and Emily will be done soon too."

"They will be, Gina," said Percy. "Then we'll be off to the forest, depending on what Thomas and Emily might tell us."

And then, just a few moments later, Thomas and Emily's whistles sounded through the air. Percy and Gina looked up and saw them coming. As soon as they saw the looks in Thomas and Emily's eyes, they immediately knew something was up.

"Hello, Percy and Gina," Thomas greeted hastily. "I...I hope you're both ready!"

"Ready for what, Thomas?" Gina asked. "What's got your boiler bubbling so much?"

"What's going on?" Percy asked. "You both look most exuberant...and excited."

"Oh, Percy!" Emily panted. "And Gina! We...we've just discovered something truly special. Something we should all do!"

"What are you talking about, Emily?" Gina asked. "What is this 'something,' we should all do."

Thomas and Emily gathered themselves together for a few moments then explained everything.

"Percy and Gina, we've all done our work for the day," said Emily. "And now...we have something special to tell you. After Thomas and I finished our load to Arlesburgh, we spoke with David and Beatrice. We told them everything we were thinking about...and he suggested that we do something truly special, not just for the four of us...but for all the engine couples too!"

Percy and Gina smiled to each other, wondering just what it could be."

"Really?" Percy asked. "What could it be? And what's all this about the other couples too?"

"Well, Percy," said Thomas. "Since we've been so occupied with what's been happening recently, we didn't notice it earlier...but today, we've noticed that with you visiting us, Gina...all seven engine couples are right here on Sodor! Emily and I, you and Percy, James and Molly, Rosie and Stanley, Luke and Millie, Gordon and Rebecca, and Belle and Flynn!"

Percy and Gina gasped and looked to each other, thinking for a few moments. They had to admit they had not given any thought to this coincidence yet, given everything else that had been happening before, but now they started to think that today and the next day would turn out quite differently...and in a unique and meaningful way for all the engine couples.

Percy gasped, then peeped his whistle with delight. "I never gave thought to that matter...it's true, Thomas! All the couples are on Sodor now!"

"Say! That IS something special!" Gina agreed. "So...what did David suggest?"

"Well, when we mentioned our growing thoughts about finding a certain clearing or tree," said Emily, "He suggested that since all the engine couples are here together, we form something more than just a Family Tree. I got the thought that perhaps all the engine couples form their own family tree, but then David said we should search the forests and see if we can find...the Love Tree! What do you think, Percy and Gina?"

Percy and Gina closed their eyes and thought for a few moments, thinking of a big, lush and very green tree, just like Thomas and Emily thought of. Then they opened their eyes again and formed such big smiles.

"The Love Tree?" Percy peeped. "That sounds delightful! What do you think, Gina?"

"Bellissima," said Gina. "A truly splendid idea for my visit! But Thomas, where could this so-called Love Tree be?"

"We don't know yet, Gina," said Thomas. "And that's where our change of plans comes in. You and Percy will certainly be visiting a forest, depending on where the Love Tree could be. But before that...do you think you can both do us a favour?"

"And what might that be, Thomas?" Gina asked.

"Emily and I will search the forests to look for the tree," said Thomas. "Percy and Gina, you go about the island and spread the word to as many engine couples as you can find. Let them know what Emily and I are doing and what we hope to find. If we do find the right tree, we'll tell them all about it this evening."

"Excellent idea, Thomas," Emily smiled. "Then maybe tomorrow they could all visit the tree in their own given time! Maybe all seven couples could join up together! A gathering of all the engines who have found love on Sodor! Wouldn't that be romantic?"

"It would be, Emily," Thomas agreed. "Truly beautiful just to think about. So, Percy and Gina? Will you help us?"

"Of course, Thomas!" Percy whistled. "Anything to give Gina another Bellissima experience after what we had to go through just a few days ago!"

"Brilliant, Thomas!" Gina whistled. "This will make my visit to the forest with Percy even more Bellissima! Lead the way, Percy!"

"Good luck, Thomas and Emily!" Percy whistled happily.

So while Percy and Gina left to spread the word, Thomas and Emily set off with a dash back down the Main Line. They wouldn't be just visiting the forests now. They were now ready to look for the perfect tree any of the forests could offer.

Soon they came back through Wellsworth, then took the line that lead to Henry's Forest. And so began Thomas and Emily's search for the Love Tree, where they would start at Henry's Forest. As with all big searches these two engines had done throughout their lives, they searched high, they searched low. They searched near, and they searched far.

As Thomas and Emily rolled along the line side by side, they briefly remembered how they passed through here a few years ago to experience the midnight wonders of Sodor, then they looked left and right among the broad oaks and tall pines. They looked up and down the hillsides, trying to see if there was any particular tree that really stood out among all the others. One that would seem perfect for all the couples to see for themselves. The trees were growing strong and tall as they always did in this forest, and through the scenery, Thomas and Emily thought for sure they saw deer and rabbits running through the woods. There were many different-sized trees with many different appearances and different patterns in their branches, but Thomas and Emily were keeping their eyes open for the absolute best tree they could find.

About ten minutes later, Thomas and Emily looked up and saw the Wishing Tree again. It had been quite a long time since either of them saw this tree, long since Henry tried to save it by blocking all the lines, but then brought the Special Woodsmen in to truly save it. As Henry had wished, the Wishing Tree was still standing strong and tall.

When Thomas stopped at the Wishing Tree, Emily stopped too and saw what he was doing. He had shut his eyes and began to wish.

"I wish for us to find the perfect Love Tree, be it right here, in the Whistling Woods, in Maithwaite Forest, or anywhere else. So be it."

Then Thomas opened his eyes, whistled and carried on down the line, followed closely by Emily. She suddenly felt another question come to mind.

"Thomas? There are many lovely trees here, including the Wishing Tree. We still have other forests to explore, but I wonder. Wherever we may find it, how are we going to know which tree should be the Love Tree?"

Thomas looked up to Emily as they passed through a thicker part of the forest.

"Well, Emily, when David suggested this idea, I shut my eyes and imagined a most particular sort of tree, and you and I were right beside it."

"I envisioned that too," said Emily. "Do you think it could be a tree like that? Big, lush, very green and has wide-spreading leaves?"

"I think so, Emily. But not just any tree like that," Thomas beamed with eagerness. "The Wishing Tree may be the oldest thing on Sodor, but age is no matter to the tree we're looking for. What I do know is this: The Sodor Love Tree must be the biggest, hugest, greenest, lushest and most gigantic, lifelike tree in the entirety of Henry's Forest, the Whistling Woods, Maithwaite Forest, or ANY other forest there is on Sodor, on account of all other trees being broad oaks and tall pines, among a few other trees we have here too. And besides and furthermore, it's bound to be unlike any other tree we've ever set eyes on, and will look truly beautiful for all the other couples. The only question is, where can our Love Tree be?"

And Thomas and Emily huffed onward through Henry's Forest, searching onwards for their supposed Love Tree...

Meanwhile, Percy and Gina were hurrying along the Branch Line, heading back toward the Main Line themselves, keeping an open eye for any of the other engine couples there were on Sodor. But as they raced along the line together, Gina had a few other thoughts running through her mind. Something she had not thought of before and began to feel that this would give her an even bigger experience throughout the next day. As they passed through Wellsworth, she spoke up.

"Percy?"

"Yes, Gina?" Percy replied.

"I've noticed something else to all of this...Even on my previous visits here over three years ago...I still haven't met all the other engine couples myself."

Percy suddenly looked up with a sense of surprise. "My goodness...you haven't Gina?"

"Well, there's you and I, of course," said Gina. "Thomas and Emily and Gordon and Rebecca. But who are the others?"

"Oh, well...Rosie and Stanley," said Percy. "Luke and Millie, and Belle and Flynn. That makes all seven couples. They're all excellent couples in their own ways, although Rosie and Stanley are often quite distant from each other, as are Luke and Millie. But if we could get them all gathered at the Love Tree once it's found, it would indeed be a most romantic meetup for all of us!"

"Indeed, Percy," said Gina. "I am very excited to see how this all turns out."

Then Percy looked ahead and saw Stanley with a hefty goods train. "Gina! Look! There's Stanley now!"

Percy raced ahead, followed closely by Gina as she took a brief look at the silver engine.

"Stanley! Hey, Stanley!" Percy whistled urgently.

"Percy? What's all the excitement about?" Stanley asked. "And hello, Gina! On another visit from Italy, are you, so I've heard?"

"Si, Stanley. And a pleasure to meet you," said Gina. "For now, we have something to ask of you."

"What's that?" Stanley asked.

Percy and Gina quickly told Stanley all about Thomas and Emily's search for the Love Tree, making him beam and smile immensely at such a thought.

"Thomas and Emily are searching through the forests for what they call the Love Tree," said Percy. "A place for all the engine couples to visit together if they can. Do you think you can make your way to Vicarstown and tell Rosie about it?"

"You know...that works perfectly!" Stanley whistled. "If Thomas and Emily find this Love Tree, then I'm in luck. I'm taking this lot to Vicarstown anyway. I'll certainly tell Rosie and see what she'll think of this."

"Thank you, Stanley!" Percy called as the silver engine huffed onward down the line.

"It's working, Percy!" Gina beamed. "We've got one couple set up to hear about all of this."

"Gina, I have an idea," Percy suddenly peeped. "You keep on the Main Line and see if you can find Gordon and Rebecca, and James and Molly. Whichever one you meet, tell them about the Love Tree. I'll head to the Search and Rescue Centre to tell Belle and Flynn, then to Ulfstead to tell Millie, then to Blue Mountain to tell Luke."

"Mamma Mia, Percy!" Gina exclaimed. "That sounds like a lot for you to do."

"It makes no difference to me," said Percy. "I'd like all the engine couples to know about this. As long as they all know, then I'm happy."

And as they came to a set of points, Percy was switched off the line beside Gina and down the Suddery line toward the Search and Rescue Centre. He and Gina whistled a goodbye to each other and kept on their way. It wasn't long before Gina looked ahead and saw James too. She raced up alongside him and whistled.

"Oh! Gina? What are you doing out here?" James asked.

"Thomas and Emily are looking for a new tree for all the couples on Sodor. The Love Tree," said Gina.

"The Love Tree?" James remarked. "What is this all about?"

"We'll tell you later if we can," said Gina. "If you see Molly, please tell her too."

"Hmm...if it would mean seeing my Shining Sun again, very well, Gina," James whistled and carried on down the line.

Soon, Percy arrived at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. He whistled to Belle and Flynn who were resting together with Harold, Rocky and Butch.

"Percy! Is there an emergency?" Flynn asked.

"No, Flynn. Not at all," said Percy. "But there's something I think you and Belle should know."

"Oh? What's that, Percy?" Belle asked.

Percy quickly told them about Thomas and Emily's plans for the forest, and all about the Love Tree. Belle and Flynn's eyes widened and they looked at each other dearly. In their line of work to respond to emergencies, they had not thought of something like this lately.

"That sounds very lovely, Percy," said Belle. "I would love to visit the forest with Flynn, like I did with Toby all those years ago."

"If only we didn't always have to be on standby for any emergency," said Flynn.

"Well, I just wanted you two to know that Thomas and Emily are on the search," said Percy. "And if you two have any chance of seeing the Love Tree once it's found, maybe you could work something out. Thomas wants to do this for all the engine couples there are."

"Well, thank you, Percy," Belle smiled. "A very thoughtful thing for Thomas and Emily to do for all of us."

"You're very welcome, Belle and Flynn," said Percy as he set off again to try and find another engine belonging to a certain couple.

"Well, Flynn...the Love Tree," said Belle. "It sounds simple, but lovely just the same."

"Lovely indeed, just like you, Big Belle," Flynn replied.

"Oh, Flynn," Belle blushed. "Thank you."

By this time, Thomas and Emily had finished searching Henry's Forest. They had searched left, right, up and down, but aside from the Wishing Tree, there were no other trees that stood out significantly enough to be something truly special. But neither engine felt disappointed. There were still two more forests to look over and see what they could find.

"Well, Thomas," said Emily. "We've done Henry's Forest, and there's no Love Tree to be found there."

"No, there isn't," said Thomas. "But chin up, Emily. Maybe we'll find something in the Whistling Woods. It's worth looking at least."

"I agree," said Emily. "Let's go then, Thomas...to the Whistling Woods, where Percy made his animal friends, where we always exchange tales of big adventures, and where the finest roses bloom in sheer beauty."

"Right this way, my love," Thomas smiled as he and Emily huffed onward, out of Henry's Forest and back up the line...

Meanwhile, Gina was still searching along the line for Gordon or Rebecca to see if they could receive the word. Then she looked ahead and saw Kellsthorpe Road Station, where Gordon and Rebecca had stopped together with the express. Gina gave a whistle, making both express engines look up.

"Ciao, Gordon and Rebecca," Gina greeted.

"Hello again, Gina," Rebecca whistled.

"What are you doing all the way out here?" Gordon asked.

Gina briefed Gordon and Rebecca on Thomas and Emily's search for the Love Tree.

"The Love Tree? Ooh, that sounds lovely, doesn't it Gordon?" Rebecca beamed.

"Perhaps. But not while we're busy with the express!" Gordon replied.

"We'll tell you more about it later. Tonight maybe," said Gina.

And at that moment, Gordon and Rebecca's guard whistles blew and they had to carry on.

"Thank you, Gina. Express Coming Through!" they whistled together as they set off again.

"Excellent," Gina smiled to herself. "Stanley, James, Gordon and Rebecca have all been told. Hopefully, Rosie and Molly will hear about this too."

And Gina was right. James soon made his way to Crovan's Gate to pick up and set down his trucks again. Molly was shunting a line of trucks into a siding when she looked up and smiled dearly, making James smile too.

"Hello again, Jimmy!" she whistled.

"Hello again, my Shining Sun," said James. "How have you been since Gymkhana, Molly?"

"Oh, quite content," said Molly. "All that's missing is having you around more often, of course."

This was exactly what James wanted to hear. "Well, Molly, since it's been another while for both of us, I'm very glad to hear you say that. Because Thomas and Emily are apparently looking for something for all the other couples on Sodor to enjoy."

"Oh? And what's that, James?" Molly asked.

"Not a Family Tree...but the Love Tree, as they call it," said James. "I'll surely hear more about it later, but what do you think of that, Molly?"

"Ooh...a Love Tree?" Molly blushed. "It sounds very lovely indeed. Thank you for telling me, Jimmy. Maybe we could see it tomorrow, wherever it may be."

"With any luck, maybe we shall," James smiled. "So lovely to pass this onto you, my Shining Sun! See you later, Molly!"

And James whistled onward, leaving Molly smiling and beaming with anticipation. She couldn't wait to find out more about this Love Tree...

As for Stanley, he made his way to Vicarstown with his load. He looked ahead and saw Rosie waiting to shunt his trucks about and she was most delightfully surprised to see him again. As Stanley came closer, she gave a series of delighted whistles to greet him.

"Hello there, Stanley!" Rosie beamed. "Such a delight to see you again!"

"Likewise, I'm very sure, Rosie," Stanley smiled. "And I've come under most fitting circumstances for both of us."

"Oh? What do you mean, Stanley?" Rosie asked.

"Well, given that Gina is here visiting Sodor for a while, she and Percy met me further back down the line. They say that Thomas and Emily are searching for what they call the Love Tree. There's the Wishing Tree in Henry's Forest, but Thomas and Emily have decided to go looking for a tree for all the other couples on Sodor to visit. Maybe altogether! What do you think, Rosie?"

"Hmm...my goodness," Rosie pondered. "That does sound very lovely, Stanley...I just don't know if our schedules would let us go together. But if we have any chance at all, I would be elated to spend such a time with you again."

"Oh, Rosie. Thank you," Stanley beamed. "I just wonder who else might receive the word...and I wonder where Thomas and Emily are now if they're still searching for this Love Tree. It must be a truly spectacular tree, wherever it may be..."

By this time, Thomas and Emily had passed Maron Station, then found a wye line to turn around and face the right way. Then they followed the line past Maron all the way up to the Ulfstead Branch Line where the Whistling Woods were located. Once they arrived, Thomas and Emily soon found the line that led right to the Whistling Woods. They gave a little smile to each other, then made their way side by side into the peaceful, serene atmosphere of another forest.

"Once again, nestled in the Whistling Woods, Emily," said Thomas. "The woods of Hiro's Hideout, Percy's animal friends, my adventurous tales, and the loveliest flowers ever to grow for my angel."

"Yes, Tommy. Absolutely lovely," Emily gleamed happily. "Now, let's see if there's any special tree here for all of us to love."

And so she and Thomas began huffing together through the Whistling Woods, looking up, down, left and right again among all the other trees to see if their Love Tree could be found here. They looked into the depths of the trees and saw Percy's bird flying among the branches. Then they saw the two squirrels and the rabbit scampering along the forest floor. Emily smiled dearly to the animals as she and Thomas slowly huffed through the forest.

Soon, they passed the small lake beside the line where Belle once caught a glimpse of Jem Cole fishing with a young boy.

"A fine little lake, isn't it, Emily?" Thomas observed.

"I suppose so, Thomas," said Emily. "But of course, Black Loch has the perfect lake for both of us."

"Indeed it does, Emily," said Thomas. "But where could that Love Tree be?"

"I don't know, Thomas, but we'll keep looking," said Emily. "I wonder if the other engine couples have received the word yet."

"I'm sure we'll find out tonight, Emily," said Thomas. "And if we're lucky, we can tell them just where the Love Tree is...once we find it."

So Thomas and Emily searched onward through the Whistling Woods together...

By this time, Percy made his way to Ulfstead Castle to tell Millie and Sir Robert about Thomas' little proposition. By now, he was starting to tire from rushing around such distances, and he was sure Gina was starting to tire too. He also hoped that she managed to meet other engines belonging to another engine and pass on the word.

As Percy stopped at the castle station, he looked up and saw Millie on her narrow track. Percy whistled a greeting to her, and she whistled back just as Sir Robert came walking up toward him.

"Percy? What are you doing here? We weren't expecting any passengers or deliveries from you," he remarked.

"Oui, Percy," said Millie. "Speaking of which, is there any word about Luke?"

"Good day, Sir Robert and Millie," said Percy. "No word about Luke...but he is partly why I'm here. My work with Gina has been done since we took our loads to Arlesburgh West, but to answer your question, Millie I was wondering if I could ask you something, Sir Robert...about Luke."

"Oh? What is it, Percy?" Millie asked.

"Hmm. Curious," said Sir Robert. "Well, speak up, Percy."

Percy told Sir Robert and Millie about Thomas and Emily's search for the Love Tree, and how they were hoping that all the other engine couples could enjoy it, wherever it would be found. Millie felt her cheeks turn a little red and her heart began to jump a little. It made her think if she could see Luke again in any manner. Sir Robert found himself rather intrigued by this prospect and thought for a few moments. Then he looked to Percy again.

"Hmm...very interesting," he said. "Well, whether or not Millie could pay a visit to wherever Thomas and Emily find this supposed Love Tree depends on her schedule, Luke's schedule...and where the tree may be found."

"I know, sir," said Percy. "I've managed to tell Stanley, Belle and Flynn already, and I trust that Gina managed to find James, Molly, Gordon or Rebecca, telling at least one of them about all this. But with regards to Millie, I was thinking of going to Blue Mountain Quarry myself to ask Mr. Percival if there's any chance for Luke."

"Oh, no need for you to go all the way there, Percy," said Sir Robert. "I'll call him myself and see if something can be worked out."

"Ohh! Merci, sir!" Millie gushed. "And Merci, Percy! I never thought of any Love Tree before...and Luke would surely love it too!"

"You're very welcome, Millie," Percy replied.

So Percy and Millie waited while Sir Robert ran off to telephone the Thin Controller. For about fifteen minutes, Percy and Millie waited for Sir Robert to return. Millie could feel a certain glimmer shine in her boiler. Wherever this Love Tree could be, she was excited to see it for herself, and even morso with the possibility of Luke coming along with her, be they on rails, or on flatbeds with another couple.

Eventually, Sir Robert came hurrying back. Percy and Millie looked up with hope.

"Well, you two. I've told Mr. Percival about Thomas and Emily's little errand, as it were," he explained. "He seemed interested by the prospect, and he does have some terms to make clear. Luke is busy tomorrow until 3:00 p.m. tomorrow. By then, he'll manage to have a break in work before he's busy again later tomorrow evening. Depending on where the tree is found, perhaps you and Luke could spend a while there tomorrow, Millie. I'll have to see if you'll need two other engines to bring you there by flatbed or not."

"Oh! Merci, monsieur!" Millie beamed excitedly. "And Merci, Percy!"

"You're welcome, Millie. And thank you, Sir Robert!" Percy whistled. "Now, I'd better find Gina and see how she's doing."

And Percy set off out of the castle grounds, and back toward the Main Line so he and Gina could meet up and exchange their progress...

---

Meanwhile, Thomas and Emily kept searching onwards through the Whistling Woods for almost forty minutes. They saw big trees, little trees, thick trees and thin trees. But after forty minutes of searching through all the Whistling Woods, there was still no Love Tree. They came out of the Whistling Woods and thought a little more to themselves before speaking up again.

"Two forests and no Love Tree even now," said Thomas. "I don't want to lose hope, Emily...oh, goodness, I sure hope we'll find it somewhere."

"We're not giving up, Thomas," said Emily. "We've searched two forests now, with no luck. Henry's Forest already has the Wishing Tree, the Whistling Woods have Hiro's Hideout, Percy's animal friends and all the flowers...and Black Loch is most specifically our little kingdom. That means there's one forest left to offer us a chance. It's time to search Maithwaite Forest. Just as I suggested earlier today, if there's any special tree to be found, it must be there."

Thomas looked at Emily with a solid look. "I'm right with you, Emily. Let's go find that tree, my emerald angel."

"The Love Tree awaits, my cobalt star," Emily replied with a smile of hope.

So Thomas and Emily set off down the line once more to the last forest that needed searching. Then they would see just what they would find...

By this time, Percy had just passed Kildane Station when he saw Gina coming back down the line, looking a little weary and tired with a slightly red face. Percy suddenly smiled as he thought for sure she had reached out to the other engines.

"Hello again, Gina," he greeted. "How are you?"

"Ciao, Percy. Oh...I'm tired...but...but triumphant," Gina smiled. "How have you been doing?"

"Spectacular," said Percy. "I've managed to tell Belle and Flynn at the Rescue Centre. Then I told Millie and Sir Robert at Ulfstead. He called the Thin Controller and confirmed that Luke has a chance to see the Love Tree with Millie, wherever it may be sometime tomorrow."

"Bellissima, Percy," said Gina. "I, myself have told James, Gordon and Rebecca about it too. I trust James has told Molly and Stanley has told Rosie by now. It's just a matter of who visits the tree, where and when."

"I agree," said Percy. "All the couples know now."

"Si, they do. Now, since we've told everyone about the Love Tree, shall we go and find Thomas and Emily?" Gina asked.

Percy thought a little to himself, then looked up to Gina again.

"Hmm...I'm thinking they might be at Maithwaite Forest," said Percy. "I don't know why, but it feels like the right place to be looking for the Love Tree. Henry's Forest is famous for how much he loves it. The Whistling Woods are famous for Hiro's Hideout and my animal friends...and Black Loch is where Thomas and Emily romantically belong. Let's go, Gina. I'm very sure they'll be there."

"Hmm...very well, Percy. I hope you are right," said Gina.

Percy found a wye line to turn around and face Gina's direction. Then she and Percy set off down the line so as to eventually reach Maithwaite Forest. But what a surprise would await them upon their arrival...

By this time, Thomas and Emily were still puffing along the line together, deeper in thought than they had started out that same morning. They both began to feel their hearts jumping with anticipation, as if they were about to find out all the answers. Would they find the supposed Love Tree? Would they not find one? What would it look like? Would the other engines get to see it? All the questions were coming back to them over the remainder of their journey, until at last they came to the Maithwaite Forest Junction. Something deep within both engines stirred in their hearts.

"Alright...here we are, Thomas," said Emily. "Maithwaite Forest. I wonder what lies within these trees..."

"It has to be here...it has to," Thomas said quietly. "Shall we proceed, my love?"

"Please do, Thomas," Emily answered gently. "For the sake of all the loving couples that run on rails."

So Thomas and Emily set off right into Maithwaite Forest, going slowly and steadily side by side, looking more intently than ever at the trees that surrounded them. Rather like Henry's Forest, Maithwaite Forest was full of broad oaks and tall pines too. There were light green rolling hills alongside the rails and a few friendly-looking clearings. Neither Thomas nor Emily said a word as they let their eyes and ears do all the work, scanning for any tree that stood out more than the others, and listening to the occasional chirps and skitters of the birds and squirrels throughout the forest. Thomas and Emily occasionally looked to each other and gave little smiles of hope as they glimpsed to each other's paintwork glistening lightly in the rays of sun poking through the branches above them.

Then Thomas huffed a little faster, proceeding a few yards ahead of Emily as they went deeper into the forest. It was now 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon. It had been a fairly long day so far for many engines, but for Thomas and Emily, this was turning out to be an unusual and provocative day, having searched two forests already and now searching the last one they could think of.

Then, about fifteen minutes later, Thomas and Emily came to another bend that curved to the left. Emily watched as Thomas still huffed a little ways ahead of her. But then, just as he began to get further ahead of her, he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. He seemed to freeze right where he was. Not a single axle shook, not a muscle moved in his face for a few moments. Emily wondered if something was wrong and came up beside him. She looked more closely and could see his eyes lock onto something, slowly widening. Emily's heart jump as he huffed just a few inches further, then stopped again.

"Thomas? W...what is it?" Emily asked, noticing he had gone very quiet.

She saw just where he was looking, and so she looked right with him...then she slowly gasped right with Thomas, feeling both their hearts ripple with excitement, discovery and sheer, unwavering love.

There, right in the middle of the clearing ahead, standing strong and tall, going up, up, up, high above all the other trees, and very wide too...was what they were very sure to call the Love Tree. This tree was very tall, very wide and very lushly green. It had big branches with shrouds of pure, green leaves spreading out very far among the other branches, and this tree seemed to be full of life and full of absolute purpose. It was infinitely perfect, and Thomas and Emily knew they had at last found what they were looking for.

"Cinders...and Ashes!" Thomas gasped. "The biggest, hugest, greenest, lushest and most gigantic, lifelike tree...in the entire line of Sodor Forests!"

"Is...is that...?" Emily shuddered, nearly shedding a tear of joy. "Thomas...it's...it's the..."

"This is it!" Thomas suddenly whistled with victory. "The Love Tree! Our Love Tree! Ho-ho-ho-ho! We found it!"

And Thomas burst into a series of whistles and laughs of joy. Emily suddenly began whistling and laughing joyfully too. The way this tree had grown and was shaped the way it was just seemed so naturally perfect to Thomas and Emily. It was a simple matter to have conjured up with David's help, but now that they were seeing it with their own eyes, they couldn't be more abuzz with such fervor and delight. Never in all their years of being in love had they thought of anything like this before, and now here it was before their very eyes at last.

"Oh, Thomas! This tree, it's...it's perfect!" Emily squealed. "I've never seen any other tree like this! This has to be the Love Tree! The one we've been looking for! It's perfect for all the couples who have yet to see it themselves! Oh, Thomas, I love you!"

"I love you too, Emily," Thomas beamed. "And just wait until Percy and Gina see this!"

And in that moment, just as favour would have it, Thomas and Emily heard two more whistles in the distance. They looked up and saw Percy and Gina coming down the line together, calling for Thomas and Emily until they looked up again.

"Oh, look, Gina!" Percy whistled as he looked ahead. "There they are! Thomas! Emily! I had a feeling you'd both be here."

"Ciao, Thomas and Emily," Gina whistled. "After quite a deal of travelling, you'll be pleased to hear we've told all the couples there can be."

"We both told Stanley to pass it on to Rosie," said Percy. "Then I told Belle and Flynn, then Millie Ulfstead Castle. Gina told James, Gordon and Rebecca about it herself, and surely Rosie and Molly know by now about our proposition. But we still have to search for that tree."

"No need for any more searching, Percy!" Emily whistled. "It's right here in front of Thomas and I! We found it!"

Percy and Gia gasped.

"What did you say?" Percy squeaked.

"What did you find?" Gina asked in turn.

"We've found it! The Love Tree!" Thomas whistled with delight. "Look, Percy! Look, Gina!"

Percy and Gina looked right where Thomas was looking and slowly opened their mouths into gaping smiles. It was even better and more beautiful than Percy or Gina could have imagined, and in that moment, even more joyful stirrings began circling between the four engines. After everything they had been thinking of earlier today, this was just what they were looking for and waiting to behold, and it was truly extraordinary.

"Ohh...Bellissima beyond any more words!" Gina gasped. "Truly a marvel! It's truly perfect!"

"Yes! Yes, Gina!" Percy gaped. "It's amazing! You really are a great discoverer, Thomas. You too, Emily!"

"Yes, Percy. We have indeed found the Sodor Love Tree," said Emily. "And I think it's a true landmark of Sodor as of today. This is truly amazing."

For quite a long time, on into early evening, Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina stayed in Maithwaite Forest, right by the newfound Love Tree, staring at all its lively, natural features and constantly thinking to themselves and each other that there was no other tree like it on Sodor. This was exactly what they had been looking for, and they were indeed most eager to tell the other engines all about it, and see what they would think of it once their chances to see it would come.

At last, as the sun began to set, the four engines all looked at each other with a deep, content sigh. This had been an unusual day, but it had turned in some interesting and most pleasantly stirring discoveries.

"Well...this has been a most impressive day," said Thomas. "We have found the Sodor Love Tree...and now, we must tell the others all about it."

"I agree, Thomas," said Emily. "Let's all go home and tell the news...then we'll see what will happen tomorrow."

"Grazie, Thomas and Emily," Gina smiled. "This has turned out to be much more than I would have expected."

"I couldn't agree more, Gina," Percy added. "We must tell the others all about it!"

So all four engines whistled and set off down the line together. Now that the Love Tree had been discovered, it was time to bring the matter further...

At last, as night began to drift over the sky, Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina all came back to Tidmouth Sheds. It had been a long and most delightful day in so many ways. As they approached the sheds and looked up, the other four engines were all staring very steadily at the two engine couples. Thomas and Emily backed into their berths first. Then Percy backed into his, with Gina buffering right up to him. The four returning engines looked to the other four engines as silence ensued with several passing moments, until Thomas decided to break it.

"Hello, everyone," he said. "I...I trust you've heard what Emily and I have been doing throughout today?"

"We...we have, Thomas," said Rebecca. "We...we've heard of the most peculiar search you've been on throughout today."

"The Love Tree, as you call it," Gordon remarked. "Something for all seven couples on Sodor?"

"It must be a very impressive tree to carry a name such as that," said Nia.

"I told Molly all about it, and she seems to love the idea," said James. "But the question is...has it been found?"

Then at that moment, the Fat Controller's car drove up to the sheds. When he came out, he took a close look at the two engine couples. He had heard all about the word that had got around over the course of the day.

"Well, you four," he said. "I've heard a few rumours about searching for what's called the 'Love Tree.' Are these rumours true?"

Thomas and Emily spoke up right away.

"Yes, sir. They are indeed true," said Thomas. "We've been on quite a search today. All four of us were."

"Well then. Do please tell me about it," said the Fat Controller.

Over the next fair while, Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina told the Fat Controller all about what had happened since Arlesburgh and Arlesburgh West. From David and Beatrice's talk with Thomas and Emily, to their new plan to find the Love Tree, to how Percy and Gina went about the island reaching out to the other couples, right up to when Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina all gathered together at the Love Tree once it had been discovered. Gordon, Rebecca, James and Nia all listened and were most intrigued by everything they had heard. The Fat Controller was intrigued too as he began to think a few things himself.

"Most interesting," said the Fat Controller. "So there's a new special tree on Sodor now, is there? The Wishing Tree in Henry's Forest, and now the Love Tree in...which forest did you find it in?"

"Maithwaite Forest, sir" said Thomas. "The same forest where I crashed through the buffers, trying to find a shortcut to beat Bertie in another race. But now, it has a brand new purpose in our hearts, as I'm sure it will for all the other couples who can hopefully see it throughout tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, you say?" the Fat Controller pondered. "Why do you say that, Thomas?"

"Well, Percy, Gina, Emily and I have seen the Love Tree now. So, I was thinking...maybe each of the remaining couples could visit the tree throughout tomorrow? If they have the time and means? Please, sir?"

"Please?" Percy added. "When I went to Ulfstead Castle to tell Millie, Sir Robert called Mr. Percival to ask about Luke...and has a break from work at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow. Perhaps Rosie and Stanley could bring them to the Love Tree on flatbeds, sir?"

"Hmm..." the Fat Controller pondered as he continued to think. "Well...this is yet another discovery to have been made. By you, Thomas, and Emily too. As for the other couples, if you and the rest of them all keep to schedules and keep on time, I think you could all take your own separate times to visit there...and if schedule works in enough favour, I may plan a few things myself. I'll see what I can do tomorrow about this matter...and I'd very much like to see this supposed Love Tree for myself and see just what it may be like."

"Well, then...thank you very much, sir," said Thomas.

"Yes, thank you," said Emily.

"Of course," said the Fat Controller. "Now all of you can do well with a good night's sleep, as can I."

And with that, he returned to his car and drove home, while all the other engines looked wondrously to each other.

"I wonder what you will all think of the Love Tree yourselves," said Emily. "Depending on who can go when."

"I'm already excited just thinking about it," Rebecca bubbled. "Simple, but very meaningful, I think."

"Well, as long as my Golden Queen is right along with me," Gordon smiled to her. "I'd be honoured to visit any tree."

Rebecca blushed and giggled strongly to Gordon's words as James spoke next.

"As soon as I find the time with Molly, I'm not wasting an instant of it," he remarked.

"And hopefully, Stanley and Rosie can find a chance too," said Thomas. "And for all the engine couples there are, we'll just have to wait and see what they think of this little discovery. Goodnight, Steam Team...and goodnight to all the Sudrian couples on rails!"

And so all the engines bade a very fond goodnight to each other and fell asleep together with steady smiles on their faces. But before Thomas fell asleep, he turned right around to Emily's berth and buffered right up to her.

"Thank you, Emily," he whispered. "For finding the Love Tree with me. I'm really looking forward to how tomorrow turns out."

"Ooh, Tommy," Emily giggled happily. "I'm so happy we found the tree too. I just know tomorrow will be special, for everyone."

To this, Thomas pressed his lips right to Emily's and pulled her into a deep kiss. Emily's eyes shut and she moaned softly into Thomas' kiss as she kissed him right back, feeling her heart flutter happily right with Thomas' until they let go a few moments later.

"Sweet dreams, Emily. I love you," Thomas whispered.

"Sweet dreams to you, Thomas. I love you too," Emily whispered.

And with that, she and Thomas fell asleep too. The next day would be a most interesting one for several engines alike, and it would lead to one more little addition besides the seven engine couples.

---

The next morning, the sun rose with a great, glowing pink and orange colour, and there was not a cloud in sight. All the engines woke up together, feeling a great sense of eagerness circling among them. Thomas and Emily looked to each other, then to Percy and Gina buffered up together. Gordon and Rebecca glanced to each other with steady smiles, and James merely sighed impressively to the coming sunrise.

"Well...good morning, everyone," said Thomas. "Now that Emily, Percy, Gina and I have seen the Love Tree, now is your chance to see it yourselves, whenever you have the time and means."

All the engines agreed with Thomas. It was just a matter of when they could spare the time together, and who would do it when?

The engines all made their way to Knapford Station and into the yards as the Fat Controller stood at the platform. Remembering what he had asked the Fat Controller the night before, Percy asked if Rosie and Stanley could fill in to take Luke and Millie to the Love Tree around 3:00 p.m. As it turned out, the Fat Controller was a step ahead of Percy's hopes and had already arranged a window of time for Rosie and Stanley to be free of work for a couple hours around that time, so as to allow Luke and Millie to see the tree with them. He then sent the engines off to their given schedules, and they day began.

Gordon and Rebecca were soon off together with the express until such time their run would be over. Whenever that time would come, it would be their chance to see the Love Tree. But before that, other engine couples had to take their chance first. Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina all worked through their own schedules, running the Branch Line, looking after passengers and delivering the mail alike on into the hours that passed.

Eventually, around 1:00 p.m. that day, James found himself making good time, and as favour would have it, his schedule allowed him a window of free time around this hour to spend with Molly. Eventually, he found her at Maron Station just finishing a delivery of her own, and as soon as she looked up, she could tell there was something frisky going on. She remembered what James had told her before, and now she was wondering if the little miracle had indeed been found.

"Hello, Jimmy," she greeted. "I see you're looking frisky. Have Thomas and Emily...made the discovery?"

"Molly, my dear...the Love Tree has indeed been found," James announced. "At Maithwaite Forest. Would you care to spend a little while there with me?"

Molly felt her boiler bubble surely. "So it's true...there really is a Love Tree. Well, then...please take me with you, Jimmy."

"Glad to oblige, my Shining Sun," James winked. "Anything for another chance to be with you, my dear Molly."

And so within the hour, James and Molly were huffing swiftly along the line together to see the Love Tree for themselves. James secretly had a few little doubts of the Love Tree, feeling as though it probably wouldn't be a spectacular as Thomas and Emily said it would be, but Molly was feeling frisky and very curious to see just what Thomas and Emily had come to discover only the day before. She and James huffed right along the line, all the way to Maithwaite Forest. Then they came around that bend, looked up and gasped together. There was the Love Tree, exactly how Thomas and Emily had described. Even James had to admit he did not expect the Love Tree to look like this. Any doubts he had dissolved instantly as he looked to Molly and saw her pop her eyes, then breathe very heavily at all that she saw.

"Well, by my dome," Molly beamed. "It's...it's unbelievable!"

"Wow...by my paintwork," James breathed. "Thomas and Emily were right. This tree is indeed wholesome, pure and full of life! Look at those leaves, and those long-reaching branches! Not even Henry's Forest has a tree like this!"

"Well...I think they've discovered something special beyond any doubt, James!" Molly whistled. "I can only wonder what the others will think, but for now, let us take it all in, you and I, James!"

"And so we shall," James answered.

And so, for about forty minutes of harmony and a shining sense of being together, James and Molly stayed at the Love Tree, taking it all in and just feeling all-around very good about themselves and each other, until after they had spent all the time they could spare so far, they had to get back to work and finish their own schedules. They made their way back to the Main Line and huffed onwards until their lines parted ways. They blew a kiss to each other and whistled goodbye, wondering what the next couple...or two, would think of the Love Tree.

The day pushed onward, and eventually, 3:00 p.m. came upon the day. At the Blue Mountain Quarry, Luke was in quite a tizzy of delight. Ever since the Thin Controller had told him about his little chance with Millie the day before, he couldn't shake her out of his mind now. Even though this would be a brief visit with her, and on flatbeds at that, it still counted as them getting together, and seemingly at a more frequent state of time, given how their last meetup was that past January when Luke got scared by the rumoured Loch Ness Monster story that Donald told him on Burns Night.

"Good gracious!" Luke peeped. "A Love Tree! I...I never thought there could be such a thing! And to see Millie again too!"

And right at that moment, Luke looked up to the sound of a coming whistle. Stanley arrived with a flatbed for Luke to ride on, and Judy and Jerome to load Luke onboard.

"Hello, Luke," said Stanley. "I've heard all about the Love Tree Thomas and Emily discovered. Are you coming? Millie will soon be ready."

Luke's eyes popped and his whistle nearly warbled and tweeted with excitement.

"Millie? The Love Tree? I'd be delighted to, Stanley! Thank you!" Luke rejoiced.

So Luke was loaded onto his flatbed, and he and Stanley set off for Ulfstead Castle with Judy and Jerome so as to load Millie onboard her flatbed.

At Ulfstead Castle, Rosie soon arrived with her flatbed. Millie was wildly excited to see Luke again, and in less than five minutes, Stanley's whistle sounded through the air. Rosie looked up and saw him arrive with Judy and Jerome, and there he was for Millie to see on the flatbed. Luke had come back again.

"Bonjour, Millie!" Luke called. "Have you heard?"

"Oui, Luke! Thomas and Emily have found it!" Millie whistled excitedly. "I'd love to see it for ourselves."

"Yes, Millie. We all shall," said Rosie. "And quite an interesting way for us to get together again too."

"Indeed it is, Rosie," Stanley agreed.

As soon as Millie was loaded onto Rosie's flatbed, she and Stanley set off down the line with Luke and Millie, all the way to Maithwaite Forest, taking Judy and Jerome with them so as to return them to their narrow lines later on. Once they arrived at Maithwaite Forest, Rosie and Stanley left Judy and Jerome in a nearby siding, then huffed further through the forest with Luke and Millie until they came to that curve to the left. From his flatbed, Luke looked ahead and suddenly saw it for himself, very quickly being taken in by the magnificent tree Thomas and Emily had discovered.

"Look over there, everybody!" Luke called. "I think this is it!"

Rosie and Stanley looked up then suddenly stopped with a steady hiss of steam, immediately astonished by what their eyes met. Among all the other trees they had seen in their lives, this was without a doubt the biggest, most impressive tree these engines had ever set their eyes upon. They'd had their imaginations on this tree before right from when they first heard about it, but now, it was even more than any of them ever suspected.

"My goodness, Stanley! Isn't that beautiful?" Rosie gleamed. "Past extraordinary! My big brother Thomas has certainly outdone himself yesterday!"

"Look at that extraordinary tree!" Stanley exclaimed. "Thomas has indeed outdone himself...but I like it, Rosie. We should be proud of him and Emily!"

"Oh...goodness! Look at this tree, Millie!" Luke gasped. "It's countless times bigger than I am...me being your little tree."

"Oh, Luke," Millie smiled dearly. "That doesn't change how I love you in the very least. This is the Sodor Love Tree, and I am more than happy to see it right here with you."

"Merci, Millie," Luke replied. "And I'm truly happy to be here at the Love Tree with you."

Just like James and Molly did in their given time, Rosie, Stanley, Luke and Millie spent about an hour gazing at this magnificent tree and simply feeling steadily harmonious about how grand it looked, right until it was time to leave. Rosie took Millie back to Ulfstead Castle with Judy and Jerome to lower Millie back to her rails, then Stanley took Luke back to the Blue Mountain Quarry, where Judy and Jerome lowered him too. It was turning out to be a most unusually productive day, but as the day would progress further, there would be one more surprise for these two small engines, and other engines too.

It was now approaching 4:30 p.m. At the Search and Rescue Centre, Belle and Flynn found themselves wanting to pay a visit to the newly-discovered Love Tree. They had come to hear all about the discovery at Maithwaite Forest, but given their jobs of responding to emergencies, they were puzzling over how it could be done in a way that wouldn't interfere too much with their duties.

At last, Flynn suddenly got an idea. "Hey, Belle...I think there might be a way that would work, for us and our given duty."

"What's that, Flynn?" Belle asked.

Flynn told Belle his little idea and she immediately agreed. Then the Rescue Centre Manager came by to see Belle and Flynn.

"Well, you two," he said. "Sir Topham Hatt has called me and told me about this so-called Love Tree Thomas and Emily found yesterday. I'm sure you would both like to see it for yourselves...but how to do so in case of any emergency?"

Right away, Belle spoke up.

"Please, sir. Flynn just had an idea that might work. If we could take a workman along with us with a radio to contact him with in case of an emergency, may Flynn and I go to Maithwaite Forest and see this Love Tree together?"

The Manager considered for a few moments, weighing the circumstances in case of any emergency. Then he answered.

"Smart decision, Belle. As long as we have a way to reach out to you in case you're needed, then you may go ahead," said the Manager.

"Thank you, sir!" Belle whistled and rang her bell.

"Many thanks, sir!" Flynn added. "Follow me, Big Belle. Let's see what Thomas has discovered for all the engine couples on Sodor."

Belle and Flynn raced along the line on their way to Maithwaite Forest, taking great care to keep their ears open in case of any emergency, but as favour had it, there was no emergency requiring either of their attention today. In these few given moments, they would take their time to enjoy what was all around them.

"Here it is, Flynn," said Belle. "This must be it. The Love Tree..."

"Well...this is quite a sight," said Flynn. "A most extraordinary tree this is!"

"My goodness, Flynn," Belle breathed deeply. "I don't think we've had a chance to do something like this in a very, very long time! I've not stopped and explored through any forest since I tried making friends with Toby...but now, with this most spectacular tree! Oh, by my hoses!"

"Well, this tree is perfect in every way, Belle. Just like you're perfect in every way for me," Flynn smiled.

"Ooh, thank you, Flynn," Belle blushed.

This time, it was Belle and Flynn's turn to spend a while at the Love Tree. While they certainly kept their ears open in case of any emergency that could come at any given moment, they also took the chance to take it all in and feel such a harmonious wave of meaning within themselves and each other. Like the other couples who had seen the tree so far, Belle and Flynn could not recall seeing a tree like this anywhere else on Sodor or the Mainland back before they first met, and this had indeed given them something simple but special to always hold onto, until at last, after another hour had gone by, they decided to return to the Search and Rescue Centre.

"Well, Flynn...that tree is truly amazing," Belle smiled.

"It is indeed," said Flynn. "Now, I say we'd better get back to the Centre."

And so they did. Now there was only one couple left to visit the tree...and after that particular visit, there was one more surprise for a great many engines and even a few people like. Including the Fat Controller.

Now the time was approaching 6:00 p.m. After a long, busy day of managing the express together, Gordon and Rebecca returned to Knapford Station and left their coaches in their sidings. They had been thinking all about the Love Tree all day, and now their chance had finally come.

"Well, Gordon...my Big G," said Rebecca. "Thomas and Emily have seen it. Percy and Gina have seen it...shall we find out what this Love Tree is really like?"

"Hm-hm. As I said before, my Golden Queen," Gordon remarked. "As long as it's with you, I'd be honoured. Maithwaite Forest calls, Rebecca!"

So now, it was Gordon and Rebecca's turn. They left Knapford and raced right up the other side of the Main Line, then just south of Maithwaite, where the forest line came into sight. Both express engines turned onto the forest track and huffed right along together, looking left, right, up and down among the other trees, trying to see what Thomas and Emily could have been talking about. And then, just like all the other couples, they came to that left-turning curve. They came to the clearing, looked up and stopped. There, they saw just what Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina had discovered for themselves. Gordon and Rebecca could now see the Love Tree and just how big, lush and green it really was, unlike all the other trees anyone had seen or cared to notice before.

"There it is, Gordon," Rebecca beamed, looking high up into the forest canopy.

"Goodness me!" Gordon exclaimed. "This is nothing like any tree I've ever seen! Is there any discovery Thomas cannot uncover? The Pirate Treasure, Great Waterton, Cap'n Calles' ship, Lorenzo and Beppe the Lost Engine and Coach, and now...the Sodor Love Tree, fit for all the couples there are on this island...including you and I, my Golden Queen."

"Oh, Gordon...it's just breathtaking," Rebecca gushed. "If only we could gather all the other couples here together and see what that would be like. Thomas and Emily are right in thinking that would be infinitely romantic."

"Perhaps it would, Rebecca," said Gordon. "But could it happen? Should it happen?"

"I think so, Gordon," said Rebecca. "It may seem a little excessive, but then again, all seven engine couples coming together; it's never happened before. Perhaps the Fat Controller will think of something. He did say he'd see what he could do today..."

"Hm. Did he, indeed," said Gordon.

The two express engines found themselves gazing at the Love Tree for a fair while now. About forty minutes passed and all they did was gaze at all the wholesome features of this tree, occasionally exchanging little smiles and blowing kisses to each other as they too felt a strong sense of harmony and purpose just by looking at the tree. At last, after forty minutes, Gordon spoke up again.

"Well, Rebecca. This is indeed impressive," he said. "Perhaps we should return to Knapford Station...and probably see what the Fat Controller might be up to now? You said yourself he'd see what he could do."

"I did," said Rebecca. "As Thomas said, we'll just have to wait and see."

And with that, Gordon and Rebecca set off on their way back to Knapford Station, and on toward the last surprise of the day.

It had been a most productive and unusual day indeed. All the other engine couples had now sent the Love Tree for themselves while also keeping very busy with their own schedules throughout the day, and as the Fat Controller came to realize all of this throughout the day, he had been on many phone calls with several different parts of the railway, clearly putting something together to finish off the evening. A most exceptional treat was in store for a great many engines.

At last, it was going on 7:30 p.m. that evening. Thomas and Emily came back to Knapford Station, followed closely by Percy and Gina. They had been all had a very good day. There'd been no grumbling passengers, all the trains had run to time, and all the mail had been delivered quickly and efficiently. About ten more minutes had passed, when Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina looked up and saw the Fat Controller come out of his office. Then at that moment, Gordon and Rebecca whistled into the station too. The six engines all looked amongst themselves and seemed to be bearing heavy but genuine smiles to each other. The Fat Controller knew fully well what had surely been going on throughout the day, and now that the day was coming to a close, he had made a plan.

"Ah. The very best of evenings to all of you so far," said the Fat Controller. "So you've all arrived so far. Very good indeed."

Thomas was puzzled. "Sir? What are you talking about? Aren't you proud of all the work we've done today...especially given how all the other couples have surely seen the Love Tree by now?"

"Oh, of course I'm proud," said the Fat Controller. "Thomas and Emily, you've both done remarkably on the Branch line and with your passengers. Percy and Gina, you've both done a splendid job with the mail again and keeping your goods runs on time. And Gordon and Rebecca, working hard with the express as usual, I couldn't be more proud of you. I trust you've just come back from visiting the Love Tree?"

"We have, sir," said Rebecca.

"Well, perhaps you came back a little too soon," the Fat Controller smiled. "Because I have made one more arrangement...for all of you."

"All of us?" Thomas asked. "What do you mean, sir?"

Right in that moment, there came several more whistles, a honk, and the ring of a bell. All six engines looked up and suddenly saw quite a gathering coming their way. James and Molly, Rosie and Stanley carrying Luke and Millie on a flatbed each, and Belle and Flynn all came toward the station, facing the other three couples. Thomas, Emily, Percy, Gina, Gordon and Rebecca were all surprised. For the very first time on the Island of Sodor, all the engine couples were gathered together as one. Thomas and Emily, James and Molly, Rosie and Stanley with Luke and Millie on flatbeds, Gordon and Rebecca, Belle and Flynn and Percy and Gina were all there together. Thomas and Emily were particularly confused. Then they heard Bertie honk from outside the shed. The Fat Controller turned around and saw Lady Hatt, Stephen, Bridget, Sir Lowham and Dowager Hatt all arrive at the platform, and just behind them, David and Beatrice came along too.

"Ah, good. You've all made it in time," said the Fat Controller. "Excellent."

"What...whatever is going on here?" Thomas asked. "Why are we all here together?"

"All seven engine couples!" Emily gasped. "They're all here! What's this all about, sir?"

Before anyone else could speak, David came up to Emily and touched her bufferbeam.

"I've heard it all, Emily," he said heartfeltly. "You and Thomas are absolute marvels to find what you have come to discover in Maithwaite Forest."

"You've heard about it, David?" Emily asked.

"Oh, Emily. We have indeed!" Beatrice smiled as she came alongside David. "This Love Tree you found sounds absolutely wonderful!"

"Yes. Sir Topham called us earlier today and told us all about the Love Tree, just as I suggested to you and Thomas," said David.

"Wow...I still can't believe Thomas and I actually found it, David," Emily smiled.

"But what's with everyone else being here?" Percy asked. "What's going on, sir? Please?"

"Well, you see, Percy," said the Fat Controller. "I've been thinking a great deal throughout today, and I've been on many phone calls throughout the day, speaking with stationmasters, managers and even the Riders, making arrangements for this evening. This has never happened before, having all seven engine couples on the Island of Sodor coming together to visit the newfound Love Tree. But since Gina's ongoing visit means all the couples are on Sodor, and since you have all done such a good job at holding true to your schedules along with your visits to Maithwaite Forest, as an exceptional treat, I would like us all to go there together and visit the tree as the engine Family Tree, as it were."

"All of us? Visit the Love Tree?" Thomas asked. "This is INDEED a most exceptional treat, sir!"

"Yes. Exceptional indeed, Thomas," said the Fat Controller. "I don't believe we'll be seeing a gathering like this again for some time. But for now, we'd best be on our way. Gordon? Be so kind as to fetch an express coach for the Riders and my family too?"

"With pleasure, sir!" Gordon responded proudly.

So over the course of almost twenty minutes, the engines moved in and out of Knapford Station, taking turns using the turntable at Tidmouth Sheds until all the engines were back at Knapford and facing the same way. On one line, Thomas, James, Percy, Stanley, Luke, Flynn, and Gordon were lined up behind the other, with Gordon and his coach at the platform for all the Hatts and both Riders to board his coach.

And on the line beside the seven gentlemen, Emily, Molly, Gina, Rosie, Millie, Belle and Rebecca were lined up behind the other, right beside all their figures of unbroken love. Eventually, everything was ready. The last coach door slammed shut, the guard blew his whistle, waving his green flag, and with that, twelve of the engines whistled together, while Luke and Millie cheered together.

"The Love Tree Awaits!" all the engines announced together.

And the cavalcade of engines set off down the line together, all feeling very excited, buzzed and very joyful together. Nothing like this had ever happened on Sodor with all seven engine couples who were bound together by the love they had for each other, and even the Fat Controller would be in for a particular surprise himself when he'd see just which tree Thomas had picked with Emily.

Finally, all seven engine couples huffed off together along the line, right to Maithwaite Forest. Their white smoke billowed like thick clouds wherever they went and their excitement was so immense, they all though their boilers would burst. At last, they came to the left-turning curve which would lead to what they were all waiting to see together. Then all the engines looked up and stopped one behind the other, right at the very place Thomas and Emily had first discovered together just the day before.

Gordon's coach door opened and the footmen stepped down to place an extra step on the ground for the Hatts and Riders to step down on, and into the clearing. David and Beatrice were the first to come out and look up with big smiles, followed closely by all the Hatts.

"Well...we're here, everyone," said Thomas. "This is the Love Tree of Sodor, as Emily and I discovered only yesterday."

"Welcome, everyone," Emily smiled. "Isn't it beautiful? Spectacular?"

Most of the Hatts looked at the tree and smiled immensely, but when the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt looked at the tree, something within both of them jumped and stirred wildly in their hearts. They looked into each other's eyes and suddenly held each other's hands very closely as they shared a secret kiss together. They had wondered just which tree Thomas and Emily had found, but now that they saw just which tree it was, there was one more little surprise for them to share with the engines about all of this.

"So this...is the Love Tree, is it?" David pondered as he held Beatrice's hand. "Most impressive. Magnificent."

"Oh, my goodness!" Beatrice beamed. "I never even knew this tree was here!"

"Neither did I," said Thomas. "How did all these years go by and I never noticed that tree?"

"Me too," Emily added. "For the few times I may have come up this way before, I don't know how I never noticed that tree before either."

"Well, it's truly beautiful, isn't it, Molly?" James murmured.

"Indeed, it is, Jimmy," said Molly. "And now, we're all here together as one."

"You did wonderfully to find this place, Thomas and Emily," said Rosie. "My big brother has really outdone himself...but I like it!"

"Thanks, Rosie," Thomas answered.

"Another great discovery, Thomas," Stanley added. "The biggest, hugest, lushest, greenest and most gigantic lively tree on Sodor."

"Yes, Stanley. That's exactly what I said when Emily and I found it yesterday," said Thomas.

"It's so huge too!" Luke exclaimed from his flatbed. "So full of life...like I am, as Millie knows I'm her little tree."

"Oui, Luke," Millie smiled to him and blew him a kiss, making Luke blush and blow her a kiss too.

"Bellissima is all I can say, everyone," Gina put in. "Percy and I saw it just after Thomas and Emily discovered it!"

"Yes, and Gina is indeed right," Percy proclaimed. "This tree is Bellissima and beautiful!"

"I never thought Belle and I would be able to do something like this, given our sense of duty and obligation to the Search and Rescue Centre."

"Yet here we are, Flynn," said Belle. "A truly beautiful and special tree for all of us to remember and admire from today onwards."

"Even I must admit this tree is spectacular," said Gordon. "Nothing like any tree I've ever seen. And Rebecca absolutely loves it!"

"Breathtaking, I call it," Rebecca giggled cheerfully. "I am very pleased to know that we have a tree just like this on Sodor! Never have I seen any other tree like this!

"Yes...it's truly amazing, everyone," Emily said quietly. "I'm just speaking in the heat of the moment...but this tree does give me that feeling."

"What feeling, Emily?" Thomas asked.

"Just like Black Loch...and Loch Eil just before the Glenfinnan Viaduct...I wish we could stay here, Thomas. Just you and I, or all of us together, and let everything pass us by. I know it's never that easy, but...that's the feeling these moments give me."

"Hmm. I think you're right, Emily," said Molly. "I think we all have moments like that."

"I agree, Molly," said Emily.

And so there they were. All seven romantic couples were right there together, gathered at the Love Tree. Thomas and Emily, James and Molly, Rosie and Stanley, Luke and Millie, Belle and Flynn, Gordon and Rebecca, and Percy and Gina. So many ways these couples intertwined with each other's bonds in their friendships for each other in so many different ways.

"Anyway...Sir?" Thomas asked the Fat Controller. "What do you think of the tree? ...Sir?"

Thomas noticed the Fat Controller didn't answer. Thomas looked to his direction and saw something that made him whisper.

"Hey, everyone...look," Thomas whispered.

All the engines turned and looked to the Fat Controller. While the seven couples continued to gaze at the Love Tree, something even deeper stirred within the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt. All the engines and David and Beatrice looked saw the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt looking at each other with a deep, wholesome stare into each other's eyes as they held each other's hands hand tightly and closely. They then held each other's shoulders, gazing endlessly at the tree together.

"Sir...what is it?" Thomas asked carefully.

"Do...do you know this tree, sir?" Emily asked.

Everyone watched as the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt slowly turned their gaze away from the tree and looked to Thomas and Emily.

"Oh, Thomas..." said the Fat Controller said at last, very gently but seriously. "I...I can't believe this."

"What is it, sir?" Thomas asked.

"I know you said the tree was right here in Maithwaite Forest...but I had no idea just which tree you chose with Emily...I...I know this tree. It may seem unexpected to you all, but I've actually seen this very tree before, many years ago. And this very clearing has one other little meaning...which I've never shared before."

All the engines looked to the Fat Controller and could see he and Lady Hatt were holding very close together.

"You know this tree, sir?" Thomas asked. "How? When?"

The Fat Controller took a very deep breath and looked straight on toward the tree.

"This is...this is where I first met Lady Hatt."

All the engine couples, particular Thomas and Emily felt their hearts stir and they all slowly looked to the Fat Controller and his wife. In all their years on the railway, they never knew this until now. A deep sense of sacred respect tingled through all the engines.

"It is, sir?" Thomas breathed.

"Yes..." Lady Hatt spoke purely. "We were just about Stephen and Bridget's age...and we actually called this tree the Love Tree ourselves."

"You did?" Emily gasped slowly.

"Yes, Emily. We did," said the Fat Controller. "I'd almost forgotten we'd given it that name...but now...you've both rediscovered it. For all of us!"

"Yes, indeed," Sir Lowham Hatt added. "Never did he imagine that she'd become part of our Family Tree! My very own sister-in-law!"

"Remarkable, Sir Lowham," said David. "Even if you do have some old tricks up your sleeve, like you had at Knapford yesterday?"

"Maybe," Sir Lowham grinned in turn.

"Oh, Topham, dear," said Lady Hatt as she held her husband's hand. "We were cheery little children...but at that young age, we never imagined we'd truly come together as being each other's loving partners through all these years, and to continue onwards and forwards...just like all the rest of you. Thomas and Emily, James and Molly, Rosie and Stanley, Luke and Millie, Percy and Gina, Belle and Flynn, and Rebecca and Gordon."

All fourteen engines looked among themselves with shaky smiles as they felt their hearts shaking and beating heavily with such overwhelming stirrings.

"Yes indeed, my dear Lady Hatt," said the Fat Controller. "You are all really useful engines, just as you always have been and will continue to be so. But in the midst of all the work, jobs and duties we all have the railway, I really do believe that you are all truly wonderful engines to have found love in all your lives and that you share that love with the engines you have all come together with, and for all of that, I am very proud to say well done, to all of you!"

"Amen," all fourteen engines of the seven couples spoke together.

"The Sodor Love Tree..." said Thomas. "Quite extraordinary, don't you think?"

"Mm-hm," said Emily. "Unforgettable."

And for a fair while longer, on into the evening, all seven engine couples, the Hatts and the Riders all continued to smile and beam together in romantic unity beside the Love Tree in Maithwaite Forest. It was a simple, yet very meaningful little experience to find out for them all, and it just went to show just how full of romance and infatuation the Island of Sodor really could be, most particularly for Thomas and Emily. But as the days proceeded onward, Percy and Gina still had a few more little experiences to share together before she'd have to return to Italy again. Ever since his accident at the Ffarquhar valley, and even since Gina came back with Thomas, Percy had still not returned to that part of Thomas' Branch Line, and just the very next day, he and Gina would be in for a certain wave of excitement that neither of them had ever suspected to go through together.

---

This must have been close to three years in the waiting, but it's finally here, the ultimate gathering of all seven engine couples that have been established in this canon, and it's only able to be published now because we've finally had Gina return to Sodor. Another beefy story just like the last few, but at least this one is much lighter in tone than the last two stories were, especially the last one. The next story will be the penultimate story before Gina returns to Italy, but it's still an important one for her and Percy. So, until then, tell us what you thought of this story and we'll see you later. Stay safe.