LOLLIPOPS FOR EVERYONE! Thank you reviewers!

Chapter 11 recap "I love you, Areida," he whispered. He let me go, stepped back, fumbled in his pocket for a moment, then brought a beautiful ring with a tiny diamond mounted on it.
I gasped as he took my hand and stood facing me.
"Areida, will you marry me?"
I stood dumbfounded for a split second. Then a grin leaped onto my face.
"Yes!" I said, throwing my arms around his neck. He kissed me again, then slipped the ring on my finger. Tears fell from my eyes as I felt it on finger.
"I love you, Thomas," I whispered as he again took me into his arms.

Thomas and I spent the rest of the day together. I asked him if he'd talked to my parents about him marrying me.
Thomas looked surprised. "Of course I did. But I made them promise not to tell you." He smiled. "And the reason for my being out of town is a good one too. I had to go all the way to Bast to find the perfect ring." He held up my left hand and kissed it.
I was so happy I could have burst. This had to be the happiest day of my life.
Finally, we decided it was time to go home and face our families and James. We rode side by side, laughing and talking. It was not long after sunset when we arrived at the inn. As we dismounted, I heard the sound of talking from inside the inn.
Suddenly, I looked up at Thomas, who had just finished tying our horses.
"What?" he asked, looking alarmed.
"James is in there!" I whispered urgently.
Thomas frowned. "Are you sure?"
I sighed. "The sad thing is, yes. I've spent the last few days listening to his voice."
He nodded, taking his hand in mine. "Do you want to wait until he leaves to tell your family?"
I thought for a moment. "No, I really want to do this as soon as possible. James will just have to deal with it."
Thomas grinned. "That's good. I can't help but say how interesting James' face will be when we announce we're getting married."
I laughed, covering my mouth with my hand to stifle my giggles. I must have been heard anyway because the inn soon became quiet.
Thomas and I looked at each other and took a deep breath. We then started up the front steps.
Before we got to the door, it opened to reveal Isti. She immediately saw us.
"Areida! There you are! Mother was beginning to worry!"
I instantly began trying to quiet her but she went on. "Thomas! Where have you been? We haven't seen you in a long time. Ettime and I want to show you the robin we found in the garden. It's a small one, but Mother said it's just a baby."
I gave up trying to quiet her. I let her take my hand and lead me into the sitting room, with Thomas following behind.
James was on his feet when I entered, no doubt having heard the horses on the road. "Areida, where were y-"
He choked on his words as Thomas entered behind me. Without so much as a look at James, he circled one arm around my waist and smiled at my family.
I looked at my parents. It was obvious to see they knew what was going on and they were pleased with my decision. I noticed my youngest sister wasn't in the room. "Where's Ettime?"
"Sleeping," Mother said smiling. "That little dear just went and tired herself out."
I nodded nervously, glancing at James. He had a suspicious look on his face. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. He still hadn't figured it out.
Finally I looked up at Thomas. The warmth in those twinkling blue eyes gave me enough strength to finally start speaking.
"Father and Mother, I know that it won't be as easy here at the inn, but I've finally decided to be married."
A gasp went through the room. We all turned to look at James, who was smiling happily.
"Oh, Areida, I'm so glad. I'll be the best husband ever. You'll have everything you've ever wanted and more."
As he continued blabbering, we all stared at him in consternation. Was he really so dim-witted he couldn't see how obvious it was that I was not going to marry him?
"James!" I said loudly interrupting him. He stooped talking and focused on me. I gathered my strength.
"I'm sorry, James, but I wasn't talking about you." I stared at the ground, thankful for Thomas' strong arm around me. "I've accepted Thomas' proposal."
James looked dumbstruck. "What?"
"Thomas and I are to be wed, " I said clearly and distinctly.
There was a few seconds of shock before Mother broke the silence by coming to me and throwing her arms around me. Father and Isti were next, both of them beaming with delight. The only person who was obviously less than pleased was James. All during our hugs and laughter I watched him grow more and more red faced. Finally, he couldn't hold it in anymore. "How could you do this to me!" James shrieked, sounding remarkably like Hattie, Ella's companion at finishing school. "After all I did, you just leave me and don't even pretend to care how I feel!"
James started towards me, consumed with rage. Thomas immediately moved in front of me, still holding my hand. James halted abruptly.
"If you lay a finger on her," Thomas said coldly. " I promise you there is nowhere you will be safe."
They stared at each other for a few painful seconds before James turned on his heel and walked from the room.
Thomas' parents were thrilled to learn I had accepted their son's proposal. Lady Albia wept with joy when they heard the news. The wedding was to take place two months from now at Thomas' estate, giving us plenty of time to plan. Meanwhile, I continued working at the inn, mostly just to spend time with my family. I knew I would miss them when I went away, so I cherished this time I could spend with them.
I also began going to town more, mostly on wedding business. I became friends with some of the girls in Amonta, mostly the one's working in shops I visited for the wedding. But having new friends also brought back the memory of Ella, my friend from finishing school, who's fate I did not know. I wished time and time again that I knew she was safe.
Surprisingly, only two weeks after Thomas' proposal, my question about Ella was answered.

Sorry I haven't updated in 3 MONTHS!!! That's the longest time I haven't updated. I have good excuses though. A super busy summer and a super busy beginning of school!
Anyway short chapter, not the last like I thought it would be. I really don't know where the heck this story is going, but it should be over in at least two chapters. I know I thought this would be the last one but I guess not!
Anyway, PLEASE Review!! I'm begging you!! And Thank You all again for the great reviews so far!!!