Disclaimer: thanks for the reviews. I own nothing.
At long last, Winnie and Jesse reached Ireland. Jesse had the address, so they hitched a ride from a toothless old man driving a buggy. They jumped out at their destination, a small,
homely cottage near the end of a deserted road. They thanked the man, who tipped his hat and rode off, and knocked on the door. Winnie was feeling apprehensive. How would they react to her choice? She'd have to tell them sometime. Jesse smiled at her. He saw her feelings etched on her face. Suddenly the door swung open. Mae Tuck stood there. When she saw them her hand flew to her throat. A letter was clutched in her other hand. She seemed only partially prepared for what she saw.
"Jesse! Winnie? My you've grown. Come in, come in."
After ushering them inside, she gave them both big hugs, a huge smile on her face. Winnie looked around. She was strongly reminded of the house the Tucks owned when she was there. Plates stacked precariously in the kitchen, needles poking out of the couch. Winnie smiled. It was so welcoming. Just then, Angus Tuck walked into the room. He stared at Winnie and Jesse for a moment before giving them both hugs.
"What on Earth? Winnie, you've grown so much! Jesse, I'm sorry, I don't think you've grown." Tuck smiled. "What brings you here?"
Winnie bit her lip. They'd have to tell them what happened. After they all sat on the couches, Winnie began to explain about how she'd gone looking for them, how her parents had died, how she had found Jesse in Treegap. Tuck sighed. Winnie continued, saying about how they had decided to get married. Tuck gave a start. "Marriage? How will that work? Winnie won't be young forever." Winnie bit her lip again.
"Actually, I will be young forever. I drank the water. I couldn't let you guys go. you're the best thing that ever happened to me!" She had looked at the ground while saying this, her eyes filling with tears.
Tuck's eyes filled with tears, too. He had tried to stop her, but now it was too late. As much as he loved her, he didn't want her to endure the pain of living forever. Winnie looked at him. "Please don't be sad. It's a choice I made, and it's a choice I have to live with now. But we want you to be at the wedding. You're my family, too."
Tuck nodded. His throat was too dry to speak. Meanwhile, Mae had been silent the whole time. But now she smiled.
"Welcome to the Tuck family, Winnie. I would say Winnie Foster, but there's really no point in that, seeing as I'm welcoming you into the Tuck family."
Everyone laughed. Winnie was deep in thought. Yes, they were here family now. Now and forever.
Sorry, I know this is a short chapter, but I couldn't make it very long. Please R&R, more to come!