Dear Reader, this author seems compelled to share the most curious of news. It seems to appear that King's proclamation may be proven wrong. A new addition to the Featherington household seems to have taken the underground by storm. Not everyone knows her name yet, but soon will for Miss Marina Thompson is even more of a well-hidden beauty than Miss Katherine Gibbs.

Then again it seems as though the Gibbs House appears just as empty as the Bridgerton Home. Perhaps Katherine may want to reconsider her strategy in helping Miss Bridgerton from her brother so that she may find someone for herself. Then again, she is quite close with Mr. Simon Basset who has finally decided to make his appearance after returning from his and Miss Gibbs' travels.

With the arrival of Miss Thompson, this author does believe that Portia Featherington is to receive what she has always desired: the season's true Incomparable living under her roof. She must be overjoyed.

~ LW

Katherine rolled her eyes after reading the latest gossip sent out by this LW but the frantic 'HELP ME' text she received from Daphne had her chuckling. This LW wasn't wrong. She hadn't received many callers but that was alright by her. She had several but none of them intrigued her enough to let them stick around for too long. So instead of heading to her parents, she made her way to the Bridgertons.

She nodded in greeting to one of the last callers Daphne had received. Seeing how frightened he looked; she couldn't possibly imagine what Anthony had done. Their butler tried to stop her from entering but she pushed through anyway.

"Miss Gibbs for the family." They announced hurrying behind her which caused everyone to look towards her in shock, except for Daphne, who looked relieved.

"Kitty, what are you doing here?" Anthony spoke first.

She fixed him with an exasperated look. "You know I could ask you the same thing."

He then turned to Daphne who looked the picture of innocence and merely shrugged. He focused back on Katherine, raising his eyebrow. "Don't you have your own callers?"

"None of them have been worth my time. Do you think you and I could talk?"

Sighing, Anthony nodded and walked towards her, leading her out of the room with a hand at the small of her back. The moment he closed the door to the home office, Katherine spun around, arms crossed over her chest and eyes a thinly contained storm. "Do you not trust me?"

"What?" That was certainly not what he thought she was going to say.

"Do you not trust me?" She asked again. "Because if not then we have a lot more to discuss than how I can't keep my promise if there aren't any suitors for me to vet for you. So, what's going on?"

Anthony rolled his eyes, sighing. "I wasn't aware that you and my sister are in cahoots together."

Katherine snorted. "We have been since this whole bloody thing started. Why are you driving every person away? I'm sure there are some very fine gentlemen that have passed through your door who will not only take good care of her but also make her very happy."

"I'm trying to protect her." He said, leaning against his desk, looking towards Katherine, arms loosely crossed in front of his chest.

"Try again." She gave him a pointed look, not buying that excuse.

"Honest. I don't want her to be more involved with the darker sides of our business than she has to be."

Katherine sighed. "Have you ever thought to maybe let her decide that?"

"Barely two weeks back and you're already telling me what to do." He chuckled, shaking his head.

"It wouldn't be us without it." She smirked.

He hid the soft, small smile that tugged on his lips by looking down at his feet. When the moment passed he looked up at her with a matching smirk as he pushed himself off his desk, making his way towards her. "I'll think about it."

"No, do. Lighten up, Anthony. Your sister is more capable than you realize." She said as she straightened up his tie.

"I will think about it." He grinned at her before turning her around and nudging her towards the door. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some business to go discuss."

Katherine reluctantly went out into the hall, walking back to the drawing room to inform Daphne of her little progress. She stopped right in her tracks the moment she saw Nigel Berbrooke sitting next to Daphne. Looking over to Violet, she motioned towards her eldest daughter with a questioning look on her face.

Violet shook her head, hoping Katherine wouldn't say anything. She knew it wasn't the best look but he was the first caller without Anthony around and it allowed them to breathe a little easier. Nigel wasn't the best option of course but she hoped that maybe the others would return if they learned that Anthony wasn't always around.

Katherine looked back over at Daphne who gave her a pleading look. Nigel had noticed the look and slowly turned around. Stiffening when he saw Katherine, he turned back around to focus on Daphne once more. "I wasn't aware that you had a guest."

"She was here to see my brother and always tells us goodbye before leaving," Daphne answered.

"You're leaving?" Hyacinth whined, hurrying over to wrap her arms around the woman. "You're not even going to stay for tea?"

Katherine smiled and hugged the young girl back. "I came here on a mission so there's not much time for tea." She looked up to Daphne. "I'm still working on that mission though," she looked back down to Hyacinth, "so I may be over again and can stay longer. I'll talk to your mum and see when a good time to come for tea would be."

"I don't think I realized just how close you were with this family, Kitty," Nigel said.

"Katherine," she corrected, glaring at him. Only those closest to her could call her by that nickname. "And I'm surprised you didn't. Then again based on the work I've seen from you, it shouldn't."

Daphne and Eloise turned their faces so they could laugh quietly to themselves while Nigel looked on in a bit of horror and Violet gave her a motherly look that warned her of stepping out of line. Katherine simply smiled, giving Hyacinth one last hug. "Well, I must be off. Call or text if you ladies need anything."

Nigel slowly turned back to face Daphne with Katherine now gone. "She certainly is quite the character."

"She's become a dear friend and I hope one day, she'll even become my dear sister." After complaining about Anthony ruining everything she wondered if Katherine would truly make him change his mind on things. The way they acted around each other, she always thought them to be in love but she had gone off to travel and Anthony had his mistresses. She couldn't have much more of a conversation after that for Nigel had shown up.

"Oh, well, until next time then." Nigel gave her his best smile and hurried out of the room.

Once the door closed Eloise began to laugh. "Mama, can I be like Katherine when I grow up?"

Violet chuckled, shaking her head. "I suppose she is someone to aspire to."

"Did I come at a bad time?" Simon asked the moment Katherine opened the door to her flat in only her underwear. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, still wet from her shower. Her toothbrush stuck out of her mouth.

"It's not like you haven't seen it before." She said around her toothbrush as she walked back into her bathroom.

While traveling she and Simon had entered an arrangement and despite what all of media has ever said, they never caught feelings more than friendship after adding benefits to it. He watched as she walked away, wondering if she wouldn't mind going a round or two to get these feelings out of him.

The moment Lydia told him that he had received an invitation for dinner at the Bridgertons, he knew she had come up with some sort of scheme. He wouldn't be able to live out the rest of his days as he wanted with her continuing to butt her way in. Making himself at home, he poured them both a drink, waiting at the kitchen counter for Katherine to return from her nightly routine. "I had dinner at the Bridgertons. I wished you would have been invited as well." He called out.

"Why do you sound like it was the worst evening of your life?" She asked as she pulled on her sleep shorts.

"Because I was there for some matchmaking scheme set up by Lydia and Violet."

"Daphne's not so bad." She replied, walking out into the kitchen as she buttoned up her sleep shirt. "I rather like the girl actually."

"Kitty, you're missing the point. They're trying to set me up so that we then become married."

"And what exactly do you want me to do about it?" She asked, taking a sip of her drink.

"Anything to stop it. Please tell me you're going to be there at this next event."

"Well, yeah. I have to make an appearance at all of them." Katherine rolled her eyes, hopping up on the counter. "Are you really so against this?"

Simon sighed, giving Katherine an exasperated look. "I thought you understood why I want to go about things this way."

"I do but it doesn't mean that I want to see you be lonely the rest of your life."

"I've got you." He smirked.

Katherine easily returned his smirk with one of her own. "Nice try but I've got to get married remember or I won't be able to do anything."

"I will make an investment into your own company so that way you don't have to do this anymore and you can help me get out of it."

"I can't pull away from my father's company." Katherine laughed, shaking her head. "Have you thought that maybe Violet isn't even wanting you to be a match but just to help get Daphne back onto the scene that Anthony took her away from?"

He gave her a look over his glass as he took a sip of his drink.

"Talk to Daphne at this next event. Maybe get her to agree to something like that and it'll help the both of you out."

"I don't think she likes me too much."

"Well, not every girl is me and can put up with your nonsense. I'll see what I can do on my end because she adores me."

Simon chuckled. "There's not a lot of people who don't. Now, what about your situation?"

Katherine shrugged. "I'll figure it out. None of my callers have really been worth my time. If it comes down to it, I'll try to persuade mum onto my side because she can then hopefully persuade dad."

Leaning against the counter, Simon pointed his glass towards her. "You know, you could always talk to your other best friend into helping you."

She scoffed, hopping down from the counter so she could refill her drink. "Anthony? He'd much rather be spending his time with Sienna than take on anything more than he absolutely has to at this moment."

"Is that jealousy I hear?"

She turned around with a glare. "I will kick you out."

He slid up behind her, adding his glass next to hers as he wrapped his other arm around her, and resting his chin on her shoulder. "You love me too much to do that."

"And you're lucky I do." She turned her head slightly to look down at him as best she could. "Now should I get out the tube of cookie dough so we can watch trashy reality tv?"

He grinned, pulling back just enough so he could kiss her cheek. "The answer is always yes."

Katherine stared down her office phone while tapping her fingers against her desk. She hadn't been able to get in contact with Archie Featherington at all. At this point, she was pretty sure he was screening her calls. Well, if he wasn't going to answer then she'd go to someone else.

Just as she was about to pick up the phone to call Portia, Katherine's phone began to ring and as fate would have it, Portia's name popped up on the caller id. She stared at the phone for a few seconds, not believing her luck and yet starting to question if she had psychic powers before realizing she still needed to answer the phone.

"Hello, Mrs. Featherington. I was actually just about to call you. What can I help you with?"

"Your father just informed me that you're over our account now. Why have you not reached out yet?" Portia asked. She just found out that the girl her family just took in is pregnant and now their usual contact had switched.

"I've been trying to, but it seems your husband hasn't wanted to talk to me. I'm more than happy to set up a meeting with you both to discuss things."

"How does right now sound?"

Katherine clicked over to her calendar to make sure she didn't have anything. She luckily didn't until much later in the day because this sounded urgent. "It sounds perfect. Are you coming to the office or do I need to make a house call?"

"It would be better if you came here. And can you do it discreetly?"

"Lunch sounds lovely. I'll be there soon."

"Thank you, Katherine."

When the call ended, Katherine stared at the phone, wondering what she was about to walk into.

Portia had practically shoved Katherine towards the guest room where Marina was staying. She didn't want her daughters or anyone else to know that she had called Katherine. The first thing she noticed was the numerous pregnancy tests on the bed. The next, Marina's frightened face. Katherine knew that feeling all too well.

"Hello, Marina. I'm Katherine Gibbs. It's nice to meet you."

Marina scoffed, looking out the window, ignoring Katherine completely. "I know who you are. You're here to make sure my mess doesn't interfere with business."

"Marina, you will not treat our guest with such disrespect." Portia scolded.

Katherine sighed. "Mrs. Featherington, may I speak with Miss Thompson alone?"

"Why on earth would you want to do that?" She asked, scandalized.

"Because I'm not going to get the answers I need to do my job, with you standing here. So, if you would be so kind." Katherine motioned towards the door.

"Your father will hear about this." She threatened as she started to leave.

"I don't think he will since you're wanting to keep things discreet." Katherine just smiled as Portia slammed the door.

"You think that's going to get me to talk to you?" Marina asked.

"It seemed to work." Katherine pointed out with a smirk as she sat down on the desk chair. "But no, that's not why I did that. For the conversation we're about to have, I didn't need any interruptions."

"I'm keeping the baby." Marina wrapped her arms protectively around her stomach.

Smiling, Katherine nodded. "Congratulations. Does the father know?"

Marina shook her head. "He's deployed. I haven't written to him yet."

"You write letters with each other? That's quite romantic. So, if you have a beau, why are you here?"

"My father's forcing me to participate in this whole thing."

"How long have you known?"

Marina sighed. "This is technically my second time doing this."

"Second month then?"

Marina nodded.

"Well, the first thing we need to do is get you in to see a doctor." Katherine pulled out her phone and started scrolling to find her OBGYN's number.

"I told you…"

"Marina, the quicker you learn that I am on your side, the easier it's going to be for all of us. I'm contacting my doctor because she's the best and is great at keeping things under wraps." Katherine interrupted the girl before pressing call on her phone screen.

"You've done this before, haven't you?" Marina asked.

"Sure have," Katherine said as she waited to be connected with a receptionist.

"How'd she turn out?"

A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of Katherine's lips. "She turned out alright."

When the call was connected, Katherine scheduled an appointment for later in the week, under her name. They would get all of Marina's information once they arrived. Katherine would be taking care of everything, rides to the clinic, covering the cost, and anything else that the young girl may need.

"Now that's settled," Katherine started after she hung up the phone, "you have a couple more choices to make. You can either continue to participate in these matchmaking events or you can stay here. I have a feeling I know what Mrs. Featherington would prefer but I wanted to check in with you before I go toe to toe with the woman."

"I don't want to really be here. So, whatever you have to do to make that happen."

"The only other option I have right now is you coming to stay with me, but I actually think your better option is to stay here. There're more people here to help you."

Marina sighed. "Fine, then I'll stay here."

Katherine stood, taking out her business card and handing it over to the young woman. "Just because I'm not the better choice of housing, doesn't mean I'm not here for you. That has my cell number on there. Call or text me whenever you need."

Marina took the card, looking it over briefly before surging forward and wrapping Katherine up in a hug.

Katherine held her close for a long moment. "I know this is a really scary time but I'm going to do my best to not make it so scary."

The younger woman nodded before pulling away. "Thank you."

Katherine smiled and made her way out of the room to find Portia, who was waiting in the study, downstairs. The brunette laid out everything from the doctor's appointment to Marina's decision to sit the rest of the events out. Katherine made sure to reiterate that just because Marina was pregnant and was no longer participating in the parties, meant that she should be isolated. She needed support more now than ever. "Now," Katherine started so she could change the topic once it seemed like Portia understood everything, "why has your husband started screening my calls?"

Portia shrugged, shaking her head. "You'd have to ask him."

"Well, I would if he wasn't dodging me. I really don't want to go make a special visit to the casino, but I will. Things have slowly started to decline over time, Mrs. Featherington, and I can help with that, but I can't do anything unless we discuss them. And that's on both sides of the business. So please tell your husband to call me or I'll make sure that my schedule is clear Friday so that I can talk with you after Marina's appointment."

"Cowper said that you were intense."

Katherine laughed. "Mrs. Cowper also tell you that I always get the job done?"

Portia nodded. "I'll be sure to tell my husband to call you."

"Thank you." Katherine smiled as she left the study, going back to her office to finish up the day before the Vauxhall ball later in the evening.

Twinkling fairy lights illuminated the trees while larger lanterns lit the dance floor and most of the space creating a magical feel to the evening. Katherine chose a long, wrap dress in a deep shade of purple. Sheer long sleeves created a small bubble around her arms before coming synched at her wrists. The skirt had a large slit stopping mid-thigh so that there could be plenty of movement which was needed for the faster-paced jigs being danced to so far.

She just stepped off the dance floor when Daphne came barreling towards her. They only stumbled a few steps as Katherine caught the younger woman, bringing her in for a tight embrace. "What is it, Daphne?"

"You must speak with Anthony," she said looking up at her. "You must speak some sense into him."

"What has he done?"

"He's assured Nigel Berbrooke that I will marry him."

Katherine let out a huff as she looked up to the lights hanging above them. "Oh, for heaven's sake." She looked back down at Daphne and smiled reassuringly. "I'm going to go find him. You try to enjoy the rest of your evening."

Daphne hugged her once more before thanking her and going off to figure out how she could possibly enjoy the rest of her evening. Maybe a break from the festivities would do her some good.

After Daphne had gone, Katherine looked around the yard looking for her best friend who had clearly lost his mind. The moment she laid eyes on him, she marched over, causing the people in her path to move out of her way as quickly as they could. "Have you actually lost your mind?" She asked him as soon as she was close enough.

Anthony let out a sigh as he turned to face her. "Can we not do this right now, Kitty?"

"And when would be a good time for you?"

"Whenever not now is."

She crossed her arms and took him in. Something was going on. There was something else to this. She would get her chance to scold him later but right now he needed her in a more supportive role. She lowered her arms back to her side and gave him a small smile. "I saw a bench under that tree by the water, wanna go talk about whatever's bothering you?"

As Katherine melted, so did Anthony. He slowly nodded and offered out his arm, which she took with ease. Once they were seated, they sat watching the water in silence for a while. When she realized that he wasn't going to talk first, she bumped his leg with her knee before moving so she was facing him a little more. "I know we haven't had the chance to really catch up since I came back at one of the busiest times of the year but you can still talk to me. So, what's going on with you?"

He watched his hands in his lap for a few moments before looking over at her. "I ended things with Sienna."

She reached over and placed her hand on his wrist, giving a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry."

"I know it was the right thing. She couldn't ever be brought into this and it's finally time for me to walk the walk instead of talking about duty and responsibility when I carry on like I have no sense of the words. I must be the man of the house, take control of the business as my father would have."

"You're not your father, Anthony. I happen to think you've been doing a great job at running things, well, besides this Nigel Berbrooke business. I mean honestly, what were you thinking after he nearly got you caught by the authorities as well because of his idiotic mistake?"

"He checks out, Kitty. He's a good man, decent enough for this business and he's not in deep enough that Daphne will be kept out of things."

Katherine shook her head. "You're still not letting her choose. Anthony, he may check all these boxes but I'm afraid in trying to keep her out of danger you're putting her into even more of it."

Anthony turned to face her. "Just because you don't like my choice, doesn't mean that you can exploit my sense of protection towards her. I know all your tactics and they won't work on me."

"I'm not using any tactics. I'm telling you exactly how I feel. If he continues to make the mistakes he made to almost get tighter restrictions on the dock he shares not only with you but with a few other companies, he's going to become a target and that circle usually casts a large shadow."

He let out a sigh and placed his head into his hands. "I hate when you're right." He then groaned, leaning back so his head rested against the tree. "But I gave him my word. I can't go back on it or that'll ruin my business reputation."

Smirking, she tapped his cheek until he turned his head to look at her. "Then leave that bit to me and I'll figure out something."

"You're too good to me."

She shook her head. "That's most definitely you." She then smiled. "Wanna come round to mine after this so we can get shitfaced and plan our world domination?"

He grinned, nodding his head. "I couldn't think of a better way to end the night."

The moment Katherine got home, she turned on some music and blasted it through her speaker system around the house. It wasn't anything booming, at least not yet. It would probably lead to that once Anthony got there but for now, it was warm and mellow as she moved around her flat. She made sure the bar was stocked and there was food to snack on before going to change into something more comfortable.

By the time she finished, the doorbell rang before Anthony let himself in. While Katherine was traveling, she gave him a key to keep watch over her flat. The fact that he rang her doorbell first before letting himself in made her laugh until she saw that he was still wearing his suit.

"Why are you still dressed like that?"

"I came straight here after I dropped my mother and sister off. Which by the way, Daphne and Simon danced tonight."

"And that's a bad thing, because?" They must have done so after she left. Katherine hadn't stayed too much longer after she and Anthony had talked. Vauxhall was lovely but after the day she had, she was ready to just get home and do what she wanted for the rest of the night.

He gave her a pointed look as he undid his tie. "You are aware of Simon's intention of never marrying, aren't you?"

"Of course, I am. One dance doesn't mean anything."

"You didn't see how they looked at each other." He said with a huff, taking off his blazer and draping it over the barstool.

"You're reading too much into it."

"You're impossible." He rolled his eyes as he untucked his shirt before undoing the top few buttons of his shirt and rolling up his sleeves. "Better?"

"Much." She smiled, popping a piece of candy into her mouth. "Did I tell you about this brandy I found in France?" She then asked as she grabbed the bottle and two glasses from her bar cart.

After she had poured them both drinks, she handed the bottle over to him. He took the bottle and looked over the label. It was a brand he hadn't seen before, but he knew exactly what a cognac was. "I don't think so. What's so special about it?"

"Take a sip." She motioned towards his glass with her own.

Lifting the glass to his lips, he took a hardy sip. Impressed he drank the rest and poured himself another glass. "That is the smoothest cognac I believe I've ever tasted."

Katherine laughed, finishing off her own drink so she could keep up with him. "I honestly think it turned me into a brandy drinker."

Anthony chuckled. "You were able to hold it well before."

"Still, it wasn't my favorite." She gave a shrug.

"So how do I get a bottle for myself and a new bottle for you because we'll definitely be finishing this one."

"You sound so sure of yourself." She teased him.

"You're the one that wanted to get shitfaced. I'm just following through." He chuckled.

"I'll see if they're able to ship us a couple of bottles. It's more of a local brand."

Anthony nodded, taking a more thoughtful sip. "Did you have fun on your many adventures? You didn't keep in touch enough for me to live vicariously through you. I had to see most of everything on social media or on page six."

"I did and I'm sorry that I didn't call you more. I wish you would have been able to come with us."

"Just another thing this newfound responsibility has taken from me." He finished his drink and poured himself another, topping off Katherine's while he was at it. "You two aren't in some sort of fling, are you?"

"I'm not going to dignify that with an answer."

He gasped, leaning back as he looked at her. "You are!"

She gave him an exasperated look. "We were. We had an arrangement. It's totally fine. We are still only friends. You know I was supposed to do this on my own but you two probably concocted a scheme to get him to tag along."

He looked down at his drink, trying to not look like he had just been caught. "We didn't want you to be alone after everything."

"That's exactly why I wanted to go alone in the first place. I needed a break from all the reminders. I wanted to just live in the moment and not worry about anything."

"Am I too big of a reminder? Is that why you didn't call more?"

"Anthony, no." She reached over and took his hands in hers. "You're not a reminder at all. I was too focused on being present and moving on that I became a horrible friend."

Squeezing her hands, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her fingers. "You're not a horrible friend. I could have called more too." He then sighed, resting his forehead on their joint hands. "I think you and Sienna would have been good friends. I wish you would have met."

"I'm sure we could have been if she didn't already hate me." Katherine joked. "If you remember correctly all of your lovers typically despise me."

He rocked his head from side to side. "Sienna was different."

"You did the right thing, Tony. It may suck right now but it was the right thing to make sure that everyone involved remains safe."

When he looked up at her, she gave him a smile which he slowly returned. "I have told you that I'm really glad you're back, right?"

Her smile grew into a smirk. "Once or twice." She squeezed his hands one last time before pulling back. Knocking back her drink, she poured herself another round and topped him off.

"How about we really get this party started, hm?"

She scrolled through her playlists until she found the perfect one. The moment the song started playing, Anthony started laughing. It could be considered their song. They would always kick off their dance sessions with it. During everything they went through, they would dance their frustrations out and then get to work. But they always, always started with this song.

Katherine shimmied over to him and tugged on his hand until he got out of his seat. Soon they were dancing around her flat, singing the song at the top of their lungs. They skipped and twirled around each other, Katherine's messy ponytail swishing from side to side.

They continued for as long as they possibly could, finally collapsing onto the couch when they couldn't stand any longer. Laughter filled the space as they flopped into each other, becoming nothing but tangled limbs.

"This was much needed, thank you." Anthony slurred.

"Anytime." Katherine grinned, falling further down the couch as they both started to fall asleep.

Everything hurt and there was a loud, obnoxious ringing happening. Katherine slowly sat up, eyes squinted at the bright sunlight streaming in from her windows when it clicked that the ringing was her phone. She looked around for it and when she couldn't see it in her immediate vicinity, she extracted herself from the couch, careful not to wake Anthony. Then again the fact that he was able to sleep through her phone ringing made her extremely jealous. She finally found her phone in the kitchen and without really looking at the caller ID, she answered it.

"Well, finally you answered it. I was this close to sending out a search party." Simon said, making Katherine wince at the volume even if he used his normal speaking voice.

"Shhhhh, Anthony's still asleep." She grumbled.

That only caused Simon to laugh, making Katherine's hangover headache thump against her eyes a little more. "What did you two get up to last night?"

"Usual alcohol and dance party to start moving on from things. How was your night? I heard you danced with Miss Daphne Bridgerton."

"And I wasn't even invited. Shame."

"I'd point out that you just brushed right over my dance comment but all I want is to go back to bed so can you hurry up and get to the point of this phone call?"

Simon chuckled. "Daphne agreed to that ruse you thought was already happening. And you also might want to check on her. She trusts you."

"Well, see everything worked out so you can stop worrying and I'll call her after I've had coffee. I'm gonna go back to bed now."

"Sweet dreams, Kitty."

"Bye." She hung up and trudged back over to the couch where she draped a blanket over Anthony before heading to her bedroom. Plugging in her phone, she climbed into bed and promptly fell back asleep.

AN: The song I had in mind that Anthony and Kitty danced to is Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon. Whatever song you thought of during that scene works too. I just thought I'd share especially since it's also where I got the title from. Thanks so much for all the love I've received for this story! I really appreciate it.