After hearing that I was going with Alice back to Otherland, I gave Alice her bottle back. Alice took my hand, and we both drank the blood. Before I knew it, we were shot out of Underland, and up the rabbit hole. I climbed out first, and helped her out. I looked around in amazement. Where Alice came from was much different from Underland. She turned to me, and passionately kissed me. I didn't want to let go of her, but she broke the kiss.

She ordered me, "I want you to stay here. I'm going back to that party to break the news that I'm in love with someone else and…"

I interrupted her, "Why don't we go together? They can all see that your dream was real, and they are the fools for not believing you."

She nodded, and complimented, "Not a bad suggestion."

"Shall we go, my lady?" I put on my gentleman charm, and gave her my elbow to take.

She took it, and we both walked up to the party. Everyone was in a panic not knowing where Alice was. When we walked in, the panic ceased, and everyone stared in my direction. Alice walked up to an ugly red haired boy who looked like a pig, and he didn't know what he had coming. Apparently, this was the one who asked her a question, and she had to give him the answer. Evidently this prissy momma's boy asked my Alice to marry him. Gracious, I wanted to laugh so bad because I understand why Alice wouldn't marry him in the first place. He's too ugly, and spoiled.

She started, "Hamish, my answer to your question is an absolute no. You see that man over there."

She pointed at me, and he looked my way. I smiled, and waved to be polite. I could tell he was upset by the way I looked but his expression was priceless to me. He was terrified of me, and that made my day much better.

She continued, "He is the love of my life, and has been ever since I was six years old. He lives in a place called Underland which I called Wonderland when I was a child."

She turned to an older woman who looked like her, and happily proved her wrong, "See mother, I'm not dreaming nor crazy. I'm mad as a hatter."

She looked at me when she said that last line. I smiled from ear to ear.

Her mother was outraged, "Alice look at him, he's a…a…freak!"

I looked at her, and started to get angry. I tried to control myself so my eye color wouldn't change. I closed my eyes, and clinched my fists together. I started counting to calm down.

I finally calmed down, and calmly retaliated, "Mrs. Kingsleigh, I am aware that my presence here is somewhat bothersome; however, a freak I am not. I am very gentlemanlike when it comes to treating a woman no matter what her faults are. I am aware my attire is different than what men wear here, because I'm not from here. Your daughter was right all along about a place called Wonderland, but the proper pronunciation is Underland. When she was a little girl, she fell down a rabbit hole, and landed in Underland. She met me, and some of my friends who helped her return to you unharmed. When this Hamish person asked her to be his wife, she stumbled down the rabbit hole again. She met me again, and I saw something different about her. She was the same Alice, but more mature, and more inquisitive about me and Underland. I helped her understand what she was brought back to do which was to save us from an evil queen. During this whole process, your daughter and I became extremely close. We realized we fell in love over the course of returning the crown to the White Queen. Mrs. Kingsleigh, I put my life at stake to protect your daughter because I love her. I will always keep her safe. Please don't judge a book by its cover because the content inside this book is nowhere in comparison."

Alice smiled at me, and embraced me. Mrs. Kingsleigh looked me over from hat to foot. She beckoned Alice to go to her. Alice walked up to her, and she embraced her. Her mother whispered something in her ear, and motioned for me to go to her. I walked over to her, and she embraced me.

"I'll take every word you said about keeping Alice safe. You are the first man to stand up to a woman like me and I admire you for that. I never got your name," she told me, and I chuckled.

"Tarrant Hightopp ma'am, I'm a royal hatter. I make hats," I informed her.

She pushed me away gently to look at me in the face, "Well, Mr. Hightopp, I shall agree to let Alice stay with you in Underland. However, a visit every now, and again will be nice."

I agreed to her, and she embraced me again. I see where Alice got her stubbornness from. I smiled, and eased up a bit. Alice walked over, and whispered into who seemed like her sister's ear. The sister's mouth dropped and started fussing at the man next to her, apparently her husband, calling him a cheat, and a scoundrel. She bid farewell to everyone, and she took my hand. We walked back to the rabbit hole. We stopped by the hole, and I motioned for her to go first.

"After you my dear," I showed her the rabbit hole.

She looked around, sighed, and jumped in. I jumped in after her, and we fell down, down, down, down, and finally we both hit the floor. I got up first, and I helped her up. I took the key, and a bottle of Pishsalver. I made her watch me. She watched as I drank only a little bit. I shrank down, and unlocked the door. Alice picked up the bottle, and drank the same amount. She shrank down, and took my hand. I picked up one of the upelkuchens, and placed it in my pocket.

Alice wrapped her arms around my neck, and declared, "I love you."

I smiled at her, and bent down to where my lips were inches from hers, "I love you more than life itself."

We kissed, and pulled ourselves closer to each other to feel each curve of our bodies. Goodness me, if she would have been my wife, I would have taken her right there on the floor. I almost forgot we still have to get back to Underland. We broke the kiss, and I reached for the key in my pocket.

"Shall we go on then?" I asked her opening the door.

She kissed my cheek, and told me, "Let's go together."

I smiled, and lead her through the door. We were welcomed by Thackery, Mallymkun, Nivens, Bayard, Bielle, the puppies, and some White Knights. I gave Alice a small piece of upelkuchen, and she returned to her normal size. I took a bite of the same size, and returned to my normal height. I leaned in to kiss her. Her lips met mine, and we shared a kiss. Nivens cleared his throat. We looked at him.

Nivens explained, "The Queen wants to see both of you at the castle. You don't want to be late."

There was a carriage awaiting us. I helped Alice in, I climbed in, and I stuck my head out the window.

"Let's go, don't want to keep the queen waiting," I told the coachman, and I pulled my head back in.

We rode off to the castle; together. She looked out the window, and watched the scenery pass by. I had her hand in mine, and couldn't believe she chose to stay with me. My champion, my Alice, picked me instead of the life she had in her homeland. I couldn't help but look at her. She looked beautiful in her periwinkle dress with her hair curled, and worn long. She caught me admiring her. She leaned over to me, and planted a long passionate kiss on my lips. _Gonadh_ Alice, if she kept this up, we might have to take a detour to my place.

I decided to ask her about what her mother told her, "Before your mother hugged me, she whispered something in your ear. What did she say?"

She giggled, and answered, "She told me that you are indeed a fine gentleman, and for me not to let you go because you are a keeper."

I smiled, "I'm going to have to ask the queen about us going visit your mother some time because I did promise we would."

"Oh Tarrant, I love you," she pulled me to her again for another long kiss.

I noticed the castle walls approaching, and I broke the kiss. She moaned in protest.

I chuckled, put my hand on her cheek, and reassured her, "Don't worry love. After we see what the queen wants, we can pick up where we left off."

She smiled at me, and whispered in my ear, "I will hold you to that promise."

I laughed, and the carriage stopped. I got out first, and opened the door for her. I held out my hand, she took it, and stepped down. The footman closed the door as we walked toward the castle with our arms linked.

Nivens blew the trumpet, and announced us, "Tarrant Hightopp and Alice Kingsleigh."

The White Queen got up, and walked up to us. She kissed our cheeks.

She declared, "I asked you two to come because I am hosting a ball tonight in honor of today's victory and of you two being our heroes for bringing Underland peace and prosperity."

She announced, "Tonight there will be a Frabjous Day celebration ball. I expect to see everyone there dressed in their best attire. Now take the day off, you have a ball you have to attend to this evening. I must get ready myself."

She motioned for Alice, and I to follow her. We linked arms, and we followed the queen to the balcony. She pointed to the people, and animals leaving in joy. We looked down, and watched them leave going get ready for tonight.

She broke the silence, "That is all because of you two. You two brought life back to Underland, and I don't know how to repay you."

I was speechless but Alice replied, "Your majesty, I find you're doing enough by giving Tarrant his royal hatter position back to him and the ball tonight."

The Queen held up her hand, "Please, call me Mirana. It's time we get on a first name basis. You did give my crown back, and saved Underland. If I can call you by your first names, you can call me by my first name."

I added, "Your majesty…I mean…Mirana, I would like to talk to you about something. Alice needs a gown for tonight, and maybe your royal fitters would make her a gown worthy for a hero. While she does that, I need to ask you something of great importance."

She answered, "Sure," clapped her hands, and the fitters showed up, "Please bring Alice to my chambers, and fit her for a gown for tonight."

The fitters escorted Alice to Mirana's chambers to start her fitting. I paced the balcony, and Mirana started giggling.

I looked at her, and asked, "What?"

"You're nervous about something. Tell me," she could always read my actions, and expressions.

I inhaled, and began to pour my emotions to her, "I promised Alice's mother that we would visit her from time to time. But, how to go about it, I don't know. The next thing, I want to get a ring. It's for Alice. I don't have anything left from my family except for a pair of earrings my mother wore."

"I'll think of something about going visit Alice's mother. It'll take some time but I'm sure we can work something out. Now as for a ring for Alice…" she began, and removed a ring from her finger and put it in my hand.

I looked at her, and was immediately confused.

She noticed my confusion, and explained, "When your mother was sick and believed she was dying, she gave me this ring so when I became queen I could wear it. I want to return it to you. It's a beautiful ring but I don't know if you want that for what you wanted. If you want, I can take you to the royal jeweler."

I had to admit that the ring was beautiful but it could be a good one to wear tonight. I had an idea of what I want.

I looked at Mirana, "Thank you for the ring but I would like something different."

She smiled at me, "Follow me."

She led the way down the hall, and I recognized my old place where I made my hats. I'll be back in that room before I know it. We made it to the jeweler. Mirana talked to the jeweler, and she turned to me.

"Do you see anything you like?" she asked me.

I looked at the diamonds, and picked up a round shaped diamond. I looked at sapphires, and emeralds. I decided to draw out what I wanted.

"Do you have a piece of parchment, and a quill?" I asked the jeweler.

He gave me what I wanted, and I drew what I wanted. I drew a heart shaped diamond with sapphires outlining half the heart, emeralds outlining the other half, and diamond baguettes on the left and right side of the band.

Mirana gasped, "Hatter, that is a beautiful ring. Alice will love it."

The jeweler asked me, "When do you want this ring?"

I told him, "Whenever you can do it. I don't need it tonight. I'm still not sure when I'll do it. But I would love to have it before I ask her. What would she think of me if I asked her to be my wife, and I had no ring!"

Mirana giggled, and called out, "Tarrant."

I breathed, and added, "This afternoon."

The jeweler smiled at me, and he said, "I'll bring it to your office in a box."

"Thank you," I walked out, and ran into my office.

I paced the room, and Alice walked in. She watched me pace the room, and started to giggle. I turned to look at her, and embraced her. She ran her fingers through my hair, and pulled me down to kiss her. I pulled her closer to me as I deepened the kiss. I broke the kiss, and pulled her to a chair.

She questioned, "What are you doing?"

I stated the obvious, "Isn't it obvious? I'm fitting you for a hat my love. First, I need to know what color dress you're wearing tonight."

She giggled, and revealed, "Green like your eyes my dear. Why do you want to know?"

"So it could match your dress. Now will you wear your hair up or down?" I was writing down everything she said so I could make it just right for my Alice.

She turned to face me, and seductively asked, "How do you want me to wear my hair?"

I'm sure my eyes changed to a little darker green than my usual lighter green, and started to think, "Hmn, I'm thinking up with a small tail curled coming down the left side like that. Therefore, a small to medium sized hat will do. Feathers or no feathers, love?"

She got up, took my face into her hands, and rubbed her nose to my nose, "I'm giving you complete control of my first hat made by you. Next time, I'll tell you what I want."

I picked her up, and spun her around telling her, "Whatever it is my Alice wants she'll get it. Besides, I love being in control of your first hat. You'll be so pleased. I'll put all my love into making it."

Mirana peeked through the door, and inquired, "Can I borrow Alice for a while? I need her to help me with something."

"Yes your majesty, you may borrow her as long as she's returned in one piece with no bruises, scratches, scraps, or anything else that may fault her," I picked at her knowing Alice was in good hands.

She saluted me, "Yes sir."

I pulled Alice in for a kiss, and I whispered, "Have fun."

She smiled, and walked out with Mirana. About three minutes after they left, the jeweler walked in with a small brown velvet box. He opened it, and showed the ring to me. It was exactly like my sketch.

I smiled, and looked at the jeweler, "Thank you sir. How much will this cost me?"

He replied, "Her majesty has already taken care of that," and he walked out the office.

Mirana, you're too good. I walked to my fabric, and found the perfect shade of green that matched my eyes. I took my scissors, and cut as much as I needed. I started by making the top, and worked my way down. The top became pointed with a slight slant toward the back. I made the brim, and attached some lose fabric around the midsection and draped it down in the back. I picked up three beautiful peacock feathers, and attached them into the fabric in the midsection. After I finished sewing the final feather in place, I placed it on a manikin's head to keep its shape. I picked up the brown box and opened it up. I couldn't believe I was going to ask Alice to be my wife. I wasn't going to do it tonight or anything. We just got together for crying out loud. I heard footsteps; I closed the box, put it in my pocket, and stood in front of the hat making sure it looked fine. I felt some arms wrap around me, and I turned around. Alice was gazing into my eyes, and leaned toward me. I leaned down, and kissed her quickly.

I held up my hand, "My first gift to the love of my life," picked up the hat, and showed her, "a hat for the ball."

Her mouth dropped to the floor. I had Alice speechless. She felt the feathers, the draping fabric, and observed every angle of it. A smile formed on her face and she embraced me.

"Tarrant, it is beautiful and I adore it. How do you know that was the exact green of my dress?" she questioned me thinking I saw the dress.

I kissed her, and reassured her, "No dear, I didn't see the dress. I went according to my eye color which you admire."

"Can we go back to your place? I'm worn out, and I would like to lie down to rest for a bit. Plus I told them to deliver my dress to your place anyway," she politely asked me.

I smiled, and picked up her hat, "Of course, we can go home and rest before we come to the ball tonight."

We walked out holding hands, and a carriage was waiting for us. I helped Alice in, and climbed in after her. The footman closed the door, and the coachman drove us back to my home behind Thackery's place. Alice placed her head on my shoulder, and closed her eyes. I leaned down, and kissed her head. I watched the scenery go by, and my home came into view. I looked at Alice, and she was asleep with her head still on my shoulder. The carriage arrived in front of my house, and it stopped.

I knew what to say to get her up, "I won't keep my promise about us continuing were we left off."

Her eyes bolted open, and I laughed. I got a punch in the side, and I inhaled sharply. I kept forgetting that I was tortured. Alice, however, had no clue how much I was tortured.

"Oh God, I'm sorry. Tarrant, I completely forgot about that. Are you alright?" she started to feel bad about hitting me. Trust me, I didn't do that on purpose.

"I'm fine. We're home," I opened the door, and stepped out.

I held out my hand, and helped her down out the carriage. The footman closed the door.

"Pick us up tonight at six," I told the coachman after looking at my pocket watch.

He tipped his hat, and drove off. I opened the door, and let Alice go in first. She looked around, and looked amazed that it was clean despite the tea party habits.

"Let me show you around," I took her hand, and led her throughout the house.

I showed her the kitchen, living room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and my room with a joint bathroom. She yawned, and sat down on my bed. I sat down beside her, and she looked into my eyes.

"I want to see what those Knights, and the Knave did to you," she begged me, and my eyes widened.

No woman has ever seen me without a shirt, besides my mother, but she's dead now. Alice wouldn't stop giving me those puppy dog eyes. I removed my hat, and placed it on the nightstand. I couldn't resist her so I removed my coat, and hung it up. I took off my shirt, and I heard her gasp. She traced the marks where the whip met my skin. She also traced the bruises on my ribs.

She looked on my back, and began to cry, "Oh Tarrant, why did you do that? Why did you get yourself hurt?"

I took her face into my hands, and answered her holding back my tears, "I didn't want them to find you. If they found you, they would have killed you. I told you already that I couldn't live without you. I would have died for you if it meant for you to live to kill the Jabberwocky."

She placed her hands on my face, "You already suffered so much to keep me safe. Now it is time for me to repay you by loving you until the day we die."

I kissed her, and she returned the kiss. My head wondered off, but this time it was about what could happen. Number one, I have no shirt on. Number two, Alice was making this kiss much deeper, and passionate than I intended. Number three, we're in my bed now lying back, and still kissing. _Gonadh_, I needed to stop this before we end up completely nude, and doing something married couples do. Alice must've realized what was happening as well because we both stopped the kiss. My eyes had to have been a deep emerald green because she just gazed into my eyes, and smiled.

"What is it?" I questioned her wanting to know what the smile was for.

She kissed me again, "Your eyes are very dark. I'm assuming you're in the mood, Mr. Hightopp."

I nodded, and added, "Why don't we rest now so we can dance all night?"

She smiled, and snuggled into my chest. I kissed the top of her head, and I fell asleep with her in my arms.

I woke up to Alice shaking me awake. I sat up, and looked at my pocket watch. It was five o'clock. We had one hour to get ready before the carriage arrived. I ran to my closet to find my suit for tonight. Alice ran into the living room, and found the box with her dress inside. She ran into one of the bathrooms to bathe. I went into mine, and drew my bath water. After I had enough water to bathe in, I stopped it. I undressed, and climbed in. I washed up, rinsed off, and drained the water. I dried myself off, and went to put on my underclothes. I went back into my bathroom to shave. I couldn't find my razor. Now I remember, I left it in one of the other bathrooms because I felt like using one of the other bathrooms instead of using mine all the time. I went in the one Alice wasn't in and no razor. Oh no, it's in the bathroom Alice was in. I decided to go in, and get out quickly so I don't see anything. I opened the door, and…

"Oh my God, Tarrant, could you knock!" Alice hurried up, and wrapped a towel around herself.

I tried to speak but failed, "I…um…I…um…I…"

Alice laughed, and pushed me outside. She closed the door, and I was somehow able to speak again.

I started one of my babblings, "Oh Alice, I'm so sorry. I guess I should've knocked but I thought I was going to go in, and just get my razor then leave as fast as I could without seeing you in your birthday suit. Which I have to say, you are extremely beautiful…what am I saying I shouldn't have looked!"

I was too busy babbling on I didn't realize Alice opened the door, and had her underclothes on holding my razor.

"Tarrant!" she placed her hand on my arm.

She got me out of my babbling, and I looked in her direction, "Thank you. Next time, I'll knock."

She smiled at me, and closed the door. I walked back to my bathroom probably turning every shade of red of how embarrassed I was from seeing Alice like that. I hurried up, and made my shaving cream. I picked up the brush to spread it across the areas that needed to be shaved like my upper lip, both sides of my face, my chin, and under my chin. I picked up my razor blade, and started shaving as quickly as I could. I did that better than I thought. I came out with no nicks or scratches. I wiped my face, and went into my bedroom. I picked up my black pants, put them on, zip, and buttoned. I put on my black socks, and black shoes. I found my white button up shirt, and put that on. I found my green vest, and tie. I put on my vest with no problem that stupid tie I couldn't get. Alice walked in, and she started laughing. I turned to look in her direction. She was breath taking. She even wore her hair like I said in the hat shop. She walked up to me, and fixed my tie. I leaned forward, and kissed her.

"Thank you love, I was having a hard time with that blasted thing," I picked up my coat, and put it on.

She giggled, and agreed, "So I could tell. Could you help me with my hat?"

I took the hat from her, and placed it on her head like I imagined it. She was beautiful. I picked up my black top hat. She made me bend down, and she placed it on top of my head. She inspected me, and smiled.

"Handsome," she reported as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

I wrapped my arms around her waist, and sighed, "Beautiful. I can't wait to dance with you tonight."

I got a quick kiss from her, and I heard a knock at the door. I gave her my elbow, and she took it. We walked to the door, and I opened it. The footman walked up the door of the carriage, and opened it up for us. I walked ahead of Alice, and I held out my hand for her to get in. She picked up her dress, so she wouldn't trip, and stepped in. I removed my hat, and got in. The footman closed the door for me, and climbed on the back. The carriage took off. I was excited for some reason. I was drumming my fingers on my lap. Alice placed her hand on mine. I looked at her, and she smiled at me.

She reassured me, "It'll be fine. I thought I was bad about being nervous for occasions like this."

I told her, "I don't understand why I'm like this. I guess it's because I'm one of the spotlighted. I'm not used to that. I'm used to being left alone because everyone thought I'm…"

She finished my statement, "Mad, crazy, insane…"

I stopped her, "Alright…I got it. Now they're all looking at me as a hero no longer the mad, crazy, insane person I am."

She kissed my cheek, and I replied, "I have you by my side so I have nothing to worry about. _GONADH!_ I forgot something!"

I stuck my head out, and yelled, "Could you turn around? I forgot something."

The coachman replied, "We are almost there sir. Do you want me to drop off Miss Kingsleigh, and I could take you back to get what you forgot?"

I answered him, "That would be fine."

I pulled back in, and Alice already had questions, "What was that all about?"

"I forgot something at home, love. I need to go back, and get it. We'll drop you off, and I'll go back to get it. I shouldn't be long," I hurriedly explained the situation.

She didn't have time to retaliate because the coach stopped. I opened the door, and climbed out. I helped Alice out, and I climbed back up. She pulled me to her for a quick kiss.

I told her, "I'll be back as quickly as I can."

I climbed in, and the carriage sped away from the castle. I could hear the horses breathing heavily as they sped back to my house. I thought the whole way there while watching the scenery fly by. I decided that tonight is the night. I love her so much that I don't want to waste any time. I want all of Underland to know that Alice is my world. The carriage stopped, and I flew out of it. I opened the door, and ran into my bedroom. I found my coat, and found the brown velvet box. I placed it in my coat pocket as I ran out the house, and back into the carriage.

I stuck out my head, and yelled, "Fast as you can; let's go," I stuck my head back into the carriage as the horses took off.

I said fast, and goodness me I didn't know those horses could go that fast. Before I knew it, we arrived at the castle. I opened the door, and climbed out when it stopped. I ran up the steps, and joined Alice who was patiently waiting for me. I picked up Alice, and spun her around. I set her back on her feet, and looked into her eyes.

"Where did that come from?" She asked me even though she loved the little excitement I gave her.

I told her, "I missed you, and I want a kiss."

She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I wrapped my arms around her waist. She pulled me in for a long kiss. Nivens cleared his throat. We broke the kiss, and I offered Alice my elbow. She took it, and Nivens blew his trumpet.

"Tarrant Hightopp and Alice Kingsleigh," Nivens announced us in.

We walked in, and I spun Alice around. Mirana walked up to us, and kissed our cheeks. She pointed to the orchestra, and the music started playing. I held my hand out to Alice, and she took it. I pulled her close to me, and I bent down to her.

I whispered into her ear, "Follow my lead."

She nodded, and we moved beautifully across the dance floor. It looked as if she ,and I were professionals that danced with each other for years. I felt her ease up, and we moved much better as the song progressed. I noticed a knight who was eyeing her with a smirk on his face. I spun her around, and then tightened my hold on her. She could tell something was bothering me.

"Tarrant, are you alright?" she asked me lifting her head off my chest.

I inhaled sharply, "That knight is about to have a beating to his face if he looks at you like that again."

Alice started laughing, and she saw the confusion on my face, "You're jealous, Mr. Hightopp. I like that."

I looked at her, and her expression made me ease up to where I was laughing. I recognized the ending was close. I pulled her closer to me.

"I'm going to dip you at the end of this song. I'm just warning you now," I told her, and she smiled at me.

The song ended, and I twirled her then dipped her like I told her. Everyone cheered the orchestra for the beautiful song. Mirana led us into the dining room where we all sat down for the feast. Thackery, and the rest of the kitchen staff brought out the meat, potatoes, vegetables, and soup. We ate our soup first. I looked at Alice, and she was so proper with the way she held her utensils to wiping her face with the napkin. She looked at me, and smiled.

She leaned over to me, and asked, "How are you enjoying the ball?"

I smiled, and retorted, "Very much since you're here with me."

She leaned over some more, and kissed my cheek. I grabbed her hand, and kissed it. We continued on with the variety of meats, vegetables, and potatoes. Thackery out did himself tonight. I saw him walking from Mirana toward my direction.

"Thackery!" I called out to him, and he walked over to me.

"Yes, sir," he picked at me, and I almost picked up my plate to break it on his head but I kept my cool.

"You really out performed yourself tonight. I wanted to compliment your cooking. It was delicious," I complimented him, and he smiled at me.

He patted my shoulder, and answered, "Thank you, Tarrant. That is the nicest thing you ever said to me. She's transforming you into a gentleman. It's a good thing."

I was offended, and I retaliated, "I've been a gentleman but when I'm around you I put it aside."

He shook his head, "It came out wrong. What I meant was Alice brings out the best qualities in you that I haven't seen in a very long time. Welcome back old friend," and he walked back to the kitchen.

He seemed very calm to me, and I found that odd about him. I need to ask him about that later on. I finished eating, and Alice looked at me. I could tell she wanted to go back, and dance. A beautiful slow song played.

I got up, I tipped my hat, and offered my hand, "May I have this dance my love?"

She smiled and gave me her hand, "I'd love too, good sir."

We laughed at each other, and I lead her to the dance floor. I spun her around, and pulled her close to me. We swayed to the music, and our eyes never broke contact. As I looked into her eyes, it was like the rest of my life played before me. I saw our wedding day, our honeymoon, finding out we'll be parents, and the birth of our first child. I knew what I had to do. After the next song, I'll do it. I don't want to wait anymore. I have her, and I want to keep her forever before she changed her mind. I highly doubt she'll change her mind about me because of the way she held me and kissed me. Still, I want to make her mine.

She interrupted my concentration, "You're quiet. There must be something going on in your mind."

Gee, she could read my facial expressions very well, "I was just thinking about us, love. I was wondering about what your thoughts are about us."

She placed her hand on my cheek, "I see us being together forever. I picture us getting married, and hopefully one day start a family. Good grief Tarrant, I meant every word I said when I told you that I would die for you if I had to, and that I'd love you until the day we die. You mean more to me than anything else in this world, and my other world I left behind to be with you."

I smiled, spun her around, pulled her closer to me, and swayed to the music. The song ended, and without warning I dipped her. I figured she thought I was going to because she wasn't as nervous as the first time. Everyone clapped at the orchestra and a folk dance started. I pulled her to the dance floor. She looked uncomfortable.

I whispered to her, "Just follow the women, and you will do fine."

It's a good thing Mirana was next to Alice so she could look off her. Mirana danced to this song very well, and never missed a step. The women and the men stepped toward each other, and our palms touched. We walked in a circle counterclockwise. We took each other's hand facing her left ,and my right. We walked forward four times then skipped, and backed up four times then skipped. Our palms touched with our other hands then walked in a circle clockwise. We took each other's hand facing my left, and her right. We walked forward five times then skipped twice, and backed up five times then skipped twice. We stopped; the men twirled the women out the lines and made huge circle. Alice was catching on very quickly. The men joined the circle. I was between Alice, and Mirana holding their hands. First, we started going to the left after making a full round we turned to go right. We stopped at a full round, and broke off to our partners. One of the knights wanted to take Alice, and I took Alice's hand and spun her away from the circle then gave the knight a sorry expression. I couldn't take the song anymore so…

"Stop the music!" I yelled walking over the orchestra.

Everyone stopped, and looked at me asking the conductor to stop the music.

I began with what I wanted to say, "Stop the music please. Thank you. Alice could you join me up here please. Oh come on I won't do anything."

She walked out of the crowd, and joined me by the orchestra on the risen platform.

I continued, "Alice, when you came back to us, it was like my life had meaning again. You treated me as a man not as a mad one like everyone else does. I was tortured to try to give you up to the Red Queen, but I wanted to keep you safe, and I did. I would do it again because I love you and your safety is so important to me. I fell in love with you when we were alone in Iplam waiting for the storm to let up when we were just talking, and trying to steal a look at each other. When I was in my cell, you told me Underland wouldn't be the same without me. It was from that moment I realized you felt the same way about me. We've grown closer over the past two days, and our feelings deepened. You told me you loved me, and I felt like I could take on the world. I've never been so happy in all my life. You, my dear Alice, complete me. You are the first thought in my mornings, and my last thought at night. I love you, Alice Kingsleigh, and I always will." I removed the box from my pocket, and got down on one knee.

Everyone gasped, and Alice's mouth dropped open. She placed her hand over her mouth. I opened the box to show Alice the ring. Tears formed in her eyes. I knew they were happy tears.

I concluded, "Alice, my love, will you marry this Mad Hatter?"

She closed her eyes, removed her hand, and very excitedly said, "Yes, Tarrant, I will marry you."

She gave me her left hand. I took the ring out the box, closed the box, and slid the ring on her ring finger. I got up, picked her up, and spun her around. The orchestra, right on cue when she said yes, started playing the bridal march. Everyone cheered, and I kissed her. The cheering got louder, and Mirana joined us.

She announced, "Another reason to celebrate! Maestro, play something for this newly engaged couple."

The orchestra played another slow song, and Alice and I took the dance floor. Everyone stood aside, and watched us dance. She and I swayed to the music as everyone whispered about how happy they were for us. Alice looked at me in the eyes, and smiled at me.

She disclosed, "This was a magical night. A night that only happens in fairytales. Oh Tarrant, that was so romantic how you proposed. I will never forget this night. I love you, Mad Hatter. I always will."

I smiled at her, and sighed, "I hoped it would be romantic enough because I'm not the romantic type. Oh Alice, I will never forget this night either because you agreed to be my wife. I love you so much, Alice Kingsleigh, and I will never stop."

We leaned forward, and kissed each other so tenderly. I broke the kiss, and twirled her around. I pulled her back to me, and held her closer to me. We continued to sway to the music, and other couples joined in. One by one a couple danced close to us, and congratulated us. We danced together all night, and I could tell she was worn out. On our last slow dance, I decided for us to go back home. I dipped her at the end of the song, and she smiled at me. I leaned forward, and kissed her. I pulled her up, and we walked over to Mirana.

"Mirana, we're going to leave. We're worn out," I explained why we are leaving.

She answered, "I'll see you two in the morning to discuss wedding plans. I won't take no for an answer."

Alice and I looked at each other, and Alice replied, "Alright, see you in the morning."

Mirana hugged each one of us, "Congratulations to you again. You are now the best couple in Underland you do realize that. Now every couple will want to be like you two."

Oh boy, I thought to myself. Alice smiled at her, and we waved farewell. We walked out the castle, and up to the carriage. The footman opened the door, and I helped Alice in.

"Congratulations, Mr. Hightopp on your recent engagement," he told me.

"Thank you," I smiled, and hopped in.

He closed the door, and hopped on the back of the carriage. The coachman got the horses to take off, and I took Alice's hand in mine. I kissed her hand, and she laid her head on my shoulder. She closed her eyes, and sighed. She moved her hand to look at the ring.

"Tarrant, this ring is beautiful. It must have cost a fortune," she gasped still admiring the ring.

I answered, "Actually, it didn't cost me anything, thanks to Mirana. I designed that ring myself; sapphires for your eyes, and emeralds for mine. I don't think I need to explain the heart."

She laughed, and responded, "No, I don't think you do. I love it, Tarrant. I can't believe it. I'm engaged! I'm engaged to the man I love not someone who I was set up with."

I laughed, and chimed in, "You chose me, and I still can't believe that. You love me for who I am, and you're not trying to change me. Alice, my love, you bring out the best in me, and I haven't heard or seen this side of me in many many years. Thank you for choosing me, and loving me."

She responded, "You don't have to thank me. Just be you, and that will be enough for me. I love you, Tarrant Hightopp."

"And I love you soon to be Alice Hightopp. That sounds nice. You're going to be my wife. Mine…all mine…no one else's…just for me. I shall love you forever," I embraced her, and kissed her head.

The carriage pulled to a stop. I opened the door, and stepped out. I held my hand out for Alice, and she stepped out. I thanked the coachman, and he drove away. I opened the door, and we walked in. I removed my hat and hung it up. Alice removed her hat and hung it up. We both walked down the hall hand in hand.

"Pick which room you want," I told her, and she looked at me with a questionable expression.

I reassured her, "Until the wedding, love. I want to at least keep the tradition of not sharing a bed until we're married."

She picked the one closest to my room. She opened the room, and turned to me. I leaned over, and we gave each other a long gentle kiss.

"Good night, my dear Alice. I shall see you in my dreams," I whispered to her.

"Good night, my Hatter. I, too, shall see you in my dreams," she replied, and kissed me again.

She walked into the room, and closed the door. I inhaled, and walked into my room. I changed into my sleeping clothes, and climbed into bed. I blew out the light, and sleep fell upon me.

_Gonadh_-Damn