Will stood on the balcony overlooking the bustling city. He gazed lovingly at the town he grew up in. But something was missing. What was it that Port Royal had, that London didn't have? Was it friendship? Adventure? Possibly even…romance? Whatever it was, Will was craving it at that moment. He had spent the last few days cooped up in the house, and this gave him lots of time to think. But he was tired of dwelling on things lost, and he was sick of contemplating on what could have been. He suddenly saw a figure moving across the front lawn. When he realized it was Tara, he raced down the stairs and out the front door. Tara was baffled at Will's urgency.

Tara: Will! What is it? Is there something wrong with Mary?

Will panted a little as a trickle of sweat raced down his face. He didn't realize how excited he was to get out of the house, or maybe his excitement was just centered on her.

Will: No, no…nothing like that. I just checked on her, and she was sound asleep.

Tara was relieved, as she let out a sigh, but still confused.

Tara: Oh, thank goodness. But Will, why on Earth did you run out that fast for?

Will: Tara…I didn't know that days of doing absolutely nothing…would be absolutely dull. And I figured you could amuse me.

Tara laughed. Will smiled in response. The sound of her laughter did that to him for some reason.

Tara: Well you know…you could always do my job for me if you're really that bored.

Will: If you seriously need any help – or if you just need a break or something – I would be more than happy to offer my assistance.

She shot him a smile. Will enjoyed seeing her smile. She only had one dimple – which was odd – but it made her smile just a little cuter.

Tara: Thanks for the offer, but I could never ask you to work for me. If you're really that desperate for amusement, you can accompany me to the market.

Now it was Will's turn to smile. Tara enjoyed seeing him smile. His dimples gave his manly face such a boy-ish charm.

Will: I'd love to join you.

Tara: Let me just grab a basket and some money, and our adventure can begin.

Tara and Will were at the produce stand, trying to decide between various potatoes, when an elderly woman came up next to Will. She glanced over at Tara, but stared especially hard at Will. After looking at him for a few moments, she finally recognized him.

Woman: William, is that you?

Tara looked over at Will, only to find him looking back at her, and looking just as confused.

Will: Yes m'am?

Woman: You don't remember me, do you?

Will: I'm afraid not, m'am. You'll have to job my memory.

The woman gave him a very warm smile.

Woman: You know…your mother wouldn't be very happy to know you forgot about poor, old Ms. Porter.

The name seemed to ring a bell just then. Will's eye lit up and he gave the woman a hug.

Will: Ms. Porter! What a pleasant surprise! How is dear Margaret doing?

Ms. Porter: She's the reason I'm glad I ran into you, William. We're celebrating her 18th birthday with a party on Saturday. Will you and Mary be able to attend?

Will: Although she would love to come, I don't think it would be wise for my mother to be there. I can come though but…

He looked over at Tara, who was now trying to choose between some carrots.

Will: Would it be all right if I brought along a friend?

Ms. Porter looked over at Tara, then back at Will.

Ms. Porter: It's a shame your mother can't make it, but since she can't…another guest wouldn't hurt. So I shall see you then?

Will: Most definitely. Farewell, Ms. Porter. Give my regards to Margaret.

He gave her one more hug and went back to Tara. He saw her basket was now full with all kinds of food, and felt guilty for abandoning her.

Will: Tara…I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to leave you or anything. I hope you aren't upset.

"He's always trying to right a wrong, isn't he?" Tara thought.

Tara: Oh, Will! Don't you see how much time we saved? While you talked, I shopped. We killed two birds with one stone!

She started to laugh, and Will joined her. They started to walk back to the house.

Tara: So who is this "Ms. Potter" anyway?

Will: She's a close friend of Mary's. She's also a widow. I grew up with her daughter, Margaret. Speaking of which, Ms. Potter invited us to Margaret's party.

Tara: Us?

Will: Mmhmm…

Tara: As in you and me?

Will nodded. Tara gave Will one of the biggest smiles he had ever seen.

Tara: Wow. I've never been to a party before.

Suddenly, her expression of joy transformed into one of distress.

Tara: Oh goodness! I've never been to a party before. I don't have a dress, or shoes, or jewelry, or…

Will stopped her, put both hands on her shoulders, and looked her straight in the eyes.

Will: Hey! Listen to me. You will look fine no matter what you wear or how you wear it. You want to know why? Because you always do.

Tara continued to stare into his eyes. His eyes were the darkest shade of brown, just like hers. They were the eyes of a hard worker, a loving son, and a compassionate friend. The hands on her shoulders were calloused and rough, yet warm and inviting. They were the hands of a hard worker, a loving son, and a compassionate friend. It was in that moment when Tara realized that she never wanted his hands to leave her shoulders, nor his eyes to look away from hers.