Chapter Eighteen
Three weeks later …
Belle ripped out another row of uneven stitches from the scarf she was knitting and sighed, looking up at the source of her distraction. Tap, thump; tap, thump; tap, thump. It was driving her mad. "Darling, the doctor isn't going to arrive any sooner should you cease trying to wear a groove in the rug," she murmured softly, hoping her reasonable tone would somehow permeate the mask of anxiety clouding his face.
"He's going to make us late."
"We're not on any set schedule, Rum. It's not like they'll leave without us," she said, setting her knitting in the basket beside her. They would be setting off for Dunsmore that morning. It would be the first time Rumpelstiltskin would be able to survey the property which would be their new home. He would be meeting with the estate manager upon their arrival … if they weren't too late.
Mr. Madsen was a very efficient man, and would have no problem acquainting Rumpelstiltskin with his responsibilities. She was in favor of keeping the man on to help her husband-to-be, not wanting him to be mired down in estate affairs to the point where he would be overwhelmed. There were also many things she wanted to show him, and if he were buried in work, there would be no time for fun. Her poor love had not had an easy life and she wanted their marriage to be filled with love and laughter, with new memories to replace the bad. She wanted him to be happy … at least as happy as he'd already made her.
"Lucern hasn't had to use his crutches for two weeks, Belle, and here I am still hobbling along like a cripple," he grumbled, making another pass across the hearth rug. "Frankly, I'm rather tired of these wretched things."
She clasped her hands in her lap, her fingers twisting in upon themselves as she watched him pace. "His injuries were a bit different than yours, Rumpel. He didn't break any bones, and your quick thinking in that ravine saved him from infection and a longer healing process."
His thin lips curled into a moue of disgust, having no argument for her statement. It didn't make his impatience any less, however. He turned so fast at the knock upon her door, he nearly stumbled and fell. Bethany was there in an instant to greet their caller, throwing the door wide and bidding him entry.
"Dr. Cassel," he fairly growled, nodding at the man.
"Milord, your highness," the doctor greeted them both with a jovial smile. "How are you faring today? You seem to be getting around on those rather well."
Belle shook her head in warning, not wanting him to bear the brunt of Rumpelstiltskin's short temper. "We're doing quite well, Doctor. We'll be leaving for Dunsmore shortly, so if you would be so kind as to – "
"Get on with it?" the spinner snapped, dropping into a chair and stretching his leg out onto the ottoman.
"Yes … well," the doctor spluttered, hurrying over to the little sitting area before the hearth. He knelt next to the ottoman and reached out to unbuckle the boot from Rumpel's leg, doing his best to be gentle. Regardless of the spinner's feelings for the man, Cassel was a very good doctor. "How is your pain? Thorrin hasn't been by for more of your pain medication in the past several weeks."
"Because he's a stubborn mule," Belle breathed under her breath as she cast her betrothed a pointed look.
"It's manageable. I've lived with pain for almost eight years, and actually what I feel now is mild in comparison. I don't need the medication any longer," Rumpelstiltskin insisted. He'd had this argument with Belle before. He understood she didn't want to see him suffer even the minutest of pains, but he couldn't abide how the powder made his head feel as if he were lost in a fog.
Cassel began unwrapping the tightly wound bandages. "How often do you change these?"
"Usually once a day, when I visit the baths."
"Hmm," the doctor hummed in approval. "And you've put no weight on it since your injury?"
Rumpelstiltskin smiled fondly at Belle, reaching out to clasp her hand as she came to sit near him on the settee. "No, I haven't. I have a very strict nurse who makes it impossible to disobey doctor's orders," he chuckled.
"I only want what's best for you, darling," she said, blushing prettily at his compliment.
"Well, it's good you followed my instructions. They will only speed the healing process … for which I know you're anxious." Cassel set the bandages aside and pressed his cool fingertips to Rumpelstiltskin's ankle, examining it thoroughly. "It seems to be healing well. I was worried over the damaged tendons when you were first injured because of your previous wound, but even they seem to be knitting back together as they should."
Belle beamed at the man as if he'd just handed her the moon. She knew how important it was to her betrothed to be able to stand with her unaided at the altar when they spoke their vows.
Cassel held out his hand to the spinner as he rose to his feet. "Let's get you up now, and see if it will bear your weight, shall we?"
Rumpelstiltskin cast him an anxious look as he set his foot on the floor and ground his teeth together in anticipation of the pain. Belle shot to her feet as well, her hands fluttering before her. She wanted so badly to assist him, but was afraid to make him think she didn't trust him to be able to do it on his own. He reached out to her, glad he had when she smiled at him and quickly took his elbow to offer her support. He rested his weight on his left leg, his stronger limb, the one which had supported him for more years than he'd care to contemplate.
"When you're ready, m'lord. There's no rush," the doctor said in a reassuring tone.
Belle slipped her free hand into his right and matched her breathing to his in an effort to calm her rapidly beating heart. "It's alright, Rum. I have you."
He took a tentative step and shifted his weight to his lame leg, holding tightly to Belle's hand as he waited for his ankle to give out beneath him. His knee shook from lack of use, his toes curled reflexively into the plush rug, and his ankle twinged with pain, but it held steady beneath him. Cassel let go of him when he saw the spinner had gotten his bearings. Belle, however, wasn't letting go.
"How's it feel?" she asked, glancing between the surprise on his face and his leg.
"It's straight, Belle," he murmured, his brogue thick and filled with awe. "There's a slight discomfort, a stiffness to it, but it's worth it because it's straight." He stared down at his foot, awed over his recovery, the appendage as straight as the other instead of curled inward.
Tears sprang to her eyes as he shook off her hand and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her neck. "I know, love," she cooed, her hands rubbing soothing circles over the small of his back.
"I'll be able to dance with you at our wedding in another three weeks." He drew himself up, his eyes shining with unshed tears. His callused hands were gentle as he cradled her lovely face and pressed a fleeting kiss to her lips, happiness radiating from his every pore.
"Don't test yourself too soon, m'lord," the doctor warned with a chuckle. "Use your cane until you regain your strength, and don't try sparring with her ladyship's knights for a while," he quipped. "You should also continue to wear the boot for another couple of months for the added support."
"I can assure you, he won't be out on the training field for some time," Belle retorted, helping Rumpelstiltskin back to his seat.
"Thank you, Dr. Cassel. I don't know how to ever repay you for what you've done for me," the spinner said, reaching out to shake the man's hand.
Bethany showed the doctor out, and left her mistress alone with Rumpelstiltskin, giving them a moment of privacy before they readied themselves for their journey to Dunsmore.
Belle knelt at his feet, which he'd propped up on the ottoman, smoothing her fingers over the spidery lines of scar tissue which would always mar the skin over his ankle. "Rumpel, I hate to say this, but perhaps it was a good thing you had your accident with my brother."
Rumpelstiltskin snorted and reached for her, pulling her onto his lap, his arms coiling loosely about her waist. He nuzzled against her throat, drawing a breathy little moan from her. "I think the most fortunate thing to have happened to me in years …" he let his voice trail away as his lips teased at the corner of her mouth.
She let her heavily lidded gaze meet his. "What was that?"
"Meeting you, dearest."
*.*.*
"Baelfire, put that rabbit back in its cage. You're not bringing him in the carriage," his father scolded as Belle packed up her knitting basket with the scarf she was making, as well as a few books she just couldn't leave without.
"But, Papa, what if they get lonely?" the boy asked, his lip protruding in a pout as he turned his large soulful brown eyes up at Rumpelstiltskin. "Who will take care of them if I'm not here?"
"I'm sure Bethany and Gerta can see to their care and feeding while we're gone. It's only for a few days," the spinner tried to reason with his son.
"Bae, darling, don't forget your bear," Belle reminded him. He hadn't slept a night without the furry stuffed creature since Lyssa had given it to him. She'd bought it at the marketplace not long after he'd come to Avonlea, proclaiming to any who'd listen that adjusting to a new home was never an easy thing, and a soft companion in the middle of the night would bring no small measure of comfort. Especially to one so young.
"Is grandpa coming with us?" he asked, once he'd retrieved his bear and returned to his mother's room to sit on the settee.
"Not this time, Bae," Rumpelstiltskin replied, making a turn about the room to make sure Belle hadn't forgotten anything. The handle of his cane felt comforting to him as he leaned on it lightly. He'd hardly sat down for more than a few moments since it had been returned to him. He was so relieved to be free of the crutches, he didn't know what to do with himself.
"But I want him to come with us? Why isn't he?"
"He has to stay here, darling," Belle answered patiently, ruffling his curls. "We have visitors just now and it would be rude for him to not see to his business with them."
"But he's the king, Mama. He shouldn't have to be stuck here with them when he can come to our new castle and ride horses with me," he stated in a reasonable tone.
Belle chuckled as she watched her betrothed's face screw up into a look of frustration. "Bae, I'm sure once we've moved to Dunsmore permanently, Papa will come to visit you there quite often."
He thought for a moment and then sighed. "I'm glad I'm not the king. I'd much rather ride horses than do business with cranky nobles."
"That makes two of us, son," Rumpelstiltskin whispered in an aside.
"Mama, can I put my bear in your trunk?"
"Of course, darling, but why? Wouldn't you like to have him with you in the carriage?" she asked, taking the toy from him and handing it to Bethany so she could pack it away.
He hung his little head, his cheeks coloring. "I don't want Gawain or Anders to make fun of me or think I'm a baby."
"They wouldn't dare!" she protested hotly.
"Please, Mama?"
She cradled his little cheek in her hand. "Of course, sweetling."
"And do I have to ride in the carriage? I want to ride my horse."
Rumpelstiltskin raked a weary hand through his hair. "Your new horse is being fitted for shoes, son. And we're taking the open carriage for the short trip to Dunsmore. It's not like you're going to be cooped up in the coach."
Bethany went to the door and threw it open, beckoning to Merrick to come for his mistress's trunk to load onto the back of the carriage. Belle compromised with Bae, a deal of sorts, and one most favorable to both parties. "Alright, Bae, if I let you ride with Thorrin instead of in the carriage, will you hurry along with us so we might reach Dunsmore before nightfall?"
"Whoo-hoo!" he hooted. "Yes, ma'am."
Belle pressed her lips to his brow in an affectionate kiss and sent him off to meet Thorrin in the corridor. She then curled her hand in the crook of Rumpelstiltskin's elbow – so happy she could do that once again – and allowed him to lead her from their rooms and into the castle proper to set off for their journey.
"You're so good with him, dearest," he said softly as they entered the main hall. "Milah was never so patient as you are with him."
"I love him, Rum. I couldn't love him more if he were my own." She blushed under his adoring gaze. "I happen to love his father, too."
There was no further time for words between them then as Lucern, Lyssa and the king gathered around them to bid them farewell and safe journey. But Rumpelstiltskin knew he didn't have to say any more. She could see how much he loved her. He wore his heart on his sleeve for her, his Belle, the one person he believed would never hurt him, and who would love him forever. He'd learned to put his fear aside and trust her, a decision he would never regret.
*.*.*
Belle couldn't keep the dreamy smile from her lips as the carriage trundled along the coast road on its way to Dunsmore. The sun was bright, the sky a beautiful cloudless blue, and a fragrant sea breeze wafted pleasantly as they traveled, teasing the stray tendrils which had escaped her braid. She nestled deeper into Rumpelstiltskin's chest as he toyed with one of her curls, coiling it about the end of his finger. With the gentle rocking of the carriage on the well-maintained road and the comforting warmth of her betrothed's arms about her, she could have easily fallen asleep.
Baelfire rode with Thorrin next to the right of the carriage, Gawain to the left. Out in front were Gaston and Merrick, and following behind were Anders and Leon. It reminded her somewhat of their journey to Avonlea not so very long ago. "We're nearly there, highness," Fitzpatrick called from the driver's bench.
She could practically feel the anticipation humming through Rumpelstiltskin as their enclave rounded the last bend of the road and the shining white castle, built atop the cliffs overlooking the sea, came into view. Baelfire was animated, his gleeful little voice carrying over to his parents as he bombarded Thorrin with a myriad of questions.
Her spinner looked down at her, accusation evident in his gaze. "This is a small castle?"
She winced. "Well, it's quite a bit smaller than my father's palace. Really!" she insisted as he arched a dubious brow. "It only has forty or so rooms."
He chuckled. "Only forty or so rooms," he said in a droll tone. "Belle, your suite in your father's palace is larger than my cottage in the Frontlands. So, I'm sure you can see where I'm still a bit overwhelmed by it all."
Belle leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I know, Rum, and you've taken it all in stride. The title, the wealth, the pomp and ceremony … me."
"You're the only reason I've accepted any of it, dear heart. All for your happiness, and Bae's. If the two of you are happy, then I'm happy, too, for without you both, I am nothing," he intoned solemnly.
"Nonsense. You're wonderful."
He stole a quick kiss before the carriage bumped along the cobbles into the courtyard and pulled to a stop before the massive entry doors. Servants were already spilling out of the foyer and onto the steps, lining up to be introduced to their new master. Rumpelstiltskin let himself down easily from the carriage as Fitzpatrick lowered the steps and he turned quickly to offer his hand to assist his princess from the conveyance.
"Granny!" she cried, hurrying over to the woman standing at the bottom of the castle's grand row of marble steps, a no-nonsense expression on her lined visage. Belle threw her arms around the woman, greeting her warmly. "I've missed you."
"Then you should've come sooner to visit, then," the woman bit out gruffly. Upon closer inspection, Rumpelstiltskin couldn't mistake the warmth in her eyes for the princess. She dipped her head, eyeing him over the rim of her spectacles as she trained her gaze on the spinner where he stood behind Belle. "So, this is him, is it?"
Rumpelstiltskin couldn't fight the color blooming in his cheeks. This woman was important to Belle, therefore her opinion mattered. He dipped into a slight bow, giving the woman her due, despite his discomfort. "I am, madam."
"Humph," she snorted. "And what makes you think you're good enough to warrant marriage to our princess?"
The spinner looked taken aback before he composed himself and clenched his teeth, praying for patience … and better yet, that he said the right thing, for once. "I would never presume to think I'm good enough for Belle, but she chose me. Who am I to deny her, when I live for her happiness?"
A chorus of 'aww' went up from several of the younger maids standing at attention on the steps. Granny cut them a look and they instantly silenced … though they continued to cast moony-eyed looks the spinner's way. The woman relaxed, one corner of her mouth threatening a tiny smile. To Belle, she said, "He'll do."
Belle beamed at her. "Rumpel, darling, this is Mrs. Lucas. She has been our housekeeper here since Luc and I were very small."
"A pleasure to meet you," the spinner answered in a polite tone. He still felt as though the woman didn't like him for some reason unknown to him, but he wouldn't disappoint his Belle by displaying bad manners.
"What's for dinner? I'm starving!" Gaston growled, dropping a kiss to the woman's cheek as he made his way over to the steps. He'd already instructed Gawain and Leon to take the horses and carriage to the stables to be seen to, and he'd enjoy a light repast after so long in the saddle. Tomorrow he'd be going with Rumpelstiltskin to oversee the village and properties under his new leadership. If they hadn't gotten such a late start, they would have been able to do it that afternoon, but already the sun was dipping lower over the mountains.
"You overgrown beast!" Mrs. Lucas admonished. "What's for dinner will be bread and water with that attitude. Did you leave your manners back at the palace?"
"No, ma'am," he grinned unrepentantly. He dropped into a bow and swept his scarlet cloak aside with a flourish. "O maiden fair, do forgive my callous disregard for your delicate sensibilities. Might I have a token of your affection or simply a crust of bread to fill my belly. I am at your service, sweet damsel."
"What a ham," Belle giggled, hiding her face against Rumpelstiltskin's shoulder. Her betrothed fought hard to fight back his own grin. Mrs. Lucas swatted Gaston's shoulder and began to usher the servants back into the castle.
Belle moved to follow her knights into the keep and nearly plowed into Gaston's back as he stopped sharply in front of her. "Gaz?" she asked, glancing at her betrothed questioningly when their friend didn't answer. Rumpelstiltskin shrugged, equally confounded as to why he'd stopped. He led her around the transfixed knight and followed his line of sight to the tall svelte brunette who'd come partway down the steps to speak with Mrs. Lucas.
The princess glanced between the pair on the stairs and Gaston, a slow smile forming on her lips as she saw the open admiration and curiosity on his face. He didn't so much as move a muscle until the pair had disappeared back into the castle. "Who is she?" he asked, stunned by the little beauty with the hazel eyes and warm smile. "She's beautiful."
"That's right. You weren't with me when I came here last winter with Papa. Lucern had dragged you off to North Umbria with him for a conference with King Eldred … some sort of trade negotiations."
"And what has that to do with anything?" he asked in exasperation, his feet already itching to follow the girl.
Belle chuckled, following along behind him as he started up the steps. "Because, lummox, that is Granny's granddaughter. Her mother died and Granny brought her here to live and work at Dunsmore. Her name is Ruby, by the way."
"Ruby … what a lovely name," he said reverently. Without another word, he bounded up the rest of the steps, leaving Belle and her betrothed to follow at their leisure. He had to introduce himself forthwith. There wasn't a moment to delay.
"He seems quite taken with her, considering he hasn't even spoken to her yet," Rumpelstiltskin stated, managing the stairs better with his cane than he ever would have with those infernal crutches. "Is he in the habit of chasing women he doesn't know?"
Belle squeezed his arm where her hand rested in the crook of his elbow. "Not at all. He'll try to charm the pants off anyone, but I've never seen him look at a woman the way he just looked at Ruby. It reminded me of someone …"
"Who, love?"
"Me." She stopped as they crossed the threshold into the foyer, and turned to look up into his warm sable eyes. "It was how I looked at you when I first saw you come into the tavern to speak with Milah. As if the whole world fell away, as if you'd come to save me from myself, as if I was destined to love you and only you for the rest of my life."
"Oh, my Belle …" he whispered, his brogue thick with emotion as he dragged her into his arms. His long fingers delved into her hair as his lips descended to hers, his heart swelling with love for her. He didn't know how it was possible to love her more every day. "I love you so much," he vowed, nibbling softly at her lower lip.
She sighed when he pulled away and tucked her closely to his side. "I was destined to be yours, Rumpel. It just took a game of chance to bring us together."
"Aye, dearest. Fate is a fickle mistress." He dropped a kiss to the top of her head. "And glad I am she favors us."
*.*.*
"Alright, my love, close your eyes," Belle cooed softly as they came to a stop outside their suite of rooms.
Rumpelstiltskin arched a dubious brow. After the dinner they'd just had with her rowdy knights, Baelfire on excitement overload, and Gaston mooning over the pretty new maid, he was ready for a bath and at least eight hours of sleep curled around his sweet girl. Thankfully, Thorrin would be sharing Bae's room. His boy was looking forward to his little sleepover, and he couldn't say he blamed him the way the young knight doted on Bae.
"It's never a good thing to ask a cripple to close his eyes, love."
"Pfft. Rumpel, you've never acted like a cripple," she said proudly. "In the months I've known you, you've never once allowed your leg to slow you down.
He stared down at her, his smile filled with awe at the way she looked at him. His sweet Belle saw him in ways no other ever had. She saw a brave man where others saw a coward. She saw a good kind man where others saw someone who cared only for himself, his selfishness causing him to injure himself to avoid the war. None of them had ever sought out his real motivations … but his Belle had. And he would thank the gods every day of his life for sending her to save him, to love him.
He shook off his melancholy, and dropped a kiss to her petal lips. "Yes, dearest, but I had my eyes wide open so I could see where I was going."
Her azure eyes twinkled with mischief. "As if I would let you stumble. How absurd," she cooed, taking his cane and hooking it over her arm as her hands clasped his firmly. "Besides, I want it to be a surprise."
"What surprise?" he asked suspiciously, his warm sable eyes narrowing as he opted to play along.
Belle could hardly contain her exuberance, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet. "Your wedding gift!" she squealed.
Her excitement was contagious, it seemed, as he felt his heartbeat pick up speed. "Belle, we're not yet wed. Don't you want to save it?" he asked, ducking his head sheepishly. "Besides, I haven't been able to get you anything yet."
Her lower lip disappeared between her pearly teeth as she peeked up at him from beneath her lashes. "You don't have to get me anything … I'm getting you; that's all I want."
"Oh, dear heart," he whispered reverently as he slipped his hands free of her grasp and wrapped them about her trim waist, pushing her gently back against the door. The gold handled cane clattered to the floor as she looped her arms about his neck, returning his embrace whole-heartedly. His mouth slanted over hers, claiming her bottom lip between his own. She mewled in the most delightful way as his tongue swept along the soft pink flesh before darting between her teeth to duel with her own.
His body surged against hers, his arms tightening about her as desire flooded his veins. His head whirled with the drugging effects of her kisses. For weeks now, he'd tried to keep their romantic interactions tame, not wanting to lose the tenuous hold he had over his fragile control, yet now as she released his lips to trail her own over his unshaven jaw to nip at his ear, he could feel his efforts going to hell.
"Sweetheart … Belle, please …" he moaned as her nails dragged over his nape, gooseflesh erupting over his skin and sending a spark of pure fire to his cock.
She nodded fervently, her lips blooming into a wicked smile. "Yes!" she exclaimed, her belly tightening at the thought of making love with him.
"No!"
"What?! But –"
"We have to stop," he all but wept.
"I don't want to, though," she cried, her lips pursing into a pout as she squirmed with need in his arms. "I'm tired of playing. I want you, Rumpelstiltskin."
He pressed his brow to hers, nuzzling lovingly against her nose. "I know, dearest, I feel the same way."
"But you won't," she whispered sadly, her lower lip trembling.
"I want to honor you, Belle. I will not … cannot … do anything to disgrace you."
Belle sighed and nestled against his chest, tucking her head beneath his chin. "You're to be my husband, though. We wouldn't be the first to indulge before the wedding."
"Already, I indulge you far too much. We shouldn't be here now … alone and unchaperoned … snogging in a deserted corridor. It's unseemly. And we certainly shouldn't be indulging in our little late-night explorations of one another before we are married." He sighed, dropping a lingering kiss to her brow. "But I have a terrible time of denying you."
"I love you, Rum. You're right. If you were less than what you are, perhaps I wouldn't love you the same," she admitted, seeing his point of view. Her arms, about his waist, gave a light squeeze to reassure him she wasn't upset. "Ok, now will you close your eyes?"
He did so without hesitation as she bent to retrieve his cane from the floor and reached behind her to open the door. He waited patiently for her to take his hands again and trusted her implicitly to lead him forward into the room. He hadn't even seen the suite which would be theirs for the duration of their marriage, having gone straight to the dining room for dinner.
"No peeking," she teased, coming to a stop and waving a hand before his face. "Stay right here and don't look."
"I won't," he grumbled.
Belle pressed his cane into his hand, and moved over to the corner of the room, whipping the drape off the ornate spinning wheel she'd ordered months ago from the finest craftsmen in the village. She'd been so excited when Granny informed her it had been delivered only that morning and placed in his bedchamber. "Ok, my love, you may open them."
Rumpelstiltskin leaned heavily upon his cane as he stared in wonder at the spinning wheel. His throat burned and his eyes stung at the gravity of his gift. His hand rose to his chest as if to contain his heart held within, the organ fit to burst with love for his princess. "For m-me?" he asked, his voice a broken whisper.
She smiled hesitantly, concerned over his reaction. "Of course, darling. I ordered it not long after I brought you to Avonlea. I thought it would make you happy. Was I wrong?" she asked, nervously wringing her hands. "I'm not trying to replace the one your aunts left you, Rumpel. I just thought … having more than one isn't a bad thing … is it?"
He ran his fingertips over the polished wheel, his eyes taking in every minute detail. "Belle, it's wonderful," he breathed. "But why would you want to give this to me back when you hardly knew me?"
She sighed in relief over his joy at her gift. "Because I think even then I loved you."
He propped his cane against the wheel and framed her face in his elegant hands. "This is the nicest gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you."
Belle blushed prettily, tilting her face up for his kiss. "I do enjoy spoiling you, my love. The rewards are incomparable," she cooed. He chuckled lowly, the sound sending a shiver of desire pulsing through her.
He glanced down at the round padded stool sitting behind the wheel. "And I notice the stool is big enough to seat two," he murmured, arching a brow in askance.
She cocked her head to the side in contemplation, wondering how he would take her reasoning. "I … um. I thought you might like to teach me to spin, and … well, I need somewhere to sit, don't I?"
He lowered his lips to hers once more, nipping at them with practiced ease. "I do love it when you're clever, dearest." His smile was wicked as he put a bit of distance between himself and the temptation of her lips. "Why don't you go and have your bath. Then when you're done, we'll see about that lesson, shall we?"
Belle beamed up at him, excitement flooding through her. "I'll be back in an hour."
A/N: Happy Christmas to you all, my darling readers. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next time … a spinning lesson, Rum's meeting with his estate manager, and a little more with Gaz and Ruby. Hope you all have a wonderful and happy Christmas! Love and hugs to you all.
Fic rec of the week: 'Dr. French and the Wily Astronaut' by Tmich. Can be found on FFnet as well as AO3. It was my darling friend's RSS and I think it's really incredibly cute. So give it a read :D
Mistletoe kisses for all my lovely reviewers: CLKit, Wondermorena, Guest, Grace5231973, Witch Nova, minterwint, lovepeacebubble121x, FaerieTales4ever, Twyla Mercedes, ninewood (16 & 17), MyraValhallah, Erik'sTrueAngel, orthankg1 and jeananne64.
Twyla, darling, I promise your scene is coming next chapter!