Sarah Alder stared wide eyed at her in disbelief at a loss for words and Tally was starting to panic, maybe she shouldn't have asked her to come home with her for Yule.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have asked so randomly out of the blue. I just thought…you know what nevermind, forget I even asked."
She was about to turn and run but Sarah was there grabbing her hand and with a hopeful smile and the warmth of Tally's hand in hers she assured her, "I'd love to spend Yule with you and your mother."
Tally's panic disappeared and she squeezed Sarah's hand with happiness, so maybe asking Sarah Alder to spend the holidays with her and her mother wasn't such a bad idea.
Except for the fact that Tally wasn't sure how her mom was going to react to the woman whose army killed all her sisters.
Okay, on second thought maybe this was a bad idea after all.
When they arrived in Sacramento by none other than driving, yes Sarah Alder knew how to drive a vehicle, they pulled up to Tally's childhood home and Sarah smiled at how quaint it was.
"Home sweet home," Tally giggled nervously.
Sarah suddenly felt nervous herself and hesitated at undoing her seatbelt to get out of the vehicle.
"What's wrong?" Tally suddenly fearfully stared at the nervous ex-general.
Sarah tried to compose herself but only failed slightly, "You do realize your mother must hate me? I am well aware of the fact that all your aunts died in my army and although given a dispensation you joined my army as well. I'm sure she blames me. Perhaps me accompanying you was not such a good idea after all."
The corner of Tally's lip twitched up into a smile, "Sarah Alder, are you afraid of my mom?"
"Absolutely. If she's anything like you I am definitely afraid of her."
Tally frowned, "Hey, I'm not that bad. Besides, I'll protect you."
"Wow, thanks, my hero."
Tally glared at her, "I think I liked you better when you weren't so sarcastic."
Sarah undid her seatbelt and smirked, "We both know that isn't true," as Sarah stepped out into the crisp Northern California air and made her way to grab their bags.
May greeted them at the door and Tally swore she heard Sarah gulp. She wrapped Tally up in a hug and kissed the top of her head.
"My Tally, it's so good to see you," she stared blankly at Alder before turning and walking back into the house without uttering a word to the former general.
Tally winced, "Just let her warm up to you."
Sarah sighed, "I get the feeling she'll light me on fire, Tally. Is that warm enough?"
Yes, this was going to be a very long Yule.