#rivervale_lodge

"He never called it ON!" Tove says her sob making it almost a wail then "I'm sorry, I'm being such a child. I... father had been wanting Jaymes to do... you know 'honorme' and.... so Jaymes and I were knocked out in Samahin..and father went to the jewelry store.. and ..." She gulps the drink given

Kerri's jaw drops. "He didn't. Torrin...he....wait, it was Samhain, what's the proof of this?"

"Receipt... bits of memeory on his part... WE don't remember the propsal I just assumed.. I was so happ..happy...but it was a lie"

"Honey, are you sure.. what ddid Jaymes say?" Sally Mae says

"Jaymes saiddd... it was a lie, a trick. .. he thought my father was right I..." shaking shoulders. Oh Tove is not crying pretty.

Kerri wraps an arm around her shoulders and offers her a clean dishcloth in lieu of a handkerchief. "All right, let it out."

And she does, crying hard. Sally Mae nods and plays back up, getting things needed, more kleen ex if need be

Kerri nods approval at Sally Mae's support, rocking Tove a bit. "Okay...okay...we're going to figure this out, but you're right to be upset. I don't blame you one bit...."

"Nor I" Sally Mae says

Tove rocks then "I... he .. what was it? he was playing a long? Did he... pity me?"

A frown. "Tove, did Jaymes look like he was in on it? Or did he look surprised?"

"He..he..he looked surprised, and.. so angry at father, but it doesn't matter.. he never proposed... a trick and a lie and..."

Sally Mae looks at Kerri, then back to Tove "Honey, Jaymes ain't much of a talker. Maybe he used too few words? "

"He used enough" Tove wipes at her eyes

"I think it matters a great deal. Tove...listen...." Kerri's voice is low. "Jaymes may have been just as surprised as you at the engagement...but he has never seemed at all upset about it. You know this, if you think about it a minute."

Sally Mae nods, "You're one of the only people that can make him smile."

Tove sniffles "I... well, he HAS..had? benefits"

Kerri sighs. "Sweetheart, if this were just about sex, he wouldn't have been so willing to believe that he had, in fact, proposed on Samhain."

"If it were just about sex, he would have tried to backpedal, or ask for time to reconsider. He would have blamed the mists for a promise that he shouldn't be held accountable for. He didn't do that, did he?"

"I..." A bit ashamed "No.."

"No, he didn't. I think that's a very, very good sign."

Sally Mae says "Might want to give him a chance to..well, explain. He OWES you more words"

"This is true," Kerri nods. "Where did you see him last?"

"The cafe... he tried to follow"

Sounds at the front door.

"You didn't let him talk to you?"

"No...I ... I couldn't " Tove says

Kerri hears the noises. "Honey, go wash your face a bit." She nudges Tove towards the bathroom adjacent to the kitchen.

Tove nods and goes to do that.

Sally Mae watches her go.

"I'll check the door. Don't let her leave. Some tea would be wise." She heads out of the kitchen to check on the front door.

"Yes, Hearth" Sally Mae knows when to take orders brief and clear

Frank is balancing, toeing off his boots, jacket on the peg.

"Frank. Have you seen Jaymes?" Kerri looks tense.

"Yes. Last I saw he was going after Tove at that cafe with the plants? She might have got away, but he'll find her."

A sigh. "She's here. You were there when they found out?"

"Yep. She's here? Hmmphm."

"Yes, she is, and he is not. And she is VERY upset."

He nods. "Looked like it." He sighs. "She didn't give him much of a chance but... I can see why. He -is- upset about this."

"He'll be looking for her."

As if on que, the dogs bark again...

and right outside, Dagmar finds Oak rushing up to say wag

"Oh, I hope that's him. I'm going to check on her. Do not let him in the kitchen right now."

"Kerri, you want me to -tackle- him?" With some disbelief, but he stands fast.

"Go 'way, Oak!"

Edelweiss almost nips at Jaymes "Hey... darn it dogs"

Oak whines a bit, then wooofs. Calling for back up. Brown dog trots out and wags too.

But the three dogs, and two trolls make it to the door, and Jaymes opens it for them

Kerri gives him a look that suggests that exactly what she wants, and heads back into the kitchen.

She listens from behind the kitchen door to confirm that it's Jaymes.