Tasha melted a little at Thomas' kiss, and felt herself relax more in his embrace. "Well, I'm glad we agree on that," she said with a smile.

Mary dropped her pen and was on her feet in an instant. She squeezed Peter's hand as she passed him, then hurried onto the living room where she added herself to what now seemed to be a steadily-increasing puppy pile of Thomas and women. "Thomas! Thank goodness you're back!"