But they hadn’t known each other yet. From that moment on, Tommy had made their growing relationship a priority. There was no running away from something you wanted to make work. You put in the effort even when it was difficult or uncomfortable. Especially then. Love wasn’t one person putting the other first, but rather all parties taking care of each other.

Always. Not just when it was convenient.

Tommy compressed her lips. “What will you do the next time you’re afraid or embarrassed?”

“I don’t know,” Philippa said honestly. “But I won’t do it alone. Whatever happens, we’ll work it out together. My place is at your side…if you’ll have me.”

“You won’t be tempted to run away?”

“With you, but not from you. You are the person I wish to have and to belong to. Every single day for the rest of my life.” With shaking fingers, Philippa removed her top hat and dropped to one knee.

Tommy’s heart began to clatter.

“My beloved Tommy Wynchester.” Eyes beseeching, Philippa lifted Tommy’s hand to her lips for a kiss. “You are perfect exactly as you are. I love you for who you are, not who you pretend to be. With me, you can always be Tommy, and it will always be more than enough.”

Tommy wanted to believe it. Needed to believe it.

Was terrified of letting herself believe it.

Philippa pressed Tommy’s fingers to her chest. “Please allow me to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tommy shoved her hands in her pockets. “Your parents—”

“—will not approve, no. I am done trying to be someone I am not for people I can never please. You and I can be exactly who we are, and please each other.”

“What about Polite Society?”

“‘Polite’? They are unconscionably rude and selfish. And yes, I was once a lot like them. I gladly choose being a Wynchester over returning to that world.”

“One cannot choose to be a Wynchester.” Tommy’s voice scratched. “Wynchesters must choose you.”

“Do you choose me?”

“I might.”

“Then I’ll tell you a secret,” Philippa said. “I can live with it if the rest of the world never chooses me. What I cannot imagine is a life without you. I love you, Tommy. You have my heart, and you are my heart. I don’t care who knows it or what the gossips say. I choose you.”

Tommy stared at Philippa, her eyes pricking and her heart beating far too fast.

“Please,” Philippa said softly. “Let’s determine our future together. Lovers and partners forevermore.”

“Well,” Tommy said. “I suppose I could think it over.”

Philippa made a garbled sound.

Tommy pulled Philippa up and into her arms. “Yes, my beloved bluestocking. Yes, I’ll spend my life with you. I choose us.”

“Thank God.” Philippa pressed her lips to Tommy’s.