Amy woke up the next morning with her heart full of warmth and a big, dumb smile on her face. Both of which were caused by the woman lying next to her in bed and the touch they still shared. By now, even the normally cool metal of Violet’s arms was warm where they wrapped around Amy in a protective embrace. And when she turned over, she was surprised to see Violet’s eyes were closed. Was she still sleeping? Well, that was a first! 

She must have been tired following yesterday’s activities. And, even though Amy knew they needed to be going, she couldn’t help but stare for a few moments at the face of her love. She looked so…peaceful. For all the wonderful things Violet did for her, Amy just hoped that was something she could always provide. The promise of a calm and fulfilling life with her and Taylor. Unfortunately, the silent reverie didn’t last very long as Violet stirred from her slumber only a minute or two later. 

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Amy cooed with a smile that said she was quite pleased with this situation. 

“You’re up?” Violet asked before looking toward the window and then back to Amy. “Before me?” 

“Surprised?”

“I am.”

A few giggles followed Violet’s admission before Amy craned her neck up and kissed her cheek. “Well, get used to it, it’s a whole new world.” Things were always changing, sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. And for the first time, Amy felt like the former was the force that held sway in her life. Today was further proof of that belief because today they would go get Taylor. However, before they could do that, they had another tailor to visit. 

“Shall we get ready?” Amy asked before gently rising out of Violet’s embrace. 

“Yes, let’s.”

Their normal morning routine was accomplished without any fuss and in no time, hair was brushed, clothes were donned, and bags were packed. Not even an hour later, the two made their way downstairs and thanked the hostess before disappearing out into the street. Though they needed to visit Hannah to pick up Amy’s dress, they also needed to eat a delicious breakfast! So, the pair settled on that first, choosing a cafe within eyesight of the dress shop. 

“Have you thought about what you’re going to say?” Violet asked after taking a sip of her coffee. “To Taylor.”

Amy was busy finishing off a delicious pastry filled with raspberry jam, which conveniently gave her more time to think on the question. “I have,” she confirmed with the nod of her head. “Too much, if I’m being honest.” She didn’t know why she felt the need to say something profound to the little girl when the time came. Probably because she felt like she abandoned Taylor when the little girl needed her most, even if Amy thought it had been the right decision at the time. 

Violet must’ve picked up on her doubt because she removed one gloved hand from her cup to reach across the table and place it on Amy’s arm. “Your presence will be enough, Amy. Believe me. If nothing comes to mind or too much comes to mind, just be there for her.” Violet followed her words with a smile and a subtle squeeze of Amy’s arm. 

“Yeah, thanks.” Wasn’t it much the same for her and Violet? It wasn’t like the doll talked her ear off but that didn’t matter. Just having her at Amy’s side was more than enough.  

“Now, I believe we have one more errand, yes?” Violet asked before standing a moment later and starting to gather up their things. 

After they left the cafe, the two headed to Hannah’s shop and arrived a few minutes before she was scheduled to open. However, the woman must’ve seen them through the glass because she popped out the front door and waved them inside. “Come in, girls. I have the dress ready.” Perfect! A smile kicked up on Amy’s lips as she made her way inside and she didn’t stop until she was at the counter. Where Violet joined her a moment later. “Just give me a moment to fetch it,” Hannah said before continuing on and ducking into the back. 

However, she wasn’t gone long and soon emerged with a brown package wrapped neatly with a string. “Ah, here we are. I barely had to do anything so I won’t charge you extra.” 

The two young women shared a glance and when Violet turned back to regard the seamstress, Amy let her speak. “Are you certain? I assure you I can pay.”

“Oh, no. It’s no problem, really. I’m just happy it sold so fast. I actually put it out yesterday morning.”

Wow, they really were lucky, then! If Amy had to guess, things probably sold fast in this store given the quality and overall look of the items on display. Things she looked over while Violet and Hannah discussed how much they owed. When it was all said and done, Violet handed over the money and Amy moved forward to pick up the dress from where it sat on the counter. 

“Thank you, again,” Amy said with a soft smile on her lips.

“Of course, dear. And aren’t you lucky to have such a generous friend. It warms my heart to see the two of you together.” 

Amy opened her mouth but then paused before letting it fall closed a moment later. She was lucky to have Violet in her life. She was generous, and kind, and Amy could spend all day here telling the older woman as much. And it should warm her heart, but not exactly for the reason Hannah was thinking. After a short pause, Amy’s lips curled up into a smile while she shifted the package to one arm. “I am so lucky, Hannah,” she began before reaching out with her free hand to take one of Violet’s. “To have such a wonderful woman as my girlfriend.” 

There she’d said it! And, even though she felt that all too familiar heat coming back to her cheeks, Amy kept the calm, happy expression on her face. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a train to catch.” Not wanting to linger, Amy turned and gently dragged Violet toward the door. However, before they went through, she turned and offered a small wave of the hand that held the dress tightly. “Have a nice day!” 

“Oh yes, goodbye!” Hannah said in a hurry to get the words out before Amy and Violet disappeared into the street.

Once they were out, and walking toward the train station, Violet looked over at her with an amused expression on her face. 
 
“What?” Amy asked once she noticed the look.  

“I thought ‘girlfriends’ was too juvenile?”
“Oh shush,” Amy said in response before sticking out the tip of her tongue from between her lips. “It’s true, isn’t it?”

“Of course, it is,” Violet confirmed before squeezing Amy’s hand gently. It would do for now, anyway. And after last night Amy supposed there was no doubting its accuracy.  

Thankfully, it wasn’t a long walk to the train station and they made it with plenty of time to spare. However, the two quickly boarded the train much the same as they did yesterday, got their things arranged, and then sat while awaiting its departure. Except unlike yesterday, Amy wasn’t tired. Well, she was tired but there was no way she was going to be going to sleep with thoughts of Taylor bouncing around in her mind. In just a few hours, Violet and Amy would arrive in the town that held the orphanage. In a few hours, they would be reunited; Taylor would be back with her again. 

Unfortunately, it turned out that “just a few hours” could be an excruciatingly long time when you were anticipating something so grand. Violet tried her best to distract her but, in the end, all Amy could do was look out the window and hold her love’s hand with a nervous, vice-like grip. Perhaps in this one instance, it was better that they were metal and not flesh and bone? However, even if they were, Amy suspected that Violet would’ve let her do it anyway. 

Eventually, she turned from her sightseeing for a moment to look at Violet instead, who did the same once she felt eyes on her. Amy had been so wrapped up in her own thoughts that it was only now that she realized Violet hadn’t been reading during this leg of the trip. Whatever thoughts were moving around in her head must’ve weighed heavily on her mind. 

“I love you,” Amy said out without any preamble. Her tone was matter-of-fact, but conviction laced those words as if she were making a promise. 

Violet looked surprised, but only for a moment before a reserve smile kicked up on her lips. “I love you, too.”

“I know,” Amy said before shifting in her seat so she could lay her head on Violet’s shoulder. “I also know I couldn’t do this with anyone else. It’s scary but having you at my side makes me feel better. And not just today but tomorrow, too. And the day after that, and the day after that, any time you aren’t away on assignment.”

“Do you really think I can do so much?” Violet asked. 

That question caused Amy to knit her eyebrows together and lean back out, finding Violet’s gaze before tilting her head. “What? Of course, I do.” 

“But I’ve never taken care of a child before.”

Oh, right. Distracted as Amy was, she failed to realize that she may not be the only one with some anxiety surrounding the situation. “Violet, listen to me,” Amy started before shifting the doll’s hand to her lap where Amy could place her second hand atop it. “You are going to be great, trust me. You took care of me, right? So, I know your kindness and your compassion, not to mention your patience. Taylor and I are both lucky to have you.” And yes, Amy wasn’t a child but she had made Violet put up with enough of her crap to have a good idea of how it would go.
 
“Yes. I suppose you will be there to help me learn as well.”

“Of course,” Amy confirmed. “And it’s not like I’m perfect, you know. But I know we’ll both try our best and that’s all we can do. Really, you’ve already done so much.” They both had, hadn’t they? On their own and together.  

“Yeah,” Violet finally said before taking a deep breath and nodding her head. “Thank you, you’re right.”

“Of course, I am,” Amy said with a smirk before turning her head and returning to her previous perch on Violet’s shoulder. She didn’t know how much her words really calmed Violet’s nerves but funnily enough, she also felt a little better following the pep talk. And, even if they didn’t always get it right, at least Taylor would be loved. At first by Amy, but if she had to guess, Violet wouldn’t be far behind. In fact, she would bet everything on it. Silence still blanketed the two for the remainder of the train ride but at least now Amy was less of a nervous wreck and was once again back to thinking about the future. Both near and far. 

Hours passed this way until the train finally pulled into the station and by the time it came to a stop, Violet and Amy were already waiting by the door with luggage in hand. Well, Violet’s hands. The two were the first off and Amy followed Violet through the station and out onto the road beyond. 

“You still remember where you’re going?” Amy asked after they made their first turn. 

“Yes, it will probably take us about an hour to get there,” Violet guessed. 

“An hour?” Amy repeated before she picked up her pace, causing Violet to do the same. 

“Amy,” Violet said from behind her a moment later.

“Yes?”

“You shouldn’t upset your breathing or else you may have a fit before we get there.”

Crap, Violet had a point, didn’t she? “Fine, an hour it is.” So, Amy slowed back down and resolved herself to be patient just a little longer. It wasn’t exactly a leisurely stroll but she knew the doll was holding back in order to make sure she arrived healthy.  

“I still can’t believe you delivered the letter personally,” Amy said after a few minutes of quiet, broken only by the occasional shout and the sound of their boots on the cobblestones. 

“I had to make sure it got to her. Your words…they were so special, Amy. It would’ve been awful if they didn’t make it.” 

The sentiment filled Amy’s heart with warmth and she nodded her understanding. “Well, when you put it like that, it makes sense. And I’m glad it was you; you know? I guess it’s fitting that the two people who mean the most to me in the whole world ended up meeting.” 

“That’s right, and I had planned to make a return trip someday. However, I admit I didn’t think it would be this soon.” Violet paused then and looked over, her normally reserved smile wide and bright. “But I’m happy I am, I’m happy that your dreams are coming true.” 

“They really are,” Amy said almost wistfully before letting her eyes wander to look over the little town. It was even smaller than their first stop but no less charming. The pair passed a few shops that looked like they served yummy food and Amy made mental notes of each for a meal once they had Taylor. They would also need to find a place to stay but Amy trusted Violet could get them set up easily enough. Perhaps they should do that after they retrieved the little girl? Just so they could store all of their belongings. Talyor probably didn’t have much, right? Then they could go eat. Unless she had lunch already?

More and more questions flooded Amy’s mind as instincts long dormant started to awaken within her. All the questions and concerns that came with caring for a Taylor. It was these questions, and so many others, that occupied her mind for the remainder of their journey. And due to them, it ended up passing by much faster than she initially thought. Soon, they were approaching the gate of the orphanage but Amy came to a stop just before passing through.  

“Amy?” Violet asked once she came to a stop a few paces ahead. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I just…need a second.” Just a moment to breathe and to check her person too. Amy dropped her eyes and ran her hands over the dress she wore yesterday. Then she checked her hair where it hung down around her shoulders. She was ready, she could do this! “Alright, let’s go.”

Amy pushed the gate open a moment later and stepped through, her eyes immediately scanning the grounds. She could hear the sound of children playing but it was muffled, like they were around the back of the building. Following the realization, she stepped from the pathway and started toward the nearest corner of the two-story building, intent on finding out for herself. 

“The staff desk is inside,” Violet said a moment later, no doubt trying to be helpful (and possibly steer Amy back to the path). 

“I don’t care,” Amy replied before picking up speed as she approached the turn. She didn’t want to talk to any staff because she didn’t really care what they had to say. And the thought of delaying any further was too difficult to bear. No one was going to stop her now. Not the people who worked here, not her father, no one. 

No further hints of protest came from Violet and she too veered off the path. Amy’s pace continued to increase until she was jogging…and then running down the side of the orphanage to that second corner. When she was around it, her eyes scanned rapidly looking for Taylor. Where was she? Amy needed to see her, needed to find her. Of course, there were all sorts of children playing games in the yard before her. So, so many. Too many and it was making it difficult to find Taylor.

After that momentary pause, Amy kept walking forward and Violet caught up a moment later. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a redhead and started walking in that direction, her heart thumping in her chest out of anticipation. However, when the little girl looked up, there was only confusion in her eyes. “Not Taylor…” Amy said under her breath. 

“Big sister?” 

Amy’s head whipped up and to the right, in the direction of the voice that called out. A moment later, another little girl stood from her group of friends while looking straight at her.  

“Taylor?” She looked older but it was definitely her. Healthier too, at first glance. It seemed Amy wasn’t the only one who filled out from a proper diet. “Taylor!” Amy started running again and Taylor did the same. It didn’t take long to close the distance and Amy immediately scooped the girl up in her arms, spinning her around a few times before pulling her in tight for a hug. “Taylor!” 

“Big sister, you came!” Amy felt those small arms warp around her neck and pull tight too, which filled her with even more relief.  

“Of course, I did,” Amy whispered in her ear while tears started to form and fall from the corners of her eyes. “I’m here, big sister is here…”

The scene prompted nearly all the children to turn and look at the pair, as well as Violet too after she came to stand by them both a moment later, close enough that Taylor must have noticed.

“Pretty lady?”

Who? Amy opened her eyes a moment later and turned her head to see that Taylor was looking at Violet. Who stood there with a smile on her face just out of arm’s reach. Oh! Well, she definitely got that right. “That’s Violet, Taylor. Do you remember her?”

“I do,” Taylor confirmed with a nod of her head. “She brought me your letter! And wrote me one too!”
“That’s right,” Violet said while nodding her head. “It’s good to see you again, Miss Taylor.” 
Taylor lifted her arm to wave momentarily before looking back to Amy and titling her head. “Why is she here with you? Did she bring more letters?”

“No,” Amy admitted with a chuckle. “Violet is brought me this time. She helped me find you and she is very important to me.  Just like you are.” Following her words, Amy let one arm fall away from the little girl so she could reach out with a hand extended in Violet’s direction. The implication was clear and Violet put the bags down and reached out to take her hand before coming in closer. However, before she could close the distance for a hug, a voice called from back toward the orphanage.  

“What is the meaning of this!?” 

Uh-oh…
 
The three turned to see an angry looked older woman stomping toward them. Which, was fair given the fact that Amy had neglected to go inside and let them know she was here. Hmm, maybe she shouldn’t have skipped that step?
 
“I’ll take care of this,” Violet said first and then squeezed Amy’s hand before letting it drop. She then separated from the pair and brought a hand up in greeting as she went. “Good afternoon, my name is Violet Evergarden…” 

Violet’s voice faded away as she intercepted the other woman and Amy’s attention returned to the little girl in her arms. “We’ll just let Miss Violet talk to the nice lady. She’s good at that kind of thing.”

“Oh, she’s not nice,” Taylor said matter-of-factly. 

Which brought another bout of laughter from Amy. “I see. Well, then I have good news for you.”

Those green eyes lit up at the hint and Amy could feel her feet kick a few times in excitement. “Are you taking me home?” 

“Yes, Violet and I came to get you.”

“Is Violet going to live with us too?”

“She is,” Amy confirmed with a nod.

Taylor appeared to think on the answer for a moment, but before Amy could start to worry that the reception might not be well received, Taylor lit up once again. “That sounds fun!” 

“Yes, it will be,” Amy said with more of the soft laughter. “Now, let’s go find Miss Violet and get your things, okay?”

“Okay!”