The autumn winds had rolled in with the clouds that morning, bringing much cooler temperatures to Westfall. The entire town had gathered at the edge of the cotton fields in honor of the harvest festival. Most women were layered in shawls and long dresses while the men had donned scarves and jackets.
Thomas stood in front of the gathered crowd, glancing from one side to the other before lifting the megaphone to his mouth. “Mornin’ everyone,” he paused to allow the residual chatter to die down. “I was hopin’ for sun today, but after thirteen years of holding these festivals, I suppose we’re just meant t’end up with clouds.”
“Has it been thirteen years?” Gemini whispered to Hudson, to which he nodded quietly.
She frowned and looked down. It had been thirteen years since the town had lost William; thirteen years since she, Lillith, and Hudson had taken on their respective roles; and thirteen years since she had moved out of town. She could scarcely recall attending more than a handful of harvest festivals, and she hadn’t attended any in the last few years. “Where have I been?” She muttered under her breath.
The Doctor glanced at her curiously, noting her smoldering tone. He freed one of his pocketed hands to take hold of hers.
His touch coaxed her focus back to the present time, and she straightened her posture to continue listening.
“Despite the weather bein’ the same, this harvest season will be everything but. Today, I have a very important announcement that will affect the future of Westfall—and you, its people.” Thomas’ expression was somewhere between worry and determination, but he pushed through. “After the harvest season, we will be leavin’ this place.”
Those who were aware of what the announcement would entail heard the chatter return in full force among the residents of Westfall. Lillith and Carla exchanged glances while Hudson, Gemini, and The Doctor remained still and focused on the mayor, despite the increasingly worried residents behind them.
“What are you talkin’ about, leavin’??” Someone shouted.
“Where would we go? And how??”
“We can’t leave here!”
Thomas waved his hands, including the megaphone that was still in one of them. “Y’all listen; I’m not finished!” He tried to reel the distressed crowd back in. “For the first time since Westfall was founded five hundred years ago, someone has made delib’rate contact with us. We finally have someone who has both the means and the desire to relocate us.” He grit his teeth as the rumblings of the crowd began again. “I know this is a hard thing to hear, but I know you’ve all seen it: this town ain’t what it used to be.”
“What about The Wildfire??” Joseph shouted from the crowd. “She’s been managing the beasts!”
“Yes, The Wildfire has certainly helped, but she’s got nothin’ to do with our crop yield fallin’ ev’ry harvest. She’s got nothin’ to do with our people dwindlin’ ev’ry year.” He let the megaphone drop for a moment, a concerned frown dulling his expression.
His words marked a decline in the crowd’s dissention.
“We are a resilient people, but we are strugglin’. We’ve struggled to live despite the beasts, we’ve struggled to provide for our families, we’ve struggled to have children,” he paused somewhat painfully, “an’ I think it’s about time we stop strugglin’.”
“Amen,” Hudson offered simply.
The Mayor of Westfall scanned every face that he could see. “I want you t’know I did not make this decision lightly. I talked to some of you about this, and I prayed hard. I know they say somethin’ too good to be true usu’lly is, but I can’t help but find hope here. We can have hope—we can have a new life—but it ain’t here. Not anymore.”
The residents of Westfall had fallen silent. Many eyes were cast on the ground or otherwise elsewhere. Families huddled close, couples huddled closer, and those who lost loved ones could only nod in pensive acceptance.
“When are we goin’?” Someone piped in after a moment.
“And where?”
“We’ll leave after the harvest, so we’ve got a few months to prepare. We’re not sure where we’re goin’ yet, but I have been informed accommodations will be comf’rtable. So today, for the festival, I want us to remain hopeful. I want us to celebrate what we’ve been given, both here an’ elsewhere. Can we do that?”
There was a rippling of affirmation, despite some being less exuberant than others.
“Doctor Smith?”
The Doctor perked up upon hearing his given name.
“As the Mayor of Westfall, on behalf of this town, and in honor of Gemini the Wildfire,” Thomas looked The Doctor in the eye, “I accept yer offer.”
The Time Lord nodded as the entire town turned their attention to him. “Right! I accept your... accepting,” he fumbled over the words and concluded with an excited thumbs-up. “It is my pleasure, sir.”
With that, the town half applauded and half started away to partake in the festivities and refreshments.
Thomas returned to the small group that remained and was quickly caught by Carla. He hugged her with his free arm and kissed her forehead. The group then fell into an uncomfortable silence.
The Doctor glanced between them. “I think that went well,” he attempted to lighten the somber mood.
“As well as it could’ve,” Thomas admitted, his blue eyes shifted aside.
“You did good,” his wife remained tucked at his side and garnered a weak smile from his lips.
“I’m excited about it,” the preacher shrugged, “but I know many aren’t. I’ll do my best to talk to who I can and see about easin’ their worries.”
“That’d be perfect,” the mayor nodded before turning to The Doctor. “I’m hopin’ you and Gemini will stay here while we finish up; we’d love to have you.”
The two Time Lords glanced at each other. “I didn’t become part of the family just to leave it again,” Gemini grinned.
“Fantastic—can I claim him to help me at the hospital?” Lillith’s hands were on The Doctor’s shoulders moments later.
Thomas chuckled as The Doctor exaggeratedly craned his neck to look back at her. “If he’s able.”
“I was thinkin’ he’d be good help in the fields,” Carla looked him over, crossing one of her feet over the other.
“I actually need help in the shop,” Hudson admitted, leaning over a bit. “Paw’s gettin’ real slow these days; I don’t want him gettin’ hurt.”
The Doctor held out his hands in surrender. “As incredible as it is to be needed, I must remind you I’m only one person.”
“I can help in the shop,” Gemini suggested.
“Really?” His face lit up.
“Oh yeah—Gem’s built things,” The Doctor volunteered. “She and her brother renovated a theater, in fact.”
“And I won’t need your help all the time,” Lillith nudged The Doctor with a smirk, “so Carla’s folks are welcome borrow you.”
The Doctor paled, dropping his hands. “Her folks as in the squash plant incident?”
“Oh, they’re fine, now,” Carla waved her hand, “they’re just overdramatic.”
“That’s an understatement,” Thomas quipped.
“Hey!” She nudged him with an incredulous smirk.
As the Hillers started away, Lillith brushed her hand past Hudson’s arm. “Now do you need help breaking that news to your Paw? He’s not gonna give up working lightly.”
Hudson shook his head, a smile tugging his lips. “Nah, he likes Ms. Gemini. He’ll take it a lot easier if she’s there.”
“Time Lord charm,” The Doctor chuckled.
“Something like that,” she shot a smirk at Hudson.
Lillith was also chuckling as she turned toward town. “Well, come on; let’s to see what’s happening for the festival!”
“I have a feeling we’re going to be very popular,” The Doctor looked to Gemini, “or very unpopular.”
Her grin widened toothily as she tilted her head toward the preacher. “Nah, they like Hudson. They can’t be mad at us if we’re with him.”
The man broke into a hearty laugh as they followed after Lillith. “Whatever I can do for you,” he put an arm around each of them, and the trio entered town together.
- - -
“Gosh, did I leave my ratcheting wrench over there?”
“Yep, here it is.”
The woman stood up, a plaid shirt buttoned at her chest over a black undershirt. It was half-tucked into dusty blue jeans with a black handkerchief stuffed into the pocket. Her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail that was already spilling out around her neck. She reached across the metal combine and handed Hudson the wrench.
“Thank you, ma’am,” he accepted it gratefully.
“I’ve almost finished cleaning out the auger,” she gestured to the curled metal below them.
“That means we’re nearly done once I tighten this side up.”
“The Richardsons are going to be a lot happier once this is back up and running,” Gemini wiped her forehead with the back of her shirt sleeve.
“Oh, for sure.” Hudson watched her return to the other side of the combine. “I really appreciate you helpin’ an oaf like me,” he cracked a smile.
“Oaf? Where?” She peeked over her shoulder with a grin.
He chuckled and lined up the wrench over the first of the bolts. “You sure have caught on quick—and thankfully Paw’s not been in our hair too much.” He paused when he noticed her attention had been distracted out the door. He glanced over his shoulder to follow her line of sight.
The harvesters were coming in from the field across the street, pulling in bundles of wheat for threshing. One of the men was The Doctor, a dirty collared shirt unbuttoned at his neck and tan slacks tucked into a pair of ranch boots on his feet. A brown Stetson adorned his head, keeping his messy bangs from falling in his face.
The woman bit her lip as he approached the shop. “Yowza,” she gawked.
He pretended not to notice and took off his hat to fan his face. “Whew, not to complain, but I can see why everyone is in very good shape here. This manual labor stuff is something else.”
“They’re really puttin’ you to work, huh,” Hudson was grinning wide in amusement.
“And speaking of ‘yowza’,” The Doctor stepped up to the turbine across from Gemini, leaning onto one of his legs. “Yer lookin’ quite purdy there, li’l lady,” he tipped the hat before returning it to his head.
Hudson made a poor attempt at stifling a laugh and snorted instead.
“What?” The Doctor glanced at him.
“You and that accent do not go together,” Gemini was caught in a fit of giggles. “But, thank you.”
“I thought if I dressed the part, I should start speaking it.”
“No, you don’t,” the mechanic and his assistant replied in unison.
He rolled his eyes. “Oi, tough crowd, you lot. When do you get off your shift, anyway?”
“I’m just about done,” she pointed to the clumps of dirt lodged in the combine’s auger.
“I can finish up if you need her,” Hudson offered.
“Oh, no, I can wait. I’ve just got a little trip panned for this evening.”
“A trip?” Gemini cocked her head curiously. “In the TARDIS?”
He nodded. “Just a little getaway while we’ve got a chance—and coming right back of course.” He leaned in closer with his brows raised, crinkling his forehead beneath his hat. “Just the two of us.”
“Ooh.” She cooed back.
“Y’all go on,” Hudson waved them off. “I can finish.”
“Are you sure?” The Doctor turned to him.
Hudson shot him a knowing smile. “Sure am.”
The Doctor raised a brow and brought a finger to his lips.
Gemini stepped around the combine, wiping her hands clean on her handkerchief and completely missing their interaction. “Well, thanks, Hudson. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you. Y’all have fun,” he grinned with a wave.
As the last rays of sunlight glint over the horizon, the two headed around the shop, climbed the ladder to the roof, and slipped away in the TARDIS.
- - -
Gemini stood at the edge of a white plaster balcony as the stars above reflected in her glasses. Below her, the warm lights of the resort town glowed softly with a dotting of lanterns along a path and the soft bloom from the windows of rooms huddled in between. Beyond them, a wide lake spread out to the horizon.
She was in a simple gray knee-length dress that swayed softly in the wind, completed with a black belt at her waist and black tights and boots beneath. Her hands were spread wide while they rested on the metal railing. The wind was warm, and she breathed it in to relax.
Soft music swelled from behind her as the glass door opened and closed. She glanced over her shoulder to find The Doctor, also cleaned up in a dress shirt, vest, and slacks—and the Stetson.
“I must say I’m still surprised to see you in a dress,” he gave her a flirty grin as he stepped beside her.
“I don’t mind them now and then.”
The grin widened. “You really have changed since I saw you last.”
“You too, Mr. Cowboy,” she giggled. “I really do love the hat.”
“I wear Stetsons now; Stetsons are cool,” he fingered the edge to tip it lightly. His expression softened as he leaned forward and steal a kiss.
Gemini smiled and leaned her side against the railing, eyes narrowed with a dull sneer on her lips. “You’re up to something,” she announced at point blank.
He blinked. “Excuse me?”
She batted her eyes. “Come on, Doctor; we haven’t gone anywhere since we came back to Westfall, and tonight we’re at a lakeside resort on a tourist planet for dinner and dancing.”
He tilted his head, the shadow of his hat shifting across his face. “Yes?”
Her lips pulled to a smirk. “A very safe lakeside resort with lots of tourists and a record for nothing bad ever happening.”
He waved a hand in the air between them. “What’s wrong with being safe? I’m not about to risk losing you out on some dangerous planet again.”
She straightened and crossed her arms before leaning forward against the railing. “I suppose you’ve got a point,” she submitted, glancing out across the courtyard as another couple slipped through the shadows between the lanterns. “It just seems like you’ve got something up your sleeve.”
“I most certainly don’t.” He gave each sleeve a tug as if proving they were empty.
She rolled her eyes with a smirk and turned away to watch the couple stop to embrace beneath one of the lanterns.
“Absolutely nothing up my sleeve,” his voice came from beside her. “But I did have something in my pocket.”
She whipped her head around to find The Doctor on one knee. A velvet box was in his hands—open to display a small silver ring nestled within.
She broke into a laugh, all manner of joy spilling from the cracks of her fingers as she clamped her hand across her lips. “I knew it!!” She cried behind her palm.
He flashed a wide grin. “Is that a yes?”
“You haven’t asked me anything!” She giggled incredulously.
“Gemini, will you marry me?” He shot back in a similar tone.
“Yes!” She laughed, grateful tears spilling from her eyes.
Trembling with excitement, she dropped to her knees in front of him as he took her hand. The small silver ring slipped perfectly onto her finger, and her eyes turned up to his in thankful adoration. “I’ve dreamt of this,” she said, barely above a whisper.
“I wanted to give you time to heal,” he said tenderly, bringing a hand to her face to wipe away a tear, “and make sure this was still the life you wanted.”
She dove forward and embraced him, resting her head on his shoulder with her eyes squeezed shut. “Of course I still wanted it,” she pressed her lips tight. “I ran away because I was scared, not because I didn’t love you.”
“You ran away because I wouldn’t tell you why I was scared,” he cradled the back of her head, resting his chin on her hair. “I was afraid if I told you a way to reverse the metacrisis, you would have taken it.”
She popped out of his grasp. “And forget you? On purpose??”
He tried to shrug as best as he could within her arms. “I made a very bad mistake.”
Her lips pushed into a sheepish smile. “You and me both.”
“But here!” He wriggled his arms free and took her hands, including the one newly adorned. “We’re together again! All manners of second changes have been given.” He dipped his head with a coy smile. “We’ve been very blessed.”
“Amen,” she smiled.
The Doctor ran his fingers through her hair and nudged her forward to kiss her. She leaned into him, taking hold of his shoulders as the love they shared swelled within their embrace.
Her hands drifted to his face, running around his brows and slipping behind his ears. He watched her intently, keeping his lips parted as her fingers traced across them. He scarcely allowed them to move before kissing her again.
She bowed her head after their second parting, nudging her forehead against his cheek as her hands wrapped around his neck and held him firm. “So, when’s the wedding?”
“Well,” The Doctor spoke into her hair, “I do have the ability to ask Thomas for anything in return for taking Westfall with us,” he grinned, fingering his chin, “and Westfall happens to have a chapel.”
“All of time and space, and you’d marry me in Westfall?” Her lips tugged, half-playfully and half-touched.
“Of course. The biggest thing I’ve learned these last two months—aside from how much work has to get done—is that Westfall really is like one big family,” he drew close again, “one I’m lucky to be considered a part of thanks to you.”
“And one I’m actually being a part of for once,” she admitted. “A better part of, anyway. It’s not like I didn’t try before... I just let myself get in my own way.”
He cupped her cheek with his hand. “Second chances,” he repeated.
“Yes.”
The Doctor got back to his feet and helped lift his fiancé to hers, beaming with pride as she held his hand and smiled back at him.
She was still weak in her knees from the wave of emotion that had passed through her. She tugged the edges of her dress as she shifted on her feet. “And speaking of Westfall,” she added, setting her hand upon his chest as she drew closer to him, “are we going have some news for them!”
- - -
As the days grew colder and shorter, Westfall’s final harvest season had come to a close. Food and goods were now being packed for their journey—along with the memories of a town that was now unable to be their home. Some were still scared and skeptical, but others fully embraced the hope of a new life elsewhere.
Amid all other preparations, a wedding had also being planned, and Westfall’s final celebration would honor the marriage of Gemini and The Doctor.
The couple, along with Thomas, Carla, and Hudson, was on their way to the chapel to make final preparations as the evening sun waned overhead.
“Lillith gave me these ribbons, and she wanted me to tie one at the end of each pew,” Carla lifted a bundle of blue ribbon in her hands, “she did that for mine; it was real pretty. She made my bouquet too, so I know yours’ll be gorgeous!”
Gemini was smiling, enjoying the glimpse of a much younger Carla that had seemed hidden behind fear and doubt for so long. “I’m looking forward to seeing it.”
“I was thinking of wearing the blue dress my momma made for me back when Thomas and I first got engaged,” Carla continued without missing a beat. “I think I’d still fit in it. Do you think I’d still fit in it?” She glanced at Thomas expectantly.
Her husband almost missed the question. “What—I mean, I can’t see why not; yeh look the same to me.”
“Good answer,” The Doctor mumbled under his breath.
“Anything blue is fine; I don’t want you to stress over it,” she shot The Doctor and Thomas a glance as Hudson tried to squash a widening grin.
“But it’s your special day! I can’t even believe you picked me to be your bridesm—”
Carla ran into the back of Thomas as the man came to an abrupt halt. She held onto his side and glanced over his shoulder in surprise.
Thomas’ brows were lowered as his blue eyes pierced the air.
They were focused on a man with short gray hair and an unkempt moustache and beard. He wore a weathered leather coat over a double-breasted vest and a tattered scarf at his neck.
The old man’s eyes seemed to look past him, pained and heavy with the weight of what he had done.
Gemini paled. She recognized the man from the TARDIS’ voice interface. “Doctor... that’s...”
“Yes.” The Doctor took in a slow breath, his eyes guarded.
“The Warrior.”
<< Chapter 16 - Chapter 18 >>
Chapter Notes
