Tag: I needed this

this scene…

he enters the drawing room and looks at no one else but *her*, and with their eyes locked simply says “I’m here…”

I know she was nervous, afraid of how her family would react, even to the point of starting to backtrack on their plan to tell them, but I also imagine amidst all that nervousness, there was also relief–relief that he did come.  I’m sure he was nervous too, perhaps even afraid as well, but he wasn’t going to allow that to stop him, or stop them from saying what they wanted to say.  His courage fuels hers, because in the end, it is Sybil who tells her family their plans, it is Sybil who takes the stand against her father when he starts bellowing, it is Sybil who gives the final ultimatum.

And it helps that he was there, standing by her side when she did it. Perhaps that was what helped her say what needed to be said?  She knew before this announcement was made, her family would most likely turn their backs on her and refuse to understand her choice, let alone acknowledge it. But Tom arriving not only rekindled her courage, but also reminded her that no matter her family’s reaction, this was the right decision–how could it not be?  He’s risking everything too–and for her.  He loves her so much, he will enter “the lion’s den”, risk being mocked, ridiculed, insulted, and threatened, but he’ll endure it for her.

gothamgirl28:

25 More Days of the Bransons – Frost

This one is dedicated to @yankeecountess who requested more couple time. 

Sybil was busy tucking Moira into bed while Tom cleaned up
downstairs and made a special treat for the two of them. Her daughter had
grabbed How the Grinch Stole Christmas
and Sybil was reading it to her.

And he puzzled and puzzed, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.”

She closed the book and turned to her daughter expecting her
to still be awake. To Sybil’s surprise, Moira was down for the count. She
smiled as she quietly rose from the bed and left the room. Sybil popped into
Rory’s nursery to check on him. Her little boy was still asleep and likely
would be for the rest of the night. Sybil kissed her fingers and tapped the baby
gently on the head with them.

Sybil went to her bedroom and changed into her comfy
nightwear. She grabbed the portable DVD player from the closet and the DVD she
had left on the nightstand earlier. Sybil then hopped onto the bed and
stretched out, waiting for Tom.

She didn’t have to wait long. Two minutes later, her husband
walked in carrying a tray with two glasses on it.

“You’re adult frosty, my lady, slightly modified.”

Sybil laughed. “How did you modify it?”

He grinned. “I replaced the regular Kahlua with peppermint
mocha Kahlua and regular Bailey’s with the new Espresso Crème one.”

“You made a peppermint mocha frosty for me! You’re the best
husband!”

He dramatically sighed. “One must be to have a wife like
you.”

Sybil laughed again. “Put the tray down and get changed. I
want to start the movie soon.”

He nodded his head and placed the tray on his nightstand. As
he began to change, Tom asked, “What movie did you pick out?”

“The Miracle on 34th
Street. Perfect for a couple to watch, yet also perfect if one or both of
our children wake up.”

Tom smiled at his wife’s forethought. He finished putting
his pajamas on and hopped onto bed. The couple spent the next few minutes
getting comfortable, with Tom propping up the pillows behind his back and Sybil
crawling between his legs and resting her back against his chest.

Once they were settled, he grabbed the frosties from the
tray and handed one to his wife. She took an eager sip and moaned.

“This is heavenly,” Sybil exclaimed. “I’m so glad Rory’s
weaned now so I can enjoy this. Though this is so good that even if he wasn’t,
I’d drink the whole thing.”

Tom laughed at his wife’s enthusiasm. He kissed her head and
leaned back against the pillows.

“Right now, I’m glad that the kids are asleep and we both have
the energy to watch a movie together.”

Sybil turned her head so she could see her husband. “I know,
darling, and I’m sorry. My work hours are crazy right now. Hopefully, they’ll
improve in the new year.”

Tom hugged her from behind. “I understand, love. Thankfully,
we have all of Christmas week to spend together, even if it is at Downton.”

His wife smiled at his words. She handed him her frosty and
moved to sit next to him, linking her arm with his. “I don’t feel like watching
a movie now.”

He arched his eyebrow. “What do you want to do instead?”

Taking her frosty back from him, Sybil replied, “I’d rather
talk to you.”

Grinning, Tom leaned in for a quick kiss which Sybil happily
reciprocated. He broke away and took a sip of his frosty. “Me too.”

The couple spent the next several hours drinking their
frosties and talking to each other without interruption.

*Image source