(Takes place Pre- 1st Dark Curse)

You pulled your cloak tighter around you as the winds picked up again. Shivering, you cursed the weather. Why did it have to storm now when you had nowhere to stay? No shelter against the raging winds and rain. You began to sniffle when it dawned on you that you were likely going to be stuck out in the downpour.

"Are you mad? Being out in the rain like this?" Your head shot up to see a tall brunette man in front of you. His blue eyes were laced with concern and a tiny hint of insanity. It was intriguing. "W-Well, what are you d-doing out in it?" you asked, your voice shaking with how cold you suddenly were. The man frowned. "I live in that cottage over there. My daughter saw you through the window." You glanced over and saw the cottage in question.

"Come on. Let's get you out of this rain." You were apprehensive of course. You never knew who was working for the Evil Queen in those days, but the cold was creeping into your bones and that alone was enough to make you agree. When you nodded, the man offered you an arm and turned toward the cottage. "My lady," he said with a playful flourish and smile. You giggled before taking his arm and letting him lead you toward his home.

"My name is Jefferson, by the way. My daughter is Grace." You smiled at him and introduced yourself. The door to the cottage opened and little girl stood in the doorway. She moved out of the way to let you in. Jefferson took your cloak and hung it to dry while you did your best to dry your hair. "I'm Grace," the little girl told you, "Would you like to join our tea party?" You looked up at Jefferson who shrugged a little and smiled. Turning back to Grace you nodded. "I'd love to."

You don't know how it happened, but you ended up staying with Jefferson and Grace well after the storm passed. The storm lasted through the night, but was gone the next morning. However, you didn't even consider leaving until near suppertime. Spending time with Jefferson and his daughter was so relaxing. The two were so close, it warmed your heart.

And Jefferson? Jefferson was incredible. The man had a heart of gold, especially when it came to Grace. He was so sweet and funny. He had that hint of madness that made life worth living and you were drawn to him. Grace was his everything and he would do anything for her. You got to know the both of them and shared a little bit of yourself with them. It wasn't until you saw the sun starting to sink in the sky that you realized you'd probably over stayed your welcome.

"Forgive me, I didn't realize how late it was. The storm has passed and I shouldn't keep you from your normal lives any longer." You got up and moved to collect your now dry cloak. "Where will you go?" Jefferson asked. You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth. You hadn't thought of that. It wasn't like you had a place to stay. "I'm not sure, but I'll find somewhere. Perhaps there's a tavern nearby where I can work for room and board."

Grace reached up and pulled gently on Jefferson's shirt. Jefferson leaned down so she could whisper in his ear. Unfortunately for her, she didn't whisper very well. "We should ask her to stay, Papa." Jefferson gave her a look. "Grace..." Grace beamed at him. "Please, Papa? She has nowhere else to go and you like her. I can tell." You felt your face grow warm at that.

Jefferson's blue eyes swung over to you as he stood up again. His face was slightly red. Clearing his throat, Jefferson crossed his arms over his chest. He looked embarrassed. "Would you like to stay with us? Just until you find a place of your own?" You shook you head. "I couldn't intrude." Grace frowned at little. "Oh please stay, Miss Y/N!" Her eyes were wide when you looked down at her. Groaning playfully, you nodded. "Alright. But only for a little while!" Grace clapped her hands happily. "Yay! Now you can help Papa with dinner!" She gently shoved Jefferson toward you until your chests were almost touching. Your face now felt like it was on fire and Jefferson's looked as hot as yours felt.

*time skip*

That "little while" you were supposed to be with Jefferson and Grace turned into so much longer. Every day, you grew closer to the little family. You cooked and cleaned with them, foraged for mushrooms, and had tea parties with Grace and the stuffed animals that Jefferson had made her. You fell in love with them both. Grace was the daughter you always hoped to have and Jefferson was everything you wanted in a man.

"Y/N?" Jefferson asked. You hummed in response, not looking away from the fire. You were meant to be mending one of Jefferson's shirts, but you'd gotten completely pulled into your thoughts. "I have something to say." You finally pulled your gaze from the flames flickering in front of you. Jefferson looked slightly uncomfortable and nervous. You had an idea of what he wanted to say.

"I'm sorry I've been here so long. I should have left ages ago," you started before he could speak, "If you can let me stay one more night, I will be gone tomorrow." Jefferson sank down in front of your chair. "No. That wasn't what I wanted to say!" he protested, "I don't want you to leave at all. Grace doesn't want you to leave. You've become part of our family and it wouldn't be the same without you."

You merely looked at him dumbfounded. You weren't entirely sure what he was saying, but you hoped he was saying he wanted you to stay in a more permanent manner. "Jefferson-" you began to say, but he cut you off. "I love you, Y/N. I didn't think I'd ever love again after my wife, Grace's mother, died. But then I saw you out in that storm and I knew you were something special. Something told me that you'd become someone important to us."

You said nothing. You were trying to process everything he'd said. He loved you. You knew Grace loved you. She'd told you as much, but you never expected it from Jefferson. "Y/N?" You let out the breath you were holding and looked at Jefferson. His face looked worried and you realized you hadn't answered him yet.

You placed his shirt along with your needle and thread on the table. Then, you wrapped your arms around him in a hug. He stiffened for a brief second as he hadn't been expecting it, but he quickly returned the hug. "I love you too, Jefferson. And I love Grace." Jefferson tightened his grip a little. "Stay with us?" You pulled back to look in his blue eyes. "For as long as you'll have me." Jefferson smiled. "So forever then?" Giggling, you leaned forward and pressed your lips to his. "Forever."