The Adel courthouse stood out vibrantly against the night sky, the town square bustling with more people than Robin had expected to live in this sleepy town. He had no idea Adel had so many residents, let alone who would attend a barn dance on such a chilly night.

The event was held in the courthouse ballroom, where lively music mingled with laughter and chatter that could be heard from the small park surrounding the tall castle-like building. As the three entered, all eyes briefly turned to stare before slowly resuming their conversations, though some eyes seemed to linger a bit longer on Robin than he was comfortable with. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Robin hesitated to remove his coat.

"Hey, Jo!" a young boy, whom Robin recognized from the day in the shop, shouted over the din as he rushed over to them. The other boys followed, with a few unfamiliar girls trailing behind them. Robin wondered if these were the girlfriends they had boasted about buying something for.

"Gee, Jo, that dress is swell," one of the girls said, pushing her way to the front. "I've always wanted a vest like that." She quickly reached out to touch Jo's dress, but Jo quickly swatted her hand away.

"It can be yours for the right price," Jo said cheekily, taking off her coat and handing it to Robin as if he were her servant. "I have some cards for a friend's discount, but only for my best friends. So, don't go telling everyone." Jo said as she pulled a card from her pocket and gave Holly a sly wink before handing it to the girl.

Holly had given Robin and Jo a stack of business cards to hand out if anyone asked about their outfits. Each card offered a small discount if they came to the shop in the next week and with the small card in hand. Robin was impressed that Jo had already managed to distribute one within the few seconds of their arrival.

The other girls stepped forward eagerly, hoping for cards, prompting Jo to step back.

"Whoah, I only have a few of these, so I should probably hang on to them a bit longer. I want to make sure they get into the right hands. Let's all go get some food," Jo said, turning on her heel and leading the entourage away.

"If she doesn't become a great sorceress, she'll definitely be a great businesswoman," Holly observed, watching them go. "Some years, I think she single-handedly keeps me in business."

Robin chuckled and adjusted the coats in his arms. "Can I take yours as well?"

"Oh, right," Holly said, unclasping the jeweled cape draped over her coat. She handed him her coat and re-clasped the bejeweled cape over her dress.

She hurriedly removed the flat topped hat she was wearing to give to him as well, revealing a headband with a similar web pattern to her cape, adorned with beaded strands that wove seamlessly into her braided updo.

Tonight, Holly looked like a thing made of pure magic and fantasy, which he guessed she was, in more ways than Robin could possibly imagine.

A small smile played on his lips as she adjusted the cape and tidied the strands of hair that had come loose.

Holly noticed him watching her, and her eyes widened. "What's the matter? Did my hair come undone?" she whispered in horror, frantically patting her hair to find the cause of his staring.

"No, it's just that..." Robin reached his gloved hand out to hers to stop her from searching. "You are the most lovely woman in all of Adel. I thought it before, but now I'm sure of it." He said, mimicking her words from earlier.

Holly froze, processing his words. "Ah," she said awkwardly, shifting her focus back to her cape. "Th-Thank you, Robin."

Robin gave her a small nod. He, too, was a bit taken aback by what he had just said. He had only meant to tease her, throwing her words back at her from earlier in the day. But... had he been teasing? It wasn't as if he didn't mean it.

He laughed and shook his head, trying to find a way to break the awkwardness. "Sorry... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'll go put the coats away."

Robin hurried in the direction of the coat room, glancing back at Holly. She was still fiddling with her cape, but now she had a smug grin as she worked, her ears a bright pink. Robin couldn't help but smile at her, seeing that his words had the same effect her, as Holly's had on him earlier.

After putting away their coats, Robin returned to the ballroom to find Holly chatting with a woman he hadn't yet met. Not wanting to stand awkwardly by Holly's side while she discussed business, Robin decided to busy himself at the refreshment table.

After a quick glance around the ballroom, Robin found that the various food and drinks were located on the opposite side of the dance hall. With a small sigh of irritation, Robin snuck his way over to it, hugging the wall the best he could, as not to draw attention to himself without Holly by his side.

Robin felt a twinge of guilt for not bringing anything to the dance. It would have been the perfect opportunity to showcase his newfound cooking skills. Robin almost reassured himself that there would be next year, but that thought was met with a pang of sadness in his chest.

He wouldn't be here next year.

He wasn't quite sure how he felt about that yet.

His eyes landed on some pear tarts. Smiling, Robin grabbed a few and wrapped them in a napkin to bring to Holly once she finished talking.

"Well, well, if it isn't Doctor Prakash!" a voice shouted behind him, barely audible over the music. Robin turned to find Doctor Don approaching with a wide grin. On his arm was a short, stubby old woman with dark skin and short dark hair. The small woman had rosy cheeks and a smile that seemed to encompass her entire face.

"Doctor Don." Robin greeted, quickly reaching out his free hand to grab the old doctor's wrinkled hand in an enthusiastic shake.

"Let me introduce my wife, Mrs. Doctor," the old man joked, earning a laugh from his wife.

"He loves that one," she said, swatting his arm. "You can just call me Mrs. Dianna, young man. It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Prakash. My husband was so happy after meeting you last week. He didn't stop talking about it for days!"

"Well, the pleasure was all mine," Robin replied with a smile, giving Mrs. Dianna a slight bow.

"Not at all, not at all!" Doctor Don said merrily, patting Robin on the arm. " The pleasure was all mine. Oh! And look here, Doctor—my wife is wearing a necklace I bought off Miss Ivy at last year's Autumn Barn Dance. Stunning, am I right? And the necklace... well, I guess it's pretty, too."

"Oh, stop it, you," Mrs. Dianna giggled, blushing like a schoolgirl as she softly hit his arm.

The necklace was indeed beautiful, a choker of sapphires circled the old woman's neck, small heart shaped rubies dangling from it.

The image of Holly wearing it popped into his mind, causing his heart rate to speed up. He wished he could have seen it in person.

"It's truly a gorgeous piece. I'll admit I am constantly amazed by Miss Ivy's talent," Robin said with a chuckle.

"Yes," Doctor Don replied with a passionate nod. "Although, I will say she outdid herself this year with the matching outfits. Every year, we all look forward to seeing what pieces Miss Ivy will create for the Autumn Barn Dance, and this year, she went above and beyond. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone in Adel buys something from her tonight!"

"Speaking of," Mrs. Dianna interrupted, "I'll need one of her cards to get a discount on that vest you're wearing. I know someone who would look very handsome in it..." She said, lightly tapping her husband's arm as she reached out her hand to Robin.

"Hmm.." Robin hummed, pulling out the card from his pocket and tapping it against his temple. "I'll admit I'm a bit hesitant to give it to you.... if Doctor Don's going to be wearing it—I'm afraid he might pull it off even better than I have," Robin muttered, shooting Mrs. Dianna a playful look, prompting her to giggle in response.

"Oh, goodness, can't we keep you, Robin?" Dianna asked, giving him a cheery smile. "Do you really have to return to Kingsbury after your brother arrives?"

"Well—" Robin began.

"Yeah, boy," Doctor Don interrupted, nudging Robin's arm. "Are you gonna give her a ring, or must she make one for herself?"

"Don!" Dianna laughed, slapping him playfully on the arm.

"What! The whole town is wondering!" Don said defensively.

"Oh... I don't know about anything like that..." Robin mumbled with a nervous laugh.

"Listen, son, I know you don't know many people in this town, but if you need any help, I'd be more than happy to assist. Ring, wedding venue, you name it. I can keep a secret so well, not even the missus will know about it!"

"Don Davis, you better tell me!" Mrs. Dianna said, hitting his arm. "You know I'd be happy to help as well."

"Yeah, and her help will be spreading the news to the whole town. Holly will find out before poor Robin can make it home!"

Mrs. Dianna laughed and gave her husband a light push in retaliation, but nodded in agreement at the old man's words.

However, as the old woman's gaze landed on Robin, she seemed to notice how uncomfortable he felt, and carefully reached out a withered hand to pat Robin on the arm. "Listen, honey, we're only joking. Don't feel any pressure, okay? People are just glad to see Miss Ivy with someone who makes her so happy, that's all."

"It's true," Don agreed with a sigh. "Even when she was pining after that Mr. Dexter fellow, there was always a bit of heartbreak in her eyes, but nobody could talk any sense into her. Hope is one hell of a drug." He mumbled as he shook his head. "But, with you, she's different. She's not overdosing on hope like she once was. And if you want my opinion, I think it's because she likes the reality with you better than the hope she ever had for him."

Robin felt something tighten in his chest. As if something in him both wanted and didn't want Don's words to be true.

"Of course, selfishly," Don added, "I want you around because I would love another doctor in town. I'm not as young as I used to be, and it would be nice to leave Adel in good hands if I were ever to step down. I know Adel's nothing compared to the big city, but..." Doctor Don shook his head. "You know, son, I've traveled the world...and miss traveling, but I've never missed a place like I've missed home. And these people—they are home for me."

A moment of silence passed between them, as if Doctor Don wanted Robin to admit he felt the same.

"It's rare to find a place that causes you to not miss home," Robin said hesitantly, not knowing how else to respond. Robin knew what the old man was hinting at, and it mirrored the internal conflict he'd been wrestling with all night, but he wasn't about to admit his tangled thoughts and feelings to the old doctor now.

"Ah," Don said with a sad chuckle. "I guess that's right. Silly me."

Doctor Don lightly patted Robin's arm. "Well, you're always welcome here, too, should you decide to make it your home. I'm sure Miss Ivy would agree, if you asked her." Doctor Don added with a wink as he gave his wife a gentle pat on her arm. A quiet shout over the din of the music sounded, a woman calling over Doctor Don's wife.

"If you will excuse us, boy. I hope you enjoy your night." Doctor Don said, giving Robin one last smile and nod before leading his wife over to another older couple waving at the two of them from across the room.

Robin smiled and nodded as they left. Suddenly feeling starkly alone, he turned back to the refreshments table, his newfound company being the multitude of his own jumbled thoughts.

Earlier, he wasn't ready to leave, but talking to Doctor Don reminded Robin of the small bit of homesickness for London. Which, although bearable, was ever-present while in the Great Plains. But could Robin even call it homesickness?

Robin had friends in London, although they were the kind which were closely tied to career and status. He had a fancy house in a well-off neighborhood, although most days he only slept there, since his days were usually filled with work.

But the city of London was the epitome of history, art, power, and wealth. Anyone who lived there was someone simply by residing there. Everyone who didn't live there wanted to, so they could be someone.

Ever since he was a boy, Robin had dreamed of being a wealthy doctor, living in a lovely house, and thriving in the big city. He had achieved that. He had dreamed of improving the lives of the people of London and traveling the world. He had accomplished those goals, too.

On paper, Robin was living his dream in London. To give this dream up would be to admit defeat. To say he couldn't do it, that he couldn't be a wealthy doctor in a spectacular city. It sounded foolish.

However, he had achieved his dreams already, so was it really giving up?

Was it a failure, or was it a change in direction?

Perhaps it was time to find a new dream—one filled with pear tarts, dancing, drinks at a rundown bar, and reading books with a small dog on his lap. Traveling, if he wanted, and returning to a life that didn't make him immediately wish to escape again.

And maybe, this new dream included sharing all these things with a fearsome sorceress with a fragile heart.

Robin's own heart felt both heavier and lighter, as he mulled over all of this. As if he was mourning a dream he once dedicated his life to, but being freed to live in a way that brought him joy.

Robin watched the people around him, dancing passionately to a lively tune, and the room filled with laughter and clapping. They were all living in the moment, surrounded by those they cared about.

If he chose to live like this, maybe his old life wouldn't end. Maybe it's just a story that had brought him to the beginning of a whole new one.

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Robin and Holly in their Autumn Barn Dance outfits!

Art by the extremely talented Minoruru!