Epilogue:

Christmas Eve, one year later:

Sarah entered her childhood home, ready for a much smaller celebration than the year before.

Everyone had decided to stay home and have quieter a much quieter holiday.

"Karen, Dad! I'm here!"

"Hey honey! " Robert was coming downstairs upon hearing the door open. As soon as he got to the ground floor he swept his daughter up in a tight hug.

"Where's Jay?" He looked around.

Sarah shrugged. "He'll be here soon I guess. He said he had something to do."

"Everything okay with you two?"

A smile crept over her features.

"Ahhh. I see." Robert enjoyed the light he saw in her eyes. Anyone who put that expression on his daughter's face was okay with him.

Karen came out of the kitchen. "Hello dear. Toby is out visiting a friend down the street." She hugged Sarah as she spoke. "Where's Jay?"

Sarah rolled her eyes. "Geez, guys. I love you too. Jay will be here."

"Good, good. You know how Toby is fond of him."

"I think everyone is fond of him." Sarah answered. "I mean I'm glad about that, but I hope you guys just don't love me for my boyfriend." she teased.

"Oh you." Karen replied. "Get settled upstairs in your old room, then come have tea."

Sarah took her overnight bag upstairs and into her old room. It was redone now, a queen size bed with an earth tone bedding set, cream colored walls, an oak dresser and desk, and beige curtains replacing her old whimsical furniture, toys and games. Fresh poinsettias were placed atop the dresser a desk for a touch of the holiday.

It was plain, but cozy however.

One thing remained, the old escher poster framed on the wall. Seeing it brought back so many memories. She touched the glass, then left the room.

The teapot was whistling when she went down to the kitchen.

"Oh good it's freezing outside."

Karen poured them a cup of tea and they got settled, Karen catching her up on the latest gossip.

"I can't believe someone married Irene. Again. "Sarah laughed.

"I love my sister, she's family, we made peace this summer, but I know it. She could make a minister punch a wall." Karen said with a grin. "If she could find someone anyone can."

There was a bang as the back door flew open and Toby came in along with a blustery freezing wind and snowflakes trailing behind him. "Sarah! Where's Jay? You didn't break up did you?!"

"What? No. You just saw us last month."

"Okay. Just checking. Mom it's getting bad out there. Good thing we're staying here."

"True. How is Chelsea?"

Sarah pulled him over and gave him a hug. "Chelsea huh? A girl?"

Toby blushed. "She's just a friend."

"She's the cutest little thing. Sarah. Red hair, freckles, blue eyes. Toby has taken quite a shine to her." Karen told her.

"Be careful Tobes, you might be on the verge of figuring out why Jay enjoys kissing me so much."

"Ewww no way." Toby said, but his blush deepened.

Robert had been out checking the mail and came back in shivering. "I hope Jay can make it. It's getting bad."

"He will. He promised." Sarah answered.

She knew it was about time they told her family the truth, but decided to wait until after the new year.

They visited a bit longer then Sarah and Toby played a game before dinner. They decided to be much more casual all around, Karen making a large pot of hearty stew, homemade bread, and a chocolate cake for Christmas eve dinner. They would have a more formal dinner Christmas day.

Everyone ate their fill and still no Jareth. Sarah knew she shouldn't worry but couldn't help it.

By 10pm everyone was exhausted and went to bed.

Sarah wanted to wait up but finally nodded off.

Hours later she was woken by a soft touch of lips on her shoulder.

"Sarah love. I am so sorry. I had a wish away. I came as soon as I was able." He whispered. He had already changed into his silk pants and was crawling in beside her.

"Mmm..Oh. I'm just happy you're here. We were worried." She turned to settle into his arms.

He kissed her forehead. "I'll make it up to you."

"I know what you mean by that." Sarah said sleepily. " Probably not a good idea here."

"Heh. Well I didn't but I see where your mind is. No, I have a surprise for the morning. But first sleep."

"Agreed." She snuggled in, and they both were quickly asleep.

The next morning Robert, Karen and Toby were all surprised to see Jareth coming down the stairs behind Sarah. Mystified he had managed to arrive without them knowing.

Sarah was able to explain it away by telling them she happened to be awake when she heard his car. Which of course was parked on the curb thanks to a little magic.

They had a nice pancake breakfast and gathered around to open presents.

Toby had a ton, as usual, while Sarah recieved gift cards, perfume, and a pearl necklace from her parents.

Jareth had insisted they need not get him gifts but he still ended up with a couple of nice dress shirts anyway. He gave Robert a first edition set of Mark Twain novels, his favorite writer, and an antique cameo to Karen, who collected them. His gift to Toby was a much begged for drawing set.

"Now, I have a gift for Sarah, if you will all bear with me.

He took her hands." My precious Sarah, my dearest love, this past year has been more than I ever could have imagined. I love you with every fiber of my being, my heart and soul, and would be most honored and humbled if you would agree to marry me, and be beside me for all time."

He knelt and produced a crystal which with a puff of glitter became a large diamond and emerald ring.

Sarah was shocked. She had not expected it.

"How did he...?" Robert began, but was promptly elbowed by a teary eyed Karen. "Shhh!"

"Magic, dad. Eesh." Toby said smartly.

Sarah just stared at the ring in Jareth's hand. "I...I..." She looked up into his eyes.

She could see everything there. All the love, all the desire, everything he promised.

She loved him so much. She had worked so hard to get over her fears.

Was she ready for this?

Looking at him, she knew the answer.

"Yes. I...I love you too. I want to be your wife. I don't know about being a queen, but I believe in you so..."

Jareth cried it in joy and jumped up, then picked Sarah up and swung her around. They kissed until the Toby said "okay okay. Dang guys. We get the hint."

Congratulations were in order and Karen brought out champagne.

Robert clapped Jareth on the back. "Now can you tell me how you did that crystal trick and what is this about Sarah being a queen?"

Sarah's eyes widened. "Dad, it's...it's a long story. Can we put a pin in that tonight? I promise you'll know everything soon."

Robert looked back and forth, puzzled, then shrugged. "Sure. Anyway.. Welcome to the family, Jay."

They celebrated well into the night.

After everyone turned in, Jareth led Sarah to the bedroom, pulled her inside and locked the door.

"I have another surprise for you. Close your eyes."

She did.

"Open."

They were in the cabin where they had first been together.

"My family.." Sarah said.

"Will be none the wiser. We will be back by morning. But tonight...I wanted our private celebration to be here. I paid for it, don't worry."

He reached for her. "I love you, Sarah. My queen to be. Always."

Sarah looked up into his beautiful face, marveling that he was hers alone. "And I love you, my future husband."

Their lips met and their private celebration commenced.

Fin

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The authors thank you for reading and supporting their work!

Authors(in alphabetical order):

Jamie Kornahrens

Jetredgirl

Lady-Lannie-Queen-of-Goblins

Painting Glass

Telcontarian

Viciously Witty