The approach of winter was always clearest late in the mornings in the valley.  The sun did not bring in much warmth, leaving the afternoons brisk.  When storms came in, it was just as likely to bring hail as it was to bring rain.

For that reason, Penny was more than happy to be in the farmhouse when a storm rolled in late one morning.  She went to the door when she heard Arthur yowl, letting him in and looking toward the fields.  She did not see Finley, even though she looked toward the path into the mountains, the way into Cindersap, and the road to town.

The hail picked up then, driving her back inside.  Arthur wound himself around her legs, meowing over and over to cry until she picked him up.  He hid his face against her chest as she carried him over to the couch.

“You’re all right,” she murmured, petting him as she sat down.  “I hope Finley comes inside soon.  I thought you were both just outside.”

He yowled again, the sound muffled in her shirt.  She could not help but laugh and kiss his head gently until his tail stopped thumping against her stomach.  She held him and looked up at the ceiling, listening to the sound of the rain and the hail on the roof.  It was remarkably lulling, coaxing her into closing her eyes.

The bang of the door opening some time later was enough to make both Penny and Arthur jump, Arthur sprinting away to another room with his tail puffed.  Penny turned to look at the door, seeing Finley standing there drenched and out of breath.

“Oh no, where were you when the rain started?” Penny asked, hurrying to get a towel.  She brought it over as Finley struggled out of her soaked coat.

“Thank you,” Finley said, starting to dry her hair.  “I was on the road back home when it started.”

“It’s raining hard enough for you to get this soaked just on the road home?” Penny asked as she hung Finley’s coat up.

“No, but I ran around for a while before I actually came home.  It’s been raining for nearly an hour now.”

“Why on earth would you do that?” Penny asked, starting to turn around.  She froze when she saw the necklace Finley held up in one hand.  It was a lustrous blue shell on a fine silver necklace, and the smile on Finley’s face was at once hopeful and anxious.

“I asked what you’re supposed to do in the valley this time,” Finley said.  “Uh.  Had to ask, um, had to ask Robin because I figured...uh.  Thought Maru might spoil it if I asked her.”

“She would’ve,” Penny said quietly.  She looked at the necklace again and then at Finley.  “Really?”

“Yeah,” Finley said.  “What do you say to marrying me?”