#dolly-dearest55

((Hakuna matata! So long as I get the gist of what you’re saying, you’re fine.))

"Dolly, you can’t stay up so late. You have school in the morning. Your education is more important than—Quit jumping on the bed!"

With a huff, she settled down. “Can I get a story?”

"Too late for stories. You opted to stay up, remember?" The Ghost Host playfully chided. "Now…" He turned off the lamp. "Go to sleep." He flashed a terrifyingly huge grin as he said it, his face pale in the moon light.

That only made her laugh. “You’re not Jeff the killer. You’re Hosty, the Ghost Host. C’mon, a story, a song! Then I promise I’ll go to sleep. Cross my heart.” She made the motion over her chest.

"Alfright!" He huffed, but quickly smiled.

“Stay awake, don’t rest your head. Don’t lie down upon your bed. While the moon drifts in the skies, Stay awake, don’t close your eyes.

Though the world is fast asleep Though your pillow’s soft and deep You’re not sleepy as you seem Stay awake, don’t nod and dream Stay awake, don’t nod and dream…”

"Ghoul night, kiddo." He ruffled her hair. "Pleasant screams."

((With permission from butlerofthemansion

Knowing his sister, brother-in-law, and nephew were sleeping off Thanksgiving dinner, Beau was at his utmost quiet as he walked down the hall. A full plate in his hands, he carefully hurried along until he got to the main guest room. Their live-in portrait painter had been sick the past few days, but he wanted to make sure she wasn’t left out of the holiday. This was especially given that she’d taken the job despite it being so far away from home and family. Over the past few months of her staying with them, he’d grown very, *very* fond of her, and she him.

He rapped on the door with his knuckle. “Caitlin? I know Eulie said you weren’t feeling well, but I brought you dinner.”

"You-you didn’t have to do that, Beau." Her voice was quiet and stuffy, as if from clogged sinuses.

"If you’re not up to it, I can leave it on your dresser, if you’d like, so you can nibble it later. I just don’t want you to go hungry. It’s been a few days since I’ve seen you. I didn’t know if you’d eaten at all."

There was a soft groan and the squeak of furniture as she got up. “Really? It’s been that long? I hadn’t realized…”

"Yes. I brought you turkey and potatoes… um, a roll… stuffing… You don’t have stuffing in Scotland, do you? Or Thanksgiving for that matter…"

The door handle shook the tiniest bit as she gripped it and gave it a turn. Standing in the doorway, she glanced up at him with wet, red rimmed eyes. “No.” Looking away again, she rubbed her arm. “Beau, I’m… I’m not sick. Well, not like-like with a flu…” The tears started again, and she flung her arms around him and nuzzled her face against his chest.

Scared, and not really knowing what to do, he dropped the plate on a table and returned the embrace. “It’s all right, dear-heart. I’m sure you’ll feel better in a few days. Hm, I’ll wait on you hand and foot if you need me to.” As he rubbed her back, he could feel it heave and tremble under his palm. “I’ll always be here for you.”

She was quiet for a moment. Then she pulled away, staring into his mismatched eyes for any hint of dishonesty. “Beau, I…” She gulped, and her jaw quivered uncertainly.

Cupping her chin in his hand, he wiped away tears with his thumb. “Please, don’t hold back from me.”

She sniffled again, and tried to shake tendrils of red hair from sticking to her damp face. “Beau, I… We…” She took in a big gulp of air, then slowly, shakily exhaled. “We’re going to have a baby.”

For a few seconds, all he could do was stand there, his mouth in an O of shock. Then he smiled until it became a huge grin. Laughing, he held her up by the waist and spun her around.

Giggling, she slapped at his wrists. “No, no, none of that! I’ll start vomiting again!”

"Sorry." He set her down. Panting, red in the face, and euphoric with glee, his mind was a whirl. "Oh gosh, I really oughta do this right, shouldn’t I?" He cleared his throat and dropped to one knee. "Caitlin, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

A palm to her mouth to catch the escaping sob, she gaped at him in disbelief. “I… This isn’t just because of the baby, right?”

He shook his head. “It’s because I love you. And-and because I should have had the courage to do this weeks ago. You’re the other half of my soul.”

Wiping her eyes with her wrist, she nodded. “Yes… Yes!” With a happy squeal, she tackled him in a hug and kissed all over his cheeks and lips. “Oh Beau, I love you.”

"I love you, too." He was blushing, but still beaming with joy. "And I promise…" He clasped her hand. "I’ll do right by both of you. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy." He kissed her fingers. "And I’ll get you a real engagement ring, too. We’ll just have to use our imaginations for the time being." He chuckled.

Master Gracey: I found a heretofore unknown about box of Thin Mints in my desk.

Master Gracey: But I’m supposed to be in my portrait in two minutes…Master Gracey: But scrumdiddlyumptious cookies…

Master Gracey: Cookies or work? … Sweets … Job… Girl Scout fineries… Being adored by thousands…