Part Eight—Epilogue

As the dawn broke over the horizon, Jackie Tyler tiptoed down the hall to the Doctor's room. She had no qualms about taking a peek—just a small one—into his room. Nothing she hadn't seen before, and besides, a check of her daughter's bed a minute ago had revealed that Rose had slept elsewhere last night. Holding her breath, Jackie slowly turned the handle and pushed open the door.

And there they were. Fast asleep in one another's arms. Rose's lips were parted in a soft smile, and the Doctor's face was turned toward hers, almost as if he couldn't bear to turn away from her even in sleep.

"About time," Jackie whispered, and then closed the door again. Later, she was sure, Rose would tell her everything, but for now she was content in the knowledge that her daughter and the Doctor were happy and together at last.