Chapter 10: Ardently Yours

(Disclaimer: This is fanfiction, I took a bit of creative liberty with something in this chapter. This is fiction after all. Please do not come at me.)

A breeze rustled the leaves that still remained on the trees. The temperature was rather brisk for a November morning as Benjamin Tallmadge set out from the flying camp. He was headed home, to Setauket. Somehow, Caleb had managed to barter him time away from camp where he had been relegated to a mere secretary. Ben had not wanted to know the specifics, but the bartering led to a doctor falsely quarantining a soldier meant to be him. General Scott likely would not come looking any time soon for fear of catching whatever disease was being quarantined. Ben knew this was not the proper way to go about things, but Caleb had taken the measures to set it up. It would be a shame if he did not use the time he had been given wisely. He was going to see his Lyddie.

Ben knew that other soldiers went far longer without seeing their womenfolk. He had even chastised Lydia for her scheme to get him to Setauket the last time. But this time, it was different. He needed to talk to her. While Caleb had been rather sheepish to tell him the newest revelations, he had managed to coax it out of him. Lydia was engaged to a major in the British army. Caleb had watched him closely, expecting him to get angry, but Caleb didn't know one piece of the puzzle. One piece that complicated things. Ben had already married Lydia. They had been wed the day before he signed his commission. It had been Lydia's hair-brained idea that he allowed himself to go along with.

Women were still the property of their fathers until they had reached the age of twenty-one years. Their only option was to elope. So, they did. But their circumstances had been quite peculiar. Ben was in no position to take his wife with him. If he had been in Washington's camp that might have been an option. But he was not. He was with the Flying Camp, which was no place for a woman to stay. Lydia had no friends or family outside of Setauket that could take her in without alerting her father. Nor could she stay with someone else in Setauket. Judge Woodhull would surely find out and legally marry Lydia off as soon as he could.

So, they had devised a plan for Lydia to remain in Setauket under her father's charge without anyone being the wiser about their situation. His father knew what they had done and surely he had told his wife. Ben was surprised he never received a letter from his father chastising him for the predicament he had put Lydia in. That letter never came. Only one carefully worded with a hearty congratulations, so that if the letter had been intercepted, no one would know why he was being congratulated. Beyond that, only two other people besides the man that married them knew of his marriage to Lydia. Unless Lydia had told someone else, but he had not breathed a word of their marriage to another soul. It was not that he did not want to. In fact, he would love nothing more than to parade around his wife. But to keep her safe, he knew he could not.

Lydia had convinced him that she would be fine in Setauket and that should it come to it, she would run away from her father's home, despite not having anywhere to go. Ben did not want that for her. He wanted her to remain safe and as far from the war as possible. This wasn't the life for a woman and certainly not for his wife. He also wanted Lydia to have a relationship with her father. He hated that he was the reason for the wedge between father and daughter. If only Judge Woodhull had not been so stubborn. If only he had given his blessing on an engagement when he had asked for Lydia's hand. Nothing seemed to ever go as Ben had planned.

From the onset, he had never intended to join the war. Ben had actually planned to go back to school, study the law, and study under Judge Woodhull, hoping that he might earn the man's favour that way. But instead, he had felt the calling to join the war effort, leaving behind his most precious treasure: Lydia. Although he was doing this for her...and for their future… and their children's future, should the good Lord bless them in that way. And Ben hoped that he did, just not quite yet. Not given the current state of their affairs.

Eventually, Ben reached the water's edge. He then began to search for Caleb's boat he kept hidden the shoreline. Every time Ben crossed the sound, he knew how dangerous of a position he was putting himself in. Should be caught in territory occupied by the British in his civilian clothes, he could be tried and hanged as a spy. That much he knew too well. It was the same fate that had been met by Nathan Hale. Nathan had been his roommate while they were at Yale and they had become close friends. Nathan had also joined the war effort before him, which led to his untimely demise. It pained Ben to think of Nathan. It was still too soon.

Ben found the skiff buried beneath a pile of brush. He cleared the brush away and pulled the skiff to the water. He pushed off from shore, headed for Setauket. Ben hoped that he did not come across anyone he knew. The only person he wanted to see was Lydia. She was the only person he intended to see this trip. It pained him to not see his father, but it was now his responsibility to care for Lydia. She was his wife and he had sworn an oath to her. A social call with his father would have to wait, especially if the predicament Caleb described was true.

The journey to Setauket thankfully proved uneventful. Ben hadn't even spotted anyone else attempting to cross the sound. Although, that was likely because crossing the sound was considered especially reckless with the war going on. Both sides patrolled the water and aimed to take prisoners, despite the fact that both sides claimed they did not approve of such actions. Ben had timed things just right to avoid either side patrolling his path to Setauket. Either that or the good Lord was looking down upon him with favour.

Ben made land in one of the coves used by Abe and Caleb, careful to cover the skiff with a pile of brush. He wanted to make sure that no one found the skiff and took off with it. Not only would Caleb be quite angry he had managed to lose it, but the consequences of being caught by either side were regrettable.

The sounds of leaves rustling came from behind him. Ben's hand reached for his gun as he turned, fearing the worst possible scenario. But it was only a woodland creature, a deer. Ben breathed a sigh of relief as the deer scampered away. He should have known it was only a deer, but he was already on edge as it was, fearing he could be caught. But Ben had one thing going for him that the British didn't, he grew up in Setauket and knew all the best routes about the place to remain free from prying eyes...or at least, he used to. It had been several years since he had officially called Setauket home, having spent most of his last years in Connecticut.

Ben then set out for Whitehall, to see his purpose of making the trip.

~*~ June 1776~*~

The noonday sun beat down upon Benjamin Tallmadge as he walked along the dirt path in sleepy Setauket. The villagers he walked past, smiled and waved at him. Ben returned the gesture knowing that next time he returned to Setauket he might not be greeted so kindly. He had just arrived on a boat from New Haven not five minutes ago and he was headed for Whitehall. Ben had news for Lydia. News she deserved to know before anyone else because it could change everything they had carefully planned for years.

Ben walked by Strong Tavern. Selah Strong saw Ben through the window and waved for him to come inside. Ben paused. While he ought to set course straight for Lydia, an ale might prove useful for the task at hand. So, Ben went inside and had an ale in the company of Selah before he walked the familiar path to Whitehall.

While Ben would usually make sure a trek to Whitehall through the cover of the forest, he did not do so this time. He knew that Lydia's father was not home. If Judge Woodhull was anything, it was predictable when it came to his time away from home. It was that time of the month for the judge's excursion to York City. Although Lydia had mentioned the dates her father would be away in her last letter, in hopes that he might choose to make a trip to see her. Here he was, on his way to see her, but not for the reason she was going to expect.

As he continued down the path, Ben paused for a moment to stoop down and gather several wildflowers. They were yellow with a black center, the ones he and Lydia had used for years as a signal to each other. He looked down at the small bouquet in his hand before he picked a few more. Ben was going to need all the help he could get. He then stood and continued his trek to Whitehall.

Upon arrival at Whitehall, Ben placed the bouquet outside the door. He rapped twice on the door before he took off in a sprint around the corner of the house. He didn't want to take any chances of Lydia missing his signal. From around the corner of the house, Ben poked his head out to watch the door. A few seconds later it opened. It was Aberdeen who answered. Ben scowled because he had been hoping Lydia would answer the door. Last time, Aberdeen had swept away the flowers he had left. But much to Ben's surprise, Aberdeen glanced down and spotted the flowers.

Aberdeen looked curiously at the flowers before she turned back inside. "Miss Lydia," the woman called. "Someone gone and left you some flowers."

Ben couldn't help but smile hearing Lydia thunder down the stairs, something she had done since she was a child when her father was not home. Some things never changed. He watched Lydia poke her head out the door. She looked beautiful. Then again, he always thought she looked beautiful. Lydia glanced down at the flowers and a smile quickly spread across her face. Ben tried to pull back so that she didn't see him, but he was not quick enough and she managed to catch a glimpse of him.

Lydia grinned as she shut the door behind her and sprinted toward him. Ben winked at Lydia before he ran for the trees. Lydia laughed and called his name as she ran after him. Ben kept running. He knew that she knew where he was running...their tree. While it wasn't the most appropriate thing to run-off into seclusion with a young woman, they had been doing it since their youth and Ben's intentions had always been honorable toward Lydia...well, mostly honorable. He always stopped himself from going too far. But now was a time when he needed Lydia to himself.

Ben easily reached their tree first. His legs were much longer and he was a faster runner. He stopped and leaned against the tree to catch his breath as Lydia managed to catch up to him. She was not far behind him. When Lydia reached the tree, she flung herself into Ben's arms and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Ben rested his head on the top of her head and inhaled her scent. He had missed this. He had missed her and he was going to miss her even more once he was gone. More than he had ever missed her before.

Lydia clung tightly to him, but Ben pulled back a bit. Lydia looked up at him in bewilderment. Ben tipped her chin up a little more before he crashed his lips onto hers hungrily. He was not sure how many more of her kisses he was going to get. He snaked his arms around her waist and held her tightly as he continued to kiss her. Lydia gasped for breath and she moved slightly back, but he captured her lips once more.

"Benj," Lydia giggled, pulling her head away from him while still remaining in his arms. "What's gotten into you?"

"Nothing," Ben lied, but he knew immediately from Lydia's expression that she did not believe him. Ben sighed and brought his hand to her cheek. He stroked his thumb across her cheek, but he could tell that she was not going to be thwarted. Ben groaned and pulled his hand away. "It can wait, Lyddie."

Lydia untangled herself from his arms and watched his reaction for a moment, trying to guess what news he could possibly bring. "It's serious, isn't it?" Lydia questioned with her hands on her hips. When Ben did not immediately respond, she started to chew her bottom lip-a sure sign that she was nervous. She scratched absently at her neck, taking a deep breath before she spoke once again. "Have-have you changed your mind? Is there-is there someone else?" Her voice quavered.

Ben looked at Lydia incredulously. "Do you truly think I would kiss you like that if there was someone else?"

Lydia straightened her stance and pursed her lips, waiting for an answer. Ben rubbed his face in frustration. Lydia could be quite stubborn and yet he loved her anyway.

Ben closed the distance between them and placed his hands on her shoulders despite her defensive posture. He looked her in the eyes. "Listen to me. You always have been and always will be the only one for me, Lydia Woodhull. I would swear it before God himself."

Lydia curtly nodded his head, accepting his answer. "Then what is it you are not telling me?"

"Cannot we enjoy a moment or two first?" Ben groaned.

She shook her head. "You know I will spend the entirety of it fretting."

Ben could not deny her assertion. He sighed before he removed his hands from her shoulders and turned away from her. He traced their initials on the tree. Of all the times he had rehearsed this moment in his head, it had not been this frustrating. Lydia gently placed a hand on his arm and turned him toward her.

"Benj," she breathed looking up at him, her eyes shining like the sea. That nearly did him in.

"Lyddie, you know that I love you…" he started. Lydia nodded her head knowingly. Ben's throat constricted. He prided himself on his way with words, but now they were failing him.

Lydia rubbed his arms. "Benj, please just tell me."

Ben nodded his head. "Lyddie, I love you and I one day want to be able to provide for you. But I want to do that in a country where we are free to live our lives as we please. I do not want our children thinking I stood by idly frittering my time. I want a better country for them...and for you. Lydia, I am signing a commission in the Continental Army. Do not try to dissuade me. I have already made up my mind and made the necessary arrangements."

Lydia pursed her lips. Ben could tell that she was trying to keep a brave face while processing his words. It was a lot to process. This could derail their perfectly laid plans. Ben had promised her that he would win her father's favor and they would marry. But this could and likely would change everything.

Ben watched Lydia, trying to read her thoughts, but he could not for the life of him figure out what she was thinking. He needed her to say something. Anything. "Lydia, say something," Ben pleaded.

Her brow furrowed. A sign that she was deep in thought. Ben knew Lydia almost better than he knew himself. He only known her almost all her life and corresponded with her for years. "When do you sign on?" she finally asked.

Ben took a deep breath. She was not going to like his answer. "At week's end."

Lydia did not seem all that surprised by his answer and that shocked him. Instead, she took a deep breath and then nodded her head. "That's enough time for us to be wed."

Ben's eyes widened in disbelief. Had she really just suggested what he thought she had suggested. "Come again?" The words stumbled out of his mouth. She could not have seriously proposed what he thought she had proposed. Quite literally.

Lydia arched an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips. That was not a good sign for him. That was her fighting stance. "I'm positively certain you heard me, Benjamin Tallmadge."

Ben blinked slowly before he dropped his voice to no more than a whisper. "Wed? Even if we wanted to, there's hardly sufficient time for…" Lydia placed a finger on his lips, silencing him.

Lydia looked at him sternly, a look he rarely ever received from her. He could tell that the words that were about to come from her mouth were going to be carefully crafted and quite serious. "You promised me we would be wed by my birthday, Benjamin."

His heart panged. He had promised her that, but he had a different plan for his life at that point. He had fully intended on studying the law and allowing Richard Woodhull to get to know him better, to prove that he was worthy of his daughter's hand. But then the war broke out and that changed everything. Ben sighed. "That was when I thought I had a chance at winning your father's favour."

"So, you no longer intend on keeping your promise?" Lydia arched an eyebrow at him. She was twisting his words against him. She had known for quite some time that he had every intention of marrying her.

Ben rolled his eyes. "You know that isn't true, Lydia. I wish more than anything for you to be my wife but…"

"But what?" She stood a little taller, daring him. He knew what she was doing, but after everything she deserved an explanation from him. Ben stared at her for a moment. She looked quite beautiful all worked up like that. Then again, he always thought she looked beautiful.

But Ben cleared his throat. "Say we do marry. It will hardly be legal. In fact, without your father's permission, it will not be. You are not yet of age."

"Then we elope." Lydia was stubborn. That was one thing he loved about her. She always had been. But eloping was serious business, especially for a woman.

"Your father will disown you. I know you two have your disagreements, but I know you enough to know that you do not want that." Ben knew that Lydia loved her father despite everything. Nor would Ben care to take Lydia away from Judge Woodhull. That could be very dangerous for him. Judge Woodhull was a very powerful man with many connections and could very easily make his life miserable.

If he had wanted to further explain, Ben should not have looked at Lydia because she was ready with the words that made his heart sing and nearly forget his concern. "What I want is you, Benj." Lydia looked up at him innocently, blinking. He could tell that her words were sincere.

But he had to find a way to reason with her. He took hold of her hand and placed it over his heart. "You have me."

Lydia paused. Her eyes got misty and she swallowed hard. "What if you die? You really want to go to your grave knowing you did not marry me when you had the chance?"

She had aimed another arrow straight for his heart. He wanted more than anything to cave to her desire, steal her away and marry her that second. But his head told him he had to continue to try to make her see reason. "Say we do marry, Lydia. What then? Where will you go? You could hardly stay here in Setauket, your father would surely annul the marriage and marry you off before I might even see you again."

Lydia removed her hand from his and folded her arms across her chest. "I could go with you." It was clear that Lydia was willing to go to great lengths for him, but he could not...would not subject her to the hardships of war. It was going to be hard enough for her as it was. Where he was going was no place for her. Not if he wanted her to be safe.

Ben shook his head. "No. I'm not even sure yet which camp to which I'll be assigned. And even if I was assigned to a camp with women camp followers, I would never subject my wife to that."

"You'll be an officer, will you not?

"Yes, but…"

"Officer's wives are treated differently better even, are they not?" While it was true that officer's wives were privy to much more comforts than normal camp followers, they normally only came to camp when the army settled down for the winter.

"Lydia…" Ben groaned before continuing. He wanted more than anything to tell her yes and it was clear that she was not going to give up until he had. But he could not do that to her. "And what of the marriage license? Your father is a magistrate. Surely he will find it and annul it."

"Then let's marry in Connecticut, it is not too far from here. He will never find the license there. By the time he does find it, I'm praying I'm of age and he cannot do anything."

Ben sighed. "You have this all figured out, don't you?" He did not even bring up the fact that it could be weeks for them to be married if they went about things properly. He was already beginning to cave to Lydia's will.

Lydia cupped her hands around Ben's cheeks. "I want to be your wife, Benjamin. I think the question is do you want to be my husband?"

Ben rested his hands on Lydia's and rubbed his cheeks against her hands. "More than anything, Lydia. More than anything." That was truth. Benjamin Tallmadge loved Lydia Woodhull more than anything else in the world. He had for some time.

Lydia smiled softly. "Then say you'll marry me, Benjamin Tallmadge. Just say you will marry me. The details can be sorted out later."

Ben opened his mouth to argue against her, but he could not find the willpower to do so. Instead, he gently pressed his lips against Lydia's. He could not fight her on the subject anymore. Not when he wanted what she wanted more than anything. He had to make what they wanted possible.

~*~ November 1776~*~

Ben took the long way to Whitehall through the trees. He needed to stay hidden from the British army which was being quartered in Setauket. When he spotted Whitehall, his heart began to beat wildly. While he regretted the situation, he was happy to be seeing Lydia. He missed Lydia every day. He hated being parted from her. Their correspondence was hardly enough for him. While it kept him satisfied enough know that he was in her thoughts, there were times when a fleeting thought of desertion tempted him.

From his vantage point, Ben watched Whitehall for any movement or soldiers. From what Ben could see, there were no soldiers guarding Whitehall. The major who resided with the Woodhulls must not be there. Ben certainly hoped the man had the decency to take temporary leave if he was to be alone with a young woman. Not only did Ben hate the thought of a man alone in a house with Lydia, but it was highly indecent. Surely the man had better sense than that.

The door opened and Ben quickly shifted so that he was hidden from view, but he watched the door carefully. It was Aberdeen crossing the threshold. She was dressed in a traveling cloak and carrying a basket. Ben smiled softly. Lydia always gave Aberdeen time off when her father left for York City. Lydia and Aberdeen had come to an agreement that she would be allowed to stay with her sister at Strong Manor when Richard was gone. Of course, he knew Lydia had arranged it with Anna.

When Aberdeen was well on the road toward Strong Manor, Ben reached into his boot and pulled out two small yellow flowers. He had been sure to press them in his the journal he kept on him, just in case he might need them for an occasion such as this. Slowly, Ben stepped out into the open. He stopped for a moment to make sure no one had spotted him. Then he ran to the door, set the two small flowers just outside the door. He rapped sharply three times before he ran for cover again in the woods.

With bated breath, Ben watched the door carefully, waiting for his beloved to make an appearance. A few moments later, the door opened once again. It was Lydia. She was dressed in a blue gown that he was certain brought out the blue of her eyes. The thought made him smile. Ben watched as Lydia looked about in confusion for a moment before her eyes cast downward. She spotted the flowers. Her eyes widened and her hand went to her heart as a soft smile spread across her face. Ben could not help but smile at seeing her smile.

Ben did not stay to watch her look around for him. Instead, he headed to their tree where they should be safe from prying eyes. Ben did not want the major unexpectedly dropping by Whitehall and finding him. He knew Lydia would know to meet him there. She always did.

He was able to catch his breath by the time he spotted Lydia nearing him. Although, seeing her sent his heart racing. It always did. For a moment, Ben wondered if it would always be like that when he saw her. He hoped it would.

Draped in a dark blue cloak, Lydia approached him. Ben held his hand out toward and and she grasped it tightly. He slowly drew her toward him, resting his other hand on her waist. Lydia's free hand went to his cheek. For a moment, the pair just looked at each other hoping their expressions were speaking volumes given the lack of words between them. Lydia opened her mouth to say something. Ben watched as her bottom lip trembled. He raised the hand that was on her waist and gently brushed it against her lip. She inhaled sharply from his touch.

Ben's lips gently captured hers in a kiss which she eagerly returned. Lydia's hand that had once rested on his cheek, had found its way to his hair. She wove her fingers through his hair and clung tightly. Ben groaned in reaction, which made Lydia giggle. She kissed him once more and then pulled away to look up at him. "Good day, Benjamin," Lydia giggled again.

"Good day, Lydia, on this, your natal Day," Ben responded before placing one more kiss on Lydia's cheek. She sighed and leaned into him as he did it.

"It is certainly good now that you are here," Lydia smiled as she rested her head on Ben's chest.

Ben softly smiled as he rested his chin on Lydia's head. He closed his eyes, fully intending on enjoying this moment with her. It was moments like this that got him threw the worst moments. His desire to see Lydia again was what had gotten him through that skirmish with Robert Rogers and his rangers.

Lydia pulled her cloak from her head, revealing her fiery colored hair. She smiled up at him. "Do you like my new cloak?" she asked him. "Mary made it for me. She visited me first thing this morning with Thomas for my birthday."

Ben gave a quick nod before he asked. "How is Mary?" He had never met Abraham's wife. He had heard about her, mostly from Lydia's letters. From what he had gathered, she seemed nice enough, but her also knew, from what Lydia told him, that Mary and her family were staunch supporters of the crown.

But Ben was glad that Mary had visited Lydia on her birthday. Richard always left for York City. He knew, from watching his father, that losing one's wife was difficult; but he knew that Lydia took it especially hard. Her father had never celebrated a birthday with her. It was almost as if the day did not exist to him, aside from the gift Ben knew he left his daughter every year.

This year, Ben had nothing to offer Lydia but himself and a little birthday poem he had written for her. It was all he had this year. But he had a feeling that she was happy enough simply to see him.

"I prayed you would come," Lydia said softly as she played with his hand in hers. "But I dared not hope you would make it, especially after the last time you were home. How did you manage it?"

"One of Caleb's hair-brained ideas," Ben responded.

Lydia paled slightly at the mention of Caleb and entangled her hand from Ben's. She pursed her lips and scrutinized him for a moment before she sighed. "He told you, didn't he?"

"Told me what?" Ben asked. It was true, he did know; but he wanted to hear it from her.

"Don't make me say it," Lydia groaned. "I had no other choice, Benj. Please understand, it was either enter into an long engagement with Major Andre or find myself married to Colonel Cooke by Christmas."

Ben folded his arms across her. "You cannot marry him," he responded stubbornly.

"I know that, Benjamin," Lydia argued in exasperation, rolling her eyes.

"You cannot marry him, because you are already married to me."

~*~ June 1776~*~

For the second time that day, Ben approached Whitehall. Only this time, it was the dead of night and he only had the moonlight to guide him. He had gone to visit his father. Thank the Lord he had. His father had been able to advise him on the situation. Then he paid Selah Strong another visit which also proved helpful. Now to see Lydia.

His heart beat rapidly as he stood outside the window to Lydia's bedroom with pebbles in his hand. Ben could not help but smile remembering all the times he had done this when he was younger. He knew it was hardly appropriate to call in such a fashion, but for Lydia he would do anything. Ben started to toss pebbles at her window. He was so nervous the first one missed and landed on the roof. WIth the next few pebbles, his aim improved and gently hit the window.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Lydia's window opened, making his heart seem to race even faster. She poked her head out the window and looked down at him. GIven her expression, she must have been asleep, or nearly asleep; but Ben still found her beautiful.

"Benj?" Lydia asked with her brow furrowed. She yawned and rubbed her eyes.

"Aye," Ben called back to her.

"What-what are you doing here?" She yawned again and Ben could not help but smile at her.

"To tell you that Anna will be here shortly to help you ready yourself."

"Ready for what?"

Ben smiled softly. "To marry me. Assuming that is still what you want."

Lydia's eyes widened. "Of course, but I thought you said…"

"You trust me, do you not?" Ben knew that she trusted him. He was teasing her. He could not help himself, especially not when she was in this state and he was exceedingly glad.

Lydia folded her arms across her chest and childishly scoffed. "Of course I trust you."

Ben's smile grew in size. "I have it all figured, Lydia. I promise. Although I must confess I cannot take full credit. Selah and my father helped me piece it together."

Her brow furrowed. "Benj, what are you talking about?"

Ben chuckled at Lydia's state of confusion. "You'll find out soon enough, my love. Make haste once Anna arrives." With that, Ben took off in a sprint toward the trees similar to that of a young schoolboy, for that was how he felt. A young schoolboy about to be married.

Ben nervously waited with Selah Strong at his side outside Strong Tavern, which had closed early that evening. What if Lydia did not come? What if Anna came and said that Lydia had changed her mind? While Ben knew that possibility to be highly unlikely, he could not push the thought from his mind. Even in the darkness, Selah must have noticed how nervous he was.

Selah laughed heartily and slapped a hand on Ben's shoulder. "Nervous, Tallmadge?" he chuckled. "I would be worried if you were not. I was the same before marrying my Anna."

While Ben still found it odd to hear Selah refer to Anna as his, the sentiment was appreciated. Ben offered Selah a smile despite the darkness surrounding them. Thankfully, it was but a few minutes longer before Anna and Lydia appeared.

"Will someone please better explain to me what is happening?" Lydia whispered, clutching her cloak. Ben did not answer. He was too occupied looking at how the moon framed her face.

Selah grinned and playfully punched Ben in the shoulder before he responded to Lydia's question. "Ever heard of Montrose, Connecticut?, Lydia?"

"No," Lydia responded, folding her arms across her chest.. "Why?"

"You'll be thankful for its existence soon enough."

"Why is that?"

"The Scottish established Montrose as a colony."

"From what I recall, all the colonies belong to England."

Selah smirked. "Not according to the good people of Montrose. They still consider themselves subject to Scottish law."

"Why the history lesson?"

"Selah, just tell her already," Anna groaned, clearly not amused by Selah's antics.

"Because Scotland's marriage laws are not the same as England's and Reverend Tallmadge happens to know the reverend in Montrose."

"It's true, Lyddie," Ben said finally managing to find his voice. He closed the distance between himself and Lydia, taking her hands in his and drawing her close. "For a small price and a worthy plight, Reverend Morrison will marry a couple that makes declarations in front of witnesses. Father has written him a letter explaining our situation."

Lydia looked over her shoulder and then back to Ben. "Why involve Selah and Anna?" she whispered to him.

Ben glanced at Selah and then down at his feet. Selah had offered to pay the price to have the banns read quickly. While Ben had money, he had invested most of it to hopefully one day have enough to support Lydia and a family. Ben shifted uncomfortably and opened his mouth to respond to Lydia, but he was interrupted.

"You need witnesses, Lydia. Selah and I thought it would be appropriate given the circumstances," Anna answered, having heard Lydia's question to Ben. Anna knew the true reason she and Selah were coming, but that did not stop the Strongs from being any less happy for their friends. For that is what the couples were, friends. "Now then, we shall need to make haste if we are to reach Montrose by morning."

Ben felt Lydia's grip on him tighten. He looked down at her, she looked so hopeful. That was all the reassurance Ben needed. He smiled and wanted to kiss her terribly, but not right there in front of Selah and Anna. Lydia must have understood because she looked up at him with an expression he could hardly keep himself from doing exactly what he wanted.

"We can spare a moment," Anna said shaking her head at the couple. Selah and I will meet you at the boat. "Only a moment," she warned before taking hold of Selah's arm. The Strongs disappeared giving Ben and Lydia a moment.

"I can hardly believe our good fortune," Lydia whispered.

"It is not ours yet, Lyddie," Ben whispered back.

"It will be." With that, Lydia taller on her toes and reached up to kiss Ben.

Ben willingly obliged, kissing her back. When the kiss ended, Ben held his arm out for Lydia to take and he led her to the boat that would take them to Connecticut. Selah had paid for someone to take them. Ben appreciated Selah Strong's kindness and would make certain that Selah was repaid in full. For Selah had also made another promise to Ben, one that he had yet to reveal to Lydia.

Upon arrival in Montrose and dawn, Ben, Lydia, Selah, and Anna sought out the home of Reverend Morrison. Montrose was no bigger than Setauket, so it was not particularly difficult once a neighbour pointed them in the right direction. Ben grew nervous as they approached the home. He knew it was his duty to approach the reverend, but he still felt like a schoolboy about to be reprimanded. Having grown up the son of a reverend, he knew that they expected people at all hours; but he could not help but feel that the reverend might turn down his request. He could not help but feel he should have taken more time to think things through, rather than let the amber liquid taint his judgment.

It was too late to turn back now. Reverend Morrison must have spotted them through the window because he opened the door and stepped onto his stoop. "Good morning, I'm Reverend William Morrison, how may help you?" the man greeted. The man's hair was a little whiter than his father had described, but it had also been many years since Ben's father had seen the man.

Ben cleared his throat. He walked toward the man and extended his hand. "I'm Benjamin Tallmadge of Setauket, sir."

The good reverend shook Ben's hand. "Tallmadge? Setauket? I once knew a Nathaniel Tallmadge. He and I were roommates and good friends during our time at Yale. You would happen to be a relation of him, would you?"

Feeling more at ease, Ben smiled. "My father, sir."

Reverend Morrison chucked and shook Ben's hand once more. "How is Nathaniel? I am afraid to say we have not corresponded much recently...given everything that has happened."

"He is well, sir." Ben then reached into his boot and pulled out a letter. "He sends this along with his best regards." He handed the letter to Reverend Morrison.

The reverend clutched the sealed letter in his hand. "Do you know the contents of this letter, young man?" he asked.

Ben nodded his head. "Aye, sir." He looked back at Lydia who stood with Anna and Selah. She took that as her opportunity to join him. She moved beside him and gently held onto his arm. Ben cleared his throat. "Well, you see, sir…"

Reverend Morrison held his hand up to stop them. "Say no more. I think I understand why you have sought me out, you have come to be married. I assume the lady is under age according to English law."

"My-my father's letter explains…" Ben started, but the reverend stopped him once more.

"Not many know the traditions of Montrose, but it appears you do."

Ben inhaled sharply and nodded his head. "Aye, sir."

The reverend seemed to grow much more solemn, which made Ben worry. "I must go fetch my wife. We must first determine if your intentions are pure before we can move forward." Reverend Morrison then disappeared into his home.

Lydia and Ben exchanged worried glances, but they were much at the disposal of the reverend. They had no choice but to do as the man asked. When Reverend Morrison returned several minutes later, his wife was at his side. "This is my wife, Keturah. She will meet with the ladies inside," the reverend said. "I'll meet with you in the barn, Benjamin."

Lydia squeezed Ben's arm before she walked toward the house. Ben could not help but think she was like a lamb led to slaughter. He watched as she lifted her petticoats to climb the stairs. On the stoop, she looked over and her shoulder at him and smiled. Ben smiled back, he could not help it. She did that to him. Every time. He was too busy looking at Lydia that he missed the reverend softly smiling at the exchange. Ben did not already know it, but the reverend had already been swayed but that simple interaction.

Anna followed Lydia into the house. Missus Morrison smiled at her husband before she shut the door. Ben swallowed hard as the revered motioned for Ben and Selah to follow him to the barn. They did. Selah gave Ben's shoulder a good-natured slap for good measure. "Now you ought to be nervous, Tallmadge," Selah chuckled.

Ben attempted a chuckle, but it came out more of a grunt. Before he entered the barn, Ben took one last glance at the house. He found the women gathered around a window watching them. Lydia waved at him and he smiled before he disappeared into the barn, out of sight and earshot from the women.

"So, the magistrate daughter then?" Reverend Morrison asked. "I see why it is you sought me out."

Ben's brow furrowed. "How did you know that?"

Reverend Morrison chuckled. "I read your father's letter, son. You and Miss Woodhull do have quite the predicament."

"Aye, sir."

"And it appears you will soon be signing a commission with Washington's army."

"Aye, sir." Ben could not be sure which side of the war the reverend fell on. So, Ben stood a little taller, as an officer would. He would be an officer soon, he should act like an officer.

The reverend took note of this. "Keturah is a relation of Missus Washington," Revered Morrison offered. Ben seemed to slightly relax at the mention of this. "Why is it you wish to marry, Miss Woodhull?" he asked Ben.

Selah leaned against a post and folded his arms across his chest. "Do tell us, Tallmadge," Selah said with a smirk.

Ben softly smiled and shook his head. "I suppose you will require more than because I love her more than I love anything else in this world?" Ben made eye contact with the reverend.

Reverend Morrison nodded his head with a small smile on his face. "The more you can say, the easier it is for me to make my decision."

"Thought so," Ben chuckled, feeling a little more relaxed. Talking about Lydia was always easy. He inhaled slowly before starting. "Lydia never knew her mother. My mother, always having wanted a daughter, but blessed with sons instead saw to it to help guide Lydia. Mother would always tell my brothers and I that one of us were going to marry her. I took mother's words to heart at an early age. I would watch through the window as mother trained Lydia. I always thought she looked beautiful, even when a task frustrated her. But I was Abraham's friend. He's her brother. They didn't get on very well as children."

Ben paused and chuckled, remembering his childhood. "They still don't. But, she would look at me with those big blue eyes to intervene on her behalf. I couldn't ignore her. I couldn't. I always helped her. And then my mother died. Lydia was the one to find me." Ben smiled. "I don't know that I would have gotten through that without her."

Ben sighed. "I do not know that I can point to a specific moment when it all changed, Reverend. Looking back on it, I have always loved Lydia Woodhull. She frustrates me, but makes me exceedingly happy. She is stubborn, but always willing to help. She makes me laugh. She makes me nearly lose control of all my senses."

The Reverend smiled softly. "Why are you here, Benjamin?"

Ben shifted his stance and folded his arms across his chest defensively. "Our fathers used to be friends before everyone started taking sides on matters of the Crown and freedom. I thought surely Judge Woodhull would overlook all that to see that I loved his daughter and I could provide for her needs. I asked for her hand once before I graduated Yale. He refused me and did not even bother considering my request. I was going to take up the law under him to try and gain his favour, but I find myself being called to serve our country."

"Why marry now?"

"That would be Lydia's idea," Ben chuckled. "I told you, I nearly lose all my senses where she is concerned." He then sighed. "She is worried that I might die."

"A real possibility," Reverend Morrison mused.

Ben nodded his head. "But more than that, she is scared her father will try to marry her off. You see, sir, Judge Woodhull-he-he thinks that Lydia and I abandoned things after my failed proposal. We couldn't. While I would like to think that Judge Woodhull would not force his daughter into a marriage simply for social standing, I know him to be exactly that sort of man. Lydia will turn nineteen in November, more than enough time for Judge Woodhull to execute something of this fashion. I love Lydia too much to see her wed to someone she does not love. If I knew Lydia could love her father's choice, then I would not be here, sir. Rumors are he has some contacts in York City, nearly old enough to be her father, he is considering. I could not allow that to happen to her. She deserves to marry for love and for some reason, she happens to love a cad like me. And for that I thank God every day."

The revered mulled over Ben's words before he asked, quite unexpectedly. "Have you remained chaste?"

Ben coughed in surprise. Those were not the words he was anticipating from the reverend. Ben blushed furiously when he noticed those words had piqued Selah's interest. Selah was grinning at Ben, waiting in expectation for his answer. "My intentions toward Lydia had always been honorable."

The reverend arched an eyebrow. "That does not answer my question, son."

"I-I've kissed her, sir," Ben answered nervously, fidgeting with his hands. "But nothing more, sir." Ben could not make eye contact with neither Selah nor Reverend Morrison.

After several moments of silence, which seemed like an eternity to Ben, the reverend said, "I must confer with my wife. You two wait out here." With that Reverend Morrison left the barn and walked back toward his house.

Ben felt both relieved and nervous. His father had not mentioned anything of this sort. He had never heard of a couple being interrogated to be wed. Was this what they did in Scotland? Ben could not be sure, but he did not recall hearing such tales like this from Gretna Green. He sighed and looked to find Selah smirking at him. "What?" he asked.

Selah chuckled. "I would have thought that you and Lydia would have…"

"I'm the minister's son and she's the magistrate's daughter. Our reputations likely would have been ruined. I could not do that to her."

"But you likely would have been married by now," Selah said with a shrug before laughing.

To his surprise, Ben started laughing as well. He had been so worried about doing things the proper way that he had failed to see what would have been an easier path. Had his intentions toward Lydia not always been so honorable and he had defiled her and gotten her pregnant, Judge Woodhull would have had little choice but to accept his offer of marriage.

Reverend Morrison eventually came back and beckoned Ben and Selah to the house without word on his decision. The Setauket boys followed the reverend quietly into the house to find Lydia and Anna seated at the table, each with a cup of tea. Ben looked at Lydia for a sign on how things had gone for her. Lydia made brief eye contact with Ben, before she quickly blushed a fiery red, that nearly matched her hair colour, and looked away from him.

Missus Morrison gestured for Selah and Ben to have a seat at the table. They did as the older woman said. Reverend Morrison took a chair at the head of the table and Missus Morrison sat across the table from him. The reverend cleared his throat.

"You must understand that the people of Montrose do not wish to become another Gretna Green. They fear if the British were to find out, our way of life would be lost. My wife and I undertake the great responsibility to take the time to understand each couple's plight to see if they are truly in need of our ways and that their intentions are pure. My wife and I have determined that Benjamin and Lydia are truly in need of our assistance. I will join the two of you in matrimony on one condition."

Ben and Lydia looked at each other with smiles on their faces. They then nodded their heads, both of them willing to agree to anything to be wed.

"You must promise to keep Montrose's traditions a secret and you may only break that oath should you see a couple with needs similar to those of your own."

Both Ben and Lydia eagerly agreed to this.

"Now, while I could wed you today, Keturah and I wish to ask you to hold off until tomorrow. We would like to celebrate such a happy occasion with you and ask that you give us today to prepare. We do understand if you decline the offer, but Benjamin you're as good as family, and we would like to treat you and Lydia as such."

Ben looked at Lydia. She was already giving up so much for him. The least he could do would be to give her a decent wedding, especially since Judge Woodhull had no idea they had run off. Ben then looked back at Selah and Anna. Would they agree to stay one more day in Montrose. Both Selah and Anna nodded their heads. They would wait until the morrow for Ben and Lydia to be married.

So that was how the next day Benjamin Tallmadge and Lydia Woodhull were united in matrimony. Tears welled in Ben's eyes as he pledged his life to Lydia and she pledged her life to Ben. There was not a dry eye in the small church. Even Reverend Morrison's eyes misted.

Selah handed Ben the wedding ring that had belonged to Ben's mother. Ben's father had given it to him upon his last visit. The small silver ring had always been intended for Lydia and even on her death bed, Susannah Tallmadge had expressed has much. Lydia smiled and blinked back tears of joy as he slid the ring onto her finger.

"With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

With those words, Benjamin Tallmadge and Lydia Woodhull were united in matrimony.

~*~ November 1776~*~

"Do you truly think I would forget such a thing?" Lydia asked. She shoved her hand through her petticoats and into her pocket. She pulled out a small leather pouch before fishing out the small silver band. She clutched it tightly in her hand and put it over her heart. With her other hand she placed one of Ben's hands on top of hers. Lydia then repeated the vow Ben had made to her. "With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Ben smiled. He gently grasped Lydia's hand and took the ring with his other hand. He then gestured for her to hold her hand out. Ben then placed the ring back on her finger, just like he had that glorious day in June. Ben then leaned in and kissed her. He always wanted to kiss her. Even when he was cross with her. He hardly ever stood a chance when arguing with her. Ben broke away from her and leaned against the tree, still holding onto her with one hand. "So, Missus Tallmadge, what is your plan this time?" he asked, arching an eyebrow at her.

"Oh, don't you act like this, Benjamin" Lydia chided rather crossly. "You're the one who insisted that I stay in Setauket under my father's roof. I was only doing the best I could given the circumstances."

Ben was somewhat surprised by her rebuff, but he did not want to argue with her on her birthday. "I'm sorry," he apologised. "I never intended for this to happen as it has. I truly thought you would be safer here. Although, to be fair I still think you are safer here."

Lydia sighed and leaned against Ben. "I know that," she whispered to him. "And an engagement to Andre keeps me safe here in Setauket and from my father for the foreseeable future. Major Andre is in York City, which I intend to stay far away from. For now, an engagement is enough for my father."

"Tell me about him...your fiance."

Lydia rolled her eyes. "Do not call him that," she groaned.

"Why not? Is that not what everyone thinks he is?"

"It is," she agreed rather reluctantly grabbing his hand. She ran her fingers up and down Ben's hand before clutching it. She looked him in the eye. "But you are my husband and I do not wish for you to call him such. Surely you must know that this is all for you-for us. It was the only way I could reason to keep us safe."

"I know," Ben sighed. "Although, I must confess that I was surprised to have to learn of your engagement from Caleb Brewster."

Lydia frowned. "Only because Caleb does not know where to keep his mouth shut as far as you're concerned. I was hoping you would come to Setauket for my birthday so I might explain things. But Caleb had to beat me to it."

"He's loyal," Ben laughed. "He was only trying to protect me from having my heart broken."

"I hate not being able to tell anyone."

"It is safer for you this way."

"I know. Honestly, I would have told Caleb about us if Abraham had not been there. I do not know if I can trust Abe with such information."

"Abe is my friend and your brother, Lydia. I think we can trust him, especially after everything he is doing for the ring."

"Reluctantly doing, I might add. I fear a time when Abraham grows conflicted with his position and turns."

"And if such a time comes, I will be here. Send word and I will come remind him of the cause he is fighting for." Ben then rested his hand on Lydia's cheek. "Now, tell me about this Andre cad. I would like to know about the man miserably failing to garner my wife's attention."

Lydia chewed her bottom lip, pondering what to tell Ben. From that gesture, Ben could tell there was something she had not yet revealed to him. "He's an officer in the Royal army stationed in York City," Lydia started slowly. She inhaled slowly. "He is also, head of gathering intelligence…" Lydia paused and waited for Ben's reaction.

Ben reacted just about as Lydia had predicted. His eyes widened. He cocked his head and then furrowed his brow. He knew her well enough to begin to piece together the plan Lydia had somehow managed to orchestrate. "You said that he was willing to enter into a long engagement with you. Most men would be insane to enter into such an agreement...or offered something in exchange. Which is it, Lydia?"

Lydia held his gaze, refusing to show him weakness. She inhaled sharply before responding, "He asked that I correspond with him..." Ben's look told her to keep going. "And should I find myself with information he might find valuable, to relay that to him."

Ben looked at his wife in disbelief. "You're telling me that not only is my wife gathering information for the Continentals, despite being told not to...she is now doing the same for the British?"

"Of course not, Benjamin," Lydia chided gently pushing herself away from Ben. "I would not do that, not to you. I told him that I was likely never to hear anything of value in Setauket. Although, I must say that Major Andre does not seem adverse to allowing women to help a cause. It's quite clever, really."

"I thought I might feed him information that appeared to be true to gain his trust."

"That is treason, Lydia."

"Not exactly. Not if you know about it. I was thinking that you could set some place up to look like it belonged to the Continentals. Let them capture it. And then once he fully trusts me, we can use that information to our advantage? A surprise attack…"

"So, my wife is a general now?" Ben was practically seething with anger. He clenched his fist tightly. "This is not your place, Lydia."

Lydia folded her arms across her chest with a pout on her face. "It was not my intent to anger you," Lydia said choosing her words very carefully. "I only thought that since I am forced into this engagement, I wanted to be of use to you...and the cause."

Ben sighed. "You are of use to me, Lydia. As my wife. I could not live with myself going back to the fight knowing that you are throwing yourself into harm's way."

But Lydia was stubborn. "So Anna can help, but I cannot?"

"Anna hangs petticoats, Lydia."

"I want to help, Ben. I am your wife. It is my duty to help you."

"You do help me, Lydia." Ben reached out and took hold of Lydia's hand. He rubbed his cheek against your hand. "Knowing you are alive is what keeps me alive. It already has and is the reason I am standing in front of you now. While I agree that the war is not a woman's place, keeping you out of it has more to do with you being my wife than a woman."

"That hardly makes sense, Ben. I must be a woman to be your wife." Ben could tell that her resolve was beginning to melt. She had not raised her voice. Instead her response had been soft, hardly above a whisper and his cheek was still cradled by her hand.

"You do not see me coming back to reprimand Anna, do you?" Ben asked. Lydia sighed. "Please, let us not quarrel. My intent of returning to Setauket was not to quarrel."

"How long are you planning on staying?" Lydia asked stroking Ben's cheek with her fingers, not wanting to spend any time she had with Ben continuing to quarrel. They would have to agree to disagree for the moment. For now, she just wanted her husband.

"I should be gone by first light," Ben responded. "Caleb risked a lot to give me a chance to visit Setauket. I do not want to cause him any harm."

"Will you come to Whitehall for dinner, Captain Tallmadge?" Lydia asked lightly. "Aberdeen already prepared the food and I made your mother's pastries. There's no need to fret about Major Hewlett because he has taken temporary residence at Strong Manor while Father is away."

"If you'll have me, Missus Tallmadge" Ben said offering a sly smile. It always made him smile to see Lydia shiver whenever he called her Missus Tallmadge. The name suited her. He had always thought that, even as a child when he would whisper Lydia Tallmadge to himself.

"I suppose I will see you later tonight then," Lydia said, removing her hand from Ben's face. Ben's brow furrowed. Then Lydia's brow did the same. "Are you not going to visit your father?"

"No, my love," Ben responded, reaching out for the hand Lydia had removed. "I am entirely yours this trip."

"Entirely?" Lydia asked arching an eyebrow with a small smirk on her face.

"Entirely and ardently yours."

Ben saw a smile spread across Lydia's lips, so he leaned to kiss her once again. Lydia clung tightly to him as they kissed, making up for the lost kisses the past months and years. After several heated kisses, they broke apart breathing heavily. They were still very much newlyweds, perhaps even worse given the fact they had been kept apart for so long.

Offering Lydia his arm, Ben led Lydia to Whitehall through the trees for they needed to keep out of eyesight, especially from the British. They could not be caught.

Ben found spending time with Lydia at Whitehall quite natural. One day, a life like this would be theirs, he hoped. Just not quite yet. Ben could tell that having him around made Lydia nervous. Lydia brought him a book to read aloud, which she dropped several times as she walked toward him. Seeing her like this made him smile.

He drew her into his lap as he he read to her. She rested her head against his shoulder, her body practically melting against his. He could not help but react to having her this close. After he finished the first chapter, he put the book down and passionately kissed his wife. Ben was about to suggest they go elsewhere when his stomach rumbled.

Lydia broke the kiss and looked at him with concern. "When did you last eat?" she questioned.

"I'm fine, Lydia," Ben said going in for another kiss.

But Lydia shook her head and pressed her hand against his chest to stop him. "I will not allow my husband to go hungry if I can help it," she mildly chastised him. "I'll go ready the plates now." Lydia then stood up and left the sitting room.

Ben groaned and threw his head back against the chair. He had been practicing restraint for too long now, he was not sure how much more restraint he could handle, especially when there was little reason for the restraint. But Ben knew she was right. He had not had a proper meal in quite some time.

Once Lydia had the table set, she called Ben over. Ben sat down at the head of the table and Lydia sat to his right. Aberdeen had made pork and potatoes for dinner. Ben spotted a basket with Lydia's turnovers too. Ben held his hand out for Lydia to take, so he could give thanks to the Lord. She placed her hand in his and he thanked God for the food and for the time he had given them to spend together.

Lydia made sure Ben ate more than his fill of dinner after he commented that it had been some time since he had seen a meal such as the one spread before them. But Ben made sure to save some room for Lydia's pastries. They truly tasted like the pastries his mother would make him as a child. Lydia beamed with pride when he told her so.

When Lydia saw that Ben was done, she stood up to clear the plates away. As she was reaching for Ben's plate, Ben stood up and caught her in his arms. He nuzzled his face against her neck. He could feel her shiver from his touch.

"Shall we retire for the evening, Missus Tallmadge?" Ben asked, holding Lydia from behind and pressing kisses against her neck. It was still quite early to retire, but Ben could not refrain any longer.

Lydia chuckled nervously. "It's still early, Benj, and I need to take care of these dishes."

"The dishes can wait until morning. This cannot," Ben whispered into his wife's ear before he swept her off her feet.

"Benj!" Lydia gasped, her cheeks blushing furiously.

But she wrapped her arms around Ben's neck and pressed a kiss against his cheek. He carried her upstairs and crossed the threshold into her childhood bedroom. Ben kicked the door closed behind them, still holding onto his wife. Despite everything that threatened to keep them apart, Lydia Tallmadge was his for the night.

Author's Note: So, I created Montrose obviously. This is fanfiction. It is also fiction. TURN is also fiction with stuff happening in it that didn't actually happen. I do not regret it.

Where have I been? Things have been kinda rough since I last updated. My tumblr friends and those who read my other stories already know this but my grandfather died unexpectedly in December plus there was a bunch of family drama going on the last few months. I'm also a full-time teacher and writing time is precious, if my muse cooperates.

Please understand that I will try to update when I can. In case you didn't notice, this chapter (without author's note) is just shy of 11,000 words. That kind of content takes time. To put that in perspective this story is about the size of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone's word count in 10 chapters. I just ask for patience and understanding.

I would like to thank everyone who has read, reviewed, favorited, and followed this story. It really means a lot to me! I never expected people to take to Lydia the way they have.

Special thank you to my reviewers:

FFN: nixdragon, DayStorm, Darkwolf76, Guest (1), CurseYouTinyToilet, Ohmicrofilm, Slow Dancing in the Snow, Guest (2), Hoqwaarts, Talk With Your Hands, HottyToddy10, xoxo, thaovy203, EBB - Sonnet 43, MimikoFlamemaker, AmandaJ17, Guest (3?), Jes Freedark

WATTPAD: leea36, Dora-Phelps, midnight1316, funsizedchild, Gabe62794, ThatGirl7650

AO3: MimikoFlamemaker

Thanks to Renny Autumn for being my beta