Frederic pressed one last kiss to her lips before he let her leave, watching her out the window until he noticed a passerby frowning at him through the glass as the fellow walked past and he looked away. He closed his eyes for a moment and leaned against the wall, closing the door of his back room once more, this time to regain his senses. What a whirlwind of a moment! His heart felt full, but also confused, apprehensive, and tight. On one hand, there was no doubt in his mind that he was falling in love with Karen Calloway, but on the other hand... no, truth be told there was no 'other hand'. Frederic smiled to himself and opened his eyes, reluctantly drawing himself out of the memory of her kiss and the feeling of her in his arms. He headed out of his store to find Clover (who he assumed was playing with the kittens in the barn a few doors down again instead of with a 'Michael from school' who he'd never mentioned before), and as he walked down the street, he found himself whistling the tune of the lullaby in the clock he'd given Karen a few days ago.

He did not know what the destiny of their relationship would bring, but by everything he held dear, he would do whatever he could to make sure it was a good fate.