Finding her way back into Oscar's life was a mixed blessing. Liadan had missed him dearly. She found herself growing ever fonder of him and of his company. But that fondness had settled into familiarity and comfort- which could be a horrible thing if he chose not to marry her. Liadan was convinced that he would. He had been around for a very long time now- their first date had been nine months ago. Oscar had even visited her when she had been incarcerated, and his visit had been devoid of judgment. In fact, it had been comforting, and reassuring. Oscar had even made a comment that day about marrying her- and he had, more than once, informed Liadan if he ever were to marry again, it would be with a woman like her. Unfortunately he had never said If I were to marry again, it would only be to you.

But Liadan had faith they would get there. The more time she spent with Oscar the more perfect they seemed for one another. His temperament complimented hers well, and Liadan liked that he had a spine.

Of course, Liadan still had her worries. Finding herself in his company again did not put to rest her concerns that she was merely a replacement of his ex wife. The similarities between herself and a young Aileen were difficult to miss. But he had said to her- the day she returned the cufflink- that if he wanted his ex-wife to be his again, he would have her. Liadan did not doubt that. But he was a divorced man. Those worries and concerns that he might still hold some affections for his ex-wife would never go away. At least not when it came to a woman as jealous and possessive as Liadan O Morain had a tendency to be.

Finding herself once again at Kerry Cove was a good feeling. The home was beautiful, and it was his. He had taken her cloak after ushering her in, and Liadan now found herself lounging by a crackling fire. Oscar looked quite handsome, she found something endearing about his look of leisure. She could see herself sitting with him like this for a long time, warming her stockinged feet by the fire. (Not that Liadan would dare take off her shoes as a guest in his home- but one day, perhaps.)

She held the Yule Ball invitation lightly in her hands, smirking. "Do you think it appropriate," Liadan asked, "to take a date? I should hate for there to be any hurt feelings or harsh words on account of my attending. Though I am not one to back down, and am most flattered by the invitation..." Liadan trailed off and picked up her glass of wine, taking a small sip. "It is a once in a lifetime event- and I never had the chance when I was at Hogwarts. I've made enough of a fool of myself concerning your ex-wife as it is. I should hate to make it worse."