I really like this story and think it's beautifully written, but may I have a question? Is it actually normal to drive after drinking in the US? TV shows and fanfics are full of these situations and this particular one has it in almost every other chapter, so I thought I'd ask. It seems unthinkable to me to have a beer/champagne and sit behind a wheel after it.

Author's Response: Thank you for the kind words. As to your question about drinking and driving--and I don't recall them doing much of that in this particular fic---but anyway, here in the US, unless you live in a big city, most people drive everywhere. It is legal here to drive after you've had a couple of drinks, but not legal to drive drunk. You are tested on this if you are pulled over by the police. You could lose your driver's license or even go to jail for drunk driving. So, most responsible people do not drive drunk here, or after a drink or two. My husband, for example, won't drink at all if he is driving, and neither do I.  I appreciate the question. Thanks again for the review.

I really enjoyed this story. Pam and Nana’s conversation had me tearing up. I loved that Jim and Pam danced to “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” It’s one of my favorite songs from that era.
I spent the better part of Sunday reading the entire story. You did a great job!

This was the first JAM fanfic I ever read, and that, plus the quality of the writing, makes this (for me) as close to canon as it gets. Really great story!

Author's Response: Wow! Thank you! High praise indeed.  I hope you've had the chance to read my other stories too. I appreciate your kind review for this one :)

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Aww, that was lovely. Very well written, entirely believable. Kept me up until 2am reading it, so I'm sure I won't thank you tomorrow, but for now I greatly appreciate your story. Here, have a jellybean for your trouble.

Author's Response: Thank you! What an amazing thing to say :).  Hope you caught up on your sleep now. And thanks for the jelly bean. Hope it was licorice.

Such a lovely ending 🥰 I think I’m going to read the whole thing again from start to finish

Author's Response: Wow! Best compliment ever, that you want to re-read! Thanks so much :)

Nice way to wrap things up. Good to see her honor Roy's memory while at the same time letting go of that relationship. For the most part, in this universe, it was a good fit for her at the time. However now she had Jim in her life and the opportunity to really grow and bloom into something new and wonderful. You did a good job at capturing that throughout this story.

That last line though I think sums it all up well. She's found her courage and is now holding onto joy. It's a wonderful thing to see. Great job with all of this.

Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat

Author's Response: Thanks again. I'm so glad you appreciated how I tried to characterize everyone. This is still a new fandom to me, and I'm feeling my way through. Your encouragement has really helped me. Lovely to hear your thoughts.

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Im a little sad this one’s over tbh. Loved every part of this - the whole story not just this chapter.
Thank you for posting :)

Author's Response: How nice of you to say that! So glad you enjoyed it.

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This a really great way to show their connection. That they're paired equally in so many things. Not just physically, though that part was wonderfully and vividly detailed, but how they think about everything afterwards. And also that they're comfortable sharing their thoughts at this point too. It's a hugely refreshing break from the "bottle it all up, he/she must be thinking x y and z so I can't say anything" miscommunications that much of the early canon JAM story seems to have. Here they're open, they're trusting, and it's all lovely.

Especially since these conversations are being had whilst eating cupcakes. I mean it's like an unwritten, shall we say unflinchingly rigid, rule that one can't be upset while eating cupcakes. Just adds to the sweetness that is this story.

Wonderful job. Can't wait to see how it all wraps up.

Author's Response: Yes, cupcakes make everything better :). Thanks for understanding and appreciating what I did here. I'm so glad it came across as I intended. Your reviews for my fics have been awesome, and I really appreciate your taking the time to give me such helpful analysis. Thanks again.  PS: The epilogue is now up!

Love, love, love, love this! And super excited for what's next. Wink wink.

Author's Response: Thank you! Working on the next chapter now :)

This was super sweet. I loved everything they said was just a little bit loaded and accidentally suggestive. It’s nice to see hints of Pam making comparisons between Roy and Jim, like Roy not being interested in museums & having kids. It’s also nice to see this done in way that doesn’t drip with bitterness towards Roy (as is often the way). Having him play into things as her deceased husband definitely puts a spin on how his character is presented. It continues to be an interesting twist that shapes everything through a slightly different lens.
Looking forward to getting Pam’s thoughts about taking that next step.

Author's Response: I really don't like writing angst, so I look to the characters' general good natures, assuming they are all decent and forgiving. I hope that isn't too Pollyannaish, but I can't seem to pull out of that mode, lol. Thanks for reviewing. More very soon!

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Wow, I just caught up on this beauty. You’re an amazing writer! If it weren’t for the fact that your Jim and Pam are so believable, I’d read the story anyway. You have a great way with words. And the natural progression of Pam’s conflicting emotions is great. I love how patient Jim is with her. I can’t wait for what’s to come!

Author's Response: Thank you! You made my day with your kind review and encouragement. I hope you continue to enjoy it.

So the end of the night was not really what I was expecting, but at the same time, it's where Pam is right now. Lots of conflicting emotions going everywhere and you bring that out well. Good for Jim to read the signs right and back off, but also not leave. There very much could have been the chance for misinterpretation there, but I'm glad you didn't go down that route. Rather Pam and Jim have a nice conversation over breakfast that serves to build the relationship rather than pull things apart. I liked it.

Also good on Pam for making up with Angela. I did like that. In the show Pam is a very caring soul to her co-workers despite her kindness not always being reflected. It was nice to see her and Angela mend some fences here too. Great chapter.

Author's Response: So glad you liked this chapter! Here again, I go for the happy ending, the characters trying to do the descent thing. I'm glad you appreciated that here. Thanks so much for taking the time to review.