Great way to have this Jim prank preacher-Dwight. Seemed like quite the appropriate jest, especially considering this Jim is so well versed in books.

Lots of little warm and glowing moments between Jim and Pam here. Especially with him being complimentary about her artwork. It's wonderful to envision this Pam starting to glow when she's around Jim. Makes me very curious as to how this will all play out for the two of them.

Author's Response:

Thank you! 

Hope I keep develop their relations naturally and without the rush. 

And there's Casino Night raising its head in all its angsty angstyness.

Anyway, I did like the earlier interaction between Pam and Jim here. Him not caring about the rumors, she does care about them. I also like how she doesn't back off from him. She let's him know what's on her mind. i get the feeling she wouldn't do that with Roy. She wouldn't feel that Roy would care nor would she feel comfortable enough to speak up. However she can talk like that to Jim since she's come to trust him. At least that's my take on it.

Looking forward to seeing how the rest plays out.

Author's Response:

Thank you for your review!

Unfortunately, this angst was inevitable, for both 'The Office' and Austen parts. But I don't enjoy it, so I try to move to happier times as quick as it's possible. 

And yes, Pam definitely wouldn't talk to Roy that way. This Pam doesn't have any attachment with him (well, except the engagement). On the other hand, with Jim, she has a connection, based on similar views, tastes, and, yes, trust so that she would share her doubts with him. I hope that was believable. 

Quite a few references to the show here and there. Jan's financial woes, the appearance of Holly, and of course Jim's return with another woman on his arm. All wrapped around the time period. Great to see an update. Looking forward to more.

Author's Response:

Thank you for your review!

Update will be quite soon. 

Interesting take on things here. Toby being Michael's brother-in-law was a bit of a hoot. Michael's animosity for the show seemed to be on full display here.

Other than that, I'm seeing shades of Season 3 between Jim and Pam here. Jim pranking Dwight, but not totally going for it. Pam wishing she was still his partner in crime. Both of them letting out only glimpses of their feelings before a mask of polite indifference is pulled down.

I wonder though if Jim overhead Pam responding to "Miss Beesly," rather than "Mrs. Anderson." Makes me wonder if such a thing will come up in next time around. Looking forward to the next chapter for sure.

Author's Response: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you noticed that 'Miss Beesly' address. 

Yes that's a bit of a snap. Subtle enough that those around the table wouldn't suspect anything amiss, but seemingly loaded with undertones for Pamela and James here. Especially if that exchange comes after a month of James being around with another woman on his arm. Nicely written.

Author's Response: Thank you! I really enjoy playing with subtlety and double meanings. 

1

Amazing what a letter can do to a person. Loved the change in her after she read it. After so much that's gone on it's now their time. Of course the image of Jim riding up on horseback and her running (or the regency equivalent of the same) is a delightful image as well.

Heck of a proposal there too. Very much not unwelcome. Great to see how all that unfolded.

Author's Response: Thank you so much for your lovely review! I wanted to make this their meeting looks like their first one, and I'm glad it worked out well. 

1

Not miserable at all. It's an interesting take on Pam's thought process at that time in her life. Her thoughts and actions betray her true feelings here. She still wants to do the right thing and hang on to her old relatioship, but even here in her most private of moments, she lets her heart guide her and she basks in its glow. Great one-shot here.

Author's Response:

Thanks Warrior. Miserable in that it doesn’t end in HEA. I doubt Pam would be as cognizant at this time in canon, but that’s the beauty of fic... 

A very plausible series of events to my mind. Okay, now that we're all caught up, the real fun begins. How are these two going to handle everything? I'd like to think there's hope, especially with that line, "my first and only ever true love."

Hopefully not to angsty.

Author's Response:

Oh, have as much hope as possible! Not too angsty, I promise 

So interesting look at this pre-meeting Jim. Kinda let yourself go there a bit didn't you Jim? I mean I get it, a divorce has got to be rough on a guy. However I do love that it's his time with Pam that get his butt in gear to start some real positive changes. The same with their text banter back and forth. That whole we need to be Jim and Pam again thing? Yeah looks like it's well on its way. Yes, short but it seems important in order lay a good foundation for later. Lovely update.

Author's Response: Well thank you haha! I’ve read SO many pieces, and seen it in real life too, how stereotypical that it’s always the female in the relationships wallowing, not cleaning, etc. Men do it too! Thank you for your kind words!

1

Lots of good progress on in their re-building their relationship here. I like that Jim has the realization that his heart still and has always belonged to Pam. Yes mistakes were made in the past, but there's a new chance here and I'm really glad he's taking it.

Good on him to stand up to Karen's BS like that. Adults acting like childish teenagers are among my pet peeves and it's great to see Jim call her out like that. Well done. Also that it gave him the courage to ask Pam out to dinner. The whole nervous hesitancy was cute to imagine.

Kinda wondering if on this date to the city is when Pam will mention her boys. It'll be interesting to see his reaction to that. However considering the ground that's been covered and the rebuilding they've already done, hopefully it's not to big of a speed bump.

Author's Response:

Well, thank you! Unfortunately, I've met plenty of individuals who act like childish teenagers when it comes to adult situations. I would have called Karen out on her BS as well.

Well, Pam's gotta tell him about her boys before it's too late, right? I mean, it's not like it could be a dealbreaker............right? (just some suspense lol)

Thanks again for your kind words! 

Super cute lead up to everything. I love how Jim is just chomping at the bit to get out of work so he can get Pam. How all the driving he was doing seemed to be over in a flash because of his excitment.

Though we're still left hanging about the boys. I've got a feeling you're waiting for a Pam POV chapter to delve into that, so that's ok.

Lovely to see an update.

Author's Response:

Yes, Jim 1000% wanted to be the "yes man" at the Camden branch to get to Pam. Yes, that drive is a bit long from the outskirts of Philly to Scranton (2 hours), but nerves and excitement make the time go SO much faster.

BINGO. You got it. It would make more sense that a Pam POV delves into her kids, her nerves about telling him...her hesitation as to why she didn't...

Thanks Warrior, always appreciate your reviews! 

1

Oh we have to see what happens after all this. I mean for Pam to figure out that Jim is in love with her this early and not do anything about it? Especially with those doubts she's having about Roy? Yes please continue!

I loved the backstory for the Bonus Gifts. It's always fun to see what people can come up with for those. Likewise the songs behind them. Pam's picture for Jim was equally sweet. As was his reaction to it. Delightful text banter as well.

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so glad you liked what I did with the bonus gifts. It was a lot of fun for this Office newbie :). I have definitely taken your advice and have continued this fic as an AU sequel called "New Year's Eve." I hope you get the chance to read it and let me know what you think.