For once Mr. Beaker's usual greeting scratch would have to wait. The minute he caught sight of Pippa, Rory went to her, skinning out of his leather jacked and draping it over a chair on the way. He sat down beside her and without hesitation wrapped her snugly in his arms.

"I'm right here, love," he murmured into her hair. "And I'd be right here loving you no matter how that test came out, I swear."