“Do all your companions leave to get married?” Peri asked.

The Doctor smiled. “Not all of them, no. Some of them even get to go home again—think of Turlough. I could take you home, you know.”

Peri put her hand on the Doctor’s. “The TARDIS is my home, Doctor.” And she meant it. A universe of possibilities. “And I’d miss having you around.”

He drained his coffee mug. “When I first met you, I thought you were brash, egotistical—“

“Me?” said Peri.

“Exactly. My previous self was a defender of waifs and strays, but as you know... I’m not. But thankfully, you’re neither. You’re almost my best friend.”

“Almost? So who is?”

“She’s big and she’s blue and she’s waiting for us in Wannabe 1. Coming along for the ride, Miss Brown?”

“I’d be delighted, Doctor Smith.”