I got out the carriage and ran to the beach where Lily was watching the sea hit perfectly across the shores. The wind blowing her hair and dress beautifully. I smiled softly and walked over to stand beside her and watch the waves crash. We both stood in silence as I waited for her to talk before deciding I should. "I brought hardship on you and on Penny. My family. You warned me....and I wouldn't listen." I said as she looked at me from the corner of her eyes.
"I just...I wanted to be more than I was. But you taught me that I just have to remain myself." I said as she faced me a little. "I never wanted anything more, but the man I fell in love with." She said as I felt my heart beat harshly against my chest. Hearing her say that made it leap for joy so much I started to tear up. "Let this promise...in me start. Like an anthem in my heart." I sung as she smiled at me and started to tear up too.
"However big, however small." She sung sweetly as I smiled hearing her sing softly. "From now on." I sung softly with a nod as tears fell down my cheeks. "From now on." I said and walked closer before pulling her into a gentle yet tight hug as she hugged tightly back. I pulled away slightly only to let my lips gently crash into hers. I felt her kiss back, feeling that wonderful fuzzy warmth I always had with her. I had one hand gently on the back of her head and the other on the small of her back. She was one of the million dreams keeping me awake.
~~~~~^_^~~~~~
I started walking up to the burnt building where everyone was moping around like a couple of sad sacks. Lily's hand firmly in one hand as she kissed my cheek before walking over to Penny. "Bank said no?" Phillip as as looked around. "Emphatically. Repeatedly." I said as Lily picked Penny up. "I don't think there's a bank left in the country I can fool into loaning me more money so." I said as Lily walked over to Anne who dug up one of the trapeze rings. "I'm really sorry to disappoint you all." I said as Lily let Penny down.
"Don't worry, Barnum. We've gotten used to it by now." Charles joked a bit as the others let out soft laughs as Penny hugged my side so I put my hand gently against her head. "You know, Barnum...when I first met you, I had an inheritance claim, an invitation to every party in town. And now thanks to you, all that's gone. All that's left is friendship, love, and work that I adore." Phillip said as I sighed with a smile. "You brought joy into my life." He said as everyone nodded. "Into all our lives!" Penny said happily as I looked down at her with a bright smile.
"If only the bank would take joy as collateral." I said and picked her up. "They may not...but I will." Phillip said as I looked at him. "I own 10% of the show. Knowing who I was working for, I had the good sense to take my cut weekly." He said as I knew where he was going with this. "Phillip, I can't you gamble in on me." I said as shook my head a little. "Eh, sure you can." Anne said as Lily and Penny giggled a little. "Don't turn sensible on us now." Lettie said as I looked at her. "Partners. 50/50." Phillip said and held out his hand with a smile resting on his face as Penny looked at me.
I looked at her as she nodded and gestured to his hand. I smiled brightly and shook hands with Phillip as everyone cheerfully laughed. "Partners." I said as everyone died down. "The only thing is, I don't know how we're going to afford a building." He said as I set Penny down. I thought for a moment before getting an idea. "Building. We don't need a building. Real Estate Manhattan has a terrible investment. Why I can get land down by the docks for almost nothing. All we need is a tent." I said with a bright smile
~~~~~^_^~~~~~
Sure it took another few years and a marriage to make the place presentable, but it was worth it. "Everyone is ready to go, hon." Lily said as she hurried over and helped me with my vest. "Great 5 minutes to show time." I said with a smile and took her hand and gently kissed her knuckles where a wedding ring was sitting. We both got to our spots and started the show.

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This Is The Greatest Show (P.T. Barnum x OC!LilyBennet)
FanfictionLily Bennet, also known as 'Flower', is a trapeze artist with her best friend, Anne Wheeler. What happens when a young boy has a dream? Little Phineas will meet a young girl with two different eye colors and a skin disease called vitiligo. What will...