Felicity:

Felicity sighed and her breath turned to mist in the air. It was the early spring of 1778, and still quite cold out. She was glad father had convinced Ben to wait until spring to join the army after turning 18 last fall. Ben had been upset that he had missed the action when Washington's army had crossed the Delaware river and taken Trenton by surprise, but when she heard stories of how hard conditions were for the army wintering at Valley Forge, she was happy to have Ben safe with her, if only for a little while. And now he was leaving at last. She watched the recruits loading their belongings onto wagons and preparing for departure. She was proud of Ben for going off to war to fight for their cause, but at the same time, she felt as if part of herself was being torn away. She'd had a crush on him ever since she could remember, but she was sure it was just her. I'm so childish, she thought to herself. Ben thinks of me as nothing but a little sister and friend.

Ben:

Ben paused his work and looked toward the store. Yes, Felicity was still standing there, watching, waiting. His heart stirred as he looked at her. What was it about Felicity, her independence and spunk, that attracted him? Felicity had a true mind on her shoulders. And he knew he would never meet another girl like her. He wanted to tell her his feelings, but he wasn't sure he should. On the one hand, he felt like going away without telling her his intentions might mean he'd lose her to another man, but on the other hand, she was only thirteen. Finally he made up his mind. He would tell her! He had to have the assurance that she was waiting for him to sustain him through this war.

Felicity:

Ben was walking over to her. She sensed determination in his stride and wondered how he would bid her farewell. He looked nervous as he walked up and stood before her.

"Felicity, of Felicity," he paused. "I am going to miss you so much"

"And I you, Ben"

"Felicity. Will you remember me always?"

"Of course." how could she forget him? Ben seemed to be trying to get up his courage for something.

"Felicity. I will tell you. You are only thirteen, I know, but when I return, you will be a lady. You must know that I have feelings for you. And…I would like you to wait for me. Oh, it's too much to ask!" Felicity put her hand on her arm.

"I will wait, Ben" her heart felt it would burst within her! Had he just said what she thought he said? Could he possible feel the same way about her as she felt about him?

"You…you will?"

"Yes. Ben, I…I have feelings for you as well."

"Oh, Felicity, can it be possible? You must know – I love you." It was almost a whisper, but Felicity heard.

"Ben. I love you too." She put her cold little hands in his big strong ones. Ben looked into her eyes and saw that she meant what she said."

"May I have something to take with me to remember you by?"

"Oh, anything!"

"A kiss." His voice was low and full of love. Felicity raised her lips and he kissed her there in the shadow of the store. It was a kiss of promise, a kiss of hope, a kiss neither of them wanted to end. But it did. Ben knew he would remember it forever. And then it was time to leave. Ben squeezed her hands and left her there in cold morning air. Air that promised hope for a good future.