A/N—I was asked to write an Elizabeth/Drew story, so here's my rewrite to "The Indiscretion." Olivia is still at the sanitarium in Arizona, and John has joined her there. Rose still doesn't live with the Waltons. The Walton kids are running the household. The fight between Ike and Corabeth didn't happen. John-Boy is still in New York. I know that Erin and Paul get married on Valentine's Day in the first movie, and Aimee wasn't married until one of the later reunion movies, but as you can already see, I'm departing a bit from cannon. I thought it was sad that the writers didn't bring Olivia back for Erin and Mary-Ellen's weddings. I will get back to my unfinished Brady Bunch stories later; I got a bit of writer's block. This story is going to be a short one. So, happy reading!
Elizabeth leaves the bedroom she, Erin and Joy share. Erin cautioned her younger sister to be careful on this anniversary date with Drew. She hears Drew talking to Mary-Ellen and Erin and stops at the top of the stairs. What should I do? I love Drew, but I don't know if I'm ready to spend the night with him. Sometimes I think I'm too much in love. She inhales, then descends the stairs.
Drew looks up and smiles as he sees his girlfriend dressed in blue. That's his favourite colour on her. "I got this for you." They exchange a peck as he presents her with a bouquet of flowers.
"Thanks," she blushes, inhaling the bouquet's sweet fragrance. She catches her sister's eye, subtly reminding her of their conversation a few minutes ago. "You're playing with fire. Do you have any idea what Mama and Daddy would think about this? Erin presented, to which Elizabeth answered, "Well, they wouldn't allow it, I know that."
"You ready?"
Elizabeth hesitates, contemplating what to do. "Sure," she smiles, as she takes his arm, allowing him to escort her to the front door.
Erin tries to hide her disappointment, although Elizabeth catches her sister's expression.
"You two have fun!" Mary-Ellen grins, excited for her sister.
Joy, who had been curled up in a recliner reading a book, dashes to the couch, looking out the window as Drew and Elizabeth drive off.
"Okay Joy," Mary-Ellen begins, "it's time for you to go to bed."
"Do I hafta?" she protests.
"Yes, you do. Now, scoot!"
"You're no fun." Joy sighs as she reluctantly walks up the stairs.
Drew and Elizabeth drive to the Baldwin's house. Elizabeth stares out the window, deep in thought. She remembers Erin's words, "Mama once told me that making love can be a wonderful experience, but it has to be with the right person... someone you're planning on spending the rest of your life with." He senses something's amiss. "What's wrong?"
"Are you sure we're doing the right thing?"
"What do you mean?" he asks, confused.
"Well, I don't know if we should be doing this."
"Why?"
"We're... we're so young, a... and I... I don't know if we should be taking our relationship to that level yet."
Drew stops the car. "What's wrong? Don't you love me anymore?"
"I didn't say that." Elizabeth is becoming annoyed. "I just don't feel right about this."
He pauses, contemplating what she just said. Maybe she's right. Maybe spending the night together would be a terrible mistake. "You're right," he concedes.
"What?"
"Spending the night together would be a terrible mistake."
"We're just not ready for that yet."
"I was so nervous. Couldn't you tell?"
"I was too nervous to notice."
"What we got, it's real special and I'm afraid if we'd gone too far, we might've lost it."
"Are we still friends?"
"Nah." Elizabeth looks at him, confused. He smiles and continues, "Nah, we're a lot more than that." He takes her in his arms and they complete the embrace with a passionate kiss.
"Now what do we do?" Drew asks. "I had made dinner for us."
"We could pack it up and take it to the gazebo my Daddy built for him and Mama."
He smiles, as he plans the evening in his head. "Does it have electricity?"
"Yes."
"I can bring a record player too, so we can listen to some music."
"I'd like that!"
Drew starts the car back up and they drive to the Baldwin's residence. While Elizabeth packs the dinner, Drew picks out records and loads the player in the car. Soon, they're off to the gazebo. Although some of the paint is worn, it looks just like it did when Daddy and Mama celebrated their 25th anniversary there. Elizabeth turns on the lights and sets up the dinner, while Drew chooses a record to play. The sun is setting, and there's a light breeze.
"I never get tired of the view," she notes.
"Me too," he replies, breathily, eyes more on her, rather than the scenery.
"Aww!"
"What are your plans for the future?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean," he stammers, "what are your plans... after you graduate?"
She shrugs. "I dunno. I haven't really thought about it much. I... I'd kinda like to travel. I love Walton's Mountain, but I wanna see what's out there." She rises, leans on one of the gazebo, taking in the view. "Then, I like to think I'd come back here and settle down."
He stands beside her and fingers a lock of her hair. "I've been thinkin' about my future too."
"Oh?"
"I was thinkin' I might like to travel some too."
"Really. You? You don't seem to be the traveling type." She snickers.
"I could be the traveling type," he rebuts, wrapping his arms around her and placing a light kiss on her cheek. "Picture it. You and me traveling the high seas together, exploring far away places, not having a care in the world."
Elizabeth turns around in his arms, and gazes into his eyes. "You're serious."
"I am." He clasps her left hand and gets down on one knee.
Her eyes widen with surprise. "Drew!" she gasps.
"Elizabeth," he begins, pulling a box from his pocket. "I... I know we've only been dating a year, but I love you. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you."
"I want to too, but..."
"No buts..." He opens the box and reveals a gold ring with a heart on it. "Elizabeth Walton, would you do my the honour of becoming my wife? Wou... would you marry me?" Elizabeth stands in stunned silence. "Say something," he gulps. "I... I know it's not a diamond, but..."
"No," she starts, admiring the ring, "I like it. It's beautiful."
"You haven't answered my question," he chuckles.
"What question?" she replies, staring at the ring.
"Would you marry me?"
"Yeah," she whispers. Then, she shakes herself out of her gaze, smiling. "Yes, I'll marry you! I love you!" Her hands shake as he places the ring on her finger.
"I promise I'll get you another one..."
"No, I like this one."
The sun is setting, and a cool breeze blows. Elizabeth shivers.
"Are you cold?"
"A little."
He retrieves a blanket from the truck, and wraps them in it, sitting on the steps of the gazebo. "When do you want to tell the family?"
"I wanna wait awhile and the two of us enjoy it."
"How long?"
"Oh," she smiles, kissing him on the cheek, "just for a little while."
"You're afraid of what they'll say, aren't you?" He grins, knowing his fiancée all too well.
"You're right," she smiles.
"When do we want to get married?"
"Mmm," she starts, "I have another two years of school. Maybe we can get married after I graduate."
"Two whole years?" he groans.
"I could do some extra work and graduate a year early. What about you and college?"
"I can take a few classes at Boatwright and work at the mill too."
"I want Mama and Daddy to be at the wedding."
"Isn't she getting better?"
"She is, but the doctor wants her to stay through the winter. It wouldn't be right to marry without them here. We could marry next summer." She looks at her fiancé concerned. "Is... is that okay?"
He grins, "That's more than okay." He studies his bride-to-be.
"What?" she chuckles.
"I was thinking," he begins, putting his arm around her, "since you love to travel, we can take a trip to the Grand Canyon for our honeymoon."
Her eyes widen, surprised and delighted. "Really? I've always wanted to go!"
"Then, we will go there for our honeymoon."
"Can we afford it?"
"I've been putting money aside for the last few months, and if we wait until next summer to get married, we'll be able to do it."
"I can't wait until next summer."
"Me too."
"I'll talk to my teacher and tell her I want to graduate a year early."
The couple snuggles together and soon, sleep overtakes them.
The sun rises over the gazebo. Elizabeth squints and stirs, sitting straight up. "Drew!" She shakes her fiancé awake. "Wake up! Drew, wake up!"
"Five more minutes," he groans.
"Drew!" she panics, "wake up! We've spent all night out here."
"No, we haven't," he rebuts, eyes still closed. "It's still dark out."
She plants a passionate kiss on his lips. Drew instinctively wraps his arms around his fiancée, rolling them over. She squeals.
"Drew, we need to get up. Everybody's gonna be wondering where we are."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Drew states, horrified. "I didn't mean for us to spend the night together. Honest!"
"I know," she strokes his cheek. "We didn't do anything. There's nothing to worry about."
"Except your family. They may think I'm trying to take advantage of you."
"I know how to handle my family."
"Handle or no, I'd best be getting you back home."
They pack up the car and drive back to the Walton's house. Elizabeth stares at her ring. "Mrs. Cutler. Elizabeth Walton Cutler. Mrs. Drew Cutler."
Drew chuckles. "Happy?"
"I've never been this happy in my entire life."
"Me too."
As they pull up in front of the Walton home, all of Elizabeth's hopes of sneaking in unnoticed are dashed. Erin is on the porch. At least it's not Mary-Ellen. Drew and Elizabeth exchange an embrace, a kiss, and "I love you's," and she gets out of the car.
"Where have you been?" Erin booms. "You spent the night with Drew, didn't you?"
"I did... but it's not what you think."
"C'mon, little sister. Let's take a walk. First, I'll let Mary-Ellen know you're back. Don't go anywhere." She walks into the house just long enough to update her older sister. Then, the two women walk to Drucilla's Pond. "Now, dish."
"We went to Mama and Daddy's gazebo. We realized that it wasn't right for us to spend the night at the Baldwin's place together. Instead, we packed up the dinner he'd made for us, and had a picnic at the gazebo."
"Okay, but you just got home."
"We didn't do anything," she protests. "We danced a little bit, and watched the sunset. Unfortunately, we fell asleep, and just woke up a few minutes ago. Honest, we didn't do anything."
"I want to believe you."
"Drew was feeling the same way I was. Nervous about the date. He wasn't sure we should spend the night together either. We talked about it and decided to go to the gazebo instead."
Erin contemplates what her sister has just told her. "I believe you. If you need, I can help you explain this to Mary-Ellen. She's going to be awfully mad when we get back."
"I know. And I'm sorry that we stayed out all night. We should've packed up after the sun set, but we didn't."
"I'm not thrilled with the two of you spending the night together, but I believe you when you said it was an accident."
"Thanks," she smiles, relieved.
Erin studies Elizabeth's left hand. "Hello? What's this?"
"Drew gave it to me for our anniversary," she blushes.
"You love him, don't you?"
"I do."
"You're growing up," she smiles. "Just be careful and don't lose your head."
"I won't."
"Good."
The pair head back to the house, and sure as Erin predicted, Mary-Ellen started in on Elizabeth once they walked in the house. "Where have you been?! I've been worried sick."
"I'm sorry. Drew and I went to the gazebo and lost track of time."
"Lost track of time?! How do you lose track of time?"
Elizabeth explains what happened, including the conversation in the car. "I know we should've come back after sunset, but we didn't. I'm sorry."
"Well," Mary-Ellen begins, "next time, be more mindful of the time."
"I will."
"Have you had breakfast? I can fix you some before I leave to make my rounds."
"No, but I'll do it after I get changed."
"All right. Joy went with Cindy, John Curtis and Ginny to Charlottesville. The guys are working on a project at the mill." She grabs her bag. "I've gotta go. Mrs. Miller's baby should be coming anytime. If I'm not back by suppertime, it's because she went into labour."
She leaves. Elizabeth changes into work clothes, smiling as she admires her ring. Mrs. Drew Cutler. Elizabeth Walton Cutler. Next year, I'll be a married woman. She walks back downstairs, pours a glass of orange juice and scrambles a couple eggs.
"As soon as you're finished, help me with the laundry, and the rugs."
As the weeks and months went by, Elizabeth and Drew's relationship became stronger, their love for each other deepened. She counted the days until they would be wed, still praying that her mother would get better enough to come back home in time for her wedding. Spring is a couple weeks away. Erin is engaged to Paul Northridge, the son of Wesley Northridge, head of Northridge Lumber Company, a competitor of the Waltons. However, he disagrees with how his father runs the Lumber Company, and partners with the Waltons. Drew has also become a partner with the Waltons.
Elizabeth reclines in her bed, studying for an English exam. All the extra work she's done to graduate a year early has taken its toll on her. The family still does not know she and Drew are engaged. Joy walks into the room. "Whacha doin'?"
"Studying. I'll play with you later."
"I didn't come to ask you that."
"Well, then what?"
Joy flops onto her bed by Elizabeth's. "I was wondering if you and Drew were getting married anytime soon?"
Elizabeth feels her cheeks flush. "Why?"
"Well," the younger girl begins, "you and Drew have been dating longer than Erin and Paul... and they're getting married this spring."
"They're older."
"So? Aimee Godsey ran off and got married, and she's the same age as you."
"And Ike and Corabeth were livid, too."
Joy frowns. "What does livid mean?"
"Real mad."
"You think Mama and Daddy would get real mad if you and Drew ran off and got married?"
Elizabeth dislikes this conversation, as she and Drew still have not informed their families of their engagement. "Probably so," she replies annoyed. "Now, will you leave me alone, so I can study?"
"Why did you decide to graduate a year early? Is that because you wanted to be with Drew?"
"I just did. Now, I need to study, so go help Mary-Ellen or watch John Curtis and Ginny."
Joy leaves, but returns shortly, running into their room.
"Now, what?" Elizabeth is annoyed.
"Mama and Daddy's on the phone. Wanna talk to her?"
"Sure!" She pushes her books aside and races down the stairs. Jason is on the phone. "I hope y'all will be back in time to hear me and Toni at the Dew Drop Inn next weekend... How's Mama? Tell her hello from me... I think Elizabeth wants to talk to Mama."
Elizabeth takes the phone. "Hi, Mama! Yes, I'm on target to graduate this Spring. I... I just wanted to get out a year early, that's all... I will. Ben wants to talk to you. I love you, bye." She hands the phone to Ben, unsure whether or not her mother bought that story. She quickly leaves the house and finds Drew, stacking wood.
He embraces his beloved and they kiss. "Did you have a good talk with your folks?"
"I did." She looks around to see whether or not any of her family is within ear shot. "Can you come with me to Drucilla's Pond for a bit?"
"Sure. I was about to take a break."
They walk, hand in hand, in silence, to the Pond. Elizabeth breaks the silence when they sit at their favourite spot. "Mama's coming home at the end of next week. The doctor said she was all better, and cleared her to travel back home."
"Great! I know you've missed them," he smiles.
"I have.
"When do you want to set the date?"
"I turn eighteen this fall."
"Aww," he voices, "I don't want to wait until then."
"Me either. I was thinkin', since Erin and Paul are getting married in April, that we get married in June. That way, they'll be back from their honeymoon, and there will be some time between our weddings."
"I like that," he smiles. Drew looks at her ring. "I want to get you a proper ring."
"I like this ring. It's a proper ring."
"You know what I mean. We're engaged and I want to give you a proper ring when we announce our engagement." He takes her in his arms. "I'm going to Charlottesville tomorrow to deliver an order for Mr. Tompkins. How 'bout I pick one out then? When do you want to announce our engagement?"
A wry smile crosses her face. "Surprise me."
"All right. I gotta get back and finish the Tompkins order."
The couple walks, arm in arm, back to the house.
The days until John and Olivia returned home seemed so long. The family thought that day would never arrive! John called the family the day they left Arizona, and gave them their estimated day and time of arrival. That sunny day in March has finally arrived! The Walton children and grandchildren, including Cindy, Jonesy, Paul, and Drew are abuzz through the house, making sure everything is in order for their parents' arrival.
"Erin, Elizabeth," Mary-Ellen begins, "help me set the table. Jim-Bob, Jason, everything in their room in order?"
As the family prepares for their parents' arrival, they hear a car drive up.
"They're here!" Jim-Bob states, as he runs outside. The rest of the family follows, and cheers with excitement when John and Olivia pull up into the driveway.
"Mama's back!" Mary-Ellen cries. "C'mon, John Curtis, let's see Gramma and Grandpa!"
Paul and Drew look nervous, as they hang back. "C'mon Paul, let me introduce you to my folks."
"You too, Drew."
Ben holds his daughter. "Ginny, let's see your grandparents."
"Mama!" Joy cries as she leaps into her mother's arms.
"Oh, my baby girl!" She studies her youngest. "I do believe you've grown at least half a foot since I've been gone."
"I've missed you!"
"I've missed you too."
"Are you here for good, or will you have to go back again?"
"I'm here for good."
Joy cries into her mother's arms. "I've missed you so much! I don't want you to go away ever again."
John embraces his wife and his youngest daughter. "We will do our best."
Olivia sets Joy down. "Let me say hello to your brothers and sisters." Joy nods, but hangs close to her mother. Ben and Cindy place Ginny in her grandmother's arms, but the child cries for her mother. "All right, Ginny. Here's your Mama."
"Guess she doesn't remember you," Ben remarks sheepishly.
"It's all right." She turns her attention to a heavily pregnant Cindy. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm ready to get this baby out," she smiles. "Two more months!"
"Mama, Daddy," Erin begins, "I want you to meet my fiancé, Paul."
"Pleased to meet you, Sir, Ma'am," Paul replies, shaking John's hand.
"Paul," John begins, "it's nice to meet you in person."
"Likewise."
Mary-Ellen brings her beau to her parents. "This is Jonesy."
"Jonesy," Olivia starts.
"Ma'am," Jonesy replies. "My real name is Arlington Wescott Jones, but everyone calls me Jonesy."
"Grandma! Grandpa!" John Curtis squeals, cutting in, jumping into his Grandfather's arms.
"Good to see you, son!"
Elizabeth and Drew eye each other, as they nervously hang back on the porch. He holds her left hand, fingering her ring. John and Olivia walk up the entrance's stairs and embrace their daughter.
"Mama!"
"Hello, Drew." John greets.
"Mr. Walton, Mrs. Walton."
The family enters the house. Olivia scans the family room, dining area, and kitchen. It feels so nice to be home again. She liked Arizona, but it's not home. Joy remains close to her mother. John and Jason carry the luggage to the master bedroom. Mary-Ellen, Erin and Cindy finish making supper and the family takes their usual places at the table. John and Olivia take this sight in. It's good to be home! John prays over the meal. Conversation is lively, each person updating their parents on what has happened since they left.
"I'm sorry Toni wasn't able to be here," Jason begins, "she told me to tell you hello."
"Sorry we missed her," Olivia replies.
"Glad you're back, Daddy," Ben states, "we've got a couple big orders coming through, and we'll need every hand available to fill them."
"I'll start back tomorrow."
"Erin," Olivia pipes, "have you and Paul set a date?"
Drew and Elizabeth look at each other, wide-eyed, trying to keep their anxiety in check.
"April 19th."
"That soon."
"Corabeth has helped with the plans. If you want, we can meet with her Monday, so you can see what we've planned so far."
"All right."
"Jonesy and I've set our date for May 3rd," Mary-Ellen announces, the table buzzing with surprise.
"I asked Mary-Ellen last Saturday to marry me..."
"And I said yes!" she giggles. Everyone congratulates the happy couple... except Drew and Elizabeth, who are noticeably silent.
"Drew and Elizabeth are engaged!" Joy announces. The room immediately goes silent, all eyes on the couple. Elizabeth scowls at her younger sister. Drew blushes.
"What?" Olivia mouths.
"They're engaged!" Joy repeats.
"No, we're not!" Elizabeth spits, annoyed.
"Sure you are! I hear you saying Elizabeth Cutler. Mrs. Drew Cutler. Isn't that why you're graduating early? To marry Drew?"
Drew and Elizabeth eye each other; he nods. "Mr. and Mrs. Walton, I've known your daughter for nearly two years..."
Mary-Ellen and Erin hold their breath, eye each other, and smile. John and Olivia stare at the young couple, in shock. Joy quietly giggles. The guys sit, stoic.
"I've loved your daughter since the day we met..."
"I love you too," Elizabeth whispers.
"And we want to spend the rest of our lives together..." Drew rises. "And I would like your blessing for the two of us..." He drops to his knee, pulls out a box from his pocket. Elizabeth inhales, as he opens it up, revealing a princess cut diamond solitaire. He takes her left hand. "Elizabeth Walton, I asked you on our anniversary last year, and I'm asking you now, in front of your family, would you marry me?"
"Yes," she whispers. "I said yes that night, and I'm saying yes again. Drew Cutler, I will marry you." Her hand trembles as Drew removes the heart ring and replaces it with the solitaire. He takes her right hand and places the heart ring on her right ring finger. "I love you." She rises, as they embrace, completing the moment with a passionate kiss.
Mary-Ellen, Erin and Cindy congratulate the couple. Jason, Ben, Jim-Bob, Jonsey, and Paul quietly leave the room, taking Joy, John Curtis, and Ginny with them. The Walton women, with the exception of Olivia, follow the rest of the family out of the house. John and Olivia remain seated, stunned.
Drew and Elizabeth sit across from her parents. "Say something," Elizabeth states.
"When do you plan on getting married?" Olivia asks.
"This June," she answers.
"No," John states, firm.
"You're too young," Olivia adds.
"You were sixteen when you married Daddy," she rebuts. "I'm almost eighteen."
"Mr. Walton, Mrs. Walton, Elizabeth and I have dated for nearly two years, and have known each other even longer. I'm already working for you guys at the mill, and Elizabeth is graduating this year. We've already proven to be responsible."
"Why so soon after your sisters' weddings?" Olivia inquires.
"We've been engaged since last year. We picked June then, hoping you'd be better enough to come home."
"It if helps," he interjects, "We can set it for the end of June."
Olivia and John consider the couple's words. She nods. "All right," John assents, "June 28th."
Elizabeth and Drew grin and embrace each other.
"Congratulations!" Olivia rises, grinning, and hugs her daughter.
"Welcome to the family, son," John announces, shaking Drew's hand.
"Let's go tell the rest of the family," the bride-to-be giggles. They walk hand-in-hand out the front door, to nearly a dozen pairs of eyes on them. John and Olivia follow. "June 28th!" Elizabeth announces with a wide smile. The family cheers, as the couple kiss.
John and Olivia hug, taking in the scene before them. Their family is expanding quickly. A third grandchild is on his or her way, one son is married, three of their four daughters will be married in the next three months, and one son is almost engaged.
That night, Drew pushes Elizabeth on the swing near the house. There's a crisp breeze, and the stars shine brightly, without a cloud in sight. It's good to be alone together, without the rest of the family crowding.
"What a day!" she comments.
"A great day."
Elizabeth leans back and plants a soft kiss on her fiancé's lips, then giggles.
"What?"
"I told you to surprise me with the proposal, and you sure did."
"I had something else planned, but it just came out."
"Joy got to you, didn't she?" she smirks.
"That kid!" he shakes his head. "She reminds me of you."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really. She may look like Erin, but she's got your fiery spirit."
"You like my fiery spirit?"
"Absolutely," he grins, pulling her into a kiss.
Meanwhile, Olivia stands at the bedroom window, watching her third daughter and her fiancé. She feels John's arms wrap around her waist. She snuggles into the embrace. "Our kids are growing up."
"They are," he replies, with a soft kiss on her neck. She shivers. "Cold?"
"No." She stifles a cough.
"The doctor didn't release you too early?" he inquires, concerned.
"No. I feel fine. I'm not used to the climate here anymore."
"You would tell me if you're still feeling ill."
"I would." She sighs and changes the subject, "Three of our daughters marrying within three months of each other. I'm so happy for our girls."
"Me too. I wish we knew Paul and Jonesy better, but I trust our daughters. They've got good heads on their shoulders... like their mother."
Olivia yawns. "I think I need to go to bed. It's been a long day, and the girls want to fill me in on wedding plans."
They exchange a quick kiss and bed down for the night.
"Good night, Mama! I'm glad you and Daddy are back home!"
"I am too. Good night, Joy! Good night, John Curtis!"
"Good night, Grandma! Good night, Mama!"
"Good night, John Curtis! Good night, Jason!"
"Good night, Mary-Ellen! Good night, Erin!"
"Good night, Jason! Good night, Daddy! Welcome home!"
"Thanks, Erin! Good night! Good night, Jim-Bob!"
"Good night, Daddy! Good night, Elizabeth!" Silence follows. "Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth and Drew enjoy a passionate kiss at the front doorstep.
-End of Chapter 1-