Marian smiled when she opened her eyes and saw where they were. She loved this place, especially because the library wasn't from it. They were at the River City Ice Cream shop. Then she saw Harold take money out of his pocket and stopped him.
"Harold, no," Marian said. "Don't waste your money on me."
"Surprise! It's not a waste. Come on, ice cream can cure a confused heart," Harold said, doing his best to convince her.
"Fine," she answered as the worker, who just happened to be Harold's best friend, Marcellus Washburn, asked what they wanted.
"One double scoop cotton candy and one chocolate," Harold said, motioning to Marian to go sit down. Marian wondered how he knew her favorite ice cream flavor as she sat down. Then again, she came here a lot and Marcellus worked here. Harold sat down next to her and handed Marian her ice cream.
"Thanks," Marian said gratefully as she took it, her heart fluttering when his hand brushed against hers. When Marian turned away for a moment, Harold mouthed to Marcellus "Some privacy?" Marcellus obliged and closed the counter curtain as if he was blocking out the bright sun. When he turned back, Marian was trying to fix her hair again.
"Stop, you look fine. I told you that before," Harold said. Marian blushed as she removed her hand from her hair.
"Harold, can---- never mind," Marian said, changing her mind. She wasn't sure if she was ready to talk yet. Maybe later she'd talk. She knew it would be better to let it out, but she couldn't yet. "Let's walk," Marian said. Harold readily agreed, wanting to lead her to surprise number two. The librarian had it ready.
"Harold, can we…talk," Marian said.
"Of course," Harold said immediately. He wanted to help her. "But, how about we talk after we go into the library," he finished, pointing in front of them. Marian smiled when she followed his arm to the library. "Surprise, again," Harold said. He grabbed Marian's wrist and dragged her into the building.
"Remember Miser Madison?" Harold asked. "Sorry, I forgot. He was your father's best friend. Sorry, again," Harold said. Marian's father had died just after her brother, Winthrop, was born.
"Harold, just get to the point," Marian said, trying to hide her giggles.
"Well, remember how you were really sad that he didn't leave anything from the library to you?" Harold asked. Marian nodded as the librarian handed Harold an official-looking piece of paper. "He left River City the library building, but he left all the books to you," Harold explained as he gave Marian the paper. She read it before grabbing his arm, rushing out of the library, and jumping in delight outside.
"I was right! He did leave me an assured job! Oh, this is wonderful! How did you find this Harold?" Marian asked.
"I did some research," Harold answered as he took the paper from her and put it in his pocket. "Let's go," he added. He was taking her to her next surprise back at the school.