It was almost nightfall again when Ben and Felicity walked up to the Merriman's door. Ben's war friend, Paul, had dropped them off about a mile ago, with many well wishes. Felicity had stopped bleeding, but she had a nasty scab.

Nan threw open the door, running outside. "Felicity!" she screamed, throwing her arms around her older sister, "Felicity! I'm so glad you're alive! Mother and Father are worried sick!"

Felicity ran inside, met by her father and mother.

"Felicity!" her mother shouted, wiping tears out of her eyes. "What happened to you?"

"Relax, dear." Felicity's father said, putting a hand on his wife's shoulder. He walked over to his daughter, and looking right in her eyes asked, "Felicity, I need you to tell us everything that happened. We know this couldn't have been voluntary; you wouldn't have done this to us on purpose. It may be hard, but I need you to tell us everything."

Felicity nodded her head, and sat down in one of the chairs. She started with the scare-a-thon at Elizabeth's, and how the man followed her home. How she was knocked out, and taken to the shipyard. When she finished with how Ben rescued her, the attention was moved from her to Ben.

"Well, lad, I didn't think I could be any happier that both you and my daughter were home, but I guess I was wrong! Thank you, Ben, if there is anything I can do to repay you, just let me know."

"That's very kind of you sir, but seeing Felicity again, safe and sound, is payment enough"

Felicity looked up at Ben, leaning on her chair, and smiled.

Father's eyes seemed to darken, then light up. "If you all will all excuse me" Father mumbled, "I have to go…take care of something."

"Whatever could he be thinking of?" Mother wondered. "Oh well, I am sure he will tell me later. We're just happy you're safe Felicity. You as well Ben, you were all Felicity thought about! It's an understatement to say she was worried sick!"

Felicity turned as red as her hair, and slumped in her chair. "Mother!" she whined, shifting a little lower.

Ben just smiled. She was just as cute as she was two years ago, when he left. It's amazing what doesn't change, when so much else does.

"Now Ben, you look about a foot taller and ten times skinnier! Go wash up, and I'll fix you two some dinner" Felicity's mother stood up, and walked over to the kitchen.

Nan, William, and Polly all ran upstairs to go spy on Father, because he was definitely up to something.

"I don't think I properly thanked you, Ben. I would've been in big trouble had you not come home. If I was kidnapped or not." Felicity said, smiling.

" I'm just glad you're okay!" Ben said, kneeling next to Felicity, smirking. "And I'm glad you thought of me while I was fighting."

"Ohhh…" Felicity mumbled, hey eyes shifting downward. "I really wish mother hadn't said that"

"Why?" Ben asked, smiling. "I thought of you!"

Felicity's eyes shifted up, and broke out in a smile, "Really?"

"All the time!"

"Well then, I guess I can tell you this." Felicity said, biting her lip, taking a deep breath. " Since I was, well about eleven, I've, I've…I have"

"C'mon, Lissie, you can tell me anything!" Ben seemed calm, but his heart was racing.

"I sort of, definitely have a crush on you!" Felicity spat out, rushing through the words.

Ben smiled wide, and said, "Well then, pretty Lissie, I have something to tell you too!"

Felicity smiled. Is it possible he liked her too?

"I-" Ben began, but he was cut off by Mrs. Merriman entering the room.

"Ben, why are you not washed up? You can catch up with Felicity later!" Mrs. Merriman scolded, sending Ben upstairs.

"Hello!" Ben said, greeting Nan, William, and Polly. He was instantly shushed, and the kids pressed their ears against the door, trying to figure out was father was doing.

Ben walked into the bathroom, and washed his hands and face. As he was about to head downstairs, he couldn't help but walk into Felicity's bedroom. It hadn't changed either. She still had the same checked red-and-white bed, with ornate wooden dressers and a wardrobe. She had one large window right next to her bed, and Ben had seen her climb out of it several times. It was so…Felicity.

Ben was so happy to be back at the Merriman's, he hopped down the stairs two at a time. He sat down next to Felicity at the dinner table, just as he saw Mr. Merriman heading out the front door, a letter in hand. Two plates were placed in front of Ben and Felicity, and Mrs. Merriman walked away.

Felicity craned her head, and as soon as she saw her mother leave the room, she snapped around, and looked at Ben.

"So what were you going to tell me?" she asked, staring into Ben's eyes.

"Well, pretty Lissie, I was going to tell you that I loved you when you were twelve, and when I came back I realized I still do"

Felicity smiled and squeezed his hand. After two years, all was well.

It had been two days since Ben and Felicity knew of each other's feelings. Felicity sat next to Elizabeth in their parlor, and the two girls were intently discussing it.

"Wait a minute, Felicity, he actually said he loved you? Not just liked, or had a crush on? He loves you?" Elizabeth asked.

"I know, Beth! I couldn't believe it either! Now my stomach always feels like it's doing flips, especially whenever I see him!" Felicity replied.

"Have you kissed him yet?" Elizabeth asked, smirking and leaning in.

"No…"Felicity replied, "But I'm going to help father in the store today, and Ben still has a year on his apprentice contract…"

"Oh Felicity! You have to tell me as soon as it happens!"

"I promise!"

Felicity left Elisabeth's about half an hour later and ran to the store. She threw open the door, and was greeted by both bells and Ben.

"Felicity!" Ben smiled, and hopped off a ladder, wiping his hands on his shirt. "Did you come to-"

"Felicity! You need to go home. Ben and I will be there about five minutes after you. I have fantastic news!" Father said, strolling out of the storeroom.

Felicity was confused, but did as she was told and walked home.

Father kept his word and was there about five minutes after Felicity walked through the front door. Ben followed behind him, and went to sit next to Felicity on the loveseat in the parlor.

"Edward, what is going on?" Mrs. Merriman asked her husband.

"You'll find out, my dear." replied Mr. Merriman.

"Well Felicity!" Mr. Merriman said, smiling. "I have a fantastic opportunity for you! In light of what happened, I've decided you need protection. It took some thinking, I pulled a few strings, and I have found you a husband!"

Felicity's mouth dropped open, and almost as if on cue, a man walked in. He looked to be almost twenty-five, with grey eyes and a powdered wig. He must've been bordering on 250 pounds, and the floor seemed to shake as he walked.

"Well, my dear? His name is Jonathon Cary. He's the son of one of my friends. He's a good businessman, and a Patriot as well! As of this morning, you two are engaged!"

Felicity stood up, heavily breathing, and ran out of the room, throwing open the front door, and running to the barn. Ben chased after her.

"Edward!" Mrs. Merriman hissed. "May I SEE you for a moment?"

"Of course my darling!"

"Edward? How could you do this? You have overreacted, and in that, given our daughter away to that CREEP! You've taken away any chance she could've had to find happiness! How could you?"

"Charlotte, I did what I thought was right. Jonathon is a fine man, and will make an excellent husband! Now what I don't understand, is why Ben is so, hovering! It's a little much for just friends, don't you think?"

"Now Edward, that's my point! I don't think they are "just friends" anymore! I knew she fell in love with him while he was away, and now you've taken that away from her! She won't be able to court, or be in love, or ever be a child again!"

"Oh my Lord, Charlotte, what have I done?"

"There you are!" said Ben, climbing up the ladder to his loft.

Felicity lay on his cot, crying her heart out. It broke Ben's to see her like this, though he was secretly happy she didn't want to marry the creep.

"Ben…"Felicity sobbed. "Ben, what's going to happen to us?"