Wordlessly they rode home, not in anger, but because she was still letting what happened at church sink in. It was only when they arrived at their doorstep that Charles broke the silence.

"That was a heck of a sermon today, wasn't it? About loving people inside and out no matter how different they are."

"Yeah, I learned a lot!" Laura cried.

And finally Caroline could take no more. "Charles Ingalls what is going on?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean! Making me stand out in front of the church while you went inside and then when I finally go in everyone started clapping!"

"Look, I'm sorry if I upset you, honey…"

"I'm not upset. Just… confused."

"Ah… Well I can understand that. I'd be confused too; especially if I were you, and I didn't know that while I was outside, my husband was inside the church, telling the people of Walnut Grove about how his wife loved him so much that she bought the most beautiful blue material he'd ever seen; material that matched her eyes perfectly. And instead of making herself a new dress, the way she should have, she used it to make me a shirt. Only, it's not the type of shirt that I prefer, although it is beautiful. And what better way to display that beautiful shirt than on the beautiful woman who made it?"

She almost melted at his words. "Oh Charles… I love you so much."

To her surprise, he picked her up and swung her around the way he used to when they were courting. "And I love you, Caroline Ingalls. Till death do us part!"

She laughed until he gently sat her down and then looked at him in all seriousness

"Charles, I'm sorry about the shirt. I should have asked you about the material before I bought it."

"Don't worry about it Caroline. I tell you what… Since you went to all that trouble to make this shirt for me, why don't you and I go to Olson's Mercantile tomorrow and pick out some more fabric; some for a new shirt for myself and some for some dresses for you. And while we're at it, some material for new dresses for the girls. What do you say?"

"Charles, we can't possibly afford…"

He silenced her with a kiss and she leaned into his embrace. "We'll find a way, even if it means taking on more work. You and the girls are worth it."

"I don't know how to thank you, Charles."'

He kissed her tenderly, a long, lingering kiss that sent shivers through her body. "Well, I can think of one way…"

"Charles…"

She blushed deeply and barely had a chance to answer him when he scooped her into his arms and carried her over the threshold once more.

"Girls, why don't you play outside for a while? Your mother and I have some things to discuss."

Laura grinned. "Okay, Pa. But what about lunch?"

"Well, I'll tell you what? As a special treat, why don't you go over to the Garvey's and see if you can have lunch with them? Your mother and I will be over later to pick you up. Now go on…"

The girls took off, making Charles and Caroline laugh. "Charles, what's the idea, telling Laura that we have things to discuss? What could we possibly-."

He wouldn't let her finish, choosing instead to kiss her again and again until she was giggling like a schoolgirl. "Oh… well, perhaps we should continue this conversation in our room?"

Charles smiled and quickly closed the front door, giving them complete privacy.

"Caroline Ingalls, that sounds like a fine idea."

THE END