Almanzo's POV
It was the beginning of February, and Almanzo was putting the finishing touches on the present he was going to give Laura for her 18th birthday. He had made her a beautiful hand-carved box to keep her jewelry and small treasures in. It was made of beautiful cedar wood, and it was shaved smooth. It had a lid that lifted open on the top, it had two doors that opened in the front of it and there was a small space that she could store things in, and then there were 3 drawers under the two doors. He had carved a beautiful design on the top of the lid, and on the front of the doors and drawers. He had also carved her name in the back of it. It was absolutely beautiful.
He had made on evenings when he wasn't with Laura's family, or when he wasn't taking Laura on sleigh rides, or working. He was so excited to give it too her. He had worked so hard on it, and he knew she was just going to love it. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face. He loved making little presents for Laura. He made her little things quite often. He would whittle little animals or other figures, or he would make her things that were useful to her, and he knew she loved them all. But he knew she would love this the best.
(One week later, the day of Laura's birthday)
Almanzo had been invited by to come over for supper on Laura's birthday. It was a surprise, and Laura knew nothing about it. He was in the kitchen talking to when brought the girls home from school. She squealed in delight when she saw him, and her parents both laughed at her.
"Almanzo!" she cried, "Why, I didn't know you were going to be here?" she said, as she ran into his arms.
He kissed the top of her head and laughed, "That's why they call it a surprise." he said, with a twinkle in his eye. "Happy Birthday honey."
"Thank you!" she said.
"Would you like your gift now, or later?" he asked.
Laura grinned, "Now?" she asked.
"Well..." he said, pausing, to see if he could get a rise out of her.
"Please?" she asked, giving him a pleading look.
"How can I say no?" he asked.
"Yay!" she squealed.
"Man, Wilder, she's got you twisted around her little finger" said, laughing.
"Yeah, I guess she does, doesn't she." Almanzo said, laughing too.
Laura looked embarrassed. "Aw, don't worry Laura." he told her. He took her hand and made him follow her out of the kitchen and to the sitting room, where he had hidden her present.
"Alright now, close your eyes." he told her.
She closed her eyes, and he put the gift, wrapped in pretty paper, in her hands. She opened it, gasped, and sat down limply, in shock he assumed.
"Almanzo..." she said, she didn't seem to be able to find the right words.
"Yes?" he said, grinning.
"How did you...where did you?" Laura asked. She couldn't find the right words.
"I made it for you." He told her.
"You made this?!" She cried. "How in the world did you make this? It's absolutely beautiful!"
"Only the best, for my best girl." He told her lovingly.
He held her tightly as she kissed him fiercely.
They went back into the kitchen to where Laura's family was. She showed them all the gift, and they were all amazed. No one had realized how good at woodwork Almanzo was. He was just happy to be able to make something for her that she loved so much.
Author's Note: I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I've had a bit of writer's block, so I hope it's ok. I should be getting back into the swing of things and being able to post every day, or almost every day. If not though, I'm sorry. Please be patient. Please review, and continue reading! Thanks everyone!