Chapter 21

Almanzo, Laura and Rose were waiting for the stage where some last minute building work was going on at the new boarding house. It was almost finished, but wouldn't be taking in boarders for almost another month. Willie's son was going to be running the place.

Ma and Mary, Jenny, with little Jeb in her arms, Jeb and Roy were standing there with them.

The night before, Laura and Almanzo, along with Rob and Rose, had made their final goodbyes to Pa, Baby Wilder and Rob's older brother, although Rob knew he'd be making more frequent trips.

They all walked home slowly, knowing it was their last night in Walnut Grove. They walked down by the lake, sitting in the moonlight, watching shooting stars as they made their way across the dark prairie sky.

Beth and Manly left Rob and Rose outside as they walked into their old house for the last time.

"I'm sure gonna miss this place," Almanzo said. "This was my surprise to you, Beth."

Laura nodded. "I know, but Jenny and Jeb will take real good care of it for us. They're doing better here than we ever did."

Almanzo nodded. "Our farm is doing well, I can't deny that. And your insistence that they we stay there only made me love the place more. I have to admit you were right."

He smiled and took her in his arms and pulled her close. "I love you, Mrs. Wilder," he whispered in her ear.

"And I love you, too, Mr. Wilder," she answered as she brought her lips up to meet his.

"I want to know everything," Rose said, looking at Rob. "I want to know about the town, Albert and Sara, Jenny and Jeb and little Roy and Jeb."

"Then don't leave," Rob said, knowing that his plea would fall on deaf ears.

"Rob, you know I can't. The rest of my life is out there somewhere, not cooped up in this tiny town. I do love it, but I'd get so bored. I don't manage too well at Rocky Ridge Farm." She looked at him and smiled. "I can't wait to get out now, how would I be as your wife?"

Rob shook his head. "You're right, I'll manage. I don't know how, but I will. And I will probably never marry anyone. No one seems right for me."

Rose smiled. "Thank you, Rob, but you'll probably find someone else. I'm sure that you will. And you will write me and tell me about all your children and your lovely wife and I'll be happy for you."

Rob smiled, but said nothing. He just looked into her eyes.

"Well, I'd better get inside. It's late and we have an early…"

Rob cut her off with his kiss. It didn't last long, but Rose didn't pull away.

"Oh, Rob," she said, as they hugged each other. "I will miss you."

She pulled away and ran into the house, closing the door behind her. Rob stared after her, turned and walked over to the barn. He had gotten permission to stay the night, so he could help Rose, Laura and Almanzo in the morning.

In the distance, they could see the stage coming. "Well," Almanzo said, "this is it." He and Rob grabbed the bags and watched as the stage pulled up. Laura looked at Mary. "Ma will take good care of you until Adam and the kids get back from New York. Then you'll have to take care of Ma."

"You don't have anything to worry about, Laura," Mary smiled. "Things will be fine once we get everyone out to Sleepy Eye."

Laura nodded, even though she knew Mary couldn't see her. "I'm sure things will work out just fine. Just write me to let me know. If we have more time, maybe we'll come up again once Rose is settled in Louisiana."

She walked over to Caroline and gave her a long hug. "I'll miss you, Ma," she said, as they broke apart. She gave Ma a little peck on the cheek.

"We'll be fine, Laura," Caroline told her. "I promise to write."

Laura walked over to Jenny and Jeb. "Thanks so much for the hospitality, you two. You did a great job."

Jenny smiled. "And you were all a great help to us," she said. "We will miss you, all of us."

Roy broke from his father's grasp and ran to Rose. "I miss you, Rose," he said softly into her long skirt.

Rose smiled and bent down to hug him. "I'll miss you too, Royal Carter," she said, tears starting to form in her eyes.

She looked up to find Rob standing there. "Come on," he said, "Time to go."

Rose stood up, hugging Caroline, Jeb and Jenny. When she came to Rob, she grabbed him and pulled him close. "I will miss you more than anyone else," she said, as her tears fell. "I promise to write," she said, kissing him on the forehead.

Rob and Rose looked at each other smiling.

"Rose," Almanzo called out, the two were on the stage waiting for her.

"Go on," Rob said, kissing her cheek. "I'll never forget you."

"Nor will I," Rose said. She looked around one last time, then turned and headed for the stage. They waved goodbye as they watched the stage moving further and further away into the distance before they finally lost sight of it all together.