Maddie sat on the floor of their compartment on the train, reading Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austin was becoming one of her favorite authors. She loved love, and Pride and Prejudice was a great love story and the ending was the best.
Maddie herself had a big crush on the cutest boy in town, Nate Carlin, who happened to be her best friend and who happened to only think of her as his friend. She wanted that to change and she would even go so far as to say she knew she would marry him someday, but not for awhile. She had plans. She wanted to help her Grandma run the boarding house.
Since it was summer, she would have some free time and she wanted to spend some of it at The Avery House and the rest with Nate.
"Me Me! Up?"
"Come here, Jay. I'll read to you."
"Ya!" He toddled over and climbed on her lap for a story.
Within ten minutes he had fallen asleep so she decided to put him in bed with Abbie. She walked in to the bedroom area and found her mom asleep in the bed with Abbie. She carefully placed J.T. next to Abbie and then put a pillow beside him so he wouldn't roll out.
"Me Me," he whined.
"Shhh. Sleep."
"No, Me Me," he said again. She sat down and held his hand but he wanted to be held so she laid down and put her arm around him and fell asleep too.
HOPE VALLEY
Caleb and Amy dressed for dinner at the Hogan's. "Caleb? Can you get my buttons, please?" She had successfully buttoned all but three and she couldn't quite reach. He walked over and started undoing the buttons instead. "Hey, what are you doing?"
"Helping you," he said innocently.
"You are helping me undress…how are we supposed to get to dinner on time?"
"I hadn't thought that far ahead," he admitted. She turned and smiled at him.
"Mmhmm. Well, we need to go to dinner and say goodbye to my parents. Then you can help me any way you want."
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "Promise?"
"Absolutely." He leaned down and kissed her, softly teasing her lips with his own.
"Sweetie, please help me with my buttons," she mumbled as his mouth became more insistent.
"Let's just be a little late," he suggested.
LATER AT THE HOGAN'S
"An hour, Caleb. How do we explain why we are an hour late?"
They knocked on the door and waited. "Just tell them we thought dinner was later?"
She sighed and pasted on a smile as the door opened. "Sorry we're late," they said in unison.
Abigail smirked. "That's ok. Come in, you two."
Amy's cheeks turned pink and she wanted to melt into the floor. She could tell Abigail knew why they were late and it was completely embarrassing.
To make matters worse, they walked into the kitchen and everyone was sitting there waiting. "You waited? Oh my. You didn't need to wait." Amy was mortified.
Maggie and Kevin had the same knowing look on their faces that Abigail had. Amy sat down with Caleb next to her. She sipped her water and avoided eye contact.
Thankfully Sara started crying in the living room so Amy went to get her. Abigail followed after she set out the food. "Amy? Doing ok?"
"I guess. I'm just…."
"A bit embarrassed?"
"Not just a bit. I'm so sorry you waited for us." She snuggled Sara and inhaled her baby smell.
"Let me tell you something ok?"
"Sure."
"You and Caleb are newlyweds. Being late to dinner is expected sometimes. Honestly, I'm surprised you said yes to coming."
"My parents leave tomorrow. I want to say goodbye."
"You could say goodbye at the train. Either way, we are so glad you're here. Don't worry about anything else." Amy nodded and walked back to the kitchen.
The rest of the evening went well. Around nine o'clock, Caleb decided it was time to go so they said goodbye.
"I love you, Mom. We will see you in a few weeks before we head to the city."
"Ok, sweetie. I'm glad you're happy."
"I am. He's wonderful." She hugged her again and kissed Sara.
Kevin pulled Amy in for a hug, holding her tight for a moment. "I love you, honey."
"I love you. Thank you for giving me away."
"It was hard you know. I didn't have you long enough."
"Dad, I'm always going to be your daughter."
"I know." He kissed her cheek and wiped his eyes.
Caleb stood back and watched Amy say goodbye to her parents. She was being strong and he was proud of her. He knew, later, she would need him to be her comfort.
Kevin walked up to Caleb and shook his hand. "When you asked for our blessing in marrying Amy, I was very impressed. I am so proud of both of you. I know you will take care of each other."
"We will. I promise, sir."
Kevin hugged him and handed him an envelope. "You'll need it at some point. I'm struggling with giving Amy away. Use this to take care of her, please."
Caleb hesitated and then agreed.
A few moments later, they walked back to Abigail's. As they walked up, Ned Yost approached. "Caleb, Mrs. Thornton! I have a telegram." Caleb took it, seeing it was from Union City.
"Thank you, Ned."
They went upstairs and changed for bed. Amy was hoping the telegram had good news.
She sat against the headboard and waited for Caleb who had decided they needed hot chocolate at the last minute. When he finally walked in, she took note that he had put marshmallows in the toasty drink.
"Marshmallows? Yum." She took a sip and sighed. "Thank you."
He nodded and smiled. "Thought we needed something sweet."
She picked up the three envelopes. One from each of their parents and then the telegram. "Nervous, Ames?"
"Yeah."
"Might as well open it," he told her. She tore open the envelope.
TO: MR AND MRS CALEB THORNTON
FROM : CONSTABLE PATRICK O'REILLY, UNION CITY
NO HOUSES FOR RENT CURRENTLY. YOU ARE WELCOME TO STAY WITH MY FAMILY. WE HAVE AN EXTRA ROOM. FIFTY CENTS A WEEK WOULD BE SUFFICIENT.
LET US KNOW. SARAH WOULD LOVE COMPANY
PATRICK
Caleb looked at his wife who had started tearing up. "Hey, you ok?"
"Yes. I'm so relieved."
"Me too. You'll like Patrick and Sarah. Dad's known him for about fifteen years."
They opened the envelopes from their parents and were shocked at how generous their gifts were. Added with their own money, they now had quite a nest egg to start their new life.
THE NEXT AFTERNOON, HARRIS TOWN
Elizabeth, Jack, Carlie, J.T. and Abbie arrived home, leaving Charlotte, Bill, and the rest of the children to come the following day. "Its good to be home," Elizabeth mentioned as they walked in the door.
"Yes, it is. Why don't you go relax and Carlie and I will make dinner."
"Ok. That sounds great. Come on Jay, come with Mama," she said, holding her hand out to him. He grabbed her finger and toddled along with her.
"Mama? Num nums…"
"Go find Daddy. He'll give you a snack."
"Ya!" She chuckled as he clumsily ran out of the room. She could hear him telling Jack "Dada! Num nums."
She sat down and nursed Abbie, enjoying the quiet.
Jack put J.T. in his high chair and gave him a biscuit they had left from lunch. Then he realized they didn't have anything in the house to eat. "Carlie, want to go to the store with me?"
"Ok. I'll go tell Mama."
Ten minutes later, he and Carlie were walking to the store. "What do you want for dinner, honey?"
"Um….spaghetti and meatballs."
"Ok, that sounds good. Thanks for coming with me."
"Welcome, Daddy." She took his hand and skipped alongside him. "Daddy?"
"Yes, baby?"
"When is Caleb coming home?"
They had had this conversation before, but he knew she was struggling with losing her favorite brother. "Well, this isn't his home anymore. He lives with Amy, remember?"
"Yes, but he'll come back and see me, right?"
"Of course. They will be here in a couple weeks and then they will go to Union City."
"Will they be home for Christmas?"
"I'm not sure, baby. I hope so."
"Me too."
THREE WEEKS LATER
Caleb and Amy arrived in Harris Town early on a Saturday morning. Bill met them at the stage and helped them carry their bags to the boarding house.
"Thanks Papa," Amy said, kissing his cheek.
"You're welcome, sweetie. Glad to help. I think Grandma made up your old room for you."
"Ok, thank you." They climbed the stairs to the third floor, liking that there would be more privacy than the other rooms.
Caleb started unpacking. They would be staying for about two weeks and then they needed to get to the city. "I've never seen your room…it's pretty nice."
"That's because it wasn't proper for you to see it before."
"I suppose. I like the idea of being in here. It still feels like I'm doing something I'm not supposed to."
She chuckled. "Let's get unpacked and go visit our families."
"I think I want to take a nap first." He hopped on the bed and patted the bed next to him. "Feeling sleepy?"
"Not really." She raised her eyebrow at him and hid the nightgown she had from Clara. She was saving it for tonight.
"Ames, just an hour."
"Ok." She slipped into her normal nightgown and climbed under the covers, moving up close to him. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her hair.
TWO HOURS LATER
They woke up, almost forgetting where they were for a moment. They heard a knock on the door. Caleb stood up and slipped his shirt on.
"Grandma?"
"Hi, I just wanted you to know, I made breakfast, if you're hungry."
"Thank you. We'll be down soon."
"Ok."
Caleb looked back and Amy had fallen asleep again. He decided to let her sleep and go join his grandparents for breakfast.
He walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. "Morning."
"Morning Caleb. It's good to see you." Charlotte walked over and hugged him. "Where's Amy?"
"She's asleep. I'll take her some food later."
"Is she feeling ok?"
"Yeah, it was a long trip, especially riding coach and then the stage." Charlotte nodded and set his bacon and eggs down in front of him. "Thanks Grandma."
Maddie walked in and saw Caleb. "Caleb! You're here!" She ran over and hugged him. "I missed you."
"You did? I missed you too." He hugged her back and then let her go. She walked over to the hooks on the wall, taking an apron and tying it around her waist. Caleb noticed she wasn't as thin as she used to be. She still was, but she was curvier. Well, she was thirteen, not so much a little girl anymore.
She caught him staring. "What?" she asked quietly.
"Nothing. So why are you here so early?"
"I'm helping Grandma and Papa run the boarding house this summer."
"You are? Don't you want to hang out and go fishing?"
"With whom? You left me and Emmy doesn't really like to fish. I'd rather read or…." her voiced trailed off. She wasn't going to say she'd rather be with Nate.
"Is that what you think? I left you, Maddie?"
"I guess. I don't know." She turned and started washing the breakfast dishes.
"Maddie?" He was standing next to her. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. That surprised him, she wasn't a crier. "I love you, you know that?"
"I know, it's just…" She sniffed and looked away.
"What?"
"Nothing. I'm glad you're here." She walked away to wipe the table and counter.
Ever since Caleb had visited Hope Valley a few years before, she felt like he was leaving her behind. He seemed to grow up and move on and she didn't. She knew it was the way it was supposed to be, but it didn't make her miss him any less.
Caleb walked over and took the rag out of her hands and pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Maddie." She hugged him tighter for a moment and then stepped away.
"Its fine. I know it's how it's supposed to be."
"Yeah, but I don't want you to feel bad about it. I'm sure you won't be far behind."
"What do you mean?"
"You're thirteen and beautiful. It won't be too long and I'm sure you're going to find someone you want to marry too."
"I alrea….nevermind." She felt her cheeks get hot.
"Nate, right? I thought you might like him."
"You don't know what you're talking about, Caleb Thornton." She figured she might as well deny it.
"I think I do. I fell in love with my best friend too."
"I'm not in love."
"Give yourself time."
"He doesn't think of me that way."
"How do you know?"
"He just doesn't act like he does."
AT THE CARLIN HOUSE
Nate looked in the mirror one last time, combing his hair again. He looked ok, in his own opinion, but what would Maddie think? Maddie was his best friend and he had a big crush on her. He tried to play it off like he didn't, but he did. She was beautiful. Her dark curly hair and lightly tanned skin were perfect and she was just who he wanted to be with all the time.
He loved that she was quiet and she loved to read. He also knew that she had a strong personality when it came to things that were important to her, like her family. He wanted to be that important to her.
"Ma, I'm going fishing."
"Ok, Nate. Don't be late for dinner."
"Ok, I wont."
Nate walked to the Thorntons house to get Maddie before heading to the pond. Jack opened the door.
"Hey, Nate. How are you?"
"Hi Mr. Thornton. I came to see Maddie."
"Oh, she's at the boarding house today."
"I forgot. Thank you." He was disappointed but maybe he could stay at the boarding house and then go fishing afterward.
He walked into the boarding house and straight to the kitchen. "Anyone home?"
Charlotte and Maddie were baking cookies and pie. "Hi, Nate," Maddie said quietly, her cheeks turning pink. Her heart beat just a bit faster when he was standing there.
"Hi, Maddie. After you get done here, wanna go fishing?"
"I can't. I won't be done here until five and then we are having a family dinner with Caleb and Amy."
"Oh. Ok." Charlotte saw the disappointment on their faces.
"Why don't you come over for dinner, Nate?"
Nate caught Maddie's eye. "I can ask my mom." Maddie smiled, showing her adorable dimples. They gave him goosebumps. He smiled back.
"Want a sugar cookie?" Maddie held up the plate in front of him.
"My favorite," he mentioned.
"I know." She pressed her lips together and looked down, blushing again.
"Got any milk?"
"Sure." Maddie turned and pulled the milk from the icebox and poured him a glass.
"Thanks Maddie." She nodded and smiled again.
Dee said Nate could have dinner at the Thorntons so he changed his clothes and went downstairs.
"You look nice, sweetie," Dee mentioned as he came into the room.
"Thank you." He was wearing a white dress shirt with the collar unbuttoned and his black dress pants.
"Say hi to everyone for me, especially Maddie," she said with a wink as she kissed his cheek.
"I will, Ma. I'll be home early."
"Ok."
He walked over to the Thorntons, his palms sweaty. He was nervous. He'd eaten with the family probably a dozen times, so why did he feel like he was going to throw up?
He knocked and Carlie opened the door. "Hi, Nate!"
"Hey, Carlie."
"Maddie is in the kitchen."
"Thank you." He followed her in to the kitchen. Maddie was stirring a pot of something and laughing at something Emmy was telling her. He couldn't stop watching her. She was so adorable. She turned and caught his eye.
"Hi, Nate. Thank you for coming."
"Of course. Thank you for having me." She looked at him, her heart beating really fast. He looked so cute. She wondered what it would be like to hold his hand.
As the evening progressed, everyone trickled in to the kitchen to sit at the table. Maddie sat next to Em and on her other side was Nate. They sat and listened to Caleb and Amy's story about staying with the O'Reilly family.
Maddie looked over at Nate out of the corner of her eye and he was looking back. She felt his hand touch hers and it gave her goosebumps. His pinky moved over hers, curling around it gently. She immediately felt her cheeks grow hot causing her to look away.
Caleb caught her eye and winked. Did he know? Could he tell they were holding pinkies? She smiled back at him and then looked at Nate. He was sitting there like he hadn't just made her day and made her heart almost leap out of her chest. How did he pretend like that?
"Me Me!" J.T. Shouted.
"Jay, Shhh. I'm right here."
"Me Me!" He held his arms out so Jack took him and handed him over to Maddie, his eyes drifting to Nate's and her hands and then to Maddie's eyes. He smiled and then sat back down. J.T. snuggled against her and closed his eyes. She kept her arms wrapped around her baby brother for a few moments and then once he was asleep, she dropped her right hand again, hoping Nate would hold it. After a moment, she felt his hand slide gently over hers and his fingers slip in between hers. It was wonderful. She had never felt so happy before.
Just as quickly as it had happened, it was over. Elizabeth stood up to start clearing and she knew she was expected to help so she squeezed his hand and then let go, her hand instantly feeling empty and sad.
She handed J.T. to Em and cleared dishes. When she got to Nate, she looked down at him, meeting his eyes. "Are you finished?"
"Yes, thank you." He winked and her stomach did a weird fluttering thing, almost like a flock of butterflies had taken up residence in there. What an amazing feeling. If he only knew what he was doing to her.
Maddie was busy doing dishes when Caleb and Amy had to leave and then Nate shortly after. He walked over and stood next to her at the sink. As much as she wanted him to, she hoped he wouldn't do something crazy like kiss her cheek. Her mom was right there!
"I have to go, Maddie. Thank you for inviting me." Grandma had actually invited him, but who was she to argue?
"You're welcome. I'm glad you came." He very quickly touched her hand and then disappeared.
She didn't understand all these feelings she was having, but right now, she was extremely happy, excited, and sad, all at the same time. She wanted him there, right now and she was relieved that she now knew that he liked her just as much as she liked him.
"Maddie?" Elizabeth nudged her with her elbow. "Maddie?"
"I'm sorry, Mama. What did you say?"
"Nothing, sweetie. Why don't you go up to bed? I can finish."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Are you feeling ok?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I think I'll go find Em."
Maddie and Emmy waited until their dad had tucked Carlie in and she was asleep before they talked.
"Maddie!" Em whispered loudly.
"Shh!"
"I'm sorry, but did you just hold hands with Nate? In front of everyone?"
"Yes," she said, with a huge smile on her face, resisting the almost uncontrollable urge to squeal.
"What was it like?"
"It was amazing." She closed her eyes and tried to conjure up the feeling of his hand in hers again. It didn't take much. "At first, he just held my pinky. But after Jay went to sleep, he held my hand, like my whole hand, his fingers between mine and everything. I honestly thought I was going to faint."
Em moved over and put her head on Maddie's shoulder. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you. I'm confused though."
"About what? I thought this was what you wanted."
"It was..is. I just…I don't know. The moment he left, I felt sad. I didn't want him to go. The happiness and sadness all at the same time is pretty overwhelming."
"Will you see him tomorrow?"
"I hope so. If I don't, I might just go crazy."
