When the family gathered around the table on Sunday for supper, among them were Curt, Mary Ellen, John Curtis, Ike, Corabeth and Aimee. It was June, and the end of a busy week that had included John Boy and Erin graduating.
"I don't know what I'm going to do when Jim Bob graduates." Elizabeth said between bites.
Erin winked. "You'll be too busy hanging out with Drew."
Emma giggled. "What's this? Elizabeth has her eye on Drew Cutler?" Elizabeth sighed.
"No, I do not. I do not intend on getting married or dating, I intend to focus entirely on my studies." Elizabeth said primly, sending a glance to Aimee.
"Well if a man comes my way, I won't stop him." Aimee wistfully murmured.
Corabeth gasped. "Aimee Godsey, you will do no such thing! I will not have you marrying the first waif that falls all over you."
"Corabeth," Ike chuckled. "I doubt she meant that."
"John Boy, when do you plan to leave." Emma said softly as she sat on his bed. She sure would miss the sight of him writing at his desk every day.
"I'm gonna give at a few months. Mabye August I'll go. Just before y'all start school and full time jobs and all."
Emma nodded, glad she had a bit of time left. Mary Ellen burst in with John Curtis. "Oh, sorry, I just wanted to find you John Boy, and tell you that Marcia Woolery is downstairs." John Boy opened his mouth but made no sound, as he smiled, embarrassed, at his sisters, and ran downstairs.
"Wow, he does still like her. Erin was right." Emma giggled, peering out of the window to see John Boy and Marcia talking, Marcia using dramatic hand expressions.
Mary Ellen sat on the bed and rocked her son. "It's strange to see Erin go out with G. W. I don't like him anymore, but he was my first boyfriend."
Emma nodded. "Yeah, I guess so. But they seem to really like each other."
Ben and Emma walked along one night, down to Drucilla's Pond. Sitting on a rock, they realized they were near the place where they had chased each other six years before. As Emma threw a stone at the water, she sat back and watched the ripples. Ben turned to her, meeting her eyes as if asking for permission. Emma nodded, and they started to kiss. Ben wrapped his arms around her, and Emma smiled as they stopped.
"What was that for?"
Ben blushed. "I don't know, you are just so beautiful I couldn't help myself."
"I love it when you blush." Emma grinned to herself in victory when he blushed again, and kissed her softly.