Supper that night was hectic. Curt and John Boy were home, John Curtis was the center of attention, and no matter how many times they tried to tell the family, Ben and Emma just couldn't manage to say it.
"He's able to stay for a couple of days." Mary Ellen said lovingly, gazing at her handsome husband. "I don't realise how much I miss him until he'd back."
John Boy smiled. "It's strange to see you all grown up, sister." He teased. Mary Ellen rolled her eyes playfully.
Ben cleared his throat, and finally, everyone turned to look at him. "Emma and I are engaged." The table was silent, but then rose a loud cheer. The family enveloped the couple in a huge hug that Emma had to fight her way out of.
Emma lay beside Ben in the treehouse, her head resting on his chest. She stared up at the stars, before speaking what was on her mind. "Ben, I love you. And I want to get married to you. But I'm scared."
Ben sat up, giving her a look. "Scared?"
"Yeah. What if you have to go to war, and I'm left alone? Where are we gonna live?" She asked, pulling her jacket around her shoulders.
"Well, I'm not really sure what will happen with the war. I guess we'll sleep in the shed, and when I have enough money, we'll build or move somewhere." He said, his ideas springing forward.
"You're really good at business." Emma complimented, moving into his arms. "If you ever leave the mill, maybe you could do something with that great mind of yours."
"I dunno. Daddy would never let me leave." Ben smirked half heartedly, kissing Emma's head.
Emma sneaked back into her room. Erin and Elizabeth were asleep, or so she thought, so she slipped off her day dress and got into her nightgown. Brushing her hair as quickly as she could, she jumped into bed.
Elizabeth stirred, her red hair falling over her pillow. Emma held her breath, and let it out when her little sister stayed asleep. Yawning, Emma slowly drifted off herself.