The clicking of Jo's typewriter was the only sound that could be heard throughout the house.  Although it was early evening, most of the children had found their way out of doors, taking advantage of the quiet time to fish, hike or just goof around.  Jo, still ordered to remain in bed, had snuck downstairs, snapping up the chance to finish Nick's gift.

My Dearest Nick,

            I Love You,

                        Not only for what you are,

                        But for what I am when I am with you.

            I Love You,

                        Not only for what you have made of yourself,

                        But for what you are making of me

            Heavy footsteps were heard outside the parlour room door and Jo gasped, knowing they were Nick's.  Tearing the paper from the machine and tucking it under her journal, she spun around in the chair and smiled guiltily as Nick stood on the threshold.  "I was going to go back to bed.  I promise," she said, looking at him hopefully.

            He grinned.  "I think you're old enough to decide when it's time for bed, don't you Jo?"  He watched as her shoulders relaxed and her lips turned up at the sides.  "I actually wanted to talk to ya."

            "Sure," she said, pushing the books to the side, hiding any evidence of her present.  "What about?"

            Nick approached her and taking her hands, helped her stand.  "Come.  Sit with me."  He led her to the fireplace and they both sat down in front of the flames.

            "Is something wrong?"  Jo inquired as she watched him stare blankly into space.

            After a moment, Nick shook his head.  "No, nothin' is really wrong."  He looked towards her.  "I went into town yesterday and spoke ta Laurie."  She nodded urging him to continue.  "Ya see, I was worried about some things… some things about the wedding."

            "There isn't any reason to be worried.  Everything should go well…" Jo tried to reassure him.

            "But there are some things you just can't control."  Nick swallowed, trying to hide his nervousness.  "Especially when it comes to experiences."  He looked at her gently.  "You're a lot more familiar with this whole marriage thing than I am, Jo.  In several aspects… And well, I was hopin' that we could take it slow."  He glanced off to the side.

            "Slow?"

            "Well, yeah.  Considerin' I've never done anything like that before."  The emphasis caused a gradual understanding in Jo's mind and she regarded him warmly. 

            "You mean… the wedding night…" Her voice produced more of a statement than a question.

            "Yeah," Nick answered, somewhat awaiting laughter as a response.

            She smiled soothingly and reached out to take his hands.  "Thank you," she said simply.

            "Thank you?" The shock of her reaction overcame him.

            "Yes…thank you.  This means a lot to me."

            "It does?"  Nick's confusion grew.

            "Of course.  I'm honoured, not only for… you know…" She blushed.  "But also that you trust me enough to talk to me."

            Nick gave a nervous laugh.  "I was worried about disappointin' ya."

            She brushed his cheek lightly with her fingertips.  "You could never disappoint me, Nick."

            He smiled sheepishly.  "Glad to know that."  He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her to him, kissing her lightly on the head.  "So, only three more days, huh?" Nick said with a suggestive tone.

            Jo giggled.  "Yep," she sighed and sunk into him, snuggling her head into his chest.

            "Yep?" he questioned with a chuckle.  "Good.  'Cause I don't know if I can wait any longer."

            Jo looked at him incredulously.  "Nick!" she scolded.

            "Ta marry ya, I mean."  He shook her teasingly.  "You know Jo, you shouldn't…" A sharp, quick knock on the door interrupted the couple's conversation.  "You expectin' someone?"

            "No.  Not tonight."  Nick released her as they stood and went to the door.  "Who is it?" Jo asked as Nick protectively placed himself between her and the unknown guest.

            "Hopefully your new brother-in-law," a deep, southern voice said from the other side.  Nick's face lit up with recognition and he quickly turned the handle to reveal Ben standing on the other side.  "That is, if my brother doesn't chicken out first."

            "Not a chance!" Nick cried as he pulled Ben inside and drew him into a big hug.  Freeing him, he smiled.  "I can't believe you're here!"

            "I almost didn't make it.  We were steered off course and ended up in North Africa.  We were three weeks late getting to Scotland and when I finally got your letter, I had to catch the first boat here."  He turned to Jo.  "But I couldn't miss this," he said, smiling.  "Jo…"

            "Ben…" she replied as she hugged him.  "He wanted you here, so badly," she whispered into Ben's ear.

            "It's my pleasure…" Ben grinned at Nick.  "So ya finally came to your senses, huh?"

            "How could I not?" He beamed, looking at Jo.

            "Took ya long enough," Ben scolded, slapping Nick on the back.  The trio wandered into parlour.  "So, is everything all set?"

            "Basically.  Just some last minute details to plan," Jo explained, her eyes drooping at the thought.  She yawned cautiously but was noticed by Nick who gave her a watchful glance.

            "Yeah, which will get done with or without your help," Nick warned, a softness in his voice.  "Up to bed."

            Jo smiled and shook her head.  "I'm going."  She turned to Ben.  "The guest room is empty if you would rather stay there."

            "Ah," Ben replied, "the barn is good enough for me."  Realizing the couple needed a moment alone, he started for the door.  "I'll just grab my stuff and take it out.  Barn's where I left it, ain't it?"

            " 'Course it is," Nick laughed.  "I'll join ya in a minute."

            As Ben left, Nick took Jo's hand and led her towards the stairs.  "I want ya to sleep."

            "I've been sleeping for two days," Jo reminded.  "But I will."

            He smiled and held her for a few moments.  "I love you."

            "I love you too," she murmured into his chest.  "I'll see you in the morning."

            Nick let go of her and shooed Jo up the stairs.  He grinned.  "I'll be right where ya left me."

XXXXX

            The barn door swung open as Ben began shuffling around his baggage in the tiny room.  Nick appeared from the other side and went to assist his brother in shifting over one of the cots.  "Jo been sick?" Ben asked, searching Nick's face for the truth.  "She don't look well."

            He sighed and slumped down on the bed.  "Yeah, well...  She's been pushing herself getting prepared for this weddin' and it got outta hand."  Nick rubbed a hand over his face. "Kinda my fault considerin' it's mostly for me.  She just wants everythin' to be special."

            Ben grinned.  "That's a woman for ya.  Wanting everything just so."

            "Actually, it's kinda nice," Nick said, rolling his eyes.  "I mean, no one's ever done so much for me as Jo has."  Nick looked hopefully at his brother.  "So…" he urged, waiting for something.

            "So…?" Ben paused, knowing exactly what he wanted to hear.  He chuckled.  "I've got it right here in my pack."  Ben tossed Nick the bag.

            "You're sure you're okay with this?" Nick dug through his brother's belongings, finally producing a small cloth pouch from the bottom.

            "Of course I am."  Ben took a seat next to Nick, grabbing the possession from his hands.  "Ma would've wanted you to have this."  He opened the pouch, turning out a delicate gold chain and locket.

            "But she gave it to you."

            Ben shook his head.  "It was meant for Sam.  Since she died before Ma could give it to her, I think it should probably go to the first daughter-in-law."  He gently laid the necklace into his older brother's hands.

            Nick smiled.  "Really?"

            "Sure."  Ben began to pace the room, nervously wringing his hands.  "You don't know how many times I almost lost that."  Nick's eyes lowered, knowing what his brother was going to say.  "There were many poker games that I… well, it was temptin'."

            "Why didn't ya?" Nick asked softly.  He had wondered whether or not the locket would actually make it into his hands.  After sending the wedding announcement to Ben, Nick had included a short letter, asking his brother to help him in giving Jo the best present he could think of.  However, he was uncertain of its whereabouts, part of him questioning whether this was the reason why he hadn't heard from Ben for so long.

            "Don't get me wrong… I did a couple of times.  But just before all of the bets were placed, I always grabbed it back."  Ben sighed.  "I guess I knew Ma would be so disappointed in me.  Sam too.  She loved that thing."

            "Yeah, I remember.  Used ta insist on holdin' it if Ma took it off.  Always said that she didn't want it goin' missin'."

            "Exactly."  Ben paused for a few moments, a respectful quietness falling upon them both.  Finally Ben stepped towards the door, smiling.  "You think that Asia's got any coffee left on the stove?"

            Nick stood after gently returning the necklace to its pouch and placing it safely underneath his pillow.  "Of course there is.  Probably some stew left from supper too."

            As they left the room, Nick patted Ben on the back.  "I'm glad you're here."

            "Me too," Ben replied, suddenly walking a few steps faster.  "I sure did miss Asia's cookin'!"