The ride home seemed so long and so short at the same time. It seemed long because neither Sean nor Marita said anything, but it seemed short because before they knew it, they had arrived at Marita's home.

Setting: Peter's house

"Well, I guess that I better go inside and get ready," Marita finally said. Sean still hasn't said anything, nor has he removed his wrapped arms from around Marita's body.

"It's about time you decide to come home. Your train leaves in less than three hours," Isaac says in his angry voice standing on the porch with his arms crossed at his chest.

"I'm sorry Pa," Marita says in her nice voice.

"I'm sorry too Isaac. It's my fault," Sean intervenes.

"I want to talk to both of you," Isaac says in his still angry voice.

"Yeah, I need to talk to you too. I was going to wait until Marita was gone, but now is as good a time as ever. Sean jumps off the horse and reaches for Marita. Isaac watches and his anger is soothed when he sees how gentle Sean is with his daughter, but it is fired up again when thoughts come to his mind. "Look how comfortable he is touching her. He better not have touched her anywhere else," Isaac thinks. He has seen how Sean and Marita have flirted with each other, but something is different about them. "He better not have taken her innocence, and she better not have given it to him."

Sean and Marita both take a seat on the sofa while Isaac takes an authoritative seat in his large chair.

"The first thing tbat I want to tell you, Marita don't you ever leave here for a night without telling me first, and Sean don't you ever take my daughter away from here and leave it up to your pa to break the news to me," Isaac says.

"Pa, I left you a note on the table," Marita defends herself.

"Marita, do you know it was almost eleven last night before I found your letter? A window was left open, and it must have been blown off the table. But, I looked all over for you. I went to Dora Mae's, and she said that she had seen you two leaving. So, then I went to Ned's, and he told me where you two were. I do not appreciate being left in the dark."

"Papa, I'm really sorry, but I knew that you wouldn't have wanted me to go, and I feel that I am grown and can make my own decisions," Marita said.

"You're right. I wouldn't have wanted you to go, but for good reason, and you are very capable of making decision for yourself. I just don't want anything to happen that you'll be sorry for. You forget Marita, these eyes have seen things that you've only heard stories about. You and Sean have both been protected." Isaac said. Isaac has calmed down and spoke in a very concerned tone. He wants to know if Marita gave herself to Sean, but he doesn't want to just come right out and ask.

Sean now speaks up, "Isaac we understand and respect your experience, and I want you to know that I respect and love your daughter. I respect her enough to not compromise her in ANY way."

"Not in ANY way?" Isaac says with raised eyebrows in a questioning tone.

"Pa, Sean and I didn't do anything that could have…could have…repercussions," Marita adds

"Whew," Isaac breathes out a deep relieved breath, and Sean and Marita both laugh.

"Isaac, I want Marita and I to be together, and if it's okay with you, as soon as Marita leaves, I will find a way for us to be together," Sean said.

"Son, I'm relieved to hear that you respect Marita, and I know now more than ever that you really do love her, but I just don't think that there is a way.

"Don't worry about that. I just wanted to make sure that I have your consent. I'll do all the work," Sean said hastily.

"I really hate that I'm not going to be here to help," Marita said.

"That's quite alright baby girl, you go and get yourself educated. When you come back, things will work out fine," Isaac says.

"Well I better leave you two and go and get ready," Sean says standing up. Marita and Isaac both stand with him.

"I'll walk you out," Marita offers.

"Thanks for informing me of your plans Sean," Isaac nods his approval of Sean.

Outside Sean takes Marita's hand as they are walking to his horse, and Marita looks around to see if anyone is looking. "Marita, I'll be real glad when I can touch you in public without you looking over your shoulder," Sean says.

"You really should look over your shoulder more often," Marita says.

"Marita, I really don't care who sees us, but I promise, when you come back, we'll be together," Sean is now looking down at Marita's hand in his. He lifts her hand to his lips and kisses it gently.

"Sean, I love you so much," Marita says smiling.

"I love you too," Sean says and then he kisses Marita swiftly on the lips.

"Sean," Marita says in a shocked voice.

"See ya at the station," Sean winks and leaves on his horse.

Setting: Inside Peter's home

"Marita honey, you almost ready. It's almost noon," Isaac yells from the front room.

"Yeah, I'm ready," Marita says as she picks up her coat.

Isaac turns around, "One more thing Marita. I am so proud of you, and if your mother were still alive, she'd be beaming with joy. I wanted to give you this just in case."

"Thank you papa," Marita says as tears well in her eyes as she looks at the money her father gave her, and she gives him a big hug. Isaac takes Marita's last suitcase and places it into the wagon, and off they go to the train station.

Setting: The Lexington train station

All of the Logans have gathered to send Marita off.

"This is the first class call for the 1:00 express train to Boston," the attendant shouted loudly.

"Well, Marita, I love you as one of my daughters. It is hard to let you go, but it has been a pleasure helping to raise you and having you as a secretary. I know that no one will ever be able to catch and cover my mistakes like you do, but I want you to have this just in case." He hands Marita the envelope. "If you decide that teaching is not the right occupation for you, you will always have a job with me. God bless you, and we look forward to your return," Ned smiled and hugged Marita warmly.

"Be careful Marita, and I'll see you when you get back," Clay says and hugs Marita.

"I don't know what Sean is going to do for the next three months, but…" Jeremy is now hugging Marita, "I'm sure that we'll find someone to keep him company," Jeremy says whispering in her ear.

"This is the second class call for the train express train to Boston," the attendant yelled.

"I'm gonna miss you Marita. I'm gonna have to do without a big sister, but I'll manage," Lexy hugs Marita

"Lexy, I'll still be here," Alice says, "But, I'm really gonna miss having a big sister. I love you Marita, and we're gonna have a lot to catch up on when you get back," Alice said and hugged Marita.

Sean and Isaac were the only ones left that hadn't said their goodbye's. Isaac steps up to Marita. "Well baby girl, I'll see when you get back here. Be careful, and if you need anything, wire me. I love you honey," Isaac kisses Marita on the forehead and hugs her.

"Well I guess it's my turn," Sean says while slowly stepping toward Marita.

"Why don't we give them a few minutes," Ned says leading everyone away.

"I've been thinking about what I wanted to say, but I know that I don't want to say goodbye. I love you with everything that I am, ever will be, and ever want to be. You're are my past, my present, and my future, and I'm gonna make you happy for the rest of your life just come back to me," Sean says with tears in his eyes.

"I'm promise Sean, I'll be back," Marita says as a tear falls down her cheek.

"This is the final call for the colored section for the Boston train," the attendant yelled. Just then a young, black male walked past Sean and Marita and tipped his hat at Marita and then boarded the train. Sean looked at the man funnily.

"Sean, are you okay?" Marita asked

"Yeah, I sure you could wear that ring now," Sean admitted. "Please, don't go Marita," Sean pleaded in his most pathetic voice.

"Sean, I have to go. You know that, but I'll be back. I love you," Marita said quietly.

Sean took Marita's hand and kissed it. Then he loaded her suitcases on the train, and walked her to the colored entrance. Marita stood on the stairway and looked and waved at everyone. Sean never took his eyes off Marita. Then he stepped up into the stairway with Marita and kissed her sweetly. "I'll be here when you get back."