That afternoon found Joan sitting in her room in the floor, back against the foot of her bed working on homework, currently slogging her way through an assignment for English. Joan's eyes fluttered and she groaned. "One more question, then nap." She mumbled to herself. "I promise." Joan finished reading the section to make sure she understood what was needed for the question and then finished the question. "Finally." Joan whispered before sliding down to the rug, too tired to get up and get into the bed, her eyes falling closed.

Joan was laying the flowers on the grave when she heard someone cough softly behind her. Turning her head, she saw Kris, standing there in a pair of black pants; boots, a wool long sleeved shirt and a long, tan brown corduroy coat, and smiled. "I'm almost done, would you like to meet her?" she asked, holding out her hand. Kris stepped up beside her and saw whose grave it was:

Elizabeth Abigail Braddock.

Born April 4, 1825, died September 24, 1851.

May she rest in Peace and the Light.

"Who's this?" Kris asked softly.

"My mother, she died when I was six, horse accident." Turning back to the tombstone she said, "Mama, this is Kris. Kris Spencer, he's the man I was telling you about earlier."

Kris grinned at that. "You talk to your mother about me?"

Joan nodded. "Say hello back, silly, it's rude if you don't."

"Sorry, didn't mean to be rude." Kris faced the grave. "Hello Mrs. Braddock, it's a pleasure to meet you, I hope all the things you've heard about me were good. "

"They were."

"Good. You have a beautiful daughter Mrs. Braddock, I love her very much."

"I love you too." Joan whispered, kissing his cheek.

The two made small talk for a little bit and then bid their good byes to Mrs. Braddock and walked away from her. The were half way down the main path when Kris stopped walking and turned to face Joan, the look in her eyes turning from fun to serious. "I have something I want to ask you." He said softly. He gently squeezed the hand he was holding, and pulled a small box out of his coat pocket. He dropped down to one knee, looking up at Joan and asked, "Will you marry me Joan?" He opened the box and there lay a pendent of purple amesyst in the shape of a heart. It hung on a slender silver chain and Kris took it out of the box and rested it in his hand.

Joan stared at him of a moment before asking if he was serious.

"I have never been more serious in my life. I love you Joan, I want to be with you for the rest of our lives. And before you say anything, yes, I know this will be talked about and I don't care. I just want to be with you."

Joan looked at him and saw that he really was serious, that he really did love her that much and realized that she wanted to be with him no matter what. Her family would talk, the neighbors would talk, her father would be furious, but she felt for once that she had to follow her heart; to do what she wanted. Joan slowly nodded yes and whispered the word.

"Is that a yes, then?" Kris asked, just to make sure he had heard right.

"Yes. Yes, I'll marry you." Joan whispered louder, and giggled as Kris stood up and fastened the chain around her neck.

Joan smiled, her eyes glowing in joy and leaned up to kiss him. As the two connected, there was a moan of wind as the snow started swirl down around them.

"I love you Joan Spencer, I'll love you to the day I die and forever after that." Kris whispered in her ears, trying out her soon to be name; pulling her close as the snow continued to fall.

"I love you too Kris Spencer, till the day I die and forever more." Joan replied, kissing him back.