A/N: Again, all characters belong to me...the premise of the story does not.

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29 July 1850

Once in a lifetime, a person has a chance to meet his or her soul mate…not everyone does, but some like to think that their beloved is, in fact, this person. Caroline was mine…or so I believed. How was I to know that this would happen? Why did I not see?

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Adele turned, feigning surprise at the sight of Charles Raeford. "Why, Charles! I did not expect to see you here…"

"You should have known I would be here just to see you," he replied, removing his summer hat and clutching it with both hands. "I thought you knew how I feel about you, Adele."

Adele looked away for a moment, then returned her gaze to his. "It isn't proper for a lady to go around assuming such things. Why, I could assume that you felt one way about me and then when I might inquire about such, you could say something entirely different. I would be totally crushed."

Charles flushed under the intense gaze of Adele's dark blue eyes. "I would never do such a thing, Adele. I have been meaning to speak to your father soon, but I had hoped you would agree before I went to him."

Turning and walking over to a bench under one of the massive oak trees, Adele sat with her hands folded in her lap. "I really don't understand what you're talking about, Charles. Why in the world would you want to speak to Father?"

Charles sat next to her and took one of her tiny, gloved hands in his. "Adele…I want to marry you."

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Over on the other side of Oakleigh's lawn, Leah Stewart was trying to get James Bradley Lathrop's attention. Since she was a plain girl and fairly soft-spoken, not many paid much attention to her. Today, however, she was determined to make herself known to James Bradley.

Spotting him, Leah made her way closer to him. As she passed other people, she kept her eyes open for Lisbeth Johnson; not spotting her rival, Leah clutched her fan nervously and approached James Bradley.

Why am I so nervous? I've watched him a thousand times at different social events…I should be able to speak to him just as Lisbeth does. No…but she is so beautiful. What chance could I possibly have with him? If Adele heard me right now, she'd be chastising me ev'ry way to Sunday. "Leah, you are such a better person than Lisbeth Johnson. Why, James Bradley would be a fool not to see how wonderful you truly are." How I wish that were true.

By the time she had come close enough to reach out and touch James Bradley, Leah had almost talked herself out of approaching him. His back to her, James Bradley was engaged in a lively conversation with Gabriel Turner. Leah desperately tried to find the courage to approach them.

"Well," she murmured under her breath. "Here goes ev'rything…"

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28 January 1850

He came to see me today. I never thought he would actually come or even have the nerve to show his face again. I told him numerous times I did not want to see him or speak to him again…not after what he did. How could he do such a thing to me! After what we had, I truly do not understand why things turned out the way they have. I thought we had forever…

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Adele looked at Charles, genuinely surprised at his confession. She had known he was thinking of marriage, but so soon? She had hoped for a little more time to plan out her response…there was no time now. If she did not answer him, he would go to her father; almost immediately after that thought came to mind, Adele knew she had to answer him one way or another. Turning him down would be a grave mistake but at the same time, it would be what she wanted. Yet if she did, her father could very well override her decision, forcing her to marry him anyway. What could she possibly do other than accept his proposal? Short of running away or entering a convent, there was no other choice.

"My, my, Charles," she slowly began. "This is quite a surprise you have laid at my feet. I was just thinkin' that I would be in your company today, not deciding if I should marry you."

With a hopeful look on his handsome features, Charles continued holding her hands. "Adele, if you agree to marry me, I will give you ev'rything you could ever want, ev'r dream of…I'd do anything if you would be my wife."

Genuinely touched by Charles' professions of eternal adoration, Adele smiled. "That is so sweet of you to say that, Charles. I…I've never had anyone say that to me before. I don't…I don't know what to say."

"Oh Adele! If you wanted a cloud in the sky, I'd find some way to bring it down to you," he said, eyes shining. "So, would it be possible to assume that there is a chance you'll say you will…?"

Rather than voicing an answer, Adele stood and walked away, her skirt swishing with each step.

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"What do you mean you did not answer him! Adele, honestly! Charles Raeford is a good man. He can provide for you, take care of you when I'm gone," James Harrison exclaimed when Adele told him of Charles' proposal several hours later. "I thought you liked him. Why in the name of all that's holy would you not accept!"

Standing across from her father in the living room, Adele stared at her hands. "…but I don't love him, Father. Do my feelings not count for anything?"

Closing his eyes and placing a hand to his forehead, James sighed in exasperation. "Adele…darling. I know you probably don't understand at this point in your young life, but believe me when I say it is important for you to accept his proposal. Now I can order you to marry him. I would rather you tell him yourself."

"Father! I can-"

Raising a hand to silence her protests, James Harrison spoke gently yet firmly. "You are going to marry Charles Raeford, Adele. You have no other choice in the matter."

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…and so it was. Two days later, Adele Harrison agreed to marry Charles Raeford in August, 1859. The entire town of Laurel celebrated the upcoming nuptials of these two young people, who were so obviously in love.

Atop the hill at the end of Rosalie Road, there was one person who wasn't as enthusiastic about the upcoming nuptials as the rest of Laurel was. Surrounding the Longvieux plantation house, the massive oaks provided a safe haven for a set of eyes watching the festivities down the road at the Sullivan House.

…wishing…wanting…