First mate's log:

July 23, 1971

Oh wow! I don't know what to say! Mary Ann broke her engagement!

The Skipper told me when we boarded the ferry in Blenford.

"But why?" I whispered.

"You should ask them. You know I hate gossip."

I didn't feel that comfortable asking either of them, but I did want to know. So I found a moment to pull Gopher aside and say, "Uh, the Skipper told me about you and Mary Ann."

He sighed. "Yeah, she's a great girl. But I want a wife who will stay home, not run her own business."

"Oh." So it had nothing to do with me. I should've known. Still, although I feel bad for both of them, I can't pretend I'm not a little happy that it didn't work out.

Carol Brady's diary:

July 24, 1971

Oh my goodness, I know I shouldn't interfere, but how can I not?

Mary Ann broke the engagement! Mrs. Howell told me today when I went over to the mansion to catch up. The official story is that Gopher didn't want a career woman and Mary Ann doesn't want to give up her diner, so they ended things amicably We both have our doubts about that, especially the motivation.

I know talking to Gilligan is pointless. It's not like trying to get my own children, or their romantic prospects, to open up to me. He's a grown man, even if he's boyish in some ways. And he might want to give her space to get over the relationship with Gopher. But Mrs. Howell and I have discussed ways to matchmake Mary Ann and Gilligan once enough time has passed. Although, as she said, "It's been seven years! We can't wait forever!"

I'm thinking of maybe throwing a little anniversary party in early September for me and Mike, and I could invite both Mary Ann and Gilligan. Unless that's too obvious?

August 1, 1971

Well, I have a girlfriend now.

I wasn't gonna even talk about the breakup when the Skipper sent me to get takeout from the diner the other night. But no one else was in the restaurant and she said, "So I guess you've heard about me and Gopher."

I nodded. "Yeah, my condolences."

She smiled a little. "Thank you. Um, I wanted to talk to you about another big life decision."

"Yeah?" I hoped she wasn't going to say she broke up with Gopher because of another guy.

"Yes, I'm thinking of making changes in the diner."

"You're not closing it, are you?" I hoped she wouldn't because I really like coming here, and it wasn't like she was quitting to make Gopher happy.

"No, no, but I am considering turning into a pizza parlor."

"Oh, wow! I'd love that!" She really is the perfect woman.

"Of course, I'll have to practice."

"I like the pizza you made that one time, about six years ago, when we didn't even have tomatoes or cheese."

She laughed. "But lots of pineapples."

"Yeah."

"You remember."

"Of course."

"Gilligan..."

"You wanna get married?"

"What?"

"Um, I mean to me, not just in general."

"Oh, that's very sweet, but..."

"I'm not your type, right?"

"You are. But I just got out of one engagement. And you and I have hardly had real dates."

"How about we go steady?"

She smiled that warm Mary Ann smile, including her coconut-shell-brown eyes. "I'd like that."

And then we kissed. And then we talked about how to change her restaurant, including getting a bigger oven. I think Mr. Brady could help with that.

August 7, 1971

Oh, wow! Before Mrs. Howell and I could perfect our matchmaking plan, Mary Ann got together with Gilligan! I found out from Mike, who found out from Mary Ann, believe it or not.

She's converting her diner into a pizza parlor. The kids are thrilled about that of course. Mike teased that she should practice recipes on Gilligan, and then she blushed and said he's been a big help already. It wasn't a declaration of love, but Mike could see that something was up.

I of course talked to Mary Ann as soon as I could. She admitted that, while Gopher wanting her to be a homemaker was one factor in their breakup, "I guess I never really got over Gilligan. I mean, Gopher is a sweet, goofy sailor, and his name starts with G. I did, still do, care for Gopher but Gilligan has always been special to me. I just wasn't sure because, well, I was nineteen when we got marooned, and he was the only man my age around, even counting visitors. Well, except the Mosquitoes I guess. And I know, I could travel the world, or at least get off this island more often. But I can't imagine meeting anyone I love as much as I love him."

"Do you think you'll get married?" I had to ask.

"He did propose, sort of, you know in a Gilligan way. But I just got out of an engagement and I want to get to know him as a boyfriend before getting too serious. Plus, I'm trying to revamp my business right now, so I don't want to take on too much at once."

"I'm really happy for both things. And so are the kids."

She smiled. "I bet they're happier about the pizza."

We laughed together and then I gave her a hug.

Alice is going to help her with the pizza recipes by the way. And the Skipper has promised to bring her all the ingredients he can from Blenford. He's happy about both pieces of good news, too.