Disclaimer: All rights are reserved to Mrs. Laura Wilder & the writers for the television series.


"Suddenly, he was reminded of the young girl he dreamed about. The girl who looked at him with such admiration, protection, and curiosity."

May, 1887

It was a bright and clear morning as the Carters made their way up the steps into the school house which held Sunday service. After a long, hard final week at school on top of chores, Jeb finally had the opportunity to sit and relax with his family while listening to Reverend Alden's enlightening sermons.

Jeb sat in the third row next to Jason and closed his eyes. Just as he was about to drift, he heard an all too familiar voice behind him.

"Such a beautiful morning, isn't it?" Nancy Oleson gushed, a bemused smirk on her face.

"Uh yeah, I suppose," Jeb replied, cocking his eyebrow. Unfortunately, he had no way out of the conversation. His parents were in a deep discussion with the Wilders, most likely about the town's new ridiculous name, and Jason appeared to be making googly eyes at a poor younger girl in his grade. Little brothers, Jeb scoffed at the thought.

"Eh-hem." Nancy eyed him impatiently. "Did you hear the news or not?"

"The news of what?" Jeb furrowed his brow.

"I'M THE FIRST EVER SOLOIST IN THE OLESONVILLE CHURCH!" Nancy practically screamed, causing many people to turn around and look at her in question and alarm. From the corner of his eye, he could see Jenny peer curiously around her Aunt.

It took everything for Jeb not to stand up to Nancy and reprimand her. According to Reverend Alden, 'Walnut Grove' was the final and official name of the peaceful town in Minnesota. Harriet Oleson, Nancy's rather flamboyant mother, got hold of a certain bond to Walnut Grove which supposedly allowed her to have the right to run the town. Or as his Ma put it, ruining people's lives.

Yes, the town he'd grown to love and admire in a short amount of time was called, "Olesonville." It was perfect.

Not.

Nancy twirled one of her curls around her finger, oblivious to the horrified stares directed at her, "Anyways, I've been practicing my singing a ton. More than I ever have in my life," she sighed, "'Amazing Grace' is the first song, and I heard you tell Jenny that it was your favorite song at church."

"You did?" Jeb mumbled, not quite liking where this was going.

"Well yeah, I sit behind you in class. And you talk to her all the time, I'm not deaf!"

Jeb sighed. Any hope of contentment and relaxation was gone, "I wasn't saying that you were, I just - "

"Oh never mind! Mother was right, boys are so silly and clueless! I know you and the other kids don't like how my mother plans to run the town and all, but trust me, with my amazing talent and generosity, folks will be glad that this town is named after me!" Nancy gushed, her eyes twinkling.

"Why are you telling me this?" Jeb wondered aloud.

Nancy stole a quick glance over at Jenny, who was laughing with her friend, Elizabeth Stark. Nancy eyed them curiously as Elizabeth whispered something into Jenny's ear, which made her turn around to face them. Jenny smiled genuinely as she waved at Jeb, a gesture he returned almost immediately. The two girls hugged before parting ways to sit with their families as Reverend Alden made his way to the front of the room.

"Like I said," Nancy tore her gaze from Jenny, "Clueless!"

Jeb blinked in confusion as Nancy flipped her curls, they barely brushed his chin, "Are you going to wish me luck?" She added with a sly smile.

"Good luck!" Jeb responded somewhat enthusiastically, mostly to make her go away. Nancy stole one last glance at Jenny before briskly sauntering over to her seat.

"Good morning!" Reverend Alden greeted. The room was completely silent as everyone took their seats. "Before we begin the music," he nodded at Mrs. Foster, who was sitting daintily in front of the piano, "I would like us all to pray. Heavenly father..."

Jeb closed his eyes and lowered his head. He smiled when he felt his Ma's hand cover his own, and he immediately thought about how blessed he was to have such wonderful people in his life. Sure, there were some that weren't quite as accommodating, but others, he'd grown so close to over the few months he'd settled here. He discretely peered over at Jenny, who sat in a similar position like himself. Laura's hand rested atop hers while Jenny bore a gentle grin. He caught a glimpse of her dimples that appeared on her rose colored cheeks.

She has dimples, Jeb thought. Why hadn't he noticed them before?!

Suddenly, he felt a swift tap on his shoulder from Jason, who noticed his distraction. Jeb immediately closed his eyes once more, waiting patiently for Reverend Alden to close the beginning prayer.

"And now," Reverend Alden sighed, a look of hesitation was evident on his features as he gazed at Harriet Oleson. Her pink feathered hat and large fuchsia calico gown scarcely reminded Jeb of an enormous flamingo.

Reverend Alden went on, "I'd like to present Miss Nancy Oleson to come up and sing..." "Amazing Grace," Mrs. Foster mouthed. Reverend Alden's face paled significantly at the new revelation, "Amazing Grace," he repeated, stepping down from the podium.

Jeb felt himself gulp as he watched Nancy mount the steps and stand prettily in Reverend Alden's place. He glanced over at Jenny, who seemed to be doing her best not to smirk, but was failing miserably. Of course, Jeb had never heard Nancy sing before, but he had a bad feeling...

"Eh-hem!" Nancy cleared her throat, in effort to get everyone's attention.

She glanced at Jenny for a moment, before turning her gaze to Jeb. He felt his cheeks redden.

"I would like to dedicate this song to my mother and all the candy she lets me eat as well as the fabulous presents I receive from her every month. And of course, I do realize that there are many children who are not as fortunate as me," Nancy said, shooting another glance at Jenny. "I've been practicing this song for weeks, please do feel free to throw flowers!"

Jeb fought the urge to scoff at Nancy's ridiculous speech, but he knew his parents would scold him for being rude. It's not like Nancy was particularly nice either. What was her problem? Why was she targeting Jenny so much?

He avoided Nancy's gaze as she began singing. It was out of tune of course, and she seemed to drown out the lovely music from the piano as she practically screamed the melody.

Jeb was outraged. How on earth did Nancy get the benefit of doing this? He didn't know what he expected, but it was certainly nothing this bad. From the corner of his eye, he could see some people get up to step outside until it was over. Even Laura had taken her baby Rose outside to calm her whimpering.

Land sakes, Jason could probably sing better!

At long last, it was finally over. Folks clapped, but Jeb figured it was more out of relief. Harriet Oleson gushed wildly as her husband looked quite perturbed. Jeb couldn't imagine why.

"Thank you, Nancy." Reverend Alden said, without much emotion.

Jeb hadn't realized that he'd been slouching in his seat as Nancy walked by him and smiled. He half heartedly returned the gesture before sitting up and acknowledging Reverend Alden as he began to preach.

He listened intently as Reverend Alden talked about accepting people for who they are, and Jeb realized that it wasn't right for him to judge Nancy as an annoying, selfish girl. Even if she was, Jeb was raised with good morals and he was determined to let them show.

As if pushing her head under water wasn't enough! Jeb chuckled darkly at the memory.

He glanced across the room at Jenny, who was seated with her hands folded neatly on her lap. She seemed to be completely engaged in Reverend Alden's words. Jeb watched as Jenny slowly reached out and clutched Laura's hand, looking up at her lovingly. Jeb's heart burst with happiness whenever he saw Jenny share a close moment or compassionate gesture with Laura or Almanzo, knowing how much she'd grown and changed over the past few months since her father's unexpected death. She was strong and relentless with a courageous spirit, something in which he admired in a person more than anything else.

A few moments passed before Jenny merely glanced in Jeb's direction, nearly leaving him breathless as she cast a quick wink in his direction. Reverend Alden's sermon suddenly drowned out in his mind, as well as Nancy's bristling scowl from a few seats away.


At long last, the election for mayor in Walnut Grove was finally over! The Carters as well as many other families could not be more content with their new mayor: Mr. Len McCarrey! He'd practically grown up in this small town of Minnesota, no one knew the place better than he did.

The crowd's cheering was still ringing in Jeb's ears as he recalled Doctor Baker announcing the number of votes just moments ago. From the corner of his eye, he could see Mr. Edwards and two other men tear the wooden "Olesonville" sign off from the post. Walnut Grove was back!

"Don't forget the party at Lars's house! Everybody is invited, compliments to the Olesons!" Mayor McCarrey shouted.

The townsfolk cheered once more as Harriet Oleson scoffed and made her way inside the Mercantile, the door slamming in her wake. Nancy followed her quickly as Willie gave his father a friendly pat on the back.

"Jeb!" A chipper voice called.

He looked over he shoulder and saw Jenny walking briskly towards him. Without thinking, he embraced her enthusiastically, enjoying her soft laughter in his chest as he rested his chin on the top of her head, holding her close. "This is the best day ever," Jenny murmured, peering up at him.

"And it's going to get better," he smiled, "Do you want to walk?"

Jenny thought for a moment before nodding. "I'll let Aunt Laura and Uncle Manzo know that we'll meet them there," she sauntered off, grinning.

After shortly arriving at the the old Hanson's house, almost a dozen couples were lined up, ready to dance as the fiddles began to play harmoniously. From a distance, Jeb spotted his little brother chasing after some helpless girl while most of his classmates happily munched on cob corn. It truly was beginning to feel like summer.

"There's so many people dancing," Jenny said wondrously, eyeing the couples almost longingly. The pair chuckled as they watched Doctor Baker swing Ms. Plum around until she looked almost faint with dizziness.

"The McCarrey and Oleson election was probably one of the best things I've seen in Walnut Grove," Jeb teased. His face flushed as Jenny shifted her gaze from thedancing couples to him.

"Why do you say that?"

"Well," he began, "I haven't felt this excited about anything since I moved here, what with the election and all. There was a plenty amount of talk about politics in New York. But here, it just seems that no matter who wins or loses, everyone is still a family." By the time he finished, Jenny was smiling at him much like she did on her first day of class.

"Jeb, I - "

"Jenny!" Laura Wilder was hurrying over to the both of them, Rose snug in her arms. "Mrs. Lovett needs help in the kitchen for a few minutes. Would you mind helping her while I watch Rose?"

"Okay," Jenny nodded eagerly, a gesture in which Jeb found very endearing. In a swift motion, Jenny embraced Jeb tightly, "I've got to help," Jenny giggled as she pulled away to look at him, "Aunt Laura's orders." She gave him an amused grin before making her way across the lawn and into the three story white house.

Jeb suddenly felt lonely. He could try and find Jason, or stick around with his other classmates and listen to their mindless chatter about new clothing styles, games other than baseball, and god forbid; the opposite gender. Jeb internally shuddered at the thought. It's not like he had a crush on anyone. Even if he did, one word to a companion of his and it'll be the talk of Walnut Grove. He could just picture it now: "Twelve Year Old Jeb Carter Was Last Seen With His Beau Named..."

No.

That would just not do.

Jeb was about to give in and find Jason when he felt a firm hand on his shoulder. He whipped around quickly to find Mr. Edwards staring down at him, with a rather teasing smirk on his face. Even though all the facial hair, Jeb could still identify it. Oh no.

"Why 'ello youngin' Mr. Carter!" Mr. Edwards greeted, mussing his hair.

"Oh, hi Mr. Edwards. Are you happy with how the election turned out?"

"By far!" Mr. Edwards looked pleased, "Mr. McCarrey definitely deserved it! Fine fella his is. But more importantly, how's it going?"

"It's going well," Jeb answered absentmindedly, staring at the porch Jenny had walked across moments ago.

"Yeah? Did you get to smoochin' yet?"

"Huh?!" Jeb flushed uncontrollably.

"The Wilder girl," Mr. Edwards spelled it out for him, "Or nah?"

"I-I..." Jeb was having a hard time speaking. Of course Mr. Edwards was referring to Jenny. Who else spent the most time with him other than Willie? Jason? His folks? There was simply no way out.

"N-No, we're just friends," Jeb felt like an entire weight was lifted off his shoulders once he said this. Mr. Edward's smirk lessened slightly as he searched his face for any traces of uncertainty. But Jeb stood his ground.

"Alright. But just be careful. I hear that Oleson girl has got quite an old smelly fancy crush on you."

Jeb chucked at Mr. Edward's interesting use of vocabulary. Honestly, the thought of him with his hands around Nancy's waist and dancing with her at the next social made him cringe. Mr. Edward's may have a point to be cautious.

Luckily, the topic of Jenny and Nancy changed as he and Mr. Edwards began talking about baseball and an upcoming fishing trip to Mankato with his Pa. Jeb was able to regain some of the natural colors on his face as Jenny approached them almost ten minutes later.

"Sorry I was gone so long, Mrs. Lovett needed alot more help than she thought!" Jenny smiled, "Oh Mr. Edwards! I hope you're enjoying yourself!"

"Well I most certainly am! Young Mr. Carter and I were just talking about how good of a friend you are."

"Oh, yeah," Jeb shrugged, he'd almost forgotten that conversation.

"Really?" Jenny beamed.

Jeb and Jenny smiled brightly at each other, not even registering the fact that Mr. Edwards had murmured something smart under his breath and walked away.

"Hey Carter! Jenny!" One of their classmates ran up to them, "We're all having a spinning competition!"

"A what?" Jenny cocked an eyebrow at the overly excited boy. Without pausing for breath, he said, "When the fiddles get louder, the faster we spin. Whoever spins the fastest and the longest, is the winner! So pick a partner."

Jeb and Jenny shared a look that they both knew too well. Competition was what thrilled them the most.

Together, they anxiously ran across the lawn were all the couples were dancing in unison. Willie Oleson walked up to one of the fiddlers and whispered something in his ear, to which he grinned.

Before they knew it, Jeb and Jenny were in full swing around the grassy landscape, trying their hardest to keep from doubling over with laughter. Time hung in limbo as Jeb effortlessly spun Jenny around in circles, her sweet laughter and amazed expression made Jeb's heart beat faster than normal. For once, he forgot what others thought as people began to crowd around and observe them. Spinning her around and holding her snugly in his arms was the single easiest action to sleeping. Suddenly, he was reminded of the young girl he dreamed about. The girl who looked at him with such admiration, protection, and curiosity. Several minutes later, the rhythm of the fiddles slowed into a soft melody and the couples returned to resume their dancing after observing them fondly.

Jeb peeked over Jenny's shoulder to see most of his classmates with their arms folded, looking on grimly.

Jenny took his hand and walked over to the large group of students, "Did we win?"

"Yeah yeah," several students responded at once as they tried to ignore the triumphant smirks on Jeb and Jenny's faces. Jeb caught her hand in a high five, only to have her lean into him slightly.

"My, I don't think I've been so dizzy before," Jenny chuckled.

"Let's sit down," Jeb took hold of Jenny's waist as he walked her to the porch steps a few feet away.

"Thank you," Jenny smiled. Elizabeth Stark suddenly ran up to them, her face full of both concern and happiness. "Wow you two! You practically had the whole town enthralled with your dancing. I'd say you're both naturals!" The blond girl took a seat next to her best friend as Jeb removed his arm from around Jenny's waist, not wanting to give the girl any suspicions.

"That was something," another voice said.

"Land sakes, Jason!" Jeb jumped at the sight of his brother who spontaneously appeared next to him, "You scared me!"

"And it won't be the last time either," Jason brought his cob corn to his mouth, eyeing his older brother with what looked like approval.

"Whatever," Jeb sighed, closely watching Jenny as she happily chattered on with Elizabeth.

"Do you like her?" Jason's tone suddenly changed, as did his humorous expression. Jeb hated the seriousness that now permeated between the two of them. Normally, Jason was the first person to find out all of Jeb's secrets. But then again, Jeb didn't have any. He'd already told his family about the swimming, which was no longer a concern, so he really didn't have anything to hide.

Jeb scratched his head, "No."

Jason looked at him in a way that had closely resembled that of Mr. Edward's expression when Jenny was the topic of discussion. Much to Jeb's surprise, Jason continued to much on his cob corn, and didn't ask any more questions.

Fearing for the worst, Jeb looked over at Jenny, who was too busy talking to Elizabeth to have heard anything of what he and his brother were talking about.

A moment later, he felt a soft hand atop his, "Jeb, Elizabeth and I are going to take a walk. If I don't see you again tonight then tell your Ma and Pa I said hi," Elizabeth swiftly grabbed a hold of Jenny's hand as the two of them began to descend the porch steps.

"Don't worry, I will." Jeb chuckled, earning another charming grin from Jenny.

When she was out of sight, Jeb glanced up at the darkening sky and thought about his upcoming birthday in a few short months. He was going to be thirteen. As it was, his Pa didn't consider him a young farm boy in training anymore, no. He was growing up, and he wasn't sure if he was more scared or excited. He didn't know what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, but he made a quick promise to himself that he would make his parents proud, Jason proud, her proud...

He didn't know where he was going, but he was on his way.


A/N: THANK YOU MY PATIENT READERS! Finals are finally over & I'm excited to be able to dedicate more time to this story . The reviews I received last chapter were very sweet & I hope that y'all enjoyed this chapter!

Much love,

Allison x