Summer faded into fall, and the island became less crowded. Angela buried herself into work, filing away the paperwork for people who had left. She decided that was the best course of action to get her mind off Gray. She could see the disdain in his eyes, and she didn't blame him. Truth was, Angela was embarrassed by the entire drunken debacle.

"Finally summer people are gone," Gill sighed. "The island is ours again. Ah that's right you've never been here during the slow season. Well it's quite nice."

"It'll be a nice change of pace," Angela agreed. Gill looked restless. She had heard through Molly that he was now dating young Luna, Molly's friend. She wondered if Luna had anything to do with his strange mood as of late.

"Did you file those section G forms?" Gill asked.

"No you did those last week," Angela informed. Gill was never this absent minded. "You okay?"

"Huh?" Gill asked. "Oh... Yeah well, I'm just distracted today."

"Why don't you take off for the rest of the day, I think I can handle it," Angela advised.

"Are you sure?" Gill asked, but she could see by the look in his eyes, he was only asking as a formality.

"Yes, go," Angela urged. Gill nodded and packed his briefcase to leave.

Town Hall seemed strangely quiet without him. Angela was starting to wish she hadn't suggested he leave, when the door opened. Gray walked in barely giving her a glance.

"Where's Gill?" He asked.

"Gone for the day, can I help you?" Angela asked. She tried to keep the nerves out of her voice. She didn't need to let him know how he affected her.

"I'm here to register a new horse," he muttered. His eyes met hers briefly.

"I'll go get the forms," Angela stated.

Away from his gaze, Angela sighed. She had never been so grateful that the forms were stored in the back room. She needed to gain composure. There was a part of her still angry with him, but the other larger part just wanted to be around him.

"Get a grip," she gritted out. She went to the file to grab the forms he needed. Before stepping out she took another deep breath.

Gray stood waiting for Angela to come back out. He had not talked to her since the night she slept at his place. When she emerged, she looked calm. He wished he felt as calm as she looked. When Angela handed Gray the forms, their fingers briefly touched as the forms exchanged hands. The feathery light feeling of her fingers made his cheeks feel warm. He pulled his hat down further, so she wouldn't see him. Why was he blushing over something like that?

"Angela, I want you know that I did not do anything to take advantage of you that night you were drunk," Gray said. He looked up at her face which was covered with surprise.

"I-I never thought you did," Angela stated.

"Oh okay, good," Gray sighed. "I just..." He stopped. He just what? He wasn't so sure himself. "I'll get these forms back by tomorrow."

"Okay thank you," Angela replied. Her tone was very businesslike.

"Have a good day Angela," he said, and left Town Hall.

XxXx

"Come with me to Caramel Falls," Chase had whispered into Molly's ear. She had come to the beach to try her hand at fishing, but decided going to the falls with Chase would be much better.

They were now standing near the waterfall, the cold mist blew up in their faces. It was amazing how quickly the temperatures had changed. Molly looked out over the water, she was thinking about how much her life had changed. She suddenly felt Chase's cold nose against her neck.

"Ah!" She squealed. "That's cold!" Chase laughed and she turned to face him. The minute she looked at his laughing face, she smiled. She couldn't even pretend to be perturbed. Chase wrapped his arms around her pulling her close.

"You are gorgeous Molly," he whispered. He lifted a finger under her chin, and angled he face up to his. Gently he pressed his lips against hers. She relished the way his lips felt against her own. Gentle at first, then more daring. When he had finished, she found herself trying to catch her breath.

"Wow," she breathed out.

"I love you Molly," Chase stated. Molly looked into his violet eyes, searching to see any hint of doubt. She saw none. A slow smile spread across her face.

"I love you too," she replied. And she did. She couldn't imagine her life without him. He had made her fall for him in a few short months. Resting her head against his chest she sighed. Chase was everything she had never known that she needed. He held her for a long time before finally suggesting they head back down. Reluctantly the couple pulled away from each other, unaware of the red-haired girl watching them for a distance.

XxXx

Little baby Jackson cooed in Angela's arm. Being around him always seemed to make her cheer up. She needed some cheering up these days.

"Isn't he just a little angel?" Elli asked. She was beaming happily.

"Yeah, that he is," Angela sighed.

"So what's this I hear about you and Gray?" Elli asked. Angela's head popped up to look at her sister in law. Was there a rumor about her and Gray? She certainly hoped not.

"What?" She asked.

"Molly tells me you and he have a thing going," Elli informed. Angela breathed out a sigh.

"We do not," Angela asserted. Elli chuckled.

"Gray's a good guy. I used to live in Flowerbud too, he was always a solid, stand up guy don't allow that gruff exterior fool you," Elli explained. "Although I thought for sure he was going to get hitched with Popuri." Angela stiffened slightly, remembering what Gray had told her about his ex wife. She was grateful that Elli had turned to the laundry basket as she was saying this.

"Do you need any help?" Angela asked. Elli turned around with a warm inviting smile on her face.

"Oh no, you are a guest here, I can handle this bit of housework," Elli assured. She sat down in a chair near Angela's and started folding the laundry. "So how have you been?"

"Good," Angela lied. Elli looked at her skeptically, but said nothing.

"I'm glad you and Molly are adjusting so well," Elli sighed.

"Molly is in love with that cook," Angela stated. "Wasn't sure about him at first, but he has a good head on his shoulders. He's good for Molly. She's really matured since she started seeing him.

"That's exactly what Kevin says," Elli agreed. Angela smiled at her sister in law. Visiting with her and the baby had been a much needed "pick me up."