Joe Kagan and Hester Sue early one Saturday morning are on the Train to Saint Paul MN to take a 3-week class to get a teaching certificate so they can keep the orphanage open.
On the train Joe and Hester Sue are talking as Joe says, "I sure hope we can pass this class and keep the Orphanage open. The Orphanage has been doing so well. I don't want to see these kids wound up in a workhouse. Kenny has really been showing progress in his attitude."
Hester Sue answers, "Joe, I remember years and years ago when I first took the class it wasn't that hard. I remember lots of the material and I can help you study. I know we both will do fine with it."
Joe Kagan agrees, "I'm sure we will."
They arrive at St. Paul MN and get settled into a Hotel Room that the school has provided for the students who are taking the class. Hester Sue is across the hall in the same hallway as Mr. Kagan.
The next 3 weeks go smoothly with the class. Hester Sue and Joe Kagan study together and they become really close together. The night before the test to get their State teaching certificate they are doing some last minute studying. Hester Sue starts to say, "Tomorrow is test day. Do you think you are ready?"
Joe answers, "Yes, I believe I am." Joe then smiles. "Thank you Hester Sue for helping me in my studies."
Hester Sue replies, "Joe, and thank you for caring for those children the way you do."
Joe mentions, "Hester Sue, you have also done a lot for them and tomorrow evening I want to treat you to a special dinner out."
Hester Sue agrees to have dinner with Joe, "Joe Kagan I would be honored to have dinner with you tomorrow evening."
The next day the test begins at 8am. with a break at noon for lunch. Joe and Hester Sue have a little lunch together as Joe tells Hester Sue, "I think I'm doing pretty well on the test."
Hester Sue replies, "I think I am too. I know we will both pass."
After lunch at 1pm. they both go back to finish the test which will last for another two hours. The test is over at 3pm. sharp as the conductor of the test says, "Put your papers and pens down the test is now over. I will collect them as you exit. The papers will take about a week to grade and we will mail the results then. Good luck to you all."
Hester Sue and Joe Kagan hands in their test papers and exit the classroom and then Joe gaves a little sigh, "Awe, that's done!" Then says to Hester Sue, "Let's rest for a bit and at 6pm. we will have a special dinner."
Hester Sue agrees.
At 6pm. sharp Joe knocks on Hester Sue's Hotel Room door and they go to dinner together at a really nice restaurant that has candlelight and they have a Steak dinner and as they are talking and enjoying their evening together Joe ask Hester Sue as he takes a ring out of his pocket, "Hester Sue, we have done a lot of work together with helping and caring for the children on the street and building up the Orphanage. I hope the Orphanage can stay open and I always want you by my side will you marry me?"
Hester Sue smiles, "Joe, I have come to see and realize that you really love these children and yes I will always be by your side, YES, I will marry you!"
What will Joe and Hester Sue's test results be?
To Be Continued