I awoke the next morning to the smell of eggs and toast, I got dressed in a baby blue cotton dress with lace around the collar area, I almost ran into Brian as he came running back up the steps "Sorry Maria Sully's taking me hunting today so I need to go get my bow." his rushed apology made me chuckle as I headed to the table.

"Hmm, this smells good Aunt Mike I didn't know you could cook," I said sitting down next to Colleen.

"Dr. Mike didn't make this Sully did," Colleen said as she passed me a plate,

"Oh well, it looks delicious Sully, by the way, did you make this lovely cabin by yourself?" The look on Michaela's face told me I may have made a mistake.

"It's a homestead Maria and yes I made it with my own two hands but I had some help," Sully said the tone of his voice showing a slight hint of agitation.

"Oh, I'm sorry if I insulted you Sully it's very beautiful," I said blushing from embarrassment.

He smiled, "It's alright Maria you didn't know well if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready to take Brian hunting." he stood and gave aunt Mike a kiss before heading upstairs.

"What do you plan on doing today, Maria?" Michaela asked as she finished off her toast.

"I'm not sure maybe talk with Mr. Bray about a fountain pen and some paper." said standing to grab the plates.

"Well then you can ride in town with Colleen and me, we'll be working at the clinic," Michaela said standing to help.

"You don't need to help ma; Maria and I can do the dishes why don't you just rest for a little," Colleen said as she helped me to dry the dishes.

"Just what I need more people telling me to rest," Michaela complained with a smile on her face

Just then Brian and Sully came downstairs. "Bye ma, Colleen, Maria I'll bring home dinner tonight just you wait ma!" shouted Brian as he ran out the door. Sully waved goodbye to Colleen and me but blew a kiss to Michaela.

Colleen and I finished the dish quickly and before I knew it, we were head back to town "Oh aunt Michaela you were right this is exactly what I need the fresh air the beautiful view it's the best." I sighed as we rode along Colleen and I started a game of I spy. The town was bustling with activity as we pulled up to the clinic.

"Michaela let me help you out" A young man dressed as a reverend.

"Thank you, Rev. Johnson." Aunt Michaela said as she took his hand. Next, he helped Colleen down just as he reached for my hand I was already being pulled out of the wagon.

"Allow me Reverend." His voice sent chills down my spine and I knew right away who it was, I turned to see the same piercing grey-blue eyes that haunted my thoughts last night.

"Thank you, Hank was, it?" I said smiling before realizing that he still had a hold of my waist, "Would you mind letting me go?" I asked blushing.

His sly smile from the day before reappeared on his face, "What if I do mind?"

"Let her go Hank." Aunt Michaela's voice had the same tone it, used to have whenever she was about to punish me.

"Calm down Michaela I'm not hurting her, am I darling?" Hank said with a wink.

"The lady asked you to let her go, Hank, now that's not going to be a problem is it?" Asked Matthew as he stepped up beside Hank and put his hand on my shoulder.

Hank growled slightly as he let go of my waist, "Not at all Sheriff. "and then he stomped over to the barbershop.

"Are you alright Maria?" Matthew asked as he walked me over to Michaela.

"Yes, I'm fine Matthew I have just never been grabbed like that before," I said shaking his hand off my shoulder. "Now if you will all excuse me, I'm going to head over to the general store to speak with Mr. Bray."

"I'm headed that way as well if you're ok with the company I'll walk with you, oh before I forget I'm Rev. Timothy Johnson." the man who had help both Michaela and Colleen said as he held out a hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Rev. Johnson, and I would love the company," I said as I placed my hand in his.

"You should be careful around Hank my dear he's not a very nice man."

"I understand reverend and I thank you for the advice but just like Michaela I like to make my own decisions and Hank has been nothing but nice since I met him." Was all I said before I entered the store. "Hello, Mr. Bray how are you today?"

"Ah, Ms. Jamerson how may I help you today?" Mr. Bray said with a big smile.

"I was wondering if you have any fountain pens and some paper?"

His smile faltered slightly "Well the paper is right over but the pens I'll have to order which will cost a little more."

"How much more?" I ask while he grabs the paper.

"Well it'll cost in total ten dollars but before I order anything, I have to make sure you are going to be here."

"Well, how long will it take for the pens to get here?"

"A least two days."

"Well then I will be here I'm staying for a few weeks with Dr. Quinn and her family," I said with a smile as I handed him the money.

"Well, then I'll see you in two days' time, Ms. Jamerson."

"Hello, Dorothy how are you today?" I asked as I walked over to where she was sitting.

"Oh, Maria I feel wonderful today I'm just about to finish with the Gazette do you want a copy when I'm done?" She smiled up at me.

"Of course, though I can't stay long I'm going to be with Michaela most of the day." I smiled back as I sat down on a stool next to her. As soon as the first copy was done, she handed it to me. "Thanks, Dorothy I'll read right away see you later today," I said with a smile as I headed back to the clinic.

Later that day about lunchtime:

"Colleen dear would you go get lunch from Grace's," Michaela asked looking up from the papers she was going through.

"Sure, ma can I take Maria with me? Grace would love to meet her." Colleen asked placing the scalp she had just sanitized with the others.

"I don't mind as long as Maria wants to go."

"I would love to if I'm going to be staying here it would be if I get to know everyone and where everywhere is."

Colleen walked me over to a nice area that was covered but still outside, "Is this Grace's?" I asked looking around.

"It sure is and how can I help you today miss? Hi, Colleen let me guess you're here for Dr. Mikes' and yours lunch." I kindly African woman said with a smile.

"Yes, I am and this here is Maria the young lady staying with us for a few weeks."

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Maria!" Grace said as her smile grew even wider.

"It's nice to meet you as well Grace, I was actually wondering if you make picnic lunches and if you know a nice place around here to have a picnic?'' I asked smiling.

"Well I sure do on both parts now it'll take a few minutes to put it all together and as for the place I suggest the great oak tree that grows about a mile past the church might be best if you have someone accompany you."

I smiled as I thought of Matthew "I know just the guy. Let me go talk with him and I'll be right back."

"Alright, then the picnic basket will be ready when you get back," Grace said with a smile.

Next chapter Picnic for two