2 WEEKS LATER

"GET OUT THE DAMN BARN YOU STUPID COW!" I screamed at MiMi, the dumbest cow on the face of this planet. Hell, I think she might even be the dumbest cow ever in existence. After the stupid milk-giver got out of the barn, I decided to take a walk down to the mining district, Their was a certain someone I needed to talk to.

"Hey!" I said as I saw Owen walking towards the mine.

"What is it now, farm girl?"

"Do you know anything about cows?" I asked with a slight grin, knowing I had asked a stupid question to a blacksmith apprentice about cows.

"Does it look like I know anything about cows?" He replied jokingly, "What seems to be the problem?"

"She's all pissy and moody. She won't get out of her own way, and heaven forbid she you want her to move or anything."

"Sounds like someone I know." He laughed, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, it sounds like your cow is pregnant."

"DO NOT say the 'P' word. I've only had her a few days, she cannot be 'P'!"

"You'll have to call Marimba Farm and get someone to check her out for sure, but it sounds like that might be the problem. She was probably 'P', as you like to call it, when you bought her. Sounds like you have some pretty crappy luck." As I was contemplating bashing my skull in with the nearest rock for being stupid enough to buy a pregnant cow, a little girl with orangish-red hair walked up.

"Hi. I'm Chloe, are the girl Owen keeps talking about or is that someone different?" She asked. I laughed, while Owen proceeded to blush.

"If that girls name is Lauren, then yes, I am."

"Yep you're her! Are you two going to get married or something?" She asked, somewhat puzzled about our situation. Owen, looked about like I did after I found out about my cow, a look of death by rock.

"No, we're just friends." I said between giggles.

"Owen, I think you should marry her, she's really pretty, and very nice! You should marry her and I could live with you all and we could have ponies and unicorns and a TV and-"

"CHLOE, that's enough now, we don't need to bother Miss. Lauren anymore, how about you go ahead into the mines and find some mushrooms or something." He said, still bright red.

"I can't wait for ya'll to get married, then I can have some more baby cousins to play with!" She said, running into the mines.

"You look like you could use a drink." I said still laughing at his shocked expression.

"I-I-I could." He said, finally laughing about the whole conversation.

"So how about we meet tonight around, seven-ish, at Brass Bar?"

"Sounds like a plan."

7:05

"HE'S NOT COMING!" Was all I could think to myself, even though he was only five minutes late. It wasn't like this was a date or anything, even though I was wearing my best dress and didn't reek of dirty animals. I checked the clock one last time, 7:11. I turned back and saw him walk in.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Ramsey wouldn't let me off even a few minutes early. Even after Chloe explained to him that if he wanted great grandchildren he should let me go. That kid I swear…. Sometimes she just knows how to embarrass me." He said slightly embarrassed, as we took a seat at a small table in the corner.

"She's adorable."

"Yep, she's my cousin, although treat her like my sister."

"I bet you protect her like one too." I joked, as we ordered our drinks.

"Oh, you bet I do! NO ONE is ever going to mess with her!" We both laughed, before he got serious, "You see, her and Ramsey are all I have. My parents died when I was young, so I've been living here with my Grandfather ever since."

"I'm so sorry…." I said, truthfully not knowing what else to say.

"That was a long time ago….. So how do you like it here on Castanet Island?" He asked, changing the subject.

"I love it, so far. It's quiet, which I love. I think I've managed to shake every hand and kiss every baby here." I joked.

"It's obvious you haven't been here long,"

"And how's that?" I asked.

"You still think it's quiet. Trust me, this place is anything but that. Look over there," He said pointing towards a tall blonde chick who had been shooting glances our way all night, "That's Kathy and by the time we leave the bar, half of the island will know everything that's happened tonight, from what you're wearing, to what we've drank." He explained, as she looked over at us again. This time he waived back and she quickly turned away.

"It's getting late…."

"Let's blow this place." He said. We walked out the door and I could tell he had something on his mind."Lauren…."

"Yes,"

"Can I….Walk you home?" He asked nervously.

"I'd like that…..I'd like that a lot." I said with a smile.

"Good." He said, as we began our trek back.

"So, I'm sure Mayor Hamilton told you all about the Flower Festival." He said, as we neared the hill in which my farm sat on top of.

"He came by this morning and told me all about. It's in front of the church right?"

"Yes….I was wondering if maybe….You would want to go with me to the festival?"

"Like a date?"

"Yeah, like a date." He said, awaiting nervously for my answer. We had reached my house and were standing on the front steps.

"I'd love too." I said with a smile, "So it's a date?"

"It's a date." He said smiling.

"I had a great time tonight."

"Me too. I can't wait for tomorrow." He said. We looked in each others eyes and I new what was coming. I leaned in as he did and we kissed. Sparks flew, and I knew it was right. I knew he was right, and that this island was the right place for me.

"I better…get going." He said, amazed by the kiss.

"I can't wait for tomorrow. Goodnight." I said, as we kissed again.

"Goodnight." He said, smiling as he walked up the path to the mining district.