Jo took a rather timid look at herself in the mirror. When she noticed her timid expression, she gave a sigh. She was being rather silly. Just because it was Easter was no excuse for Jo to act so childish-or so she thought. At Meg and Amy's suggestions-pushings really-Jo bought herself a new dress. It was light blue-grey, and made of very fine material. She had thought the dress was entirely too expensive for Plumbfield-with the children always making messes, but Amy had insisted. She even paid for the dress-something that still bothered Jo. However, Laurie was a very persuading person, and Jo eventually accepted the "gift."

Then this morning, Meg had arrived with flowers. She already had some delicately arranged in her hair-which was down. It turned out that Mr.Trent-Edward-was coming to town for Easter. Meg was really getting into it and insisted on putting flowers into Jo's hair. At first, Jo simply rolled her eyes and gave Meg a look, but Meg refused to take no for an answer and began arranging baby breath in Jo's hair. She looked at the clock and noticed that she was a little early. She had just enough time to sit down for a minute. On the table was a picture of everyone at Plumbfield, taken some years ago. She gave a small smile and picked it up, her thumb on Fritz. "Happy Easter," she said softly, brushing her finger over the image.

Nick brushed off his Sunday clothes as they hung on the hanger. He made a little face and looked at them closely. They'd have to do-besides, the only people that were going to see him were the children-and everyone else at Plumbfield. Like Jo. Nick sigh and shook his head; he was going to have to stop this. It was obvious that Jo wasn't ready to move on. She'd made that perfectly clear a while ago. Ever since then, he'd been trying to make himself feel better by reminding himself that she had offered the promise that one day she would be ready. Funny thing, but that wasn't much comfort now.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Nick gave the door a funny look, but opened it anyway. Laurie stood there with some packages behind him. "Nick! Happy Easter! How are you?" he said.

"I'm fine Laurie, what ya got there?" Nick said, pointing. Laurie smiled and gently pushed his way inside.

"Just some Easter surprises!" he said with a grin.

Of course Jo and Nick had no idea what was going on behind their backs at that very second. The children, who were supposed to be getting ready to go to church, were busy in the barn with a plot all their own.

"I still say we should have gone with the original idea!" Emil said.

"That's just because today was your day Emil!" Nan retorted.

"Children! Don't fight, please. We all agreed to work together. As in no more betting! Now Mr.Laurie just went over to Nick and I saw Meg with Jo quite a while ago," Franz said, "This will work. It has to work."

"Don't worry, it will," said Dan with a grin.

"Yeah, we planned so much for this, it can't go wrong!" Nat said.

"But," Fritz said, then left it hanging. There was a silence in the room as one by one the children looked up at him. "Should we have done this?"

"Of course we should," Amy said, entering the room, "It's obvious that they have feelings for one another. We're just helping them to act on their feelings."

"Why does it sound so easy when you say that? Look, I'm just concerned about Rob. What if he's too young to understand this?" Franz asked.

"Well that's why he hasn't been a part of it," Amy replied, "Besides, he adores Nick! He would just love to have him as a daddy!" Another silence fell over the room. "What?" Amy asked.

"How do you know that?" Franz asked.

"Well....we sort of played a little game. We pretended that Nick was his daddy and he told me it was fun and good," Amy said in an innocent voice.

"You did what?!!!" Franz almost started to cross the room towards her. Just then Laurie entered.

"All of you, be quiet! It's time to go!" he looked at all their faces and sigh, "Look, we've all come this far. The Easter-Spring Dance is tonight. If it doesn't work, it was never meant to be. Okay? Now don't worry." He smiled and everyone felt a little better. This was the day they had been waiting for.

Nick looked in the mirror. "This is crazy," he muttered. He had on a brand new suit. A "gift" from Laurie. It was a very nice suit-Nick really liked it! That was just the problem; he couldn't accept a gift like that. But Laurie had insisted. Then there were the flowers. Laurie had told Nick that Jo loved to receive lillies on Easter. As her employee, Laurie thought Nick should be the one to give her the flowers. Nick picked up them up and fingered the petals. A small smile formed on his lips before he could catch himself. He sigh again and, with one last look in the mirror, left.

"Here Mother, these are for you," Rob said, handing Jo a small boquet of wildflowers. "Franz helped me pick them."

Jo knelt down and hugged him tightly, "Sweetheart! Thank you! They're so lovely! Why don't you go out to the wagon, and I'll be right down." Rob nodded and skipped down the stairs. On his way down he passed Nick.

"Hi Nick!" he said with a grin.

"Hey Rob, is your ma upstairs?" Nick asked.

"Yep! She's in her room. Are those for her?" he pointed to the flowers. Nick nodded and then Rob looked down on his shoes.

"What's wrong?" Nick asked, sitting on the steps next to Rob.

"She won't like your flowers better than mine, will she?" he asked in a timid voice.

"Aw, no! She could never like anyone's flowers as much as the one's you gave her. You know how much she loves you! Don't worry Rob, look, if you don't want me to give them to her, I won't," Nick said. Rob seemed to think for a long time.

Then he said, "Those are her favorite. Maybe she'll like them both the same!" and with a smile and a wave, he was skipping down the stairs again. Nick looked back fondly and then finished going up the stairs. In the hall Franz just smiled and shook his head. "Franz! Nick's gonna give mamma her favorite flowers!" Rob said smiling, like he had some big secret.

"Is that so now?" Franz asked, leading him out of the house.

Nick stopped outside of Jo's room. Her door was half open and he could see inside. Jo had on a new dress, light blue, that he'd never seen before. She literally took his breath away and it took him a minute before he could knock on the door. Jo turned around and smiled.

"Well you look very nice!" she said.

"So do you," Nick said. There was an akward silence for a few beats as Nick stared at the flowers in his hand. He shook his head and said, "Here! These are for you!" Jo's eyes got big and her expression turned into one of surprise.

"Lillies," she said softly.

"They'd, uh, probably look silly in your hair....a little too big. But, uh, the ones you have in your hair now look real nice.....we should go," Nick tried to fill in the silence. Jo nodded her head and then gave a little laugh. She picked up a beautiful hat; it was straw, covered in a lacey material, with little flowers sewn on the top.

"Amy bought me this ridiculus hat, and I can't seem to get it on," she hesitated for a moment and then held it out to him, "Could you help me?" Nick swallowed hard.

"Sure," he said. Their hands brushed as he took the hat and Jo looked up at him. She turned around and faced the mirror, keeping eye contact with his reflection. He gently placed the hat on her head and tried to pin it the right way. After a few tries, he finally got it right.

"There, doesn't look ridiculous on you," he said. They just stood there like that for a moment, and then the kids started yelling from outside. Jo looked down and smiled, "Let's go!" Nick hesitated, then held his arm out to her, and she took it.

When they got to the wagon, everyone was trying to act so normal that it was strange. Rob started to say something, but Franz tickled him. Bess was riding with her parents, Meg, and Meg's children. All the rest of the kids were piled in the back of the wagon. Nick helped Jo up, then got in beside her.

"Happy Easter everybody! Ready to go to church?" Nick asked, flicking the reigns. The kids began to point and poke one another behind him. Finally Franz gave the kids a look and nodded toward Nan. She got a pleased look on her face and then gave Dan a triumphant smile.

"Mrs. Jo?" she said sweetly.

"Yes Nan?" Jo replied, turing around in her seat a little.

"We are going to the Easter-Spring-Dance tonight, aren't we? I mean, I've never been there and all the boys say it's lots of fun!" Jo's face became clouded for a moment, as various memories flashed in her mind.

Then she gave Nan a big smile and said, "Of course sweetheart. We wouldn't miss it!" After slightly hesitating, she added, "Nick, will you be joining us as well?"

Nick shrugged, "Don't see why not." Franz let out a breath rather loudly.

"Franz, are you alright? You look tired," Jo's face showed her concern.

"It's alright Aunt Jo, you're probably right," he replied with a smile. From then on they rode on to church with the usual amount of chatter.

"Father! That was a wonderful service," Jo exclaimed, shaking his hand after mass.

"I ain't been in a lot of churches but I have to say this is one of the best one's I've ever been to," Nick added.

"Thank you, you're too kind," he said, "Oh! Mrs. Bhear! I was wondering if you could help us out?"

"Of course Father, I'll help if I can," Jo said.

"Well, you know that today is our annual Easter Dance," he began.

Jo nodded, "Yes, we're going. The children are quite looking forward to it."

"Well then you also know that we try to raise money for the church every year, in some way or another," at Jo's nod he continued, "This year, the ladies have put together a little auctioning event. It seems they're going to "auction" off all the eligable ladies they can find." Jo began to shake her head no, but Father went on, "Please, think of the church! We could get so much money!" Jo looked up at Nick.

"What's the harm?" he asked, "It's only one night?"

"Alright," Jo said, finally relenting, "I'll do it."

Nan practically fell down as she ran over to where everyone else was standing. "Franz! Franz!" she exclaimed.

"What's wrong?" asked Meg.

"Mrs. Jo! She's going to be in the auction tonight!" Nan exclaimed.

"Well that's quite alright! After all, Father talked me into it too..." Meg trailed off, "Oh..."

"Well who's going to bid for Mrs. Jo?" Dan said. When everyone glared at him he added, "I mean, we're gonna get Nick to bid for her, and no one else in town is going to outbid him. That's what I meant."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that Dan," Franz said.

"Dear Lord," Jo began to say grace at the dinner table but suddenly stopped. "Nick, perhaps you would like to say grace?" she asked suddenly. Franz looked up in surprise by moving his eyes, but Amy's whole head shot up. Jo gave a startled glance in Amy's direction, but then Nick started.

"Dear Lord, we thank you for this food and for these people to share it with. This has been a real nice Easter and we hope that the church can raise some money tonight. Amen," Nick said.

As everyone began to eat, Franz leaned over to Tommy and whispered, "Now!"

"So Mr. Laurie, are you gonna bid for Mrs. Jo tonight?" Tommy asked.

"Tommy!" Jo exclaimed.

"It's alright Jo. I'm afraid not Tommy. I don't think Amy would appreciate it if I was gone all evening." Amy smiled and raised her eyebrows at Franz.

"Franz, won't you be bidding for Jo?" Amy asked in a sly voice.

"Uh...um," Franz cleared his throat.

"Perhaps Franz has someone else in mind Amy," Jo said rather sharply.

Franz saw his opportunity and jumped in with, "Why don't you do it Nick?" But it was a little too late.

"Stop it!" Jo exclaimed, "Would you all just stop it? Worrying about who'll bid for me....do you all really think that no one will? Well fine then, but please don't fight amongst yourselves this way!" She shook her head and quickly went outside. Before she was even out the door, Nick was getting up from his chair. He gave everyone a look before going out after Jo. Once he was out of hearing distance they all started yelling at one another.

"Amy! Why did you do that?" Franz exclaimed.

"Me!! Me? What? You did it!" Amy retorted.

"Everyone! Would you stop it!" Nan said very loudly. Everyone got quiet. "There, that's better. Now we all messed up. So it's time for Plan B," she grinned.

"Oh no!" Nat groaned, "Not the plans again!!"

"Plan B? What are you talking about?" asked Amy.

"I don't know yet," said Nan, her smile getting bigger, "but I'll figure out somethin'."

"Jo?" Nick said softly as he came onto the porch. Jo had her back to him. "Come on Jo," he said, turning her around. She quickly wiped at her eyes. "Aw Jo, you don't have to do this tonight if you don't want to," Nick said.

"I do want to Nick, that's the thing. But they're in there planning what to do when no one bids for me. Acting like this is so important. And then telling you to bid for me!"

Nick gave her *the look* and said, "I was gonna bid for ya anyway." Jo just looked into his eyes for a minute and then started to slowly walk away.

"Nick really, you don't have to," she said, walking to the railing.

"I want to," he simply said, "Course if you don't want me to..." Jo forced herself to look at him, but then looked down at her feet again.

"They're probably right you know," she said, gazing at the horizon.

"About the biddin'? Come on Jo! You have this new dress, those flowers in your hair....you make great conversation-you're real smart-why wouldn't anyone bid for you? That's just silly. And so what if they don't? I'll still bid. It'll make it easier for me to win...." Jo turned to him and grinned. "See, it's all just for fun. Now can we go back inside and eat? Asia's cookin' looked so good..." Nick grined back as Jo nodded and took his arm.

Jo walked into Nan's room and sigh when she saw Nan going through her dresses. "Nan! I've been looking everywhere for you; it's almost time to go!" Jo exclaimed.

"I know Mrs. Jo, but I just want to look perfect tonight!" Nan said with a sigh.

"Why don't you wear what you wore to church this morning?" Jo asked. Nan looked at Jo as if she was telling her to wear nothing.

"Mrs. Jo! I can't wear that! Not to the dance!" Nan exclaimed. She threw the piece of clothing she was holding on the floor and sunk onto the bed.

Jo slowly sat next to her and said gently, "Nan, is there something you're not telling me? You can tell me anything you know." Nan was looking at her shoes but finally looked up.

"Mrs. Jo, um....well have you ever liked a boy?"

Jo tried not to laugh as she said, "Yes, I have Nan. I loved my husband very much."

"Yeah, well, how can ya tell if they like you back?" Nan asked.

"Well Nan, I suppose it can be by the way they treat you. But Nan, let me tell you that sometimes, it's good to have all kinds of friends as a child, instead of sticking to one person. That way when you're older, you'll know who you really belong with. Does that make sense?"

Nan nodded and with a big smile said, "Yep Mrs. Jo!" "Let's go," Jo said, holding out her hand. Nan took it and they went out to the wagon.

"Good evenin' folks! Welcome to the annual Spring Dance!" said a man. Then he called out a song name and the music started. As soon as the wagon pulled to a halt (probably even before then) the kids jumped out and scattered in all directions.

"Be careful!" Jo warned, but she was smiling.

"Jo! Thank heaven's you're here! We really must start the bidding now," Father said coming up behind Jo.

"Of course," Jo said, nodding her head. He ran off but she hesitated and looked at Nick. He gave her *the smile* and said, "Go on!"

Nick milled around for a few minutes until he caught sight of Laurie and Amy. "Hey Nick! Don't you look nice!" Amy said.

"Well Laurie gave me the clothes-which I intend to pay him for," Nick said.

"Now Nick, really, the clothes were a gift," Laurie paused, and seeing that he wasn't going to win, he said, "So Nick, are you going to bid for Jo?" Amy shot him a look and then quickly smiled at Nick.

"I'm thinkin' about it," Nick said.

"Well you better think quickly, because the bidding's starting," Laurie replied.

And sure enough at that moment someone got up on the small "stage" and announced that the bidding was beginning. The fist person to go was Meg. She looked nervous and kept on smoothing her dress. But once she locked eyes with Edward, she became calm. Amy's slightly victorous smile almost made her husband laugh. There were quite a few bids for Meg, but in the end, Edward won by bidding $5. There were various other women, and some of them were younger women, and some fetched a good sum of money. The highest total was $17.75. Then it was time for the last lady. Opposite of her sister, Jo had chosen to go last. Slightly behind Nick in the crowd Meg and Edward had joined Laurie and Amy. All except Edward had nervous expressions on their faces.

When Jo came on stage, Nick gave a small, slightly proud smile. Unlike most of the other women, Jo wasn't having fits of giggles or blushing. It was clearly obvious that she didn't really care for that much attention, but she had a sort of gracious way of embracing it. Her smile wasn't nervous or suductive in any way. It was natural and sort of warm and inviting. While Nick was noticing all this, heavy bidding was going on around him. Before the threesome behind him knew it, the price was up to 25 dollars. When it looked as if the lastest bidder was about to win Jo, and Nick wasn't doing anything, Amy shook Laurie. He looked down at her in total surprise.

"Bid!" she hissed.

Laurie just looked at his wife, sigh, and called out, "26 dollars!"

Nick turned around to look at Laurie. He really had to stop himself from laughing. Meg looked uncomfortable, Amy had a smile pasted on her face, and Laurie looked helpless.

Nick turned around and said, "Forty-five dollars." The man nodded and began to write something down, then looked back up quickly.

"Did you say forty-five dollars?" he asked. Even Jo looked startled as Nick gave a nod. "Okay, $45 going once, going twice, sold!" Jo simply looked at Nick with an unbelieving smile on her face.

As the music started again, the crowd began to break up, some dancing, others moving aside to chat. But through the crowd, Jo and Nick's eyes were locked together. Even as Jo made her way off the stage, and Nick made his way over to the stage, their eyes never parted. Jo had a look of wonderment on her face, and Nick had a warm grin. When they finally were standing in front of eachother, Nick looked down for a moment. Jo began to blush and look away, but Nick quickly turned back and said, "Would you care to dance?" Jo's wonder grew, and she simply nodded.

Meanwhile, Amy was bursting with happiness. "Do you see that?? He's taking her in his arms! They're dancing!" she squealed, almost tugging Laurie's arm off.

"Yes, yes my dear, but must you pull so hard?" Laurie said with a grin. Meg smiled and gazed at her two happy sisters. Then she heard some one clear their throat. Beside her, Edward was looking at her intently. Meg imediately looked down and began to blush.

Edward gently pushed her chin up with his finger and said, "May I have the pleasure of dancing with the most angelic creature here?" Meg blushed all the more and barely nodded her head.

Amy looked over at them, then at Jo, and finally at her husband. One look into her pleading eyes and Laurie finally said with a laugh, "Mrs. Laurence, would you do me this honor?"

"I'd thought you'd never ask," Amy said with a sly smile.

A little away from where the adults were dancing, the children had begun dancing as well. Some of the boys were messing around, but Nat, Nan, and Bess were sitting and talking. Dan had been dancing with most of the girls, and it seemed that he was quite popular with them. Dan liked most of them; they were really fun and interesting to talk to. However, some of them were just plain flirts, and Dan was definately not interested in that. Nan and Nat had been having an interesting conversation about his latest story, while Bess pretended to listen. She had been asked to dance a few times, but she really didn't feel up to it. Or at least that was what she said.

"Look at all them people dancin'," Nan said. She gave a sidelong glance towards Nat and said cautiously, "Looks a little fun."

Nat stared down at his shoes for a while, and then, trying to be casual and acting like he didn't really even care, he said, "Well, maybe we should try it."

"Sure," Nan said, excitement in her voice. Then she quickly changed her voice to sound like she didn't care and said, "I mean, sure....why not?" They both looked up at eachother at the same time, and smiled. Nat got up and held out his hand, and Nan took it.

Bess gave a little look of longing in their direction, and then went back to her hobby of watching Dan dance. She'd been doing it all evening, only half listening to Nat and Nan's conversation. Suddenly she realized that Dan had disappeared.

'Probably found a girl he liked more than the rest,' she thought glumly. Just then a shadow fell over her. She looked up and saw Dan with a sheepish look on his face.

"What do ya say Bess? Wanna dance?" he said, giving her that darling half grin. He held out his hand, and tried to act cool and calm. Really, inside, he was freaking out. Bess was the only girl he really wanted to dance with.....but she was Bess. Still......

'Say yes! Say yes!' Bess screamed in her mind, 'This is what you wanted!' Instead she said, "What Dan, ran out of girls?" Dan just gave her a look and began to walk away. 'No!' Bess' mind screamed. "Dan wait!" she called. He turned around and she thought for a moment that she had seen a look of hope in his eyes. "I can't dance this dance," Bess said quietly.

"What?" Dan looked at her in disbelief, "You? Didn't your mother get you dancing lessons?"

"Yes," she said in a defensive voice, "But they never taught me these strange reels." Dan was about to reply with a snappy comeback when suddenly the song stopped.

"Well folks! It's time for our first slow song of the evenin'," the fiddle player said, and a sweet old waltz started up.

"Can ya dance to this?" Dan asked, half mockingly.

"Why yes I can," Bess said with a smaill smile, acting overproper.

"Well in that case," Dan said using a stuffy accent, "Shall we?" He held out his hand, which Bess took with a small laugh. Of course within two minutes, it was back to bickering ......"Dan! You stepped on my foot!" "Well maybe if you knew how to dance!"......

Jo was slightly out of breath from all the dancing she'd been doing. She couldn't remember when she'd had so much fun! Then they announced the first slow song of the evening. Jo gave a pained glance in Nick's direction......he probably didn't know how to dance a waltz, seeing as he practically grew up on a ship.

"It's alright Nick, you don't have to," Jo said with a kind smile.

Nick just gave her *the look* and said, "You don't think I can dance?" Jo just looked down at her shoes as if to say, 'Well you said it, I didn't.'

That's why she was rather shocked when Nick's arms went around her, and he began leading her around the floor. "Nick! Where ever did you-"

"I've danced with some pretty interesting ladies during my time at sea," Nick said, a hint of bragging in his voice.

"Oh," said Jo with a laugh, "I see."

"Course, they never did compare with the one's here..." Nick trailed off. Jo looked up at him and raised an eyebrow, which caused Nick to turn slightly red. After that both of them danced in silence, both "secretly" enjoying the nearness of their companion.

As the evening drew to an end, Franz approched Jo, "Franz! What's wrong? Are the children okay?" Jo asked, clearly alarmed.

"Yes, but they're all asleep. Aunt Jo, may I have a word with you?" Franz motioned her over to the side. Franz began, "Aunt Jo, there was something I was hoping to speak with you about before the celebration tonight, but since I didn't get a chance....Aunt Jo, I still miss Uncle, even after all this time. Now only you can say if it is still too soon....but please don't confuse too soon with being scared."

Jo looked down at her shoes for a moment and then said, "You're right, it's getting late and we should be heading home." She hugged him tightly and then he was gone. She stood thinking for a while, and didn't notice when Nick came up behind her.

"Somethin' wrong?" Nick asked.

"No, it's just time to go," Jo said. "And Franz just wanted to speak with me about something." Jo thought to herself for a moment, nodded and said, "Let's go check on the children." Nick nodded and they walked off together. As they were walking, Jo's mind noticed only one thing-Nick's hand on the small of her back. It brought a smile to her lips, which Nick noticed.

"Mind sharing what's so funny?" he said. A billion thoughts raced through his mind and he began to remove his hand. Jo caught his hand in her own and said, "Nothing, let's go."

The ride home was quiet, as all of the children were completely worn out. After making sure all were safely tucked in bed, Jo tried to get some sleep, but found herself restless. She went down to the kitchen hoping for a bite to eat, but she found that she wasn't really hungry. Instead, she grabbed a shawl and walked outside. She milled around for a while, and finally decided to go to the schoolhouse.

Upon entering, the familiar smell of chalk greeted her. She ran her hand along Franz's desk, then walked over to the picture of her husband. 'Is it just fear?' she wondered. Just then Nick walked into the schoolhouse.

"Couldn't sleep either?" he asked from the doorway. Jo quickly turned around.

"No," she said, pulling her shawl tighter around her. She was confused, and seeing Nick would only make her sleep even less, "But now I'm actually feeling a little better, so I might try to catch a few hours."

She began to leave but Nick blocked her way by standing in the doorway. She gave him a look of surprise and said questioningly, "Nick?" Nick took her hand and Jo felt panic overtake her. This was a classic Jo and Nick akward moment. Both were too shy and scared to say anything, and then they'd both go on their way. But this time, Jo felt as though Nick might finally break that barrier; he might finally go beyond that "temporary" line she'd drawn so long ago.

"Nick, it's late," she said quietly, removing her hand from his.

"Course, I'm sorry Jo," Nick said sheepishly shaking his head.

Jo walked a few yards away from the school house and then stopped and turned around. Nick had also turned around and was looking at her. She wanted to say something so badly, but the fear and panic that always seemed to overtake her did just that. With one last apoligetic glance towards Nick, she went back to the house.

Franz, who was watching from the front window at the house, sigh. Then he nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a noise. He spun around only to see Nan.

"Geez Franz, it's only us, you don't have to act all crazy," Nan said.

"What are you children doing up?" Franz asked.

"We wanted to see what would happen with Mrs. Jo and Nick," Bess answered. Behind her, Nat and Dan nodded their heads.

"You mean you were spying??" Franz said, "How many times must I tell you children? Do not spy on people!"

Dan stepped forward with a big grin on his face, "And uh, what were you doing Franz?"

Franz's shoulders sagged as he realized he was beaten. "Great," said Nan, moving closer to the window, "Now that we've got all that settled, did you see what happened? Nothing!"

"Well Nan, we tried," said Franz, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

"Unless...." Nan got a mischevious grin on her face. Nat groaned and slapped his forhead with the palm of his hand.

"No, please no," he muttered.

"I bet that horse just didn't have a Plan C Franz. But we do!" Nan exclaimed.

"We do?" Bess asked in a fearful voice.

"Oh yeah, and this time, it's sure to work!" Nan said.

A few days later Jo was sitting on the porch, reading a book when Nick walked around the corner. "Mornin'," he said with a smile.

"Good morning," Jo replied, also returning the smile. Nick took the seat next to Jo and she closed her book.

"Well the garden's ready for planting, but I still gotta repair that small hole in the fence," Nick said, updating Jo on his current status.

Jo nodded and said, "That's great Nick, thank you so much. I'm sure the children will be thrilled to hear that they can start planting in their garden again." Nick was about to reply when Laurie's carriage pulled up. Laurie nearly leapt out.

"Oh good! You're both here! Jo you'll never believe what happened!!! It's so exciting! Amy is planning on having dinner this evening in town, yet she's got quite a guest list, and it will take me forever to invite everyone! You'll come, won't you?" Laurie paused for a breath and looked at Jo expectantly.

"Oh, um, yes Laurie, of course. What time, it can't be too late because the children have school tomorrow," Jo replied thoughtfully.

"Oh no Jo, the children can't come, just you and Nick," Laurie said quickly. At Jo's surprised glance he went on to say, "It's going to be quite formal. It's just so exciting! I can't believe it. 7:00 tonight alright? Great! We'll see you there!"

Before either of them knew what had happened, Laurie's carriage was half way down the road. Jo and Nick began laughing. "Did he even say what this is all about?" Jo asked.

"I don't think so," Nick said with a grin, "but we might as well find out."

"Yes," Jo said with a smile, "You know Nick, you don't have to go."

Suddenly the mood turned serious. "You don't want me to go?" Nick asked, trying to sound as though he didn't care.

"I...I didn't say that Nick. I just didn't know if you'd want to go. I mean, this doesn't really seem like your kind of thing," Jo said quickly.

"What do you mean?" Nick asked.

"Well you'd have to get all dressed up, and I wouldn't want it to be a hassle for you," Jo said, knowing that with every word she was digging herself into a hole.

"It wouldn't be a hassle," Nick said, giving Jo *the look*.

"Fine, fine. Then I think it'd be great if you go," Jo said with a smile.

Nick nodded his head and gave her a grin, "Well I guess I better go finish up then." With that he walked towards the barn.

As soon as his back was turned, Jo's expression turned to one of apprehension and excitement. She opened her book and tried to read some more, but found herself on the same page for the rest of the day.

That evening Nan and Bess sat on Jo's bed as she got ready. She put on an old deep blue party dress, and was surveying it in the mirror. "Mrs. Jo, that's so pretty," Nan sigh. For a minute Jo's expression was one of relief but she masked it with a smile and said,

"Thank you Nan." Jo tried to put on a necklace but found that her hands were shaking.

"Here Aunt Jo, let me," Bess said taking the necklace from Jo's hands. Jo sigh and looked at herself in disbelief. Why couldn't she stay calm??

'I know,' she thought, 'It's because the minute I see Nick, the whole evening's going to be ruined because there'll be that undercurrent of tension.'

"Thank you girls for all your help," Jo said, motioning them out of the room with her. The girls went down the steps first, Jo right behind them, until Jo suddenly stopped and went back to the room to get something she forgot.

Nick was in the kitchen and saw the girls come down the stairs. He took a deep breath a prepared himself for when Jo would come down. Last time this happened, he'd acted like a neanderthal, and Jo had been uncomfortable. That was the absolute last thing that Nick wanted to do: make Jo uncomfortable.

When Jo finally did come down the stairs her face showed traces of nervousness. But Nick came to the stairs and said with a fake accent, "Our carriage awaits." Jo smiled a genuine smile and placed her hand in his. Asia smiled and waved goodbye as the two left.

When they got to Laurie's house, it seemed unusually dark and quiet. "I wonder why it's so quiet," Jo said.

"Maybe they've decided to see how long Amy can be quiet," Nick said.

Jo began lauging and hit Nick on the shoulder, "Very funny!"

"OW!" Nick exclaimed, still laughing, "You've got quite an arm there. Ever thought about playing baseball?"

"Last time I heard, that was only for men," Jo said, lightly joking.

"Well you wouldn't let that stop ya," Nick said with a grin.

They went to the door, but Jo refused to knock until they stopped laughing. Before that happened though, the door opened. It was Carl, Amy's cook. "Good evening," he said, "Follow me." He led them into the dining room. The table was set only for two.

"What's going on?" Jo asked. But Carl had left the room. "I'm going to go find Amy," she said, walking over to the door. She turned the handle and pushed, but nothing happened. She pushed harder, but it had no effect.

"Nick, the door's locked," Jo said, looking in amazement at the door. Nick tried the other door and had the same luck. "What do you think's going on?" she asked.

"Looks to me like we've been set up," Nick said running a hand through his hair.

"Well what are we going to do?" Jo asked.

Nick casusally glanced over at the food, then back at Jo. "We could eat," he said with a smile.

Jo sigh, but then smiled, "Well since there's nothing else to do..."

Nick smiled and pulled out the chair for Jo. She was still smiling as she sat down. All throughout the meal Jo and Nick joked around about what they'd do to Amy once they got out. Somewhere in between the conversation, Jo realized that she was actually having a good time. She was comfortable with Nick. When that thought entered her mind, she got a rather silly grin on her face.

"What's that grin for?" Nick asked.

"Nothing," Jo said, her grin getting bigger. Nick bowed his head for a moment then got up out of his seat. Jo's eyes followed his movements with couriosity.

Nick held out his hand to Jo and asked, "Would you care to dance?"

"There's no music," Jo said with a smile, "Alright." As the two began to dance Jo grew more at ease with every step.

Nick seemed to notice a difference with Jo, and he said casually, "You look nice tonight."

Jo turned slightly pink but smiled and replied, "Thank you."

As they danced, Jo's smile grew larger. "What?" Nick asked, as he began smiling too, for her smile was very infectious. Then Nick's smile began to fade and he grew serious as he leaned closer to Jo. He had a questioning look in his eyes.

Jo stopped dancing and looked away for a moment. "I'm sorry Jo," Nick said quickly.

"No Nick," she said, interrupting him, "I'm sorry. You've waited so long and I-"

"Wait a minute Jo. You don't owe me anything. I waited because I wanted to wait," Nick said.

Jo took a deep breath and said quietly, "Well maybe you don't have to wait anymore."

Nick leaned closer to Jo, and slight smiles appeared on both of their faces. Suddenly there was a sound at the door and it burst open. Franz barely noticed what had been going on; he was out of breath and sweaty.

"Aunt Jo," he panted, "Plumbfield. The barn. "It's...fire." Jo looked at Nick, the fear in her eyes evident.

"Franz, you go get the sheriff," he said, "Come on." He and Jo ran outside to the wagon.

The whole way there Jo was clutching the seat, her eyes searching in front of her, waiting to see her home. "It'll be alright," Nick said.

"What if-what if one of the children...." Jo turned to Nick with tears in her eyes.

"Jo, nothing's going to happen....." he trailed off. Jo immediately realized that she was on the brink of tears. She turned away quickly. She'd made a promise to herself long ago to be strong for the children. She had to be strong for the children.

This time however, a few stray tears trickled down her face. Nick wanted to wipe them away or just reach out and hold her, but he knew that she didn't need someone to protect her from the world. She needed someone to face the world with her. He took her hand in his and squeezed it. Jo looked down at their joined hands, closed her eyes, and squeezed back.

When they finally arrived at Plumbfield, the could already see the flames. Most of the barn was on fire. The children were gathered in front of it, and some of the boys were even trying to get the animals out.

"Boys!!" Nick yelled, "Get outta there now!!" Jo jumped down from the wagon and ran over to the children.

"Where's Rob?" she asked, "Where's my son?"

Nick finally dragged Dan away from the barn and brought him over to Jo. "Dan, where's Rob?" Jo asked, placing her hands on his shoulders. Dan's eyes got big and he pointed to the far left of the barn, where the fire had not yet reached.

"Mrs. Jo," he said, close to tears, "I'm sorry. I forgot. He wanted to go find his kitty." Dan looked as if someone had slapped him.

Jo backed away from Dan, in shock, then looked at the barn. "Rob!" she screamed, running towards the left end of the barn. Nick looked up and saw that the roof of the barn was about to collapse.

"Jo!" he yelled, running after her, but she was too quick for him. Behind them, Rob came from the back of the house.

"Mother?" he called. Neither Jo nor Nick heard him.

Just as Jo reached the barn, the roof collapsed. Thinking that Rob was inside, Jo stopped and gave a horrified look at the barn. Nick cought up to her just in time to grab her as she started to run again. She began pushing and pulling Nick, trying to get free. Nick kept forcing her to get farther away from the barn. She eventually stopped fighing him, and instead clung to him.

"Mrs. Jo!" called Dan. She opened her eyes and gasped. Rob was walking in front of the burning barn, towards her and Nick. Suddenly, the barn wall began to fall-right in the path of Rob. Nick saw Rob as well and ran over to him. He snatched up the boy and ran back, just missing the burning debris. Nick gave a long sigh and hugged Rob tightly, traces of tears in his eyes. He stroked the boy's back, trying to calm him down. Jo ran up to them and took Rob in her arms. They walked back over to the children just as Franz arrived with many others.

Later that evening, after all the children had gone to bed, Jo sat in what remained of the barn, stroking Penny. Dan had managed to save most of the animals, though not all. Nick walked out to the barn from the house, carrying Jo's shawl. He quietly came up behind her and put it around her. She looked up at him with gratitude shining in her eyes.

"You saved Rob's life Nick, " she said softly. Nick said nothing, just looked down modestly. "And not only that, but you've saved Penny's life and mine in the past. Not to mention all of our lives when you overtook Jasper," she sigh and stood up.

"You've done so much, I don't know how I can ever thank you," Jo said, looking Nick in the eyes. Nick's eyes were filled with happiness and he simply nodded at Jo. She suddenly and quickly hugged him. He was surprised at first, but then put his arms around her and closed his eyes. After a while, she pulled back, but only enough so she could see his face. She reached up a hand to touch his cheek, and, taking a shakey breath, she leaned in closer.

Nick eliminated the space between them by placing a light kiss on Jo's lips. He pulled back to see her reaction. Her face was nearly glowing with happiness and they both smiled. Nick leaned in for a second kiss which lasted longer than the first one.

From the front window of the house, Franz sigh as Bess, Dan, Nan, and Nat all congratulated one another. "Alright," Emil said, "Now can we finally go to bed??" Franz chuckled and tried to get all the kids to go upstairs and get a little rest.

It was early morning, before sunrise, and Jo and Nick were sitting on the front porch, Nick's arm around Jo. Nick softly ran his thumb over Jo's hand, which he held in his own. He thought she was asleep, and he didn't want to wake her. He suddenly began to run his thumb over the wedding ring on her finger. Jo sigh and placed her other hand over his own.

"I loved Fritz very much. He and I shared the same ideas, the same interests. We were so alike," she smiled fondly, thinking of her cherished memories.

"And you and I have opposing ideas, and different interests," Nick said.

"Well that's not necessarily a bad thing," Jo said. Nick gave her an expectant look. "You make me really think about things sometimes. And you help me perfect my arguing skills. And Nick, our different interests and experiences....well I was so jealous of you when you first came here. You'd seen places and gone to places that I'd only heard of," Jo smiled again.

"Yeah, but you had everythin' I never had. Schoolin', and people that cared about you," Nick said. Jo. She looked down at her hand for some time and then looked back into Nick's eyes.

"And now you have that too," she smiled and kissed Nick.

"Do I?" he asked, only half kidding.

"Yes," Jo said snuggling closer to him, "You do." Nick seemed too happy for words, so they both sat and watched the sunrise.