PART 1
Hi Little Men fans! Please bear with me for this is my first fan fiction! I apologize if the characters don't seem themselves in my story! Thanks again to Lindsey who posted this!
"So Nan, what are you making for your father for Father's Day?" Jo asked, looking over Nan's shoulder to peer at the object she was holding in her hands. Because of the upcoming Father's Day, Jo was having all her students make a gift for their fathers.
"I'm making a box to put herbs and flowers in. You know, like the kinds that doctors use." Nan replied with a shrug.
"I see. That's very thoughtful of you Nan. I'm sure your Father will appreciate it very much." Jo said.
"What are all the rest of you making? You know, you don't have to make something for your father." Jo said, thinking of the children who did not have a father, namely her own son Rob. "You could just make something for someone who is like a father to you."
"Mother, who could I make a present for since my father's in heaven?" Rob asked innocently.
"Well, let's see. Is there any one who's like a father to you?" Jo asked as a feeling of sadness washed over her as she thought of Fritz`
"Hmm. I know! I'll make a present for Nick! He made me train, which is my favorite toy in the whole wide world." Rob replied, pleased with his idea.
"I think that's a wonderful idea Rob." Jo answered. Rob's innocent comment made her stop and think. Her little boy did need a father. The fact that Rob considered Nick to be a father figure had her wondering if it was time to cross the temporary boundary line that she had made with Nick about their relationship. Jo was startled out of her thoughts as the grandfather clock struck 8 p.m.
"Okay Rob. You know what that means. Time for bed." Jo replied in a motherly tone.
"Mother, do I have to? I wanna start my present for Nick!" Rob replied with a yawn.
"Yes, you do my little sleepy bear." Jo picked up Rob and headed up the stairs.
Jo placed Rob into his bed and pulled the covers up to his chin. She bent down and kissed him on the forehead.
"Mother, why don't I have a father?" Rob asked.
"Well, honey, you do have a father, but he's in heaven right now."
"But why can't I get a new father? Don't you think that Father would want me to have another father since he's in heaven?" Rob asked, with such an innocent face that it made Jo's heart break to see it. Jo was concentrating so much on her son that she didn't hear Nick position himself in Rob's doorway, out of sight from both mother and son.
"I think he would, Rob. I'll tell you what. When you find a good father for you who would be a good husband for me, you tell me, okay?" Jo replied.
"Okay. I love you"
"I love you, too." Jo watched her son close his eyes. She sat on his bed for a moment longer saying a prayer to God. Father, thank you for this wonderful son you gave me. Is he right that I should find a new father for him? And is that father Nick? Only you know what's best for us.
If you could, send me some kind of sign as how I should complete your will.
Meanwhile in the doorway Nick was looking onto the tender scene. Nick had grown to love Rob just as if he were his son. Jo's remark about Rob finding a new father took him by surprise. He wondered if maybe he could possibly fill the occupation, for he would find no greater honor then to be the head of the Bhear family. Nick, what are you thinking? You know you're not good enough for Jo, and besides she said she wasn't ready for a relationship yet, Nick scolded himself.
Walking out of Rob's room, Jo was so deep into her thoughts that she almost ran straight into Nick.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't see you there!" Jo replied, feeling a blush creep up onto her cheeks. Could this be the sign that see had asked for?
"Naw, 'twas my fault. Shouldn't have snuck up on you." Nick replied. Jo stepped out of Rob's room and closed the door, as not to disturb her son by their conversation. "I got a telegram today saying that I needed to meet the noon train tomorrow. Said it was mighty important. I don't have any idea to what this could be about, so I was wondering if you could come with, seeing that I might need some help."
"Of course. I'd be glad to." Jo replied with a smile.
"Great. Best be headin' off to bed. Night" Nick replied as he headed down the stairs.
"Good night" Jo called after him, wondering if he was the answer to her prayers.
PART 2
