PART 1
Sometime in the not too distant future…
"I thought they'd never leave," Nick whispered as he and Jo watched the last carriage ride out the Plumfield gates. He wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Nick, they're my family," Jo chided. "And it's my wedding day. Besides, I won't get to see Marmee and Father all summer."
"But I'm your husband," he countered, "and now it's our weddin' night…"
Jo blushed and pulled away. "We should say our good-byes to everyone before we go to bed," she suggested, heading for the door.
"Hold on just a second," Nick stopped her. He came up behind, and, in one swift motion, lifted her into his arms. "I gotta carry ya over the threshold."
Jo smiled and kissed him as he carried her through the doorway of what was now their home and their new life together.
"You two don't have to do all this!" exclaimed Jo when she and Nick found Asia and Meg in the midst of all the dishes from their wedding dinner. "Let me help you with something."
"Don't be ridiculous!" insisted Meg. "This is your day. Asia and I have everything under control."
"Well, g'night then," said Nick, moving Jo towards the stairs. Jo shot him a look as Meg and Asia exchanged amused smiles.
"Really, Jo," Asia agreed. "It's no trouble. And I know you two want to get to bed…" she grinned, "I mean, because you have to be up early tomorrow."
"Have you finished packing?" Meg inquired.
"Except for a few last minute things."
"You're going to have such a wonderful time," Meg gushed. "Europe! It's a dream come true for you, Jo!"
Jo smiled at her husband. "Nick makes all my dreams come true," she said simply. Then turning back to her sister, "I wish you'd consider coming with Amy and Laurie when they join us next month."
"I'd love to, but what about Daisy and Demi?"
"Bring them," Jo encouraged. "Rob and Bess are coming, and Rob would love to have them along. After running the school for a month, trust me, you'll need the break. The students can go home for the rest of the summer."
"And Dan and Nat and I can manage things around here," Asia offered.
"At least think about it," entreated Jo.
"I will," Meg promised. "Well, I hope you have a wonderful time! I'm so happy for both of you!"
Final hugs, kisses, and congratulations were exchanged until Nick finally managed to pull Jo away.
"I can't wait to get outta these clothes," Nick groaned as he followed Jo up the stairs.
"Nick!" Jo exclaimed, looking back to see if Meg and Asia had heard his comment.
Nick grinned. "Well, I meant 'cause they're uncomfortable, but now that ya mention it…"
Jo shushed him, blushing furiously, and hurried to find the children.
Between all the good-byes and final instructions Jo had to impart, Nick thought he'd never be able to pull her away. But finally they were standing alone in the hallway.
"Finally alone!" he murmured, reaching for the door to her bedroom as he leaned in to kiss her.
Jo was about to follow him inside when she felt two small arms wrap around her legs. "Rob, sweetheart, what is it?" she asked, crouching down beside him.
"Do you have to leave?" he asked pitifully, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Yes," she said softly. "This is a special trip for me and Nick. But Aunt Amy and Uncle Laurie will bring you to see us in a month, and then we'll all be together."
"Is a month a long time?" he asked.
"No, not so long," Jo assured him, stroking his hair. "And you'll do ever so many fun things while we're gone. Daisy and Demi are going to stay here, and you're going to go to Orchard House for a visit…"
"But I want to go with you," he insisted.
"But someone's gotta stay here an' take care of things," Nick joined in. "Now, what would Max do if you weren't here ta look out for 'im?"
"You told Dan to take care of Max," Rob reminded him.
"Well, Dan's gonna feed him. But," he confided, "Max don't think Dan's as good at pettin' as you are." Rob looked intrigued, so Nick continued. "And Max is afraid ta be by himself at night. So I was thinkin' maybe he could stay in yer room with you…"
Rob turned to Jo. "Could he?"
"I suppose so," she agreed.
"Can he sleep in my bed with me?"
Jo nodded.
"Alright," Rob finally agreed. "But will you tuck us in tonight?"
"Of course."
"And read us a story?"
Jo turned to Nick, who had a pained look on his face. She saw how frustrated he was, but it would be a month before she saw her son again… "Well, just a short one…"
PART 2
