Top Five Favorite Episodes from Little House on the Prairie - Season 7

Time to share my five favorite episodes from Season 7 of Little House on the Prairie.

"Laura Ingalls Wilder"

Almanzo is excited when he buys a piece of land to build a home for when he marries Laura, mortgaging it under strict terms. When Mr. Gray dams up the water supply, Manly loses his land and his crop. With no plan and no money, he decides to postpone the wedding, which causes friction between Laura and him, especially when she decides to take a job in Radner to help them get back on their feet. Meanwhile, Eliza Jane develops feelings for Harve Miller, who came to Walnut Grove to help with the farm. 

Why I like it: This is Almanzo's time to step out from under his sister's wings and into a life with Laura. I admire Laura for staying true to herself and deciding to take the job in Radner despite its consequences. Harve Miller is a character who brought out a different side to Eliza Jane. 

"Olseon versus Oleson"

The women of Walnut Grove gather together to stage a protest when their husbands won't sign the petition giving them the right to vote. 

Why I like it: This is an episode that boils down to everyone doing the right thing. Charles even admits that while he considers Caroline an equal partner, not every couple might have that arrangement, which is why he eventually agrees to sign. We also have one of the sweetest moments in Beth and Manly's early marriage days in this episode. When Laura says she feels she must join the other women at the hotel to support her mother, Almanzo asks her if she needs to leave that night, and she agrees to stay until the morning. This is one of the few episodes in Season 7 where we are reminded that they are a young couple in love. 

"Come, Let Us Reason Together"

Percival's parents visit Walnut Grove as they anticipate the birth of their first grandchild. Harriet Oleson and Benjamin Cohen argue over whether the baby will be raised Jewish or Christian, which upsets the happy couple and leads to a unique way to settle things.

Why I like it: We get some of Percival's backstory in this episode, like how he changed his name from Issac Cohen so that he could find work. We see a battle unfold that is familiar in lots of families: Mr. Cohen is afraid Percival is turning his back on this faith and that his grandchild will not be raised a Cohen. Mrs. Oleson wants her grandchild raised as a Christian. It is Nels who comes up with a compromise that everyone can live with. [Side note: The title of this episode is taken from the book of Isaiah.]

"Goodbye, Mrs. Wilder"

When Mrs. Oleson interferes with the school's curriculum, Laura abruptly resigns. She quickly ends up regretting her decision, but possibly not more than the children of Walnut Grove, who are made to wear uniforms and learn French on top of all their other subjects. 

Why I like it: I totally understand Laura in this episode. She makes a decision in haste that she gets to repent in leisure. She willingly admits to Manly that while she wishes taking care of him and the house were enough for her, they simply aren't, and without her teaching, she feels useless. Almanzo supports her, despite his stubbornness being part of the reason their engagement was called off earlier in their relationship. In the end, Laura is proven right, Nels reminds Harriet so, and Laura returns to teaching. 

"I Do, Again"

Almanzo is thrilled to learn that Laura is pregnant. Adding to the family's joy is Caroline's announcement that she is also pregnant. But when she visits Doc Baker, she learns she is likely going through menopause. Not being able to have more children makes Caroline afraid Charles will no longer see her as a whole woman. She pretends to have lost the baby, and when Charles discovers the truth, he decides to take her away on a trip to help them reconnect as a couple. 

Why I like it: Laura is excited at the thought of having a child, despite not wanting to rush into having children. As someone who has been in Caroline's shoes, it is easy to understand her feelings around the transition. Charles and Laura have a tender moment where he tells Half-pint that he knows Caroline lied to him about losing the baby, and he devises a plan to help her, which reveals his deep love and respect for his wife.

Books Versus TV Show: Laura and Almanzo's Married Life - The First Four Years Versus Seasons 7 - 9 of Little House on the Prairie

Here we are at perhaps the most challenging stage of finding similarities between Laura Ingalls Wilder's books and the Little House on the Prairie television show.

The First Four Years opens with Laura asking her fiancé, Almanzo, to do something else other than farming because she never wanted to marry a farmer. She didn't want them to work hard while people made money off of them (pg 4). Almanzo explains that farmers are the only ones who are truly independent. He tells her that he will try it for three years, and if he doesn't find success, he will quit and do anything she wants him to do (pg 5). Book Almanzo is more forward-thinking and interested in a full partnership with his wife than TV Almanzo is in those early days. "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" and "Laura Ingalls Wilder" prove he wants to be in charge. 

As we already know, after some challenges, TV Laura and Almanzo get married at the blind school in Sleepy Eye, sharing an anniversary with Mary and Adam, before settling into the house Almanzo had previously shared with his sister, Eliza Jane ("Laura Ingalls Wilder"). 

On the morning of August 25, 1885, Laura Elizabeth Ingalls becomes Laura Ingalls Wilder in the book and in real life. She leaves her parents' home, is married by Reverend Brown, goes back to her parents' house for dinner, and then leaves her family behind as she and Almanzo drive to their new home across town in De Smet. (pgs 9-10). 

The first year is filled with Laura learning how to run her household, hosting threshers at harvest time, and Laura worrying over money because Manly mortgaged the house for $500 (pg 57). But there are fun times too, as the young couple continue going on buggy rides, taking their ponies out, and hosting their family on New Year's Day. Laura also discovers she is pregnant (pg 43). 

TV Laura has a different set of experiences.

• An old friend of Almanzo's comes to town, and Laura fears they are having an affair ("Divorce, Walnut Grove Style").
• A women's rights activist arrives in Walnut Grove, and the women of town move into Nellie's Restaurant until the men of Walnut Grove sign the petition. Though the newlyweds don't wish to be apart, Laura feels she should support her mother, and she moves into town ("Oleson Versus Oleson"). 
• Almanzo is eager to have children, but Laura wants to keep teaching. Then, when Almanzo's older brother, Royal, leaves his mischievous boys with the Wilders while he takes a vacation with his wife, Almanzo is certain the experience will deter Laura from wanting kids ("The Nephews"). 
• Laura resigns as Walnut Grove's school teacher when Mrs. Oleson interferes. Almanzo and she have a disagreement as Laura tries out new recipes to keep her mind off not feeling useful ("Goodbye, Miss Wilder"). As you will recall, in the books Laura only taught school to help her family. She never really liked it. 
• Laura gets pregnant in Season 7, and her pregnancy will last three-quarters of the way through Season 8, where a series of life-altering events plague the Wilders, and Laura learns about the $500 mortgage on the house ("Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow"). 

TV viewers will see some hint of inspiration from The First Four Years in Season 7 and into Season 8 of Little House on the Prairie, though it's hard to say how many years pass in TV Laura and Almanzo's marriage from Season 7 through to the end of Season 9 and the three final movies. Enough time passes for Rose to be born, and for her to be a toddler in the movies. 

As we consider the creative license taken with these early episodes of their marriage, we need to remember the difference in ages between Melissa Gilbert (Laura) and Dean Butler (Almanzo) in real life and as their characters on the show. They are allowed to be intimate, but not much. In "Oleson Versus Oleson," when Laura struggles with wanting to support her mother but not wanting to leave her new husband, they have a touching conversation where Manly asks her if she needs to leave that night, and she decides to wait until the morning. Also in this episode, Laura is so eager to get back to Manly after moving into Nellie's that she tries to get her parents talking again. It backfires, but I really feel this is one of those few Season 7 episodes where you are reminded Almanzo and Laura are a young couple in love with each other. 

During the first twelve months of The First Four Years, the dry weather of last summer had been hard on the trees and stunted their growth (pg 47), similar to what happens in the episode "Stone Soup," but the spring brings rain, just like it did at the end of the "Stone Soup" episode. The wheat and oats grow nicely. A few days before harvesting the wheat, a hailstorm flattens it to the ground. Now, there will be no money to pay toward the mortgage or the loan for the new harvest machine (pgs 48 - 56). Book Laura and Almanzo get someone to work the tree claim, and the Wilders move to the smaller homestead property by the time they celebrate their first anniversary (pgs 59 -60). 

In the second year of The First Four Years, Almanzo and Laura endure new parent anxieties after Rose is born, and their childless friend, Mr. Boast, asks them to give up Rose so that his wife can have a child (76). Even after all these years, this passage is disturbing. It adds to the distress that Mr. Boast assumes Laura and Almanzo could have more children (pg 76) when we know what happens to them later. 

As the book Wilders enter the third year of their marriage, Manly continues to buy things on credit, and Laura fears they can't afford it. However, she considers that to be Manly's business (pg 85). Shortly after Almanzo's birthday, Laura gets sick, so Caroline takes Rose home with her (pg 87). 

Almanzo also takes sick (pg 88), just like TV Almanzo will in "Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow." They both have diphtheria in The First Four Years, but Almanzo will be the only one ill in the show, and a pregnant Laura takes care of him at their house in Walnut Grove, though Doctor Baker advises otherwise. When the book Manly goes back to work too soon and works too hard after his bout with diphtheria, he suffers a stroke that impacts the strength in his legs (pg 89). 

In"Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow," Almanzo, who is still recovering from diphtheria, attempts to run out and save his wheat from a hailstorm, leading to a stroke that paralyzes his entire left side and leaves him wheelchair-bound. While Manly is struggling to recover from his stroke, Laura gives birth to Rose. 

As the book Wilders approach their third anniversary, they are drowning in medical expenses, and their renter at the tree claim is leaving. So, they find a buyer for the homestead, and then they move back to the tree claim (pg 90). Laura must help Almanzo around the farm because the aftereffects of the stroke left his hands clumsy (pgs 90 - 91). 

Cousin Peter visits the Wilders. He has been working for a neighbor who wants to sell 100 purebred sheep. So, Peter and the Wilders pitch in to buy the sheep (pgs 93 - 95). Little do the Wilders know, that their wheat crop will once again be ruined by the weather within days of harvesting it (pg 96). 

Entering the fourth year of their marriage, Almanzo's hands improve, and he tells Laura he wants to buy a new team to clear the whole 160 acres. Laura quickly objects, saying their three years are up. Manly reasons that though the crops have been failures, they are all set for farming and don't have money to start anything else. Knowing he is right and continuing to worry over the mortgage and other payments they have to make, she agrees they might have good luck that year, which would make all the difference (pgs 100 - 101). 

In the last of The First Four Years, Laura again feels the familiar sickness of being pregnant (pgs 106 - 107). She struggles to keep up with Rose, who is toddling around, and to help Manly around the farm (pgs 115 - 116). A dust storm blows all the seed wheat and oats away (pgs 109 & 115), and a prairie fire threatens them (pg 113). 

With so much to do, Laura admits she hates the farm and all the debts that had to be paid whether she could work or not. Even if the weather didn't cooperate, they would still need to pay interest on their loans and taxes (pg 119).

And the weather did not cooperate. They had no rain. The wheat and oats, along with the trees, died. [If you recall in "Stone Soup," Laura was trying to keep the trees from dying during a drought in Walnut Grove while Manly was away, and she was very pregnant.]

Almanzo couldn't prove up on the land given to him as a result of the Homestead Act. So, he had to file a preemptive claim, where in six months they would pay the United States government $1.25 per acre, but they would no longer need to waste time on growing trees (pg 122). 

As if this isn't enough, there is more. A tornado (pg 124); Laura giving birth to their son, who dies soon after she starts feeling good enough to help out on the farm again (pg 127); and they lose their home in a fire (pgs 128 - 131). So, they move in with Caroline and Charles while Almanzo and Peter build a new shanty (pg 131). Is any of this inspiration feeling familiar to TV viewers yet? 

In all the chaos, their fourth anniversary passes by without anyone noticing. Manly takes stock of all they have, and Laura feels her spirit rising to the challenge of always being a farmer (pgs 132-134). 

With "Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow," Landon and his team reimagined what the Wilders went through over the first four years of their marriage, and hit them with it all at once, doing what writers do best--saying "What if..." and pushing them to their limits. 

Once the Ingalls family left TV's Walnut Grove and relocated to Burr Oak, Iowa, the show writers appear to have used what material was available from the books and relied on their own imaginations to create the last season and final three movies. The only episode that could be related to Wilder history is, "A Child with No Name," which finds Laura and Almanzo welcoming their son, who dies one night without having been given a name. The rest of the episode focuses on Laura and the town turning on Doctor Baker because of the baby's death. Then the Wilders must depend on Doc Baker to save Rose when she comes down with smallpox. 

The only book we didn't touch upon in this series of posts is By the Shores of Silver Lake because this book covers the Ingalls family traveling from their little house on the banks of Plum Creek to Dakota Territory and the building of a new town, which will become De Smet. Therefore, it didn't really apply to the show in a significant way. Mary becoming blind, which viewers experience in the two-part episode, "I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away," happened in between On the Banks of Plum Creek and By the Shores of Silver Lake. Readers find out on pages 1 and 2 of By the Shores of  Silver Lake that the family had previously been stricken with scarlet fever, which made Mary blind. 

Did it surprise you how much of the books inspired the writers of Little House on the Prairie? Do you feel differently about how the show brought the Ingalls family's story to life? Looking back, would you still have preferred the writers stuck more closely to the books? 

Books Versus TV Show: Laura and Almanzo's Courtship - These Happy Golden Years versus Season 6 of Little House on the Prairie & the Episode "Laura Ingalls Wilder" (Season 7)

 

The courtship of Laura Elizabeth Ingalls and Almanzo James Wilder is part of the reason we are still talking about them, their families, Wilder's books, and the shows based upon them. 

As already discussed in a post from earlier this month, the courtship of Laura and Almanzo is portrayed very differently in the books than on television. Almanzo pursues Laura in These Happy Golden Years, but Laura is the one pursuing Almanzo in Little House on the Prairie. This necessitated changes in how TV Laura and Almanzo acted toward one another. 

For TV Laura, it is love at first sight when Almanzo pulls into town in his rig looking for his sister, the new school teacher, Eliza Jane. Book Laura first noticed Almanzo's horses. When TV Laura is introduced to Almanzo in the episode, "Back to School," Laura accidentally calls him, "Manly," instead of Mannie. The next day, he, in turn, tells her that now he must give her a special nickname. Asking what her full name is, Manly christens her, "Beth." These will be the nicknames they call each other throughout the Little House on the Prairie show. 

For book lovers, however, these pet names will not appear until the final book in the series, The First Four Years, and Almanzo calls Laura "Bess" to avoid confusion with his older sister, who is also named Laura, not "Beth." I can only imagine that the years in which the show originally aired played into the change in her nickname. 

Eager for Almanzo to see her as a woman, in "Back to School," Laura studies for her teaching exam, which she fails miserably thanks to Nellie's interference. For three episodes in Season 6--"Annabelle," "The Werewolf of Walnut Grove," and "Silent Promise"--Laura yearns for Almanzo to see her as older than she is and hopes he will wait for her to grow up... much to the dismay of her pa. 

Almanzo's perspective begins to shift in the episode, "Wilder and Wilder," when his younger brother, Perley Day visits Walnut Grove unexpectedly. Perley Day reminds Almanzo that Laura--who Manly had just called a kid--is almost 16, and when Almanzo is later caring for Barnum at the Ingalls farm after his brother nearly cripples him, he tells Charles that Laura is one "grown up young lady." It will, however, be driving Laura to her first teaching job in "Sweet Sixteen," that finds Manly's friendship with Beth blossoming into love. 

With a new hairstyle and boots, and with a week spent apart, Laura suddenly looks older to Almanzo when he picks her up in Curry. Struggling with his newly discovered feelings for Beth, he punches a student who he thinks is making advances to Laura, which he later admits to Charles. 

When Charles arrives on Laura's birthday to pick her up, she is disappointed that Almanzo hasn't come, but she is encouraged when Charles tells her he believes Almanzo might be in love with her. That night, at the church social, Almanzo and Laura share their first dance and their first kiss. 

Two more, two-part episodes will focus on their courtship: "He Loves, He Loves Me Not" and "Laura Ingalls Wilder." The latter is the opening for Season 7. Like viewers will see in the early days of their TV marriage, Manly and Beth have temporarily life-altering disagreements during their courtship as well, which wasn't as much of an issue for book Almanzo and Laura. 

At the end of seventh book of the series, Little Town on the Prairie, Laura earns her teaching certificate. By the opening of the next book, These Happy Golden Years, she has her first teaching job at the Brewster settlement. In Chapter 4, Almanzo is the one bringing her back and forth to Brewster, just like TV Almanzo brought Laura back and forth from Curry. 

Laura is quick to correct her friends, who call Almanzo her beau (pg 39).  Later in the book (pg 62), she tells Almanzo that she wouldn't be riding with him anymore once she is back in town permanently. So, she is surprised when he arrives to bring her home again (pgs 69-70). They have a small disagreement (pgs 76-77), and he asks her if she thinks he is the kind of guy who would leave her in Brewster, while she is missing home, just because there is nothing in it for him. And this is where the reader gets insight into Laura's thoughts, because she admits to herself, she never really thought about him because he is older and a homesteader (keeping in mind that Almanzo lied about his age when he went west because a man had to be 21 or head of the family to make a claim). 

Though TV Laura saw herself getting married to Almanzo, in These Happy Golden Years, when Mary suggests she write a book, Laura says she will be an old maid schoolteacher like Miss Wilder (pg 136).  Which is so funny, because men keep showing up at her family's home to take her for rides (pg 170). 

Unlike Laura and Almanzo's TV courtship, readers see the seasons and regular activities for courting couples in the book. Winter means they go out on sleigh rides, which become buggy rides in the spring. They have singing school, which Almanzo invites Laura to attend with him (pg 199). 

We see a bit of Almanzo's temper when Laura's Uncle Tom comes to visit. Manly doesn't realize it is her uncle, so he gets teased by Laura's friends because he is jealous (pg 112). Seems book Almanzo and TV Almanzo have that in common. 

Just like TV Laura, book Laura is not afraid to assert herself when needed. A few times, Almanzo shows up to take Laura for a buggy ride with Nellie Oleson. One day, she tells him not come if Nellie will be with him (pg 177). So, next time, he shows up alone. Once they get engaged (pg 214), see plainly tells Almanzo that she will not say the word "obey" in their vows because she can't make a promise she won't keep (pg 268). 

Book readers also get to see Laura's mischievous side. While riding with Almanzo in his buggy, he puts his arm around her shoulders. Laura shakes the buggy whip, causing the colts to jump, so Almanzo must use both arms to bring the colts under control (pg 166). Reminds one of the cinnamon chicken incident in "Back to School" or how Laura "accidentally" forgot to sew Christie Norton's skirt to the bodice of her dress in "Annabelle." 

I previously spoke about Ma's reaction to Almanzo in Little Town on the Prairie, because we see Caroline as supportive of Laura's desire to make Almanzo see her as a woman in the show. In These Happy Golden Years, she isn't thrilled about Laura riding with Almanzo while he is breaking in a new team. She actually tells Laura that she thinks he is trying to break her neck, and that she hopes he breaks his own first (pg 186). Ouch! After Laura receives an engagement ring from Almanzo, Ma asks her if she is sure she doesn't care more for his horses. Having not read this book for decades, this suspicious, stern Caroline is foreign to me, especially in light of how loving Grassle's Ma is. 

The winter before Almanzo and Laura get married, he and his brother Royal decide to visit their parents in Spring Valley. They plan to be gone until spring, but on Christmas Eve, Almanzo returns to surprise Laura (pg 229). This is one of those scenes I wish Little House on the Prairie had reimagined, despite it not being practical. Side note: In "Wilder and Wilder," Perley Day said he visited the folks in New York, but they had moved to Spring Valley in the 1870s. 

After Almanzo's return, book Laura and her family get busy preparing for the wedding day. Mary comes home from college, and Pa gets Ma a new sewing  machine so she can make Laura's new things (pgs 241, 246 & 265). This is another everyday life detail I wanted to catch a glimpse of in the show. Instead, we had Almanzo losing his crop on the land he bought when the man who sold it to him cut off his water supply ("Laura Ingalls Wilder"), and a major disagreement between Laura and Almanzo as she takes a job in Radner to help earn money so she and Almanzo can get back on their feet. This will cause the first rift between Eliza Jane and Almanzo since we have met them. She tells him he is wrong and he is being stubborn. 

Laura and Almanzo call off their engagement. She plans to take the job in Radner and stay there so she can forget about Manly, and it looks like he plans to go on living with his sister for all eternity. That is, until Eliza Jane tells him she is moving to St. Louis to marry Harve Miller, which means Laura and Almanzo can have the house in Walnut Grove, and Laura can teach in town. Thrilled, Almanzo grabs Laura's engagement ring, races after the stage, and proposes to Laura. 

Then, in an odd bit of writing, Laura and Almanzo agree to drive to Sleepy Eye to tell Ma and Pa, who are at the blind school celebrating Mary and Adam's anniversary, picking up Eliza Jane before they drive the 40 miles to Sleepy Eye. Keeping in mind that a wagon could travel about 5 - 8 miles per hour, and that Laura was over an hour away from Walnut Grove when Almanzo stopped the stage, I don't think they would make it. But in the end, Laura Elizabeth Ingalls becomes Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

The television courtship seems to take place over a year and a half. Charles told Almanzo in "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not," that they had to wait one year to get married, which would make Laura 17. Now, we won't know how much time passed between "Sweet Sixteen" and "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not," but we know six months has passed since Charles gave his permission for them to get married in a year--based on Laura telling Ma she would be Laura Ingalls Wilder in six months ("Laura Ingalls Wilder"). Laura had applied for a teaching job in Radner while Almanzo was plowing the field to plant his first crop in "Laura Ingalls Wilder," so that must be spring time. Later in the episode, Laura also talks about the mid-year break coming up and going to teach in Radner in a few weeks, so at least a few months have passed. 

On page 270, Laura mentions that she and Almanzo had been together for three years by the time they rushed their wedding to avoid Eliza Jane's arrival in De Smet to plan a big wedding with Almanzo's mother. Laura feels anxious as she realizes she will be leaving home for good (pg 276), just like TV Laura realizes at the beginning of "Laura Ingalls Wilder" that not only in six months would she be married, but she wouldn't be teaching anymore, which as fans know was not the case until later in the series. 

As we compare the books and the Little House on the Prairie television show, we see how much Michael Landon and his team honored the source material the show is based on up until this point. I feel like once we get into The First Four Years, it will be more challenging to find similarities. 

New Story: Rosie Posie's First Christmas: LHOP Inspired Fan Fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Rosie Posie’s First Christmas

LHOP inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos 

Disclaimer: I do not own the Little House on the Prairie television series, 

book series, or any of the characters. 

This story uses Rose Wilder’s actual birthdate of December 5th, instead of the summer months, which is when she appears to be born in the show. It also assumes that Almanzo’s stroke featured on the show never happened and that their house wasn’t destroyed by a tornado. In real life, Almanzo suffered from complications of diphtheria when Rose was a toddler, which he struggled with the rest of his life.

Laura and Almanzo sat in their rocking chairs on either side of the fireplace. Rose lay in her cradle between them. After only a couple of weeks, the little girl had gained weight, and her red cheeks were now a rosy pink.

The new parents were as nervous as any two new parents could be, worrying they were doing everything wrong. But Laura had to admit that it seemed like Rose had always been with them. They couldn’t imagine life without their precious baby.

A Christmas tree strung with popcorn and cranberries sat in front of the window in the parlor that looked out over the yard. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and the Wilders discussed the possibility of going into town for Christmas service. Reverend Alden was in Walnut Grove this year, and Laura hadn’t left the house since Rose was born. 

“Beth,” said Almanzo, calling her by the nickname he christened her with soon after they met, “Are you sure it’s safe to take Rose out so soon?”

Laura smiled. “The fresh air will do us both some good.”

“What if she catches a cold?”

“We will bundle her up in her sweater set and wrap her in blankets.”

Almanzo’s face tightened. “I don’t know.”

“How about we wait until tomorrow to decide?”

Laura leaned over and scooped Rose out of her cradle so that she could nurse her before going to bed. She existed in a perpetual state of exhaustion because Rose would wake up several times a night to be fed or changed. But despite that tired feeling, Laura’s heart swelled with love every time she laid eyes on her.

A crooked smile lifted the corner of Almanzo’s lips. “I guess it was lucky your ma had two babies after you were born. Taking care of our little one must come natural to you.”

“Actually,” said Laura, “she had three babies after me.” She pursed her lips. She realized she had never told Manly about the brother who died not long after he was born.

Almanzo’s face clouded over in confusion. Laura didn’t answer right away. Unsure if she had the mental energy to talk about Freddie right now, she sat back in her rocking chair and lifted Rose onto her shoulder.

“A few months after we had settled in Walnut Grove, Ma got pregnant. We were all so excited about a new baby coming, especially Pa.” Laura swallowed the lump in her throat. “They named him Charles Frederick Ingalls.” She shook her head to shoo away the bad memories. “I thought he was the son Pa always wanted.” Tears stung her eyes as she recalled Pa’s joy over the birth of Freddie.

“Ma and Pa fawned over everything Freddie did.” Laura laughed. “Just like we fawn over every new thing Rose does.”

Manly’s blue eyes twinkled. She knew he was thrilled to have a baby in the house. Sometimes, she wondered why she put it off for so long. Nothing fulfilled her as much as being a mother, even her teaching.

The pain of her actions all those years ago suddenly gnawed at her. Laura hadn’t thought much about those days and weeks after Freddie’s passing in a long time. It seemed every day was filled with a mountain of never-ending chores that didn’t leave a person with much time to let their thoughts ramble. Not that she forgot about her little brother. At night, when the house was quiet and still, she wondered who he would have grown up to be. Would he have been a doctor like her adopted brother Albert planned to become? Maybe he would have run a general store like Mr. and Mrs. Oleson. Perhaps he would have been a farmer like Pa and Almanzo.

“What happened to him?” Almanzo’s question broke into her thoughts.

“A few weeks after Freddie was born, Pa and Ma called Doctor Baker out to the house. The baby wasn’t gaining weight, and he was getting weaker by the day. He didn’t know what to do, so they took Freddie to Mankato to see if the doctors there could help him.” Laura sniffled back the tears. “Only Ma and Pa came back home.”

Almanzo got out of his chair and kneeled by the side of Laura’s rocker. Taking her hand in his, he kissed the top of her hand. “I’m so sorry, Beth. That must have been so hard on all of you.”

She nodded. “It was. And then I made it worse for Ma and Pa by running away a few weeks later.”

Almanzo seemed uneager to interrupt her story with his questions, so she continued. “I blamed myself for Freddie’s death. They had asked Mary and me to pray that he would get better, but I was too jealous of all the time they were spending with him. I thought they didn’t care about me, and I refused to pray for Freddie.” That lump returned to her throat, and she struggled to swallow it down. “I was sure I had killed my little brother.”

She sighed. “Pa and Mr. Edwards searched for me for a long time.”

Almanzo wrinkled his forehead. “Mr. Edwards?”

Laura laughed as a vision of Mr. Edwards in his plaid shirt and brown hat filled her thoughts. “We first met Mr. Edwards when we lived in Kansas. He and Pa became best friends. We lost track of him after settling in Walnut Grove, but one day Pa saw him in Mankato and brought him home to see all of us. He stayed in town for a few years until he moved to California.”

Rose squirmed in Laura’s arms. “I think your daughter is hungry. I’m going to head upstairs. Give me little bit and then you can join us.”

After she nursed Rose and changed her diaper, Laura swaddled the baby and placed her in the cradle beside the bed. She slipped into her nightgown and unrolled her hair. By the time Almanzo opened the bedroom door, she sat on the edge of the bed brushing out her long tresses.

Manly held out his hand. “I can do that for you.” She passed over the brush, and Almanzo sat next to her on the bed. “So, where did you run away to?”

“The mountains.” Laura smiled at the memory. “Reverend Alden had told me that God listens to those who are closer to him. So, I thought he meant closer as in distance, not as in a deeper relationship with God.” She shrugged. “How much closer can you get to God from down here than a mountain?”

Almanzo chuckled. “Charles must have been thrilled when he found you.”

Laura’s heart squeezed as she recalled their happy reunion. “We talked it out, hugged, and cried. Let me tell you, I was never so happy to see my own bed again after that outing.” She lifted a hand to her mouth to cover her yawn. 

“You can turn down the lamp.” He stood and pulled his shirt off. “I can get undressed in the dark.” He kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” Right before the flame went out, he said, “Oh, how did your Pa find you?”

“I’m sure Jonathan had something to do with that.”

“Jonathan Garvey?” he said as she slipped under the covers next to her. She shook her head. “No, my personal guardian angel.”

Almanzo lifted his eyebrows as his eyes widened. “What?”

She yawned again. “I need to sleep while Rose is napping. I’m sure she will be up in a couple of hours. We can talk again in the morning.” She kissed him, rolled over, and closed her eyes.

After nursing Rose for the second time that night, Laura found herself somewhere between tired and already thinking about all she had to do. She tucked Rose into the crook of her arm and let the baby snooze while she thought about the pies she would bake to bring to her parents’ house tomorrow, the new sweater for Rose she needed to finish, and the soup she would make to go with the bread she baked yesterday so they would have a nice lunch.

Almanzo turned over, opening one eye to glance at Laura and Rose. He groaned.

“I’m sorry if I woke you,” she said.

“You didn’t. I just wasn’t ready to open my eyes yet.” He sat up. “We both have a busy day.”

Even though the sun wouldn’t be up for a couple of hours, Laura knew a farmer’s day always started early. “If you would like to hold your daughter,” she said, “I can get dressed so you can have breakfast before starting your chores.”

“Gladly.”

Though the baby didn’t wake when Laura placed her in Almanzo’s arms, he still spoke to her. “Good morning, little Rosie Posie.”

Laura looked upon them as she dressed. What is it about fathers and nicknames, she thought.

“Are you going to tell me about this guardian angel of yours?” asked Almanzo.

“Well, I had run away to the mountains. I didn’t even bring a coat. Shows you how prepared I was to spend the nights outdoors. When I finally reached the mountaintop, I prayed, telling God I would wait right there for his answer. At some point, I fell asleep. When I woke the next morning, I was covered with a coat and a there was a man named Jonathan there. For the entire time I stayed on the mountain awaiting God’s answer, he took care of me.”

“I still don’t understand how he helped your Pa find you.”

Rolling up her hair and straightening her skirt, Laura crooked her head at Manly. “I was getting to that. Jonathan carved me a cross with my name on it. One day, while I was washing in the stream that led downriver, the cross slipped off my neck. I was so disappointed when I lost it, but Pa showed it to me when he found me, saying that was how he knew where to go. It had floated miles downstream.”

Laura strolled over to the bed and picked Rose out of Almanzo’s arms so he could dress. By now, the little one had stirred and was ready for a change herself. Laying a blanket out on their bed, she put a fresh diaper on the baby while Almanzo got ready.

Tucking his shirt into his pants, Almanzo asked, “What did your pa say when he met Jonathan?”

A quizzical look adorned her face. “That’s the thing, Jonathan disappeared as soon as Pa found me.” She sat down on the bed. “At first, I was sad that Pa found me. God hadn’t answered my prayers. I asked for him to take me and bring Freddie back to Pa. So, when I saw Pa and Mr. Edwards climbing the mountain, I tried to run. But Jonathan caught me.

“He told me that God had answered my prayers, and that God wanted me to stay with Pa and Freddie to stay with him. When I asked him how he knew what God wanted, he said ‘He told me.’

“I didn’t understand that at first, but I was so happy to see Pa that I ran right to him.” Laura nibbled her bottom lip for a moment. “When I turned around, Jonathan was gone. All that was left was the lean-to we had built to keep us dry. Even the dove we had cared for while I was with him had suddenly disappeared.”

Almanzo didn’t say anything for a few seconds. Laura knew it sounded unreal. She wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t lived through it. But she knew it was true, and in all the years she thought about what happened on that mountain, the answer that kept coming back to her was that Jonathan was sent by God to take care of her, an angel of protection who left as soon as his job was done.

Manly caressed the furry down on Rose’s head, as he leaned over and kissed Laura’s cheek. “Sounds like a miracle that you were kept safe all that time and that a tiny wooden cross led Charles to you.”

Laura sighed. “It was.” She stood, knowing they had to get on with their chores. “I best go downstairs and get your breakfast ready, or we won’t make it to Christmas Eve service on time tonight.”

By the time they left to head into town, Beth and Manly’s home smelled of baked pies and fresh evergreen boughs. Snuggled under the blankets, Laura shifted along the wagon seat to get closer to Almanzo. Rose’s pink face was the only visible part of the child. Her new sweater set had a matching hat, and she was nestled in between several of her crib blankets.

Their breath came out as white puffs into the cold air and flurries of snow floated down, quickly disappearing as soon as they touched anything warm. They arrived at church just as the bells finished ringing.

Almanzo and Laura slid onto a bench in front of her siblings, who sat in front of their parents. Their family had grown through the years. Though her older sister, Mary, now lived in New York with her husband, Laura felt blessed to have Ma and Pa, Carrie, Grace, Albert, Cassandra, and James in Walnut Grove with them.

After Reverend Alden concluded their Christmas Eve service with a prayer, the congregation sang, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,”

Once they were dismissed, everyone crowded around Laura and Rose.

“Such a healthy little girl,” said Doc Baker.

“I’ve never seen such a sweet baby, Laura,” said Mrs. Foster.

Even Mrs. Oleson cooed at the newest resident of Walnut Grove until her son Willie asked, “When do we eat? I’m starving!”

The room filled with laughter by the time Mrs. Oleson said, “Oh, Willie,” with a smile on her face.

As the crowd dwindled, Laura watched while Reverend Alden tucked his podium away and picked up Bibles so that the room would be ready for school at the beginning of the week.

“You ready to go, Beth?” asked Almanzo.

“In a minute.” Laura strolled up to the front of the room with Rose in her arms. “Reverend Alden?”

The minister of Walnut Grove flashed her the same wide smile she had seen since her family moved into town when she was just a little girl.

“Why, Laura, look at you. You’re beaming. And I bet this blessed little one has something to do with that.”

Laura felt the heat of a blush on her cheeks. “It is definitely a special Christmas this year. I was wondering if you might say a prayer of protection over Rose.”

Reverend Alden raised his eyebrows. Suddenly, this seemed like an odd request. Why should she be worried about something happening to Rose? Hadn’t Doc Baker just said she was a healthy child? But all this talk about her baby brother struck a nerve. She didn’t fear something awful would happen to Rose, but hadn’t Freddie seemed fine the first few weeks after his birth? What had changed? Why did it change? Could something like that occur again?

As if he could sense her concerns, Reverend Alden cupped Rose’s head in one of his hands and offered Laura a reassuring smile before he closed his eyes. “Dear Lord, we ask for your protection over baby Rose Wilder. We ask that she grow up to be healthy and strong, learning to live a righteous life that pleases you. And, Lord, we ask you to bless her parents, Laura and Almanzo, as they tend to her physical and spiritual wellbeing. Guide their decisions and bring them the peace of mind that only you can give. Amen.”

Laura whispered, “Amen,” and immediately felt a sense of comfort and peace wash over her. “Thank you so much, Reverend Alden.”

When Laura was once again seated in the wagon next to Almanzo, cozy underneath the blankets, she leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Are you tired?” asked Manly.

“A bit,” she said.

“Are you okay?”

She silently recited the prayer that Reverend Alden had spoke over Rose. “Yes. It’s just all this talk of Freddie reminded me how precious life is. I feel better knowing that Reverend Alden is praying for Rose.”

Almanzo lifted her chin with one of his gloved hands. “I’m sure your parents will understand if you want to stay home for Christmas.”

Laura shook her head. “It will be good to spend Rose’s first Christmas with our family. But after that, I would prefer to stick around the house until warmer weather arrives. My family can always come to our house to visit. I don’t mind cooking, and Ma is always a big help. And I’m really looking forward to us being a family of three this winter.”

“That sounds just fine by me.” Almanzo flashed her a crooked smile.

By the time Laura had changed Rose’s diaper and Almanzo and she had slipped into their nightclothes, the clock on her dresser read 11:55. No wonder she felt exhausted. Laura crawled under the covers with Almanzo, who cuddled Rose. She would need to nurse her one last time before putting her into her cradle, hopefully to sleep for the rest of the night.

After handing Rose to Laura, Almanzo grabbed his Bible off his nightstand. Laura nursed while he read the Christmas story again. What a blessed miracle, she thought. Christ come to earth; the promise of a Savior fulfilled.

Rose drifted off to sleep as she suckled. Almanzo turned down the lamp, leaving just enough light for Laura to see when it was time to put the baby into her cradle. And that’s when they saw it, a bright star through their bedroom window. How odd, thought Laura. The sky was cloudy earlier. And yet, there it was, one star shining brighter than all the others, reminding Laura of the star that led the Wise Men to find Jesus.

Laura and Almanzo glanced at each other and back to the star. “We are blessed,” she said.

The clock chimed the hour. A new day had begun.

“Merry Christmas, Manly.”

“Merry Christmas, Beth.” Laura glanced at the sleeping baby in her arms. “Merry Christmas, Rose.” 

Almanzo leaned over to kiss one of Rose’s tiny hands. “Merry Christmas, Rosie Posie.”

We are blessed, Laura said again to herself. What a wonderful year this will be!

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos - All Rights Reserved

After the Storm: LHOP Inspired Fan Fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

 

After the Storm

LHOP inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos 

Disclaimer: I do not own the Little House on the Prairie television series, book series, or any of the characters. 

A few days after the storm, Laura joined her siblings in Pa’s sleigh, and they made their way into town. The horses stopped in front of the mill when Charles tugged on the reins. Laura, Albert, and Carrie climbed out.  

“Have a good day,” he called to them as they walked towards the schoolhouse. 

“We will,” they answered. 

Laura spotted Almanzo tossing sacks of feed into Mr. Mayfield’s sleigh. She broke away from her siblings and walked to the platform, still damp from the snow piled into the corner.  She waved to Mr. Mayfield as he drove off. 

“Hi, Manly.” 

“Morning, Beth.” He rubbed his gloved hands together. “How did you sleep last night?” 

“Not very well,” she admitted. 

“Me too.” 

She was glad she wasn’t the only one. “We should probably talk about it some more.” 

Almanzo’s eyes lit up. “Listen, Beth, I’m sorry I got mad. I hope ya know it’s only because I want to start planning our life together.” 

If it were only so simple “Manly, I need you to understand, it took a lot for Pa to agree to let us get married next year. Once Pa gets something in his mind… well, let’s just say he’s very stubborn. I can’t run off after he’s made a sacrifice like that.” 

His brow furrowed. “What about the sacrifice I made by knuckling under so your pa would be happy?” 

She couldn’t believe her ears. Knuckling under is far from what happened. “What are you talking about?” She made a mental note to lower her voice. “You’re the one who said you didn’t care how long you had to wait.” 

“I’ll wait,” said Almanzo, “but I ain’t happy about it.” 

Laura’s hand went to her hip.  “And you think I want to wait?” 

“That’s not what I’m saying.” 

The school bell interrupted their conversation.  

“I have to go.” 

Almanzo reached for her arm. She tensed under his grip and glared at him with eyes full of fire. “Beth, I just want us to be together.” 

She sighed. How could she make him understand. “I want that too, Manly, but not at the risk of hurting my pa.” Laura felt trapped between the two men she loved most in the world. Why did she have to risk hurting one to make the other happy? 

“Listen, I’m heading out to Sleepy Eye in an hour to pick up some supplies for Doc Baker. You want to have supper with me tomorrow night?” 

“I’d like that.”  She lifted up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “See you tomorrow, Manly.”  She walked off but the hurt lingered. If he loved her, why couldn’t Almanzo just wait? 

            Later that night, snow fell in big white flakes. From inside the little house on Plum Creek, warm lights flickered in the front room. Laura peered out the window at the storm. Her thoughts were all about Almanzo. Was he safe and sheltered from the storm or was he out there — somewhere between Sleepy Eye and Walnut Grove — driving on the open prairie, fighting the elements, and hoping to make it home safely? 

            Caroline rubbed Laura’s shoulders. “He’ll be all right.” 

            Laura looked up at her with doubt-filled eyes. “I just wish I knew he was safe.” 

            “You must have faith, Laura.” Ma squeezed her arm. “Have faith that he’ll come home to you.” 

            Laura embraced her mother as tears fell down her cheeks. Caroline stroked her hair. “Let’s pray,” she said. 

            Laura nodded. She wiped away the tears. Holding tightly onto her mother’s hands, she admired her strength. Caroline smiled at her and the two women bowed their heads in prayer. 

* 

            Almanzo squinted as snow pelted his face. The flame inside the lantern fought against the wind. Hopefully, it stayed lit. He was running out of matches.  

            “Whoa,” he shouted to his horses. 

            He pulled the muffler closer to his mouth and stepped out of the sleigh. The constant trips to remove ice from the horses’ noses made the journey home drag on even longer. He hoped he would find shelter soon. Once back under the covers, his mind wandered to Laura. What if he never got to hold her again?

* 

            Laura sat up in bed listening to the howling wind. Why hadn’t she agreed to run off and get married this weekend? Almanzo wouldn’t have been able to do that errand for Doc Baker if they had been away. If anything happened to him, it would be all her fault. 

            She got out of bed and opened the shutters. The snow fell faster than it had been earlier, and great gusts of winds swirled the mounds of snow into deep drifts. Sick with worry, she paced the floor. She had a vision of Almanzo traveling in his sleigh, struggling to find shelter on the vast prairie. Tears of remorse prickled her eyes.   

            Moments later, heavy footsteps climbed the ladder up to the loft she shared with her brother Albert. It used to be Mary and Laura in the loft, but after Mary went off to teach in Winoka, and the Ingalls family brought her stepbrother Albert to live with them, she was glad for his company upstairs. It made missing Mary easier to handle. 

            “All that worry won’t make him come home any faster,” Charles said. 

            Laura wiped the tears away with the back of her hand. “I can’t help it, Pa. What if he’s out in this?” 

            “Almanzo is a smart man.” Charles placed his hands on her shoulders. “If he was on his way home, I’m sure he’ll find shelter.” 

            “But what if he doesn’t?” 

            “Half-pint, do you believe Almanzo will do everything in his power to make it home to you?” 

            “Of course.” Deep in her heart she knew it was true. 

            “Then don’t doubt that he’ll do it.” 

            Laura smiled. Her pa had more faith in Almanzo than she did.  “I love you, Pa,” she said as she embraced him. 

            “I love you, too. Now, try to get some sleep.” 

* 

            “Dagburnit!” Almanzo cursed under his breath. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t budge his sleigh. Who knew how deep the drift was. He unhitched his Morgans and started walking. The lantern swayed in one hand as he tugged on the horses with the other. Almanzo shivered without the bear skins to keep him warm. He knew he had to find shelter soon.

* 

            It took Walnut Grove two days to dig out from the second storm in a week. Over three feet of snow had fallen, and people were just beginning to venture out of their homes to check on neighbors. 

            Charles and his family were huddled close in the sleigh. They weren’t sure if school would be open today, but they wanted to see how others had fared against the latest storm. They met Eliza Jane on the road. 

            “Miss Wilder,” said Charles, “Why isn’t Almanzo driving you into town this morning?” 

            The look of concern clear on her face, she glanced at Laura before answering.  “He never made it back from Sleepy Eye. I suppose he stayed there instead of traveling during the storm.” 

            “I’m sure you’re right,” said Charles. “He probably wanted to wait until it was safe.” Charles glanced at Laura as she tightened her lips.  “I wish I had room to offer you a ride,” he said to Eliza Jane. 

            “I’ll walk alongside you Pa,” said Albert. 

            She fluttered a gloved hand at him. “Oh, no, you can’t do that.” 

            “Really, Miss Wilder, I don’t mind.” 

            Albert crawled out, and the family made room for Eliza Jane to climb in. 

            “Thank you,” she said to Albert.  “I was very cold.” 

            The Ingalls family and Miss Wilder headed into town. An anxious Laura gazed over at the Feed and Seed. She hoped Pa and Miss Wilder were right. The thought of losing Almanzo made her heart ache. 

Another day passed without a sign of Almanzo. The men in town decided to form a search party. Doc Baker wanted to go along, but they convinced him to stay where he was needed the most — Walnut Grove. Laura had also begged to go, but her pa forbade it. Besides, Eliza Jane would need support, too. Laura planned to stay with her until the men came back. She knew nothing would convince her pa to let her go, so she packed a bag for the Wilder farm. 

            “Can I ride into town with you?” Laura asked Charles. “Miss Wilder and I will walk home together later.” 

            He nodded. “Sure, but you better hurry. I’m ready to go.” 

            Laura collected her books and a basket filled with food for her stay at the Wilders. 

            Caroline hugged Charles. “Be safe,” she whispered. “I hope you find him.” 

            Looking over at Laura, Charles nodded.  “Me too.” 

            “If you need anything,” Caroline said to her daughter, “just stop by the restaurant.” 

            “Thanks, Ma.” 

            Laura waved at Caroline as the sleigh pulled onto the road — or at least where the road should be. They drove silently into town.  Charles offered words of comfort and encouragement, but the only thing that would make her feel better was seeing Almanzo. 

            It felt strange standing in a group of men, hearing of how they would split up to look for Almanzo. It reminded her of when Mary and she were still in school. The teacher, Miss Beadle, had let the children out early for Christmas, but a swift moving blizzard blew through town and they, along with many of the other children, got lost on the way home. Thankfully, almost everyone made it back safely. 

Laura thought she was dreaming as the muffled voices swirled around her head. She wished someone would wake her up from the nightmare. The men piled onto their horses when the faint sound of sleigh bells jingled through the air. 

            The ringing of the bells pierced Laura’s ears. She missed hearing Almanzo’s sleigh approaching her house the past few days. She glanced in the direction of the noise and saw a black sleigh pulled by a familiar set of horses. 

            “It can’t be,” she said to herself. As the sleigh drew closer, she was sure his Morgans were pulling that sleigh. Laura jumped out of her pa’s sleigh and ran. 

            “Half-pint!” yelled Charles.  

            The Morgans galloped as Laura came into view. Almanzo tugged the reins hard and jumped down to catch Laura in his arms. 

            “Oh, Manly,” she cried, the tears stinging her cold cheeks. “I thought I’d lost you.” 

            “It’s okay, Beth. I’m home now.”   

            He rocked her back and forth, as they held each other close. He kissed the top of her head, her cheeks, her lips. Oh, thank, God! she thought. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! 

            Eliza Jane stepped out of the restaurant. “Almanzo,” she screamed and ran to join them.           

            Laura stepped aside so he could hug his sister. She felt the strong hand of her pa on her shoulder.  “I told you all you needed was a little faith,” he said.            

* 

            Charles, Eliza Jane, Laura, and Almanzo sat at a table inside Nellie’s. The men from the search party were at the tables around them, chatting about how hard a winter they were in for. For the first time, Laura realized what tomorrow was.  

            “In all the excitement I forgot tomorrow was Christmas Eve,” she told them. 

            Almanzo sighed. “It sure is, Beth, but I’m afraid I didn’t get you a present yet.” 

            She clutched his hand. “Having you home safely is all the present I need.” 

            Almanzo leaned over and kissed Laura. She placed her head on his shoulder. It felt so good to be close to him again. 

            “You got any special plans for Christmas?” Charles asked the Wilders. 

            “I haven’t even put up a tree yet,” said Eliza Jane. “Almanzo and I usually decorate it together, so I figured I would wait for him to get home.” 

            “How about coming over to our place?” asked Charles. “We’ll sit down for supper about six o’clock tomorrow night. You’re welcome to join us after service on Christmas Day, too.” 

            The Wilder siblings looked at each other. “Oh, I don’t want to be a bother Mr. Ingalls,” said Eliza Jane. 

            “It’s no bother at all. Caroline always cooks plenty of food, and the two of you are almost family. What do you say?” 

            “Well, alright then,” said Almanzo. “We’d be happy to join you, Mr. Ingalls.” 

            Caroline strolled out of the kitchen to fill coffee cups. She beamed at Almanzo.  “Anyone ready for more coffee?” she asked the group. 

            Charles held his cup out to her.  “Thank you, darlin.” 

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you’re all right, Almanzo,” said Caroline. 

“He’s more than all right,” said Charles.  “He’s celebrating Christmas with us.  Eliza Jane will be there, too.” 

            “The more the merrier,” said Caroline. “What a blessed Christmas this will be.”  Caroline shot a glance over at Laura.  “I told you he’d be back,” her eyes seemed to say. 

* 

            On Christmas Eve the Ingalls family and the Wilders sat in the front room of the little house on Plum Creek eating apple pie. 

            “Everything was wonderful, Mrs. Ingalls,” said Almanzo rubbing his stomach. 

            “You’re welcome to have another piece of pie,” Caroline replied. 

            “No, thank you.  I don’t think I could eat another bite.” 

            “How could you?” asked Charles. “You had three helpings of supper and two pieces of pie.”  Everyone laughed. 

            “Almanzo has always had a big appetite,” said Eliza Jane. “Mother used to say it was because he was a growing boy.” She sipped her tea. “I don’t know what his excuse is now though.” They all laughed again. 

            “My excuse is that I got stuck in a blizzard, had to drag me and my horses to shelter, and then repair my sleigh to make it home in time for Christmas.” 

            “You never told us what happened,” said Laura. 

            Almanzo shared his story of how he had started for home when the storm blew up, and how the Morgans got stuck in a drift, forcing him to abandon the sleigh and seek shelter in an old barn until morning. 

            “I sure was happy to stumble across that farmer and his family. They shared some food with me, and he helped me dig out my sleigh and repair the runner so I could get back home. I sure was worried Doc Baker would need those supplies before I got them here.” 

            Laura reached for his hand.  “Probably not as worried as we were about what happened to you.” 

            Almanzo nodded. “God sure was looking out for me.” 

            “Amen,” said Caroline. 

            “It’s getting late, Sis. We should be heading home.” 

            “You’re right,” said Eliza Jane.  “We still have a tree to put up.” 

            “Let me get you one more cup of coffee before you head out,” said Caroline. 

            Almanzo stood and pulled on his winter coat and hat. “I’m going to hitch up the team.” 

            Laura stood and pushed her chair in. “I’ll help you.” She heard the whispers from the rest of the group as they headed out the door. 

* 

            Almanzo scolded Laura.  “You should have stayed inside where it’s warm.” 

            “I never got the chance to give you a proper hello,” she said with a smirk. 

            A crooked smile covered his face as he pulled her close to him.  “What kind of hello are we talking about?” 

            Laura cupped his head in her hands and drew him closer. Within inches of his face, she noticed fear flashing in his eyes before he broke away. “Is there something wrong?” 

            Almanzo swallowed hard before responding.  “Ever since I became a man, I haven’t worried much about taking risks. It’s part of bein a farmer; you buy things on credit and hope next year’s crops pay off your debts. And, since I was on my own, I wasn’t hurting anybody.” He caressed her cheek. “But I’m not alone anymore. I told Doc Baker I would get those supplies without even asking your opinion.” He shook his head. “I was scared, Beth, real scared. Scared I was going to die without you knowing how much I love you.” 

            With tears glistening in her eyes, she embraced him. “I know you love me.” 

            “But we were angry at each other when I left. I hated knowing that.” 

            “Me too,” she admitted. “I wished I had agreed to run off and get married because then you wouldn’t have been in Sleepy Eye in the first place. I knew if anything happened to you, it would be all my fault.” 

            His brow furrowed. “It wasn’t your fault. Mr. Crowley told me a storm was coming, but I thought I would beat it home, just like that weekend when your pa told me not to take ya on that sleigh ride. I guess I’m just too stubborn for my own good.” 

            Laura laughed loud enough to get a neigh out of the horses. “I never noticed that about you.” 

            Almanzo tossed her a pretend scowl. “Very funny. I best hitch up these horses.” 

Laura watched him work, but he seemed distracted. When he finished, he paused to pet Barnum. Laura felt sure he had something on his mind. “All set?” she asked as they walked toward the barn door. 

            He reached for her arm and brought her closer. “Laura, I never should have asked you to run off with me. I know how much you love your pa. I shouldn’t ask you to choose between us. Can you forgive me?” 

            “Oh, Manly,” she cried, collapsing into his arms. “I was going to tell you that I decided we should get married right away. I do love my pa, but I want to be your wife more than anything in the world.” 

            Almanzo chuckled. “Well, this is mighty strange ain’t it? It’s not that I want to wait, Beth, it’s just I don’t want to do anything to upset you or your pa.” He smiled at her. “So… we wait until August?” 

            “We’ll wait until August,” she said. 

            “All right then, how’s about one last kiss before we go inside?” Almanzo pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. “I love you,” he whispered. 

            “I love you, too.” 

            They strolled back to the house with their arms around each other. Laura was glad they had settled the question of when they would marry. It would be hard to wait, but there were lots of plans to keep them busy. 

            “This will be our first Christmas together,” said Laura. 

            “The first of many,” Almanzo said. 

            Laura imagined what it would be like on their wedding day. She would look up into his blue eyes and say, “I do.” They would be joined forever from that day forward.  She would belong to him, and he to her. They would love one another for the rest of their lives. As they entered the little house on Plum Creek, she saw the two of them in her mind—much older—sitting by the fireplace rocking together. Oh! What a life they would live. And it had only just begun. 

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos - All Rights Reserved