DYING FOR LOVE (a sequel to Dr. Quinn Meets Little Men)

PART 1

It was a beautiful, May morning in the town of Concord, Massachusetts. It had rained the night before, so the ground was still somewhat damp. However, the birds were chirping and there was a light, spring breeze blowing.

Rebecca Quinn was walking down the main street that ran through town on her way toward her seamstress shop; her mind off in another world.

As she approached the door to her shop, she noticed someone standing in front of the door, looking as if he was waiting for her. After a few seconds, she realized who it was. William Laurence was standing there, in a nicely pressed suit, holding a rose in his hand.

"Hi, Rebecca," he greeted her as she walked up to him.

"Hello, William," Rebecca smiled as she stopped in front of him. He handed her the rose. "Why, thank you."

William and Rebecca smiled at one another. Everybody knew that the town seamstress and the town lawyer were in love. It was no secret. William had came to Concord over two years before and stayed, after his daughter Rebecca Laurence had fell in love with Franz Bhaer, Plumfield’s young school teacher. He couldn’t go back to Philadelphia without his Becky, so he stayed and became the town lawyer of Concord.

His wife had died when Becky was still very young, and he hadn’t found love since. Until now. Rebecca Quinn would never replace his first wife, but he knew that there was room in his heart for her.

"Rebecca? I need to talk to you tonight. Could I come over?" he asked.

"Yes, of course. I’ll just make supper for both of us."

"Ok, I’ll be there around six o’clock."

"I’ll be ready."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Class is dismissed," were Franz Bhaer’s last words before the shouts of joy began all around the room.

"WE’RE FREE!!!! Summer, here we come," Dan yelled. Everybody got up out of their desks and ran out the door, jumping and screaming.

Franz just sat on his desk smiling at the now empty room for a few minutes. School was over for the summer, and Franz was ready for a little break. He was also ready to get to know his new baby girl. At the thought of his daughter, Kaytlin, Franz couldn’t help but smile.

Two-and-a-half years ago, Becky Laurence came to Concord. He had finally found the one true love of his life: his wife. One month ago, that wife gave him a beautiful, bouncing baby girl.

"What’s ya thinking about?" Franz looked up at the sound of his wife’s voice. Kaytlin was sound asleep in her arms.

"Us," was all Franz said.

Becky walked over to him, "the three of us?"

"Yes, the three of us." Franz took his daughter in his arms.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Rebecca, supper was delicious," William complimented her.

"Thanks, William." Rebecca noticed that he looked a little bit uncomfortable. Nervous maybe. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"How about we go outside and sit on the back porch?"

"Sure." They went outside and sat down. They were quiet for a moment, just staring out at the sun beginning to set in the distance. William turned to face her.

"Rebecca, you’ve been wonderful to me these past couple of years. I want more than anything to spend the rest of my life with you." Then he blurted out, "Will you marry me?"

A small tear came to Rebecca’s eye. She had never known love like she had just found here in Concord. "Yes, Yes, I will." She answered him.

"You will?" He looked surprised.

"Of course, I will." She caressed his face. "I love you, William."

"I love you, Rebecca."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The next evening, William and Rebecca went out to Plumfield for a visit. They were joined in the parlor by Jo, Nick, Becky, Franz, and Kaytlin. William was holding his granddaughter in his arms until Kaytlin got fussy, and he handed her over to her mother.

"How come you decided to visit Plumfield this evening, Father?" Becky asked him.

"Do I need a reason to come and visit my granddaughter?" he said, a twinkle showing in his eyes.

"Father," Becky politely scolded.

"And my daughter," he finished.

"That’s a little better," Becky smiled at him.

"Actually," Rebecca began to say. "There is another reason we came over tonight."

"I thought maybe there was," Jo said.

"You did?" Nick asked her. They had been courting for awhile, but Jo still confused him.

"Sure, I did." She turned to the couple. "So, what’s going on?"

Rebecca blushed. "Well, William came over to my house for supper last night."

"And I asked Rebecca to marry me," he finished.

The room was quiet. Finally Franz spoke up, "And, what did she say?"

"I said yes. Becky, you don’t mind if I marry your father, do you?" Rebecca hesitantly asked.

"No, of course I don’t. I’m happy that my father finally found someone. Especially someone as sweet as you." Becky told her future stepmother. She handed Kaytlin over to Franz, and went over to hug her father and Rebecca. "I’ll be happy to welcome you to the family."

"Well, thank you, Becky, dear. Honestly, though, I can’t imagine just getting married and already being a grandmother." Everyone laughed.

"When’s the wedding?" Nick asked them.

"I’ve always wanted a June wedding," Rebecca explained. "So next month."

"Please, let me help with the wedding plans, Rebecca." Becky told her.

"Of course you may help, but I only want a simple wedding."

"Simple it is." They smiled.