"Come on in," she called to him.
The door opened and he entered. He was dressed sharply in his new suit. Michelle was putting the finishing touches to herself, pinning her hair. The whole family had been readying themselves for a big Valentine's Day party they were hosting.
"Michelle, I've got a problem."
Michelle turned to him. "Why is it when anyone talks to me it always starts out with 'I've got a problem,'" she said teasingly.
"I thought problems were your job around here," he teased back. "But I've got a big one."
She gave him a 'so tell me' look.
"This party tonight, I've got two dates. And before you say anything I'd really appreciate it if you didn't ask how it happened."
Michelle folded her arms. "Well, Heath, you're right. You do have a problem." She was trying not to laugh.
Heath ran his hand over his hair. "Any suggestions?"
Michelle shrugged. "I'd try being honest with them about what happened and then do your best to be as attentive as possible to each of the young ladies."
"Yeah, I guess I already knew that," Heath sighed as Nick approached.
"Problem?" Nick asked.
"Two dates," Michelle told him.
Nick threw Heath a look. "I should have such problems. By the way, we're all suppose to meet in the study. Gene has something he wants to tell us."
"We'll be there," Michelle said taking a final check of herself in the mirror.
"Don't worry," Heath teased her. "Adam will think you look beautiful."
**********************************************************************
"Well, we're all here," Nick boomed. "Where's Gene with his 'whatever' he wants to tell us."
"Nicholas, we're all in the same room," his mother told him. She turned her attention to Heath. "By the way, did you work out your little dilemma?"
"What dilemma is that, Heath?" Audra wanted to know.
"Your overly charming brother found himself with two young ladies for this evening." Victoria said with amusement.
"I thought you were bringing Susan," Audra said.
"It seems as though he's bringing Katy as well," Jarrod commented. "I myself will manage nicely with just one lovely lady on my arm."
"Oh, yes, Sherry," Victoria stated. "By the way, Nick you never did tell us who you're bringing this evening."
"Linda," Nick answered tersely.
"I don't believe I recall Linda," his mother said.
"You remember Linda," Jarrod told her. "She's the lady who 'captured' brother Nick's heart at the Christmas party."
"The English girl?"
"That's the one," Nick told her but continued sarcastically. "And we ALL know who's arm our fair cousin here is going to be on."
Audra turned to her cousin. "Why is it that when WE have a suitor the men in this house make such a big deal?"
Before anyone could respond Gene entered the study. "Good. You're all here."
"Yes, little brother," Heath said. "We're all here. So just what is this big announcement?"
"He's in a hurry," Jarrod joked. "He has two ladies to fetch."
"Okay," Gene chuckled. Then he cleared his throat. "Tonight... I'm going to ask Laura to marry me."
Instantly, Nick barreled over to his brother and grabbed him in a bear hug. "Whoo Hoo!"
"Nick... Nick," Gene said through lost breath. "I haven't asked her YET."
Nick released him.
Jarrod eyes glistened as he dropped a hand on Gene's shoulder. "You'll make a fine husband..."
Gene squeezed Jarrod's arm affectionately. "Hey, brother, save the getting emotional for when she says 'yes'." Jarrod opened his mouth but Gene added, "Besides, you don't want to be crying when you pick up Sherry. She's apt to think you're not happy to see her." Gene smiled at him.
"Okay," Jarrod agreed. "I'll save it. But when she accepts... and I know she will I'm entitled to one first class big brother emotional scene."
Adam Cartwright arrived while the Barkley brothers were out retrieving their young ladies. And Audra's beau Colonel Sam Munsen arrived a short time later.
The party was held in typical Barkley splendor. A string quartet played gracefully in the background and wine from their own vineyards flowed freely. Elegant pastries, fruits and cheeses adorned polished silver trays.
Through the course of the evening Nick danced with Linda and Audra danced with the colonel. Jarrod mingled with the guests, Sherry hanging on his arm... and his every word. Michelle and Adam visited with each other off to one side of the room and Heath with his two companions disappeared all together.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look?" Adam asked Michelle.
"Several times... But I don't mind hearing it again."
"Michelle," Gene interrupted their conversation. He had Laura with him and was trying not to break into the biggest grin anyone ever saw. "Could you gather everyone together for me?"
"Oh, Gene... "
"Wait a minute. Could you gather them without telling them why?" He took Laura's hand. "I want to make a proper announcement."
"I'll see what I can do. By the way, do you know where Heath went?"
Gene laughed. "Last time I saw him he was in the study being hand fed grapes. I'm going to have Silas get some champagne." He slipped through the guests toward the kitchen.
Michelle turned to Adam. "Feel like singing?"
"You're kidding?"
"It's a reason to gather everyone."
"Anything for you, lovely lady."
"I'll get my guitar... and Heath." Michelle told him.
Michelle entered the study to find Heath sitting on the sofa between Susan and Katy who were alternately feeding him grapes. When he saw his cousin he swallowed one whole.
"I see you've made the most of your 'problem'." Michelle smiled letting Heath know she was teasing. "Actually, I came in here for my guitar. Adam is going to sing."
"You gonna sing with him?" Heath asked as she retrieved the instrument from the corner.
"I hadn't intended to." But knowing she had to get Heath to abandon the sheik treatment she said, "If you come in and listen I will."
"Boy Howdy, I sure will. I don't think you sing enough." He rose and with a lady on each arm followed Michelle into the main room.
"Hey, everybody, our cousin here is going to sing," Heath announced.
Michelle's mouth dropped open as everyone's attention turned to her.
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Victoria gushed.
"It's about time you sang again," Jarrod added.
Michelle approached Adam with the guitar. "Actually, Adam is going to sing..."
"You will sing with me?" he asked as he took the guitar and positioned himself on the settee.
"Well, I did promise Heath," she said sitting beside him.
Adam strummed the guitar and began the beautiful rendition of 'Early One Morning', Michelle joining with harmony on the chorus.
With the attention on the performance little mind was paid to Silas as he passed among the guests offering glasses of champagne, Michelle and Adam receiving theirs at the end of the song.
Gene and Laura were now in front of the fireplace. At the end of the polite applause Gene cleared his throat and said, "I have an announcement..."
Heads turned. The family pretty well had an idea of what was to be said.
Gene took Laura by the hand. "Tonight, I asked Laura to be my wife... and she has said 'yes' making me the happiest man on earth." Laura blushed slightly.
"Jarrod, you must make a toast," Victoria said proudly.
Jarrod looked to Michelle. "Why do they think that just because I'm a lawyer that I'm good at toasts?" But he moved closer to where Gene and Laura stood. "Here's to many years together. Laura, you're getting the best. And to my brother who told me to save getting emotional until she said yes... " Jarrod paused as tears welled in his eyes. "I love you."
"I love you too," Gene answered easily even with the room full of onlookers.
Gene surrendered his goblet to Laura and Jarrod did likewise to Sherry. They went to each other for an embrace. By this time there wasn't a dry eye in the room.
Sherry sniffled and Michelle told her. "He gets this way when it comes to his brothers."
"I know," Sherry said. "That's one of the things I like about him. He's an incredible man."
Jarrod ended the embrace but took Gene's head in his hands and pressed his lips to his forehead. He patted Gene's face before passing him to Nick who kissed his cheek loudly and hugged him hard. The other members of the family took their turns giving congratulatory hugs and kisses. And guests offered their best wishes during the remainder of the evening.
The party continued late into the night. And when it had ended everyone was in agreement. It had been a successful event.
Col. Munsen had said his farewells. Gene and Laura had left to tell her parents the news. The rest of the family gathered in the entry while the ladies prepared themselves for the buggy rides home.
"By the way," Victoria began, "where are Jarrod and Sherry?"
Adam who was still there answered. "They went for a walk."
"In the snow?" Victoria's face was expressive.
"Yeah, go figure," Michelle said. "Oh, Heath, how did it go with Susan and Katy?"
Heath blushed. "Well, they both want to see me again... just not at the same time."
Victoria addressed Nick. "And did Linda have a nice time?"
"Well, let's just say she's going home happy." When the ladies emerged from the study in their coats and hats he added, "Don't wait up."
"Audra, I believe it's time we went upstairs," Victoria told her daughter after Nick and Heath had departed.
"But, Mother..."
Victoria gave her daughter a look and indicated Michelle and Adam.
"Oh. She's right. It's been a long evening."
Michelle and Adam watched the two ascend the grand staircase.
Adam took Michelle by the hand. "I'm glad for some time alone with you." He led her to the fireplace and helped her to the floor then knelt beside her. "I got you something." He reached into his inside pocket and retrieved a small box which he presented to her.
Michelle opened the box and removed a heart-shaped locket on a chain. "It's lovely."
"Not as lovely as you," Adam commented as he took it from her and placed it around her neck.
Michelle looked lovingly to him. "I got you something too." She stood and took a small package from the mantle. Sitting she handed it to Adam.
As he unwrapped it he told her. "You didn't have to get me anything. Just these last months with you has been gift enough." He opened the package to reveal a pocket watch with his initials engraved upon the case. Clutching it tight tears formed in his eyes. "I love it."
Adam's strong arms encircled her as they brought their lips together. Yes, it had been a great evening.
THE END