Country Boy, City Girl [LHotP Fan Fiction]

Chapter Ten: Willie's Intentions

Willie went to school the next morning feeling like the world had closed in on him. He didn't see Esther come out of the hotel as he walked to school, he figured her folks made her return home with them.

"Now I really don't have a chance," he said to himself as he passed the other students.

"Hey, Willie!" called Jeb Carter from where the boys were playing ball. "Want to join the game?"

"No thanks," he replied and went into the school-house.

This was not a usual pattern for Willie. Normally he would be up for a game. Today was supposed to be a wondrous day because he wanted to propose to Esther, he even had the box in his pocket. Miss Plum was at her desk, speaking to one of the other girls. It wasn't Esther, Willie's heart sank lower as he sat in his usual desk.

"Why are you so down, Willie?"

He looked up, Esther was standing over him with a look of concern. He sighed in relief and made her sit next to him, putting his arm around her shoulders.

"I thought your folks made you leave," Willie said, kissing her cheek.

"They're going to let me finish school here," Esther replied with a half-smile. "They needed to know a good enough reason for me to stay and I told them that being here was something I wanted. I guess my parents are starting to let me go slowly. They were really impressed with you the other night."

"They were?" he asked with puzzlement. "I guess I was trying to sound like a businessman. I didn't know what their reaction would be if I was anything other than that."

"Yeah, well they will be back for my graduation. I'm hoping they will let me make my choices from then on."

Willie laughed softly and kissed her.

"I knew it!" exclaimed Nancy.

Esther and Willie looked up, she was standing next to them with a smirk on her face.

"Don't you say anything to Mother," Willie warned, "or Pa. You know what will happen if you do."

Nancy nodded with wide eyes and took the desk in front of them as Miss Plum went to ring the bell.

***

"Esther," Willie said when school was dismissed. "Come with me."

Esther smiled and nodded as they headed for the restaurant. They went into the kitchen, Willie closed the door. He was ready, he pulled a small box out of his pocket and held it out to Esther.

"Esther Wilder," he said, opening the box. "It would mean so much to me if you accepted my hand to be my wife. Will you marry me?"

Esther covered her mouth with her hand, tears slowly rolled down her cheeks. She closed her eyes and hid her face in Willie's chest.

"What's wrong?" he asked, embracing her comfortingly.

"I will," she said, nodding her head. "I will be your wife, Willie."

Willie laughed with relief as he placed the ring on her finger and kissed her. This was the happiest day of his life, as it was Esther's.

"How can this day get any better?" Willie asked, kissing her again.

"I don't think it can," Esther replied, smiling with uncontrollable joy. "But Willie, you have to get the restaurant ready. You're supposed to be opening now."

Willie sighed, kissed her one last time and went to set out the table cloths.

***

School went by in a flash, the graduating class was excited to be giving their commencement speeches at the graduation ceremony. Esther and Willie were both in the graduating class. Willie had just finished practicing for his speech as class was dismissed. Esther went outside ahead of him while he stayed to take off his graduation gown. When he came outside, he quickened his pace to catch up to Esther. They had been secretly engaged for two months now, they planned to tell their parents when they were ready. Willie, of course, had to ask Esther's father's permission to marry her, and he had to tell his parents what he planned to do.

"Esther," he said, standing on one side of a tree, opposite if her. "Can I see you tonight?"

"You don't have to ask my permission," she replied with a giggle. "But, yes, you may."

"It might be late," he added with a smile.

"I don't care, but you have to remember that my folks are here now. They're staying in that empty house at the edge of town and that's where I'll be tonight." 

She bit her lip. Willie came around the tree and placed his hand on the tree just as Esther did. They laughed softly.

"When are you going to speak to my pa?" Esther asked in a small voice, but she was smiling all the same.

"Soon," Willie replied. "I have to go. I'll see you tonight."

He smiled and turned to go open the restaurant. He looked back several times. Esther smiled and watched until he disappeared into the restaurant.

That evening when Willie got home, he was tired out. He sat at the table where his family was eating supper. Mrs. Oleson looked at him with concern.

"Everything alright?" she asked.

"Yeah," he replied, taking a piece of bread and eating it. "I'm just tired, things have been really busy at the restaurant. Everyone loves the rabbit pie. Thanks for finding that recipe, Pa."

"You're welcome, son," said Mr. Oleson with a nod. "Aren't you gonna eat something?"

"No, I ate at the restaurant."

"Well," said Mrs. Oleson with a smug smile. "Miss Plum told me some wonderful news, Willie. She told me that she arranged for you an examination for the university. Isn't that wonderful?!"

Willie looked at his mother and nodded slowly. "I'm going out," he said, getting up. "I won't be too late."

He left the room quickly, so that his mother wouldn't ask questions.