Prudence and Absalom pulled up in front of the general store, and they unloaded the supplies. Then when Steven entered the store, him and Prudence started talking. Absalom asked his ma if it was all right if he unhitched one of the horses and rode out to the schoolhouse to see how Kathleen was doing. Prudence gave him permission.

After Absalom left Steven said, "He’s a nice young lad. You know you and him should come out to the ranch some time. I’m sure him and Michael would get along. Maybe we could have a picnic, just the four of us." Steven slipped that in to see her reaction for preparation of asking her to the Easter picnic.

"I would like that," She said and quickly added, "I’m sure Absalom would like to meet your son. I would, too." Prudence turned back to Simon and told him how much he owed. Simon paid Prudence but all the while watching Steven.

Simon figured he might as well help this relationship grow. "You know there’s an Easter picnic coming up. You two should go and have some fun." Simon grinned as he saw Prudence blush.

"Since you mentioned it, Prudence would you like to go to the picnic with me?" Steven hopefully asked.

"I’d be delighted." Prudence responded. "I’m sure when Absalom finds out about the picnic, he will ask Kathleen. Maybe we all four could go together." She suggested.

"Well, the picnic is going to be held at the schoolhouse." Steven said.

"Oh! Well, then I guess Absalom won’t have to pick up Kathleen. She will already be at the picnic."

"Should I pick you up here in town?" Steven asked.

"Yes, we’ll stay at the hotel the night before, so you can pick me up there." Prudence replied after tucking the money Simon handed her into her purse.

After finalizing their Easter plans, Steven went home, and Prudence went over to the hotel to rent her and Absalom a room. They would spend the night, and then start out early in the morning.

Absalom arrived at the schoolhouse and found the kids just leaving. He entered the building and saw her hunched over her desk grading papers. He thought the kids must have had a test today. He tiptoed to the front of the classroom, and quietly got behind her and put his hands over her eyes. He said, "Guess who?"

"Hmmm . . . let me see, could it be Cody?"

"No." Absalom replied.

"Could it be Jimmy?"

"No!" He said.

"Hmmm . . . I know it must be Buck." Kathleen smiled at the teasing she was giving her boyfriend.

"NO!" He exclaimed once again.

Kathleen knew Absalom was getting weary of the guessing game and decided to give in. "Hmmm . . . well then if it’s not them . . . it must be Mr. Absalom Jeldin."

"Now you’ve got it." Absalom took his hands away from Kathleen’s eyes. He came around to stand by her side and looked down at Michael’s paper that Kathleen was grading.

"Let me finish this, and then I’ll be right with you." Kathleen said as she continued to check the paper.

Absalom watched Kathleen check off several off the problems. "He didn’t do very well, did he?"

"No, he didn’t, but then again I’m not surprised."

"Why’s that." Absalom asked.

"He hasn’t been himself lately. I think it has to do with his sister, but I also think it has to do with a little girl named Melissa that sits in front of him, too."

"Oh, so he has a girlfriend." Absalom grinned. "Does she like him, too?"

"Yes, she does. In fact they are going to the Easter picnic together." Kathleen replied.

"What’s this? An Easter picnic? Where? When? This is the first I’ve heard about it. But of course we don’t stay in town very long sometimes." Absalom stepped back as Kathleen stood up.

"We’re having an Easter picnic here at the schoolhouse for the children and the adults. There will be games and food. And it’s on Easter of course." Kathleen stood up and looked at her beau.

"Aw! Then you’ll be attending this Easter picnic, right, since it’s being held here?" Absalom asked.

"Yes, I will." Kathleen smiled at him.

"Well, then would you do the courteous of being my date for the picnic?" Absalom inquired.

Kathleen nodded. Absalom asked her if she could take a break from grading her papers so that they might take a walk. Absalom thought that a bit of fresh air would do her good. Kathleen agreed, so they walked out of the schoolhouse arm in arm.