JUNE 15, 1861

As Charlie was sitting in the restaurant thinking about the new church and how he really should attend, his thoughts led towards having the first wedding in the new church building. He would like to have Grace as his wife, but would she accept him?  Would Teaspoon allow it?  Well, he would have to ask Teaspoon and find out.

Meanwhile at the jailhouse, two people were standing by the door and Teaspoon could hear what they were saying and the news shocked him.  He didn’t think Grace would allow it to go that far. The people were saying that Grace was pregnant. He would have to have a talk with Grace and Charlie. 

By the time Charlie had arrived at the jailhouse to ask Teaspoon if he could ask Grace to marry him, the gossipers had moved on. Charlie had no idea what Teaspoon had overheard.

When Charlie entered the jailhouse, Teaspoon was sitting at his desk thinking about Grace’s predicament. Charlie had to clear his throat to get Teaspoon to notice that he was there. Teaspoon looked up, and Charlie was the last person that he wanted to see right now. The look on Teaspoon’s face shattered what little nerve that Charlie had, and he couldn’t seem to say anything, so he just walked further into the room and stood in front of Teaspoon’s desk. Teaspoon usually smiled at all his visitors, so Charlie was wondering what was wrong with him this morning.

Finally, Teaspoon stood up and greeted him. “Good morning, Charlie.”

“Goo, Good morning, Teaspoon.” Charlie replied, though his words faltered because his mouth was so dry.

Teaspoon came around the room and slapped Charlie on the shoulder. “Congratulations Charlie, I assume you’re here to tell me the good news.”

Mystified, Charlie wasn’t sure what was going on. Had someone overheard him practicing to ask for Grace’s hand in marriage? If so, who? Who could  . . . no, who would have told Teaspoon about it? Seeing Charlie’s puzzlement, Teaspoon continued, “You did come here to tell me that you wanted to marry Grace, didn’t you?”

Charlie’s mouth flew open. He did know! But how? This man was good. He seemed to know things before anybody even told him. I guess that’s why he makes such a great sheriff. “Uh, uh, yeah, I did. But ---,”

“How did I know? Well Charlie, old boy, I’m just a good judge of character.” He smiled. “Does Grace know yet?”

“No, not yet. I wanted to ask you first.” Charlie sincerely replied.

“Well if that’s all, then you have my blessing, son.” Teaspoon put his arm around Charlie’s back pushing him towards the door as he said, “You go and find Grace and let her know that you want her to be your wife. As soon as it’s all settled, we’ll have a great big celebration.”

Unbelievable! Charlie shook his head as he left Teaspoon. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. He hadn’t even had to come right out and ask Teaspoon for Grace’s hand in marriage. Still mystified Charlie walked in a daze over to the boutique. He hoped that it would be that easy with Grace.

Grace looked up from her desk as Charlie entered the store. It was still early and she still would be open for a few more hours.

Charlie watched her eyes dance as she smiled. It was good seeing her happy again, after her attack he thought he may have lost her. Now the way she looked at him made his heart fill with joy. She adored him nearly as much as he adored her.

He made his way behind the desk and lifted her up into his arms placing a passionate kiss on her lips.

The kiss took Grace’s breath away. She looked into his dark brown eyes as it ended. “Charlie, that was-- that was--”

Charlie smiled and placed his finger to her lips as he set her down on her feet. “I wanted this to be more romantic, but I hadn’t expected Teaspoon to agree so easily.”

Grace looked at him confused.

Charlie got down on one knee and looked up at her taking her small delicate hand in his. “Grace Hunter would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He took the beautiful diamond ring out of his pocket.

Grace’s hand started to shake, “Oh, Charlie--”

“Yes?” He looked up to her biting his lip.

“I’ll marry you. Yes, I’ll marry you!”

Charlie let out a loud whoop and lifted Grace back up again spinning her around the shop.

Grace’s eyes widened as he stopped and placed the ring on her finger. She had never seen a more beautiful piece of jewelry.

“It was my mother’s. I saved it for the woman of my dreams. You Grace, my soul mate.” He gently lifted her hand to kiss it.

“Oh, Charlie. I’m so--so happy!” She laughed as he lifted her up again hugging her to him.