In the Land of the Big Red Apple A Little House fanfic

 Almanzo, Laura, Rose and Jenny are settling into their new farm in Mansfield, Missouri. they have been there a week, but some memories are hard to forget. A one shot. Inspired by a story in the Little House Sampler and the book, On the Way Home by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Story complete in one chapter

 

In the Land of the Big Red Apple

Almanzo looked around the new farm.  He smiled and shook his head. They had been here a week, a whole week and already it seemed different.  It was a sign, he thought.  Maybe Beth had been right after all.    

It had only been a seven hour trip from Iowa to Missouri.  They drove around the area looking for the perfect farm until Laura told them to stop.  Almanzo wasn’t thrilled with the way it looked, but Laura insisted that this was what she was looking for.

And so he gave in, so much so that the two of them had just come back from the real estate office and placed a down payment of one hundred dollars on the forty acre property. 

“Uncle Manzo, you have to find Aunt Laura,” Jenny said, as she walked out of the small one room cabin that had come with the property.  “Supper’s ready.    I cooked up a surprise for you two.”

Almanzo smiled.  He held his arms out and Jenny ran into them.  He swayed her back and forth and then he let her go.

“Wow, Uncle Manzo,” she said, looking into his eyes.  “You’re in a good mood.”

“Jenny, this is the second time in my life that I have been so happy.  I don’t know why.  This place, this rocky ridge filled with stones and wood needs a lot of work, but I have a feeling Aunt Laura knows what she’s talking about.”

“When was the first time?” Jenny asked.

 ”It was the day Beth and I married,” Almanzo said, looking at her.  “But that’s another story for….”

“Papa, Papa,” his four year old daughter, Rose, ran out and lifted her arms, a sign for Almanzo to pick up her, which he did. 

“Rosey Posey, you are gettin’ way too big to pick up anymore,” he said.

“I know you can do it, Papa.  I believe in you.”  Rose answered with a smile as Almanzo picked her up and placed her on his shoulder. 

“Rose,” Jenny said, “come on, you know better than that.  I need you to help me.  You promised me, remember?”

Almanzo grinned and looked at his daughter.  “Did you promise Jenny you’d help her?”

Rose looked at her father and nodded her head. 

“Well, Jenny’s right then.  If you promised to help out, you’ve got to keep that promise.”

“Why, Papa?”

“Because, it’s the right thing to do,” Almanzo said, putting her down on the ground.  Jenny grabbed her hand.  “If you say you’re going to do something for someone, you should always do what you promised.  If you don’t a lot of people will be hurt and disappointed in you. People will never trust you anymore. Is that how you want other people to see you?”

Rose smiled and shook her head.  “No Papa,” she answered, “but I wanted to go with you.”

Almanzo bent down to her size.  “Rose, you are a big girl now and you’ve got to start acting like one.  Now you go with your cousin and I’ll see if I can find Mama Beth.  She’s got to be around here somewhere.”

“Wasn’t she with you?” Jenny said.

“She was, but I think she went to look for…”

“She’s sitting on a rock by the spring, Papa,” Rose said, pointing..  “She’s been crying.”

Almanzo looked at his daughter, a slow smile starting at his lips.  He looked over at Jenny who looked as surprised as he did.

‘’She’s right, Uncle Manzo.  I can see her from here.”

Almanzo stood up and turned around.  Rose and Jenny had been right.  He knew what was bothering her.  It was just last night when Almanzo woke to find Laura at the other end of the room by the fireplace.  She was sitting in the rocking chair staring into the fire.  She was so absorbed watching the flames that she hadn’t heard his footsteps as he….

“Uncle Manzo?”

Almanzo turned to face Jenny.  He smiled.  “I’m sorry, ladies,” he said, smiling, even though tears were welling up in his eyes.  “I’ll go get Mama Beth.   Don’t wait for us, Jenny.  We’ll be right in.”

And as he turned, he lost the smile.  It was going to be hard getting Laura inside.  And his niece and his daughter both knew it.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Almanzo, ran down to the source of the spring.  The creek from it flowed all through their property.  The best part about it was that it was so close to the log cabin, just like Plum Creek had back in Walnut Grove. 

He saw her sitting there, staring out into the wilderness; the bucket of fresh spring water sitting on the ground next to her.  He noticed that there were boulders all over this part of the property.  The one she was sitting on was big enough for at least three people. 

Almanzo sat down next to her, but she took no notice of it.

“Miss them, don’t you?”

Laura turned to find Almanzo staring into her eyes. 

“Oh, Manly,” she said, rushing into his arms.  “How did you know?”

“I told you last night, sweetheart,” he whispered in her ear.   “We had the same conversation, except we were by the fireplace.  Today you’re out here.”   He released her and caressed her cheek with his thumb, drying her tears.   He smiled.  “Come on inside, we’re all worried about you.”

“Worried?  Why are you all worried?” She held up the bucket.  “I told Jenny that I was going to get some water from the spring.  They were all excited because Jenny said she never…”

But their conversation was cut short as Almanzo kissed her. 

“Did you find the quilt yet?” he asked as he released her. 

Laura shook her head.    “Maybe you can help me look for it later, before it gets dark?”

Almanzo grinned.  He nodded his head.  “I don’t see why not, we sure could use it.”

Laura frowned.  “Pa left it for Rose, Manly, it’s not ours.”

Almanzo smiled.  “It’s too big for her and we can use it until you finish mending ours.”

“You’re right, Manly,”

Almanzo smiled.  “We’ll argue about it later, but we’ve got to get inside right now.  Supper should be on the table.   Just remember that I love you. “

They both stood up from the rock, his arm around her.  “Rose told me that you were crying.  She wanted to come with me to cheer you up.”

Laura looked up at him.  “She’s a smart little girl, isn’t she?”

Almanzo nodded.  “She sure is, she surprised me and Jenny.  Wonder what she’ll be like when she gets older.” 

They both laughed as Almanzo picked up the bucket and they both headed back to the cabin.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Whatcha doin’?

Laura looked up from the rocking chair next to the fireplace.  Almanzo squatted down next to her.

“I’m writing about our trip, Manly.  I’m writing about Burr Oak, the towns we traveled through, the people that we met.”

“It wasn’t all that long, you know, it was only seven miles.”

“Doesn’t matter how long it was, Manly.  All that matters was that it was an interesting trip and enough for me to write about.”

 Almanzo smiled and ran his fingers through her hair.  “Have you written anything about me?”

Laura smiled.  “You are the star of the show, Manly, but you might have to share that with the kids and Ma and Pa.  I hope you don’t mind.”

His smile widened.  “We should keep it down, Beth.  There’s only one room and no windows.  Two beds side by side. “

Laura shook her head.  “You made a divider, that’s all we’ll need for now.  When we have time and more money, we’ll build an extra room and attach it to the cabin.  Right now, it’s cozy in here for the four of us.”

“You have the confidence for all of us, Beth. I’ve always admired that about you.  You know what you want, you go after it and you don’t stop until you get it.”

She touched his face.  “You’re like that yourself, Manly,” she said, looking at him.  “Look what you’ve done with this place in the short time we’ve been here.”

Almanzo lost the smile and looked into her eyes.  

“It’s you, Beth.  It’s you that keeps me moving from sunup to sundown.  You are the reason we’re here and you’re the reason that we’re going to stay here.  From the day you brought home that advertisement from the real estate office, I couldn’t stop thinking about moving down here, from doing what I love.  It was you who convinced me that this place, full of rocks and tree stumps, could be turned into a beautiful and successful working farm.”

Almanzo was smiling again, a dreamy look on his face and love in his eyes.  “We’ll make it here, Beth.  It’ll be you and me together working side by side and by the time we’re done, you won’t even recognize the place.”

“We won’t,” she corrected him.

Almanzo’s smile got wider and he nodded his head.  “We won’t,” he repeated and he kissed her.

Authors Note:

This story was inspired by a piece I read in the Little House Sampler called Grandpa’s Fiddle 1 and 2 written by Rose Wilder Lane.  It was also inspired by On the Way Home by Laura Ingalls Wilder which was about their trip to Mansfield, Missouri from DeSmet, South Dakota in 1894.   

  

 

Houston's Side of the Story A Little House fanfic

 A fill in during He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, Part 2. Houston tells Almanzo a story when he goes to pay the rest of the rent that Laura owes Mr. Pims. Story complete in one chapter

 Houston's Side of the Story

Houston Lamb saw him from his spot on the porch. It was getting dark and was helping the little kids put away the cleaning rags and pails for the night. The rest of the children had scattered, some home and some inside the old courthouse.

There were still some stragglers though.

"That's him, isn't it, JP?" he asked looking at the kid next to him.

JP nodded. "He loves her, Houston, but they keep having arguments. I tried getting them back together two days ago, but it didn't seem to work and Laura went back home. Mary told me that she was crying the night before."

Houston nodded, and then he turned his attention to the tall blond boy crossing the street.

"He's coming over here, isn't he?" John Peter said without turning around to look.

He turned toward the small dark haired boy with spectacles too big for his face.

"How'd you know that?" he asked, looking up again.

""Hey," Almanzo called out. "If you have time, I need to…."

"He told me earlier that he was gonna come by after he finished workin'. He told me he has an hour break, Houston. I think he's got somethin' important on his mind." JP turned and ran for main entrance to the courthouse. He had just reached the door when Houston yelled at him to stop.

"Hey, wait a minute, not so fast."

"His name is Almanzo," JP yelled out as he swung the door open and disappeared inside, forgetting to close it.

Houston grumbled to himself as he walked over to close it. He picked up some left over rags and pails and swept up the remaining mess.

He had to keep a low profile. Mr. Pims wanted that feisty Laura Ingalls to pay and no one else. He told him he wouldn't accept the money from anyone else, no if's, and's or but's.

And he didn't want to get caught accepting any of it either.

Houston straightened up and turned to see just where this Alamanzey or whatever his name was when he came to face to face with a pair of blue eyes staring at him.

"Is your name Houston? Are you the one I have to give the money to?"

Houston shook his head. "Not here and not now, Alamanzey. Mr. Pims is still here and if he sees me taking the money from anyone but…"

"It has to be now, Houston, I have a two hour break tonight before I head over to my other job."

Houston's eyes opened wide. "You're workin' two jobs? And JP told me that you only had an hour break."

When Almanzo didn't answer, Houston sighed.

"Alright, alright, but we gotta do this inside." He handed Almanzo a few rags and empty pails.

"Come on, follow me."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That Alamanzey was sure a puzzle, Houston thought to himself as he watched him walk back to Crowley's General Store across the street. And JP sure had it wrong, well, so did the blond kid. Alamanzey admitted he was given a three hour break, sometimes even longer. There was a break in the morning and another at night as long as it wasn't busy at either job.

"He's pretty generous, isn't he?" Houston chimed in and Almanzo nodded his head.

"Yep, he's been good to me since I started workin' at his store."

Houston nodded. "JP tells me…"

Almanzo frowned, shook his head and stood up. "John Peter's a good kid," he said before turning around to face the window. "He means well."

"So it's true what he told me. That you and Laura…"

Almanzo didn't turn around, just nodded his head. "Yeah, it is. He tried to get Beth and I back together, but it just hasn't worked." He turned to face Houston. "I guess it is really my fault, isn't it? I shouldn't have left, Houston. I love her and I'd do anything for her. I can't forget her. Mr. Ingalls was right; I should have just waited until she was eighteen. "

Almanzo looked down at his feet. "I was wrong, Houston and I'm finally admitting it. I'd do anything to get her back." He shook his head, then picked it up and looked at Houston. He tried to smile.

“I gotta get goin'. Gotta get something to eat, and then get to my next job. See ya, Houston. I'll be back; you can count on it."

And he was gone before he could say another word.

Houston watched out his window as Almanzo crossed the street and headed over to the General Store. It was time for the ice delivery. Tonight it really wasn't busy and that was good for the boy. He needed his sleep. No matter how young he was, a body still needed rest.

But he knew how the boy felt. He knew how much Alamanzey wanted to help Laura. And what happened tonight reminded him of something that happened a long time ago. Something he hadn't thought about in years, in fact, he had tried to forget that it ever happened at all.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

There are things that Houston wanted to forget, but watching Alamanzey's devotion to his lady love forced him to remember own lady love.

Her name was Alexandra, but he called her Lexa. Lexa Pims. She was the youngest daughter of Horace Pims, Senior, the real estate agent who owned the courthouse and a few other commercial buildings in town. She was the most beautiful girl Houston ever laid eyes on. But she was young, way too young. He was 25 and she, well, she had just turned 15.

It was 1866, the Civil War had been over for a year. Houston, having nowhere to go, was invited up to Sleepy Eye by his rich relations, Elvira and Samuel Lamb. Houston, having just inherited money from his own parents, took off for the North to homestead. He had his eye on a small farm for sale in Redwood Falls. Here he could grow vegetables, fruit and cure tobacco while enjoying the peace and quiet of the woods around him. Feed the goats, pigs and chickens while he rode his horses and milked his cows. And he wasn't all that far from his aunt and uncle's ranch.

And so, he put a down payment on the farm and drove back down to Sleepy Eye to find a job. He ended up at Crowley's General Store, clerking and loading while renting an empty room in the courthouse for a nominal fee.

He was unloading a wagon when SHE walked in, Alexandra of the beautiful black hair and the biggest brown eyes he had ever seen.

He knew he was too old and he also knew that he was out of her reach. Her father would never accept them as a couple and she was way too young anyway. And so out of fear and rejection, he never asked her to marry him. Besides, he had heard that she was already engaged.

And so they became good friends. She always had an excuse to come to the store to see him. A year later, she confirmed what he already knew. Lexa was 16 when Horace's distant cousin, John, married her in a civil ceremony with a church wedding one week later.

Houston was heartbroken.

The weekend of the wedding, Houston immersed himself in his work. He quit the General Store and concentrated on his farm. He sold milk, eggs, apples and tobacco to all who would take them. He became rich and saw all his dreams come true.

He sold the farm and moved back to Sleepy Eye, renting out the same room in the courthouse. By then, he was 58 and he wasn't as spry as used to be.

Again, he worked at Crowley's, but now he was a salesman. And again Lexa walked into his life.

Only this time it was her daughter, Becca. She smiled at the sight of Houston behind the counter and, without a word, rushed out of the store. Curiosity getting the better of him, he followed her outside and there stood Becca's twin. It was Lexa.

He invited her to dinner and surprisingly, she went. Yes, she was a widow, yes, he was in his early 50's when he had massive stroke. He left everything to her, but she was still lonely. She admitted that she persuaded her daughter to drive her into town to see if he was still working at the general store.  But she had a secret.  She wasn’t going to live.  She wanted to see him one last time before she died.

She told Houston that she had always loved him and she knew he was in love with her. She always wondered why he never asked for her hand. 

And so Houston told her why.

"Do you still love me?" she asked.

"I never stopped," he answered.

And so Houston proposed and she accepted.  They set the date and he bought the rings.  Everything was ready.  He even rented a cottage from her brother, Horace Jr. with the option to buy. 

But it was not to be.  The night before the wedding, he received a wire from Becca explaining that her mother had passed on. She had consumption, the telegram read.  No one knew, she had kept it a secret from everyone.

Ever since then, he tried to forget she ever existed.  He sold the rings and put Lexa out of his heart and his mind.  And from that time on, he never fell in love with anyone again. 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So how did you get back here?" Almanzo asked, sitting on the edge of his seat. Houston had been telling him little bits and pieces every time he showed up with money. A week had gone by and it still wasn't as busy although, Mr. Crowley warned him, next week was the start of the hot weather. Everyone would be demanding ice.

Almanzo had told Crowley it wouldn't be a problem.

"Well," Houston continued, "Horace wanted the house back, now that Lexa was gone. I gave it to him and moved back here. I still have money, Alamanzey, but I am comfortable and cozy in this big apartment. I'm almost 70, son. I don't do all the hard work myself anymore. Becca’s two children help me take care of the place, especially now with all the excitement fixing this place up before the blind kids get here."

"Becca is the one who… ?"

"Uh, yep.  Becca married a real estate agent, Andrew Mason; a partner in the Pims's real estate firm. They have two children of their own, Tommy and JP."

Almanzo's jaw dropped and shook his head. "And he's still making you pay for this room?"

"No one is making me do anything, Alamanzey," Houston said. "It was my idea to give him room and board. We made a deal, Horace and I. I take care of the place and he lets me live here rent free."

Almanzo smiled and shook his head. He coughed lightly.

"Gotta get goin' Houston," he said as he clapped Houston on the back. "But before I do, I just gotta ask you one more question.

Houston widened his eyes. "Shoot."

"Why'd you tell me this story?"

"'Stop being stubborn, Alamanzey boy," Houston sighed. "Make up with her, stop arguing. Don't let her go. Don't walk away. Don't disappoint her and always trust her. Love her. Don't run into her years later, you'll regret it. Take it from an old man."

Almanzo stared up at him. He smiled and nodded his head. "You think she'll still talk to me?"

"She loves you, son. And she'll be here next week. Be honest with her. Tell her what you've been doin'."

Almanzo nodded; then coughed again.

"Alright, I will."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Except that Laura came early, much to Almanzo's surprise.

Apparently, it got busy, really busy. Laura was gone as quickly as she arrived, after she'd seen Alamanzey with some saloon girl, doin'somethin', Houston didn't remember what. But he remembered that he was coughin' like crazy.

And he was soakin' wet too. It had been raining since Laura took off for Walnut Grove.

"You should see someone about that cough, Alamanzey. "

He stopped and stared at Houston as if he had two heads.

"I don't have the time, Houston," he said, dripping all over the floor. "Here's the money," Almanzo continued, slamming it into his hand.

He coughed as he started down the stairs, but only made it down two steps before he fell.

Houston gaped in horror as he went down after him, calling his name.

He picked the boy up, placed an arm around him and led him to his room, while Almanzo was delirious with fever.

"Goin' for the doc, Alamanzey," Houston said as he put Almanzo in his bed and covered him up. "You need rest.”

The doctor came as quickly as he could. Almanzo was diagnosed with pneumonia and lay in Houston's bed until the next day when Laura and her Pa arrived. 

“How is he, Houston?”  Charles asked as Laura ran to his side.

 And then Houston told him that Almanzo was burning up with fever and the doctor sent out for some ice.

“As soon as it gets here, I’ll pack him in it.”

Charles watched as his daughter called his name and wiped the sweat off his face with her hand.

“I’m afraid he won’t be hearing you, little lady.” Houston told her.

Charles looked at Houston.

“I’ll stop by the icehouse on the way out of town,” he told him. “See if I can hurry them up a bit.”

 “That’s a good idea, sir,” he said. 

He watched as Laura placed her head on his chest  and wondered if the boy would ever get well. Houston prayed and hoped that Alamanzey had heard her.

And a year later, Houston got his wish.  He was proud and happy to celebrate the wedding of Alamanzey Wilder to his lady love, feisty Laura Ingalls.

 

Stone Soup Reimagined A Little House Fanfic

 By Special request. What if Charles and Almanzo had returned earlier than expected and found Laura lying unconscious in the orchard? A one shot.

 Stone Soup

(Season 8, Episode 13 rewritten)

Laura Ingalls Wilder couldn't have been happier. She had been waiting for something, anything, to show up in the mail and now, finally, a postcard had arrived. She had to politely rip it out of Mrs. Oleson's grubby hands to read it, but she finally did.

Her new husband, Almanzo Wilder and her father, Charles Ingalls, were just passing through Colorado and were making great time. They were halfway there, which was the good part. Hopefully, they would reach Arizona in a little under two weeks' time with the mining equipment that they were hauling.

The two of them left Walnut Grove early three long weeks ago on a Tuesday morning, headed for Sleepy Eye where they would pick up the equipment the next day. They would make three hundred dollars on this deal and they sure could use it. Well, it would be split evenly; one fifty for Charles and one fifty for Manly, but what's fair is fair.

Laura read the postcard over; she didn't even look at the picture on the back. Manly had only been gone for three weeks and already she missed him. Somehow, she wished that all four of them could have traveled together, but of course, Ma had to stay home, she had to tend to her two jobs just as Laura had to tend to her own.

"Looks like you heard from Pa and Almanzo," Albert said as he moved closer to his sister. "How are they? Are they making good time?"

Laura smiled and handed the card to Albert. "I just got it from Mrs. Foster. It came in last night. They're in Colorado. According to Manly, they are making excellent time. They are almost there. They are hoping to be back by next month."

"Isn't that too soon?" Albert asked. He looked at her.  "You know, maybe it's a good thing that they're coming home earlier at that. Laura, you're five months pregnant. You ought to be taking..."

Albert caught Laura looking at him with a frown.  "You know I can handle this, Albert, don't you?"

Her brother looked at her and smiled sheepishly and nodded his head.

 He grabbed for Laura's books and stuck the postcard inside the top cover.

"I'll carry these in," he said. "You go ring the bell. See you inside."

As he walked up the steps, Laura had to admire him. He was growing up. She smiled as she watched him, shaking her head. Soon he'd be a man with a wife and kids of his own. Where did the time go? With a sigh, she followed him up the stairs and as Albert walked inside, Laura rang the school bell, calling her class to order.

XXXXXXXXXXX

School was over and Laura couldn't believe how tired she felt. It hit her quickly as she was cleaning her blackboards. Probably the heat, she thought, she had let the children out early because of it. Besides she could use the extra time to water those trees. She couldn't have Manly coming back to a bunch of dead orchard, now could she? Her money was tied up in those trees as well. She would make it work, she was determined and that was that. She didn't need help as Ma kept suggesting. Laura would do all the work herself, besides Albert was needed on the farm to help Ma. No, Laura thought as she picked her books up from the desk. She was determined and she knew that she'd make it work. She walked to the door, opened it and stepped outside into the heat.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Three more weeks had passed. Another postcard came from Arizona this time. Pa and Manly were still making great time. The equipment had already been delivered and they were on their way back. Laura thought Manly was being a little too optimistic when he wrote that they were almost home and should arrive in Walnut Grove any day now.

Laura was hoping that Manly was right. She didn't know how long she could keep this up. She'd fallen asleep in class more than once and she had also been coming in late. She was thankful that Willie and sometimes Albert had taken over the class, but she couldn't rely on them. Her hands were red and sore from carrying the pails of water.

She had to continue, it was an obligation now, a challenge. She wouldn't, couldn't let those trees die. Laura carried out the empty pails to the lake behind the Wilder house. The well had gone dry a week ago now. Walking wasn't easy anymore, sometimes her legs felt wobbly, as if they would give way. She was able to talk herself into keeping them moving, but it was getting harder with each step. The pails seemed to be getting heavier and heavier as she walked back up the hill with each pail full of water. She wasn't sure how many trees were out there, it just seemed so many of them all of a sudden.

Laura knelt down on the scorched earth to remove the pails from the water carrier. She managed to stand, even though her feet kept slipping. She forced herself again to stand, as she had done so many times in the past. This time though, it was not as easy. She was feeling tired, very tired. Sleep would be good; especially now. She was starting to feel dizzy; the entire yard was spinning around her. Once again, she forced herself upright, but this time it wouldn't come. Her legs gave way and she crashed to the ground. She tried to move again, to pick herself up, but she couldn't move a muscle.

Laura thought she heard hoof beats and wagon wheels, but she couldn't have. Then she heard the voices calling her name over and over. She tried to answer; to alert them to where she was, but her voice wouldn't come. It was then that everything went dark and Laura knew no more.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

She was in the desert searching for Almanzo. She needed to tell him that the trees were dying, the orchard was all but gone in this blistering heat. She needed to apologize; it had been all her fault. She tried to walk, but her legs gave way, but instead of falling to the ground, she fell into a lake. It was an icy lake and it felt good, but it was much too cold for her to move. She looked around her but everything was gone, everything, the house, the barn and the orchard. There was nothing left but the cold water.

"Manly?" she called out to nothing, to no one. "Manly?"

"I'm here, darlin', " a voice called out through the darkness, rousing her. "I'm here at the edge of the bed."

"Manly?" she whispered, it was all she could get out. Her voice was weak. "What are you doing here?" She tried to sit up, but she couldn't, she was too dizzy. That's when she noticed the ice.

"Lie still," Almanzo said. "You need rest. "

"Why am I surrounded by ice?" I thought that I was…"

Almanzo shook his head. "You have heat stroke, Beth. Doc Baker just left with Charles, Caroline and the school kids."

"The orchard, Manly," Laura whispered, "the trees need to be…"

Almanzo shook his head. "It's all been taken care of, Beth; all with a little faith and a little stone soup."

Laura frowned. "Stone soup?"

He smiled. "It's a long story, Beth. We'll explain it to you when you feel better. Now you rest up and take it easy. Caroline is dropping off some chicken broth for us and I'll make some tea for you. You just take it easy and get some rest. "

The next day found Laura weak, but she was able to get up out of bed. She watched as the Willie, Albert, Nancy and the rest of the children helped Almanzo water the trees. Later that night, Charles, Caroline and Doc Baker paid a surprise visit to the Wilder house. They brought along more broth for Laura, broiled chicken and Caroline's special potato salad. As a special request from Laura, Caroline and Doc Baker, Charles and Almanzo shared the story of their adventure out west and how the Navajos helped them find a shortcut through Arizona that helped them get home three days earlier than expected.

The kids had come by faithfully along with Ma and Pa and helped supply Laura and Almanzo with food, company and lots of love. The stone soup story was explained and now Laura understood what it was all about.

Two days later, Laura was strong enough to help Almanzo water the trees. The morning had started out hot and sunny, but it clouded up during the afternoon. Almanzo was standing at one end of the orchard while Laura was standing at the other end.

"Looks like rain," Almanzo said, as the first thunder clap sounded. A single drop fell on his nose.

It turned dark and windy all of a sudden. Laura looked up. "Here it comes," she said as the skies opened up.

"Beth?" Almanzo shouted, but she was already in his arms, kissing him.

"It's beautiful," she said, when they came up for air. "And it's a miracle. The drought is finally over."

"You're the miracle, Beth," he whispered, moving her wet hair off her face so he could see her better. "And you're so beautiful in the rain. I love you so much."

They kissed again with the rain soaking them thoroughly. It wasn't until another clap of thunder sounded followed by lightning that they broke apart and looked up.

"I think we'd better get out of this rain," Almanzo said, grabbing her hand. "Come on,"' and they took cover inside the barn where they stayed until the storm let up.

 

Sunrise, Sunset A Little House fanfic

 Almanzo and Laura spend an afternoon by the lake learning about sunrises and sunsets and about themselves. Story complete in one chapter

Sunrise, Sunset

It was still dark when Almanzo walked out of the barn carrying the milk can. He was whistling as he walked into the kitchen, transferred the milk from the large can to the smaller can, which he placed on the kitchen counter near the sink. Then he poured the rest into two more milk cans, grabbed both cans and deposited them in the root cellar.

He didn't see the streaks of light in the eastern sky until he climbed out of it.

"BETH," he called, "BETH."

"I'm over by the chickens, Manly," Laura called back as he ran over to join her.

He smiled and put his arms around her. He moved her in front of him and held her close. "It's so beautiful," he whispered, his chin resting on her shoulder.

"Isn't it?" she answered leaning her body against his.

They were quiet as they watched the first light of the new day peek out over the clouds of darkness, Almanzo's arms wrapped around Laura's waist as Laura's hands held on tightly to those strong arms.

"Oh, Beth," Almanzo whispered, as the sun climbed higher in the sky. "I don't know how I missed something as beautiful as the sun coming up first thing in the morning. I've always been out here this time of day, but I never appreciated it until you came along."

Laura smiled. She turned around to face him.

"The sunrise means new beginnings and awakenings. It gives us time to make a fresh start to plan and prepare for our long day's work."

"I always thought that sunrises and sunsets stood for the same thing?" Almanzo asked.

"The sunset means that it's time to rest from our daily activities. It gives us time to reflect and helps us get ready for the coming day."

Almanzo didn't say anything, just kept on staring into those big brown eyes of hers, a smile on his face.

"Well, you sure straightened me out," he answered as he pulled her close.

"I guess," Laura answered, looking into his blue eyes. "I always thought that I was the most beautiful sight you see every morning," she teased.

Almanzo grinned and took her in his arms. "You're special, Beth. There is no one like you in the whole world and I love it that way."

"And what makes you think you're not special, Almanzo Wilder. I don't fall in love with just anyone you know."

He stared at her, that shy smile playing on his lips. "I love you, Beth," he whispered.

"And I love you, Manly," she whispered back. "Come on, breakfast is already on the table, hopefully it's not too cold."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So this is what you meant when you asked me to have dinner out," Laura said, looking at him, a smile on her face.

"This is a great spot for sunsets," Almanzo said, as he jumped off the rig. He reached up to help her down and went to get the blanket and the picnic basket.

Laura smiled, pulling him close. "Manly, you know that…"

He smiled. "I know that the sunrise is your favorite part of the day and it's starting to become mine. I love watching them with you every morning, but I thought we'd compare the two, spot the differences and discuss it when we get back later."

He kissed her lightly and pulled back, staring into her eyes.

"Is there going to be a test later on?" she teased, looking at him.

"Only if you want one," he answered.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"Beth," he said, not sure if she was asleep or not. They were still on the blanket by the lake, his head on her lap.

"You okay?"

He nodded. "You know," Almanzo said, "You've never told me how you felt about me. "

"What are you talking about, Manly?"

"When did you fell in love with me? I mean, when did you first know?"

He sat up and looked at her, his eyes wide. A little shy smile played on his lips.

"It was love at first sight, Manly," Laura said, looking at him. "In the back of my mind, I kinda always knew that we would end up together."

"Did you?" he caressed her cheek with his thumb. He smiled. "I should have noticed it."

Laura smiled. "Why? I was just a little kid to you. You didn't take me seriously. Look at what happened when I asked if I could ride behind Barnum."

Almanzo smiled widely and shook his head. "I was wrong, Beth. You showed me that I was wrong. I was wrong about so many things including our age difference. I don't even remember when I stopped paying attention to it."

"I don't think I ever let it bother me, Manly. I think it bothered Pa more than it did me."

Almanzo smiled and nodded. "I always knew I had feelings for you, but I didn't know how much until I picked you up at the end of your first week. You looked so different that I forgot there was an age difference. I fell in love so darn fast, I couldn't stop myself."

"Did you want to?"

"No," he said, shaking his head. "I could never stop loving you."

They stared at one another, not realizing how dark it had been getting. It was Laura who brought it up.

"Manly, look," she said, "the sunset, look at how beautiful it is."

He smiled as he turned around and watched as the sky turn a deep golden brown as the sun, now a bright orange, sunk lower in the western sky.

He turned around to face her, his eyes just as wide as the smile on his face.

"It sure is beautiful," he said and hugged her tightly. "

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

It didn't take them long to get back home.

"Thank you for this afternoon, Manly," she said, as she brushed her hair. She stood up and walked toward the bed.

"You're welcome, Beth," he answered as he climbed in.

"Well, so what did you think," Laura said, as the two of them settled in bed.

"Not sure about the differences yet, I gotta think about it" Manly answered, "but I can tell you one thing."

"What?"

He took her in his arms. "There's nothing as beautiful as you are, Beth," he said, as he kissed her.

 

Childhood Memories 2 A Little House fanfic

This is a continuation of the story Childhood Memories. Laura is in the living room of the Rock House, writing, when Almanzo comes to visit her with a special request. I am hoping to continue writing about different episodes that Laura remembers from her childhood that she'll share with Almanzo.

 

Childhood Memories 2

“Back for more, I see,” Laura said, as Almanzo crept into the living room of the Rock House.

Manly plopped down on the chair that was situated right next to her desk. 

“Yes, but I have a request this time, maybe two.”

“And, may I ask from whom?”

Almanzo smiled.  “Well, from me.  I wanted to hear about Albert again; the one about how you met him and how your Ma and Pa adopted him.  And then, maybe about that calf your father got for him, Fagin?  That was his name wasn’t it?”

"Yep, that was his name.  Got it from a book he said he read once.  Oliver Twist, Albert said." Laura looked at him.  "What do you want to hear first?"

Manly smiled.  "You can start with how you two met, then you can tell me the rest."

“Well, we met him in Winoka, you know,” Laura said, smiling.  She stared at him.  “I was the first one to see him walking down the street, a shoe shine kit around his neck.  He was so cute, Manly, a little dark haired boy with a beige cap on his head.  He caught me looking at him and then he smiled, one of those big wide smiles of his.  He winked at me and pulled off his cap.  Something about him, Almanzo, it was like….”

“The two of you always got along so well,” Almanzo whispered, looking at her.  “Always close as if you belonged together. I always felt…”

“Oh Manly, stop it.  We always loved one another and yes, we were always close, but it wasn’t that kind of love, not the kind between you and me.  He was my brother.”

Laura stood up and walked to the window to look out.  “You know, we weren’t always so close.  There was a time I was jealous of him.”

Almanzo stood up and joined her at the window.  “Yes, I remember you telling me.  Fagin, the little calf your Pa brought home for him to raise, wasn’t it?”

“Yes.  That’s where I learned all about raising a male calf. Albert ran away when he discovered I was jealous.  He didn’t want to come between Pa and me.  

“So what happened?”

“We entered him in a contest at the county fair, Manly.  It was for biggest calf.  That’s really what Albert was raising him for.  Since Albert wasn’t there, I had to stand next to him.  I hadn’t the slightest idea what to do until the day we took Fagin to the fair.”

“Well obviously, Albert came back,” Almanzo said, looking at Laura, a concerned expression on his face.  “How did you find each other?”

“He showed up at the fair, Manly.  Seemed he wanted to see if Fagin was going to win or not.  Pa saw Albert and chased him until Pa caught up with him.  Pa convinced Albert to stay and well, you know what happened.”

“And you accepted the award for Albert, if I remember right?”

She nodded her head, remembering.  “Anyway, getting back to how we met, Pa became attached to him in Winoka.  Albert used to live under the stairs of some building, that’s where we found him, that’s where Pa found him.  He tracked him down when he caught him stealing a lantern from a store.  Albert didn’t want to go back to the orphanage again and he told Pa he needed to steal to survive.  Pa felt bad for him and ended up buying the lantern for him.  Pa invited him to Mary’s birthday party and everyone fell in love with him.”

She turned from the window and found Almanzo staring at her.

“Pa always wanted a son, Manly, you know that.  Albert was the son he never had.  Not until you showed up anyway. “

Almanzo picked his hand up and touched her cheek with his thumb. 

“He came back with you, didn’t he?”

Laura nodded.  “Not as his son, but as a friend.  Pa adopted him later on, about the time you and your sister showed up in Walnut Grove.  It was your sister’s homework assignment that started the whole mess.  Eliza Jane listed all her relatives and told us to make up a family tree of our own family.  Nellie got in the act and wouldn’t leave Albert alone about how he really wasn’t born an Ingalls.  The orphanage found Albert’s real father, Jeremy Quinn, who was also a farmer.  He wanted Albert back because, well, at the time, he was eleven years old. Pa said that the only thing Mr. Quinn wanted to know if Albert was strong enough to help him out on the farm. After all, he was eleven and old enough and he needed the help badly.  Seems that’s the only thing he was interested in.  Albert really didn’t want to go back to him, so he pretended he was blind.  It worked and he became Albert Quinn Ingalls from that day on.  No one thought to ask what about his family history was, as far as disease was concerned.  We loved him and that’s all that mattered.”

Almanzo stared at her.  He hadn’t said one word since she began her story. 

“Oh, Laura, none of it was your fault.  No one knew his family history.  It happened.  At least he did become a doctor and he took good care of Pa and the family when they all moved back to Walnut Grove.  The time you climbed up that hill with him and the kids to the Keepsake Tree.”

 “Harper’s Bluff,” Laura corrected him.  “It was a field trip.  We wanted to see if Albert could make it or not.  And he did.”

“We all followed you two up that hill, Beth.  I didn’t take my eyes off you once. I couldn’t.  And I wasn’t jealous of Albert.  I knew you loved him as a brother.  He loved all of us, including me.  I’ll never forget the look on his face when I picked up your bag and brought it into the schoolhouse.  He knew somehow, Beth.  He knew that we had gotten married the minute he saw me.  He came over to shake my hand and called me his brother in law.  Remember?”

Laura smiled and nodded her head.  She could feel the tears welling up.  “That was Ma’s carpet bag that went to Radnor, Ohio.  It was the day after we were married at the Blind School in Sleepy Eye.  He was so surprised when your sister and I walked into the classroom.  He was monitoring the class.  He had the widest smile on his face….”   

And she fell into his arms and he pulled her close.  “Beth,” he whispered, “My Beth.”

“I miss him, Almanzo.  I miss him so much.”

“Let’s go a walk, Beth.  My leg could use a little exercise right now and it’ll be good for the both of us.”

He released her and dried her tears with his thumb.   

Almanzo grabbed his cane and placed his arm around Laura and the two walked to the door of the Rock House.  It was then he opened it, let Laura walk out first and closed the door behind them.