Golden Bird

One night in early October, David burst excitedly into the den where Sara was sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace. His cheeks were bright pink from the cold, and there was a twinkle in his eye.

"Where have you been?" asked Sara, "I got home early and you weren't even here."

"I'm sorry sweetheart, but I had a few errands to run." he answered mysteriously.

"What kind of errands?"

He sat down on the hearth, facing Sara and took her hands in his own. "Will you marry me?"

Sara looked down, avoiding his eyes, "Oh David."

"OK, OK forget that question, how about an easier one.

Want to go to Atlantic City for the weekend?"

She looked up at him sharply, "Are you serious?"

"Sure am."

"But what about the farm, the store ... "

David raised his arm to stop her questions, "The farm can get by without my attention for a few days, and your dad can get by at the store, besides, it's all arranged "Oh, you little sneak." she said as she lightly smacked him on the leg.

"So what do you think?" he persisted, ignoring her outburst.

"Well, it does sound like fun ... but, David I've got nothing to wear!"

David laughed, "Is that all that's worrying you? Then buy something."

"In Saxon mills?"

He chuckled as he thought of her shopping for an elegant party dress in either of Saxon Mills' clothing stores, since one was for children, and the other catered to sportswear and ski outfits. "I see your point ... well, ... I tell you what. There's some business I have to take care of in Boston, so why don't we drive down in the Lincoln, and you can go shopping while I'm at the office."

"That sounds good, but what gave you this idea anyway?"

"Oh I don't know ... it just seemed like a fun thing to do. Winter is coming, and we can't go to the beach, besides, I just received a very large check from a former client, and he suggested I spend it frivolously, so what could be more frivolous than gambling?"

"You're right," agreed Sara as she began to get caught up in his mood, "let's do it. I'll buy an absolutely outrageous dress ... one that I'll probably never wear again ... and we can go to a show. Oh yes, David, that does sound like fun. When shall we go?"