"Just put the difference on my tab, Frank. I'll settle up with you later."
Frank stopped counting and slid the pile of dimes into an open palm. Dropping them into cash-drawer Frank finalized their transaction.
"That's it Billy. You're all paid up. You and Abe go catch some fish."
A silent conversation took place between Sara and Roy. Sara looked at Roy with a question in her expression and shrugged with open palms. Roy's response was his head shaking no and a soft smile, indicating they would discuss this matter later.
"You're spoiling those boys, Roy."
"They're not boys forever, Sara. Besides, I'm having more fun than I can remember. Abe and Billy are the greatest and I love them."
"Roy, you're acting like a kid yourself."
Roy nodded. After loading the buckboard, the group started for home, but Roy headed the buckboard in the wrong direction.
"Roy, our home is the other way out of town," said Abe.
Roy just smiled. "We need to make one more stop at the blacksmith shop."
A few weeks earlier, Bobby had let Roy know he was finished with the ring. When Bobby tried to show the finished ring, Roy stopped Bobby indicating he wanted it to be a surprise for everyone. When Roy and the Johansson family drove up, Bobby saw Roy and Sara coming into the blacksmith shop, so he quickly ran in back and grabbed the ring.
Work in the blacksmith area stopped when the couple walked inside. Bobby unfolded a white cloth to show them the ring. His father Tom moved in closer to get a good look, and then whistled.
"Bobby, that's the nicest ring I ever my laid eyes on."
Sara was speechless and covered her mouth. She gingerly picked the ring up and turned it in her fingers. It was a simple flat gold band with rounded edges. Carved into the metal were reindeer and pine trees. The carvings were painted black against the bright gold and no two carvings were alike. Roy grabbed Bobby's hand and pumped it hard.
"Thank you, Bobby. It's beautiful."
"For your lovely bride," Bobby responded.
Sara blushed.
A thick hand slapped Roy hard on the shoulder. It was Tom.
"Well Roy, get on your knee and ask the little lady."
Roy stood dumbfounded. "What?"
"Roy! Get down on one knee in front of Sara, and ask her to marry you."
Roy was unprepared and stuttered. "What? I ah, what am I supposed to do?"
Tom was forceful. Placing one hand on Roy's shoulder, Tom took his boot and bumped it behind Roy's left knee, forcing Roy to drop and kneel on the ground. The other workers gathered in a circle while Bobby handed the ring to Roy.