coming over from London'to help her get started. Daniel hopes they'll
stay.'
'When is Daniel going to marry her? ' 'The date hasn't been set yet.
He has to wait and ask Grace's father for permission first, but he's
hoping to tie the knot next year, come the spring. He expects you to
be there.'
'Oh, I'll be there, and I'll wear my new hat.
Daniel's at peace now, isn't he? ' Cole smiled. 'He's getting there,
Mama.' The screen door opened, and her other sons, Adam and Douglas
and Travis, came outside. A moment later, her daughter, Mary Rose,
joined them. Mama Rose's heart swelled with love and pride, and she
suddenly became quite teary-eyed.
'I was about to tell this baby a story.'
'We'll listen too, ' Adam said.
'What's it about? ' Douglas wanted to know.
'A circle, ' she answered, 'that began in New York City when four young
boys and an infant became a family.' Caleb climbed up on her lap and
cuddled against her chest. She put her arms around him and began to
rock.
'Once upon a time . . , ' the end.
