It had been two days and still no change in Joe. He had woken up and few times, but then it was hard for him to breathe. They had a couple of close calls. Mandie was really worried. "Dr. Woodard, will Joe… Will Joe live?" she asked. He sighed but then smiled.

"Yes, he will," he said. She put on a fake smile. Something in his voice, and the look on his face told her, that he was lying. But she put the thought aside and figured it was just stress over his son. But she still wondered…
The next day Joe was awake again and Mandie went to see him. She hadn't since three days ago. She went into the room as quietly as possible. "Hey Joe. I am glad to see you are awake," she said nervously.

"Hi Mandie. I-," she cut him off. "Joe I am so sorry for everything! I shouldn't have acted like that at all. I was so immature! Can you ever forgive me?" she pleaded. He managed a weak smile.

"Mandie I already forgave you. I was going to ask you to forgive me. I overreacted. It's not like your life is mine. I can't make your decisions for you," he said. Mandie was surprised. "You actually saved my life Mandie. And not by just coming and finding me, but the knife you gave me, I was able to use to cut roots and make a small fire so I wouldn't freeze." She hugged him.

"Oh Joe! I've been so worried about you! I didn't think you were gonna live it was so cold!" Mandie exclaimed. Joe smiled. "Well now thanks to you I will get better," he said. Mandie smiled and squeezed his hand.

For the next few days Joe got better and better. Finally, he was able to get out of bed and walk around. Him and Mandie spent a lot of their spare time together. The others had gone home, and soon Joe had to as well. But he soon came back for a visit. There was a little time when it got strangely warm in winter and they were able to go outside. One day, just before New Year's Day, Joe called Mandie and asked her to take a walk with him outside. She gladly accepted and they went out into the garden, which was now bland and brown from the constant cold.

They walked a little bit for a while without talking, and Mandie wanted to break the silence so she said, "It's beautiful outside isn't it?"
"Yes it is. It's really warm for being winter isn't it?" he asked. Mandie smiled and nodded. They kept walking until Joe stopped her. "Mandie, stop for a second," he said. She turned to face him.

"Yes Joe?" she asked. He took a deep breath. He looked really nervous. "I know I already asked you this, but." He suddenly got down on his knees and grabbed her hand. "Mandie, will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?" he asked. She smiled. "Yes Joe. I will," she answered. His whole face lit up as he stood. Then he stroked a stray hair behind her ear, pulled her closer to him, and they kissed. But what they didn't know was that everyone in the house was secretly watching them.

"I knew dat dey would come thro'. I jest knew it!" Liza exclaimed.

"I'm so glad they did. My daughter is going to be married!" Elizabeth exclaimed. Mrs. Woodard smiled and nodded.
"And my son," she answered. They stood there, looking out at the new couple before them.

The End

I hope you all enjoyed! I really liked writing it! Thanks for sticking with me! Sorry it's short.