Hey Folks, sorry for the long delay. I've had finals and that just took priority. They went well, and are over so it's time to continue the story... Enjoy reading.

Part 11: Robert E Forges

Got to finish this wheel before I stop tonight. Family here in town for the day from up in the mountains. Need their wheel repaired. I pump the bellows. "Robert E." Grace. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"'Bout time I get this done for the Palmers." With each word, I beat a rhythm into the iron, creating a long band to wrap around the wooden wheel. "They can't go home until I finish."

"Robert E., you haven't eaten anything all day! I'm done serving Supper, and you haven't touched your dinner!" I look up and smile at her kindness. Glad I listened to Sully about following my dreams.

I bang a few more times, as she stands and watches me. "Anything new at the cafe Grace?"

She lights up, smiling. "I heard Dr. Mike & Sully are getting married!"

"Really?" When I married Grace, only two weeks ago, I told Sully he should follow his dreams too. I stopped to wipe my brow. "They were in town?"

"No. I talked to Colleen." She held her own hand with my ring on it.

"She said they're getting married?" I looked up at her, my eyes temporarily distracted by the sight of Jake & Loren running down the street with buckets that swished about them.

"No." She paused. "She said they lost the Xyster, some kind of stone for the ring..."

I looked at the fire, it's changed to more of an orange. I heap more coal on and pump the bellows one more time. "If they're getting married, they'll tell us."

"Everyone was talking about it. Jake, Dorothy, Loren even Hank." Her smile dropped. "Do you think she's told everyone but us Robert E?"

I lift up the band I've made and begin to nail it around the wheel. "Don't think so Grace. If there's something going on, they'll tell us."