The morning had dawned frosty and cold, despite springs early arrival. Belle was bundled up in boots and a coat over her new dress, her mother having denied her the option of wearing anything else that day, despite the child having to still do her chores. So, outside with her father she went, while her mother prepared breakfast inside. While her father went to tend the cow, Belle was feeding the chickens, when she spotted a stranger on horseback approach their farm. Her father was out on the other side of the property at the barn, so she was basically alone.

She straightened up, brushing off her skirts after setting down the feed bucket, and brushed her hair out of her face where it was coming loose from its braid. The smile that had adorned her face faltered as she recognized tne man. It had been a full year, but there was no mistaking the jacket he wore, even if it were faded.