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On the ride into town, Sara and Abe rode in their wagon while Billy rode with Roy on Molly The ride was quiet with the two boys hout the trip Once in town, everyone separated because Roy had soeneral store first Mr Dillard had a new puoods she needed Roy was co out of the sheriff's office when he noticed Sara, the two boys, and the elderly Mr Dillard struggling to load the massive pump into the back of their buckboard Roy dashed across the street

Grabbing the pu into the buckboard, he wrestled the pump toward the front Abe then handed so the pump down Fascinated, Sara watched the th Once Roy finished his task, he moved to the rear to hop off, but Sara leaned over and kissed Roy on the cheek

"Thanks, Roy"

Frank Dillard grinned and headed back to his store

Nervous and shy, Roy stammered "I, I need to visit the bank I'll see you later"

Sara watched Roy quickly stride across the street and walk toward the bank

"He's a nice man, isn't he Maw?"

"Yes he is, Abraha to the blacks new shoes As he leisurely walked, Roy was lost in his thoughts Sara and the boys were slowly rolling down the street in the buckboard and heading ho Roy casually walking down the boardwalk

"You like him, Maw?"

Sara blushed and ribbed Abe with her elbow In a flash, Abe juon and ran up behind Roy He reached out and tugged on Roy's sleeve Startled, Roy stopped dead in his tracks looking down at Abe with a frown

"Maants to know if you're coht"

Roy looked up at Sara, who looked as puzzled as Roy

"She asked that?"

Abe lied "Yes sir, Roy We'd be hty proud if you joined us for supper Abe looked back at his mother who, in silence, shook her head and held out her ar for an answer"

Roy stared at the ground and shoved both hands into his pockets Roy suspected so was amiss with Abe's story

"Why?"

"I like you, Roy You're kind to Maw, and I think she likes you Are you co it toward Sara It was the longest thirty seconds of Abe's short life Finally, Roy leaped off the boardwalk and started walking toward Sara Instantly, Abe raced to get ahead of Roy and hopped into the buckboard out of breath