She glanced up and saw Cole standing in the doorway, watching her.

"I knew I'd find you out here, " he said. He came out and pulled up a chair next to her. With a nod toward Caleb, he said, "He's a piece of work, isn't he, Mama? " "My, yes, " she answered. "He's busy every minute. He was just telling me a remarkable story." Cole laughed.

"He keeps Jessie on her toes, " he remarked. "By the end of the day, we're both worn out from chasing after him."

"That's the way it's supposed to be, " she replied. She grew serious then and said, "You do know how blessed you've been, don't you?

Jessica is a treasure and so is this little boy."

"I know, " he agreed. "Sometimes . . . at night . . . I watch her sleep and I get this choked-up feeling. . . .

I'm a man in love, " he ended. "No doubt about it."

"I expect you at services Sunday, " she said. "You'll want to thank God."

"We'll be there, " he promised. "Are you going to wear your new hat Grace sent you? " "Oh my, yes, " she replied. "It's almost too grand for me."

"Nothing's too grand for you, Mama Rose." Praise flustered her, and she quickly changed the subject. "Jessica told me that Grace has decided to open a hat shop in Dillon." Cole nodded. "Her parents are 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.