Chapter Twenty-one - Twenty-two Summary

When Mr. McAllister walks to the house, Love tells Will not to let him in. It is too late, though, as he is already pushing his way through the door.

Love seems to have forgotten her surroundings, and she and the stranger share passionate kisses as Will watches on. Will, worried that Grandpa Blakeslee might come home, glances through the door and sees Grandpa's gossip-loving neighbor, Miss. Effie Belle heading toward the house. Will tries to intercede and keep Miss Effie Belle from seeing. Just as he suspects, she did see the kisses and hurries to tell the other residents of Cold Sassy.

Love comes to her senses and tells McAllister to leave. He has brought her the saddle that was her engagement present before, and he wants her to marry him. About that time, Grandpa Blakeslee...