"I love you," they chorused.

They both laughed. Jim reached over and cupped her face in his hands. "Trixie, even when we broke up and you left for California, I never stopped loving you."

"I thought about you every day I was gone," Trixie admitted.

Jim caressed her cheek. "Do you think we can continue with our relationship? I mean, I know we've been apart for some time, but my feelings haven't changed."

"I'm willing to try if you are," Trixie agreed. "We need to see if the spark is still there."

"I think the spark is still there. I still see the light in your eyes each time our eyes meet. I think if we add some kindling, those sparks will fly again."

Trixie put her right hand on Jim's face and gave him a kiss. When they finally broke apart, both were breathing deeply. Trixie looked into Jim's eyes. "I don't think it'll take much to rekindle it."

"I'm glad."

"So, where do we go from here?"

"Well, I think it's my turn behind the wheel. How about let’s head for Sleepyside."

Trixie smiled. "I like the sound of that."

"Then let's go."

*****

Two days later, Jim was struggling to control the truck on a slippery road in Nebraska as a rain storm pounded down on them, making driving even more treacherous with high winds. Lightning lit up the dark sky, but even with the flashes of light, the driving was still difficult. When they finally came upon a rest area that had a motel near a couple fast food places, Jim and Trixie decided to stop early to wait out the storm instead of risking an accident.

Once the truck was parked, Jim volunteered to go to the motel and get them some rooms while Trixie waited. A few minutes later, Jim ran back to the truck ducking his head as he slid into the drivers seat and slammed the door. “Whew, it’s coming down out there!” he exclaimed, wiping a damp lock of hair off his forehead. He grimaced before looking at Trixie. "I think we may have a small problem."

"What's that?"

"Well, they only had one room left. It seems as if everyone has stopped for the night and the place is just about full."

"We can share the room."

"Forget it," Jim said, shaking his head. "We can't.”

“We can,” Trixie said. “Jim, we can handle sharing the room.”

Jim was silent for a moment. He knew continuing on could put them in serious danger with the slick roads and he didn’t want to take that chance of anything happening to her or him.

Trixie could almost see his mind working with his forehead creased as he stared at the motel, trying to figure out a way for the arrangements to work.

Jim turned and stared at her for a moment. “Fine, but I’m sleeping on the floor.”

“Fine,” Trixie said. “Let’s go see what this room looks like.”

“All right.”

A few minutes later, Jim was unlocking the door to the room. As they stepped inside, Trixie found the light switch and turned it on. They both stood there. The room was furnished with a double bed, two chairs around a table and a two-foot tall bureau with a television on top of it.

Trixie moved past Jim into the room, dropping her bag on the bed. "I think we can make do." She looked at him. "What do you think?"

"If you're sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Well, it's been a while since we ate, so I'll go get us some food at one of those fast food places on the other side of the lobby since I‘m already soaking wet."

"Sounds good."

Jim smiled. "I'll be back."

*****

A half hour later, Trixie had the pillows propped up on the bed and was leaning against them as she flipped through the channels on the television. Her stomach was growling and she hoped Jim would return soon.

A knock on the door made her quickly get to her feet and move to the door. Looking through the peephole, she saw Jim standing there and pulled the door open.

"Sorry it took so long. There was a long line. I think everyone and their cousin wanted food," Jim said walking to the table. "I got us burgers and fries."

"That's fine," Trixie said, closing the door, then following him to the table.

They sat down and ate, then found a movie they could agree upon to watch. Trixie was sitting on the bed and Jim was trying to get comfortable in one of the chairs. Trixie knew the chairs weren't made for his six-foot frame.

"You know, Jim, you could come sit on the bed with me," Trixie teased. "I don't bite."

"I'm fine," Jim said, shifting in the chair.

"Right," Trixie said sarcastically. "That's why you've been squirming in that chair since the movie started. Come on, Jim."

"Fine," Jim said, getting to his feet and moved around to the other side of the bed. Jim propped a pillow behind him and leaned against the headboard.

Trixie slid down on the bed so she was leaning on her side. Her gaze drifted from the movie and focused on Jim. It still surprised her that they’d made it back to the same point they were at before she left for college.

Jim turned to look at her, then his gaze returned to the television. His gaze turned once more to her and he watched her for a moment, then he turned his gaze to the television. Finally, Jim looked at her a third time and asked, "is there something you need?"

"Nope," Trixie said. "I'm fine."

"Then why are you looking at me that way?"

"What way?"

"Leaning your head against your hand and staring at me." Jim ran a hand around his chin. "Do I have something on my face?"

"There's nothing there."

Jim slid down on the bed and turned to face her, imitating her position. "Trix, I know you and I can tell there is something going on. So, just tell Uncle Jim what it is and we'll see what we can do about it."

Trixie smiled. He knew her so well. "It really is nothing."

Jim reached over taking her hand in his. He gave it a squeeze as he said, "Trix."

"I'm just glad we were able to work things out and get back together."

"So am I." Jim caressed her hand. "I hate to admit this, but I really did miss you when you were gone."

"I missed you too." Trixie leaned toward Jim and kissed his lips.

Trixie felt Jim put his hand on the back of her head and pull her closer, deepening the kiss. When they broke apart, they were both breathing deeply. Trixie settled her head on his shoulder as he rolled onto his back. She felt perfectly happy with him.

*****

Trixie woke hours later, unsure of what awakened her from her deep sleep. Opening her eyes, she saw an old black and white movie was playing on the television. Turning slightly, Trixie realized she had fallen asleep with her head on Jim’s chest. He was asleep, but moving slightly every few moments. Figuring the television had wakened her, Trixie looked around for the remote. Finding it, she turned the television off and then settled her head once again on Jim’s chest.

As she closed her eyes, she heard Jim mumbled, “Why, Mom? Why?”

Trixie leaned back and focused on Jim’s face. His forehead was creased as if he was trying to figure something out, but she knew he was sound asleep.

What is he dreaming about? she wondered as she watched him turn his head on the pillow, looking away from her, then move back toward her. It must be something because he seems so restless.

Trixie put her hand on his forehead and lightly brushed the hair away from his face, and he seemed to settle down. She knew she would have to ask him about the dream in the morning. Letting out a breath, she hoped Jim would sleep peacefully through the rest of the night. Closing her eyes once again, Trixie sighed ready to go back to sleep.

*****

The next morning, Trixie woke to the sun streaming through the window. She kept her eyes closed and snuggled deeper into the pillows, ready to go back to sleep. But sleep didn’t come.

Trixie felt an arm wrap around her waist and a warm body press against her back. “Morning, Trix.”

“Morning, Jim,” Trixie murmured and she rolled onto her back. She opened her eyes as Jim sat up on the bed beside her. His hair was wet and she figured he had just gotten out of the shower. She smiled. “I see you’re ready for the day.”

“It’s a gorgeous morning and I figured since we lost some time yesterday that we might want to get an early start.”

“You’re not enjoying our time together?” Trixie asked, with a hurt look.

“I didn’t say that,” Jim said defensively.

“I know,” Trixie said with a laugh and smile. “I’m only teasing.” She sat up. “And it’s a good idea.”

“If you want, I’ll go get us some breakfast for the road while you get ready.”

“I like that plan. I should be ready by the time you get back.”

“Then let’s get moving.”

*****

Two days later, Trixie and Jim made their way along Glen Road in the truck. Trixie pulled the truck up the driveway of the two-story A-frame house with wrap around porch. Construction of Ten Acres has been completed...so quickly, Jim hadn’t the opportunity to furnish much of it yet.

As she shut the engine off, Jim said, “Let me toss this stuff inside and then I’ll follow you to the storage place.”

“That’s fine,” Trixie said.

She stepped out of the truck and stretched as Jim went inside. Looking around, Trixie realized how peaceful it was right there. The sound of cars passing on Glen Road could barely be heard with all the trees scattered between the road and the house, creating a buffer.

And the house is amazing, she thought as she turned to look at it. Jim did a wonderful job making sure it was built similar to the original Ten Acres. It seems like the perfect place for him to live. There are plenty of woods around so he can continue his outdoor activities and he’s also close to the school.

“I’m ready,” Jim said, breaking into her thoughts as he exited the house.

Trixie turned to look at him. “Then let’s go.”

*****

When they arrived at the storage area, Jim parked his Jeep outside the fence before joining Trixie in the truck. She drove around to her storage unit and they got out. Trixie went to the door of the unit and unlocked it. She turned back and saw Jim had already opened the back door.

Trixie returned to the truck. As Jim took a couple boxes, she climbed in the back to get a couple more. As she picked up a box, she heard a thump and saw Jim had accidentally dropped one of the ones he had been carrying, its top opening.

“What do you have in these?” Jim grumbled, pulling the flaps back to get a closer look as he crouched beside the box.

“Photo albums,” Trixie said, moving toward him. “I took a lot of pictures while I was at college, filling up about six albums.” She continued to the unit.

“Photo albums,” Jim murmured, touching the smooth cover of the one on top.

As she exited the unit, Trixie saw a far off look on Jim’s face as he stared at the closed albums. Moving toward him, Trixie put her hand on his arm and looked him in the eye. “Jim?” He didn’t move or blink. “Jim? Come on, Jim. Tell me what’s wrong.”

Jim shook his head and readjusted his legs as if he was disoriented. Trixie grabbed hold of both of his arms afraid he was going to fall. He finally looked at her. He asked, questioningly, “Trixie?”

She smiled. “It’s me.” She reached up and touched his face. “Why don’t we go sit on the back of the truck?”

Jim nodded and she pulled him to his feet. Trixie noticed Jim was trembling. She couldn’t understand what was happening to him. She recognized the signs of shock, but didn’t know what had caused it. They sat down and Jim leaned forward propping his elbows on his knees with his head in his hands. Trixie put her hand on his back and waited. She knew she couldn’t push him, she just had to be patient.

Several minutes passed before Jim lifted his head and looked at her. He said, “I’m sorry.”

Trixie reached up and brushed a lock of his red hair off his forehead. “There’s nothing you need to be sorry about.” She moved her hand down and cupped his face in her palm. “Can you tell me what’s going on?”

Jim looked down, then back into her eyes. “It was something from my childhood.” Jim rubbed his palms on his pant legs. “Before my dad died, my mom and I packed up all our belongings, though there wasn’t much left and moved to the apartment. When we had left the house, I remember Mom had given our closest neighbor a box of items to hold on to while Mom took care of Dad. She and Mom were the good friends.”

“Do you remember what was there?” Trixie asked.

Jim shook his head as he stood up. “I have no clue. But I guess that doesn’t really matter. Her friend probably tossed it long ago when she didn’t come back for it.”

“Jim, why do you think you remembered this now?”

“I guess it was seeing your photo albums. I can’t remember the last time I saw the ones Mom and Dad had.”

“You still remember the street you lived on with your parents, before the apartment, right?” Trixie asked, quickly coming up with a plan.

Jim nodded. “But that doesn’t do me much good. The neighbors have probably moved away or have died. They weren’t young like Mom and Dad.”

Trixie stood up and moved to Jim. “Do you remember their names?”

“My parents?” Jim asked, grinning.

“No,” Trixie said, gently swatting his arm. “Your neighbors.”

“I think their name was Bundy,” Jim said, scratching his chin. “Ethan and Muriel Bundy.”

Trixie bent down and scrounged through the box Jim had dropped for a scrap of paper and something to write with. She quickly found both and wrote down what Jim had just told her.

“Trix, would you explain to me what you’re doing?”

She looked up at him with a smile. “I’m going to see if I can locate that box.”

“Trix, you don’t have to. That box is probably long gone. I don’t think they would keep something that wasn’t theirs.”

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to.” Trixie looked Jim in the eyes. “And I’m going to do it.”

“All right.“ Jim smiled. “I won’t argue with you.”

“Good.” Trixie squeezed Jim’s hand. “Come on. Help me get this truck unloaded. I want to get a head start on this new mystery.”

“Let’s get to it,” Jim said. “This is one mystery I really want you to solve.”

“Then we should get moving.”

*****

The next morning, Trixie was up early even after the long road trip. She was anxious to find any information about the Bundys she could use.

She spent several hours on her computer searching for Ethan and Muriel Bundy in Rochester. She had found several E. Bundys in the area and she knew she would have to narrow down the list until she came across the right one since none of them currently lived on the same road as Jim and his family had. She also found several M. Bundys she had to consider in the event Ethan had died.

Trixie began her phone calls and came across Earl, Edward, Elliott, Emmett, Eric, Evan and Ernest, along with Erin, Elena, Elizabeth, Ellen, Emily and Evelyn.

Coming to the end of all the E. Bundys she had found, Trixie wondered if Jim had been right about Ethan and Muriel possibly dying. Even though the one letter had been a dead end, she was going to keep going until she knew for sure.

Deciding she needed a break, Trixie left the living room. She went into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of iced tea. As she put the pitcher back into the refrigerator, she heard a vehicle pull into the driveway.

Trixie moved to the kitchen door and looked to see who it was. She smiled as she quickly realized it was the Jeep Jim drove. A moment later, he climbed out and made his way toward her. Her smile got bigger when he reached the door. “Hey, Jim.”

“Hey, yourself,” Jim said, stepping through the doorway as Trixie held it open for him. He pulled her into his arms and gave her a passionate kiss.

When they broke apart, Trixie said, “If you keep greeting me like that, we’re going to have to meet up more often.”

Jim smiled. “I don’t see a problem with that.”

Trixie returned the smile. “I’m surprised you’re here. Is everything all right at the school?”

“Everything is fine. I just wanted to see you.”

“Why don’t you come inside then? I was about to get something to drink.”

“Okay.”

Once inside, Trixie poured each of them a glass of lemonade, and then they sat down at the kitchen table together. She looked at him and said, “Before you ask, I’m still checking.”

Jim leaned back with a sigh. “You know, it’s probably just a waste of time.” He got to his feet and started pacing. “I’ve been thinking about it since you said something about trying to locate the place, but it just doesn’t seem likely that you’ll find them.” He turned to look at her. “They probably tossed the box when Mom didn’t come back for it.”

“But there’s a possibility they still do have it. They may have forgotten about it and it might be packed away with a bunch of their own things.”

“I see your point, but I can’t picture anyone hanging onto anything for 13 years.”

“You’ve got your christening cup from when you were little, and I have all my Lucy Radcliffe books,” Trixie insisted. “We are proof that people hang onto things.”

“But these are our possessions,” he said. “We’re talking about someone who isn’t related to us.”

Trixie looked closely at Jim and quickly realized what he was doing. “Jim, are you worried about getting your hopes up that something will be there then having them dashed if we don’t find something?”

Jim stopped and stared at her for a moment. “You know, I think I actually understood that sentence.”

“Good,” Trixie said with a smile. “That means I don’t have to repeat it.”

“And to answer your question, I think you’ve got it.” Jim resumed pacing. “It would be nice to have something of my parents, but there is such a good possibility that the stuff has been gone for years.”

“Jim, we don’t...”

“I know we don’t know that for certain. But why should I get excited for something that’s probably not there?”

“Then we need to make sure.” Trixie got to her feet and headed into the living room to finish what she had started.

“What are you doing?” Jim asked as he followed her.

“I’m going to find out what we need to know.” Trixie picked up the phone and started dialing. She looked at Jim as she listened to the phone ring on the other end. She was done beating around the bush.

Trixie talked to several M. Bundys. She had talked to Mabel, Maureen, Matthew, Mitchell, Margaret, Melissa and Marcus.

As she dialed the next number, Trixie noticed Jim was pacing the living room. She knew he was nervous and anxious, and hoped she could do something to help him.

“Hello?” a female voice answered.

“Hi, my name is Trixie Belden and I’m looking for Muriel Bundy.”

“My name is Molly Bundy, Muriel is my mother. Why are you looking for her?”

Trixie looked at Jim. “Muriel had neighbors about 13 years ago named the Fraynes. Their son, Jim, recalls some items possibly being left with your mother when they moved. We were trying to locate your mother to see if she remembered the items and what may have happened to them.”

“I would have to check with her,” Molly said. “Can I get a phone number where I can reach you so I can call you back after I talk to her?”

“Of course,” Trixie said and gave her the number for Crabapple Farm. “I look forward to hearing from you.”

“I’ll talk to you soon.”

As Trixie set the phone down, she locked eyes with Jim. She said, “I think I found Muriel.”

Jim stared at her for a moment. “Are you serious?”

Trixie nodded. “That was her daughter, Molly, who is going to see what Muriel knows.”

Jim sat down on the couch beside her with a thud. “I can’t believe you found her.”

Trixie moved close to Jim and took his hand in hers. “You know me, always sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“Well, I’m just glad you do,” Jim said, squeezing her hand. “Now I just wonder if she has the items or if she gave them away.”

“We’ll just have to wait until Molly calls back.” Trixie looked at her watch and noted Jim had been there for more than an hour. “Don’t you need to get back to the school? There’s bound to be a lot of paperwork you need to finish.”

“There is, but I just can’t concentrate,” Jim admitted. “Each time I tried to focus, I thought about what you were doing and just had to get out of there.”

Trixie leaned into Jim. “Maybe we could find something that could distract you?”

Jim looked at her with a smile. “What do you have in mind?”

Trixie leaned her head toward Jim’s. Just as their lips were about to meet, the phone rang. They both groaned as Trixie reached for the phone. “Hello?”

“May I speak with Trixie Belden, please?”

“This is Trixie.”

“Trixie, it’s Molly.”

“That was fast,” Trixie said.

“I just got done talking with my mom,” Molly said.

“And?” Trixie prompted, looking at Jim.

“She does remember the Fraynes,” Molly said. “She said she couldn’t forget them, especially little Jim with his red hair that was the same color as his father’s, but had the wave of his mother’s.”

Trixie realized she could easily picture Winthrop and Katje Frayne just by looking at Jim.

“Mom recalled the day when Katje brought the box over,” Molly continued. “The Fraynes were about to leave and there wasn’t room for the last two boxes to go with them. Mom agreed to hold them until Katje could come back for them. But she never did.”

“Do you know what happened to those boxes?” Trixie asked, locking onto Jim’s eyes.

“Actually, the boxes are probably in my basement.”

“Really?” Trixie asked, surprised.

“My dad got sick shortly after the Fraynes moved out, and my mother said she had forgotten about the boxes when she had to focus on my dad. About two years ago he died, and my mom came to live at my house and we brought a lot of her stuff with her.”

“Did you ever notice any items that didn’t seem familiar?”

“Hang on a second, Trixie.”

Trixie twisted the phone receiver slightly and said, “Her mom remembers little Jim Frayne with his red hair, the spitting image of his parents. She also said they remember your mom dropping off the boxes, but never coming back for them.”

Jim’s mouth fell open, surprised that he had been remembered.

“Trixie?”

“I’m here,” she said, twisting the phone back.

“I’m so glad I didn’t lose you,” Molly said. “I just had my husband bring a box up that was labeled photo albums. And looking at them, I think this is what you’re looking for.”

“You found it?” Trixie asked, excitement filling her voice.

“They have it?” Jim asked.

“Seeing that the pictures in this album have two redheads and a blonde, I know these are not ours. Everyone in our family has dark hair.”

“Would you mind hanging onto the box until Jim can come up there to get it?”

“That would be fine,” Molly said. “But if you want, we could have it packaged and shipped by priority mail.”

“Hang on a second, Molly.” Trixie covered the phone with her hand and told Jim that they had the box of albums and the offer Molly made.

“Have her hang onto them and I’ll be up within the week to get them,” Jim said, quietly, stunned that there was something of his parents still around.

“Molly, could you hang onto the box? Jim said he’d come up within the week to get it.”

“That would be fine. Here’s my address. Just have Jim let us know when he’s coming.”

“Got it,” Trixie said. “And Molly, thanks for the help.”

“My pleasure.”

As Trixie set the phone down, she looked at Jim and saw he was shaking his head in disbelief. He said, “I just can’t believe it.”

“It looks like a part of your childhood had been recovered,” Trixie said with a smile.

“It sure does.” Jim looked at her and cupped her face in his hand. “Thank you for doing this search. If you weren’t so persistent, I wouldn’t have even bothered.”

“I think it’s the least I could do. Besides, you would do the same for me.”

Jim caressed her cheek. “Trixie, you really amaze me each day I know you. Every time I think something is impossible, you prove me wrong.”

Trixie smiled. “You know me, always up for a challenge.”

“I’m glad. I wouldn’t picture you any other way. You wouldn‘t be Trixie then.”

*****

A week later, Trixie made her way up the hill to the Manor House. She had just gotten off work and was anxious to see the albums. He had gone up earlier in the day to collect the items and bring them home.

Reaching the Manor House, Trixie was immediately let in and directed to the den where Jim was. As she stepped through the den's doorway, she stopped when she saw Jim sitting on the couch, holding a silver picture frame. From where she was, Trixie could see two redheads and a blonde in the picture.

She watched Jim touch the glass over the picture and knew he was lost in his memories. After a moment, Trixie knocked on the open door, and he turned to look at her.

"Hey, Trix."

"Hey," she said as she moved toward him. "I see you're going through your treasures."

Jim looked back at the picture. "I really did forget I had most of these things. As for the pictures that were packed away, I thought they had been thrown out."

"But they weren't," Trixie said, sitting down beside him. She took the picture frame he was holding and took a closer look at the family.

Looking at Winthrop and Katje, Trixie could easily see the similar facial features between them and Jim. She said, "You look a lot like your parents. You have your father's hair and the same shaped chin. And your eyes are the same shape as your mom's."

"You know, I really wish you could've met them," Jim said, fingering the frame.

"I wish I could have too," Trixie said with a wistful smile. She set the picture frame down and pointed at the photo albums. "So, what are you going to do with them?"

Jim let out a breath. "For now, they'll be staying here at the Manor House until all the work at Ten Acres is completed. Once that's done, I'll take them there."

"You'll have your family under the same roof once again."

"I guess I will." Jim turned to Trixie. He took her hands in his. "Trix, I really appreciate what you did in helping me find these items."

"Jim, it wasn't a big deal."

"It was to me," he said. "When I left Jonesy's with just the christening mug and the clothes on my back, I never expected to have anything else of my parents, even if I found Uncle James. But you have given me something special and there's not enough I can do to show you how much it means to me."

"Jim, seeing your face as you looked back and remembered the fun times with your parents was enough for me." Trixie squeezed Jim's hand. "I'm glad I was able to do this for you."

Jim leaned over and gave her a kiss. "Thank you, Trixie."

"You're welcome," Trixie said when they broke apart. She looked at the open album. "Tell me about some of those pictures."

Jim smiled. "Gladly."

As Jim talked about the times shown in the photos, Trixie could hear the pride in his voice as he described times with his parents and that each memory was something he would never forget. She was glad he had something that showed the good times and she hoped that the struggles he had to endure would fall back into the wings of his mind. Trixie was looking forward to them having some good times together to join those memories he already had.

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