Will smiled at his two friends and nodded his appreciation, as he held his love in his arms, he placed his fingers gently under her chin lifting her face so he could look into her beautiful eyes. He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to her's. When he kissed her, all of the world's problems seemed to melt away into nothingness, it made it feel as though it was only Tempe and himself. He pulled away after a moment more and smiled at her. "I know we had plans to marry this fall, but In case we are not back by fall, please marry me before I go off to war. I will let you think about this while I go into town. We have to enlist." He said, as he held her hand, he placed a soft kiss on her palm then let go. "I will be back soon my love." he said, and He and Tempe's brothers made there way up to the house. They mounted there horses and rode off into town.<br/><br/>When they reached town brass bands were playing and confederate flags fluttered in the breeze everywhere. There was a man in the town squre preaching about Secession. They rode toward the city's courthouse, where a long line of men stood. They dismounted there horses and took there place in the line of future men in gray. Finally Will's time came he signed the roster. The soldier behind the table asked if he had any previous military experience. "Yes sir, i am a graduate of VMI and did a little service out in Texas under Colonel Stuart." The man nodded with a pleased look on his face. "I heard you were promised a position as Colonel in the 1st regiment of Infantry... It's my pleasure to follow through on that promise and give you that position. We march in the next three days from town." William nodded and saluted the soldier. Before he left he collected his government issued Colonel uniform, sword, and revolver. He placed all of this in one of the saddle bags before mounting. He rode back home alone guessing that Tempe's brothers must have wanted to stay in town. He reached the plantation just before sunset, the Ball would be beginning shortly.<br/><br/>He climbed off of his horse and made his way up the stairs to an empty room and dressed in his new uniform. He stared at himself in the mirror, he looked sharp. He left the room and made his way downstairs adjusting his sword as he did. He stopped on the stairs and scanned the room for Tempe, he spotted her, sitting alone on a chair in a hall way connected to the entrance hall. he walked towards her and smiled softly. "Are you alright my love?" he asked as he knelt down infront of her looking up into her eyes.