"Mommy! Daddy!"copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdYw7TY5Ng
Justin quickly pulled out of his very heated 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxdD4NyNJ7
kiss with Mary. Pulling the sheets up, he went to cover both of their 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy2vI47a4T
naked bodies. After which, he laughed as he rolled off of Mary and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcQnV5XmQg
turned towards their door. "Come on in, girls!" He called.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDstjab0Sk
Two 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPOPtSC2Gm
small girls ran in with the biggest smiles reaching their face. One was a41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bUbHCgONl
red-haired girl with blue eyes, the other a brown-haired girl with 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIexyBtEzPv
violet eyes. The red-haired girl, Ida, was the oldest, at six years old,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrlEhOxTRd
and the blonde, Ethel, was three. In her arms, Ida carried a baby girl,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0pac6NsVA
Sallie. Sallie was six months old and had black hair and green eyes.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8a7Sfrra5
Sitting41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEOldqPR0E
up a little on the bed, not letting the sheets fall past his hips, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ6Ivnw2go
Justin held his arms out and helped Ethel into the bed. Then he helped 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwoFGBLt4H
Ida, and took Sallie into his arms. "Good morning, sweethearts." He 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SlTeyj3qj
greeted them as he gave a kiss to the top of each of their heads. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNaNwFa3Hr
Wrapping an arm around Mary, he held all four of his girls close and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXXQDEso8w
sighed in content.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCiI9qC8wq
"Are you going to take me riding today, daddy? 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cps5D0pGr
You promised me, last night, that you would." Ida asked excitedly. She 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJofTcLynOg
was a beautiful girl, and had even been deemed a much beautiful baby, as41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgeM6Rrygz
an infant. They had no clue where she got her red hair and blue eyes; 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mMuOS7PiO
it was one mystery that they figured made her that much more unique. And41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1dwUpitN7
they loved her for her uniqueness.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU3Qnn1ynU
He beamed over at his oldest 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCnXouOQ24
and poked her nose playfully. "Well if I promised, don't you think I'd 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7rdCf5K5n
take you riding? Since when has your daddy ever made a promise he can't 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmoMSjcbMZ
keep?"copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP23WUjomu
Mary chuckled and stroked Ida's hair with loving fingers. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivBGt0ahQc
"One of the many wonderful qualities about your father, Ida, is that he 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhkNuX3AH8
has never made a promise that he cannot keep. He's a smart man, not a 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgvm2oGfzs
dumb one." She told the girl.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡt66MPgdsoJ
Justin scoffed teasingly. "Wow, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRYPxrPIJG
thank you for that backhanded compliment, love. Girls, I love your 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6XfUrcX1T
mother with all my heart, but she is very good with giving compliments 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZaBmdZ2sz
in backhanded ways." He saw the look on his wife's face and gulped 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGrswYUlGD
slightly. "I-I mean…uh…thank you very much, dear?" He suggested with a 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BJZREq3Bs
crooked smile as though saying, please, just don't hurt me.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMDWC0jEyG
She 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIr8kNlkQO
laughed outright and shook her head. "I wasn't going to punch you, Jus. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkukN1jIm0
And even if I wanted to, I still wouldn't; not while you have the baby."41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloC5ntJOxl
She reminded him.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrwAusvNRR
He sighed in relief and pressed his lips to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu4ICowYJm
Sallie's head. "You saved your old man's hide, Sal." He said gratefully.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCHhXuigdF
Then he looked back toward Ida, remembering their conversation before. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy3TEqnoeU
"We'll go out riding, after breakfast, Ida. Speaking of, whatcha say we 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvoOe1dK0W
get up and make something for these munchkins, dear?" He said to Mary.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlYo8OElh2
She hummed. "I suppose we should. How bout you get it started, and I'll feed Sal?"copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49PH5sIp6h
"Sure."41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MzO4wjmNw
He agreed. He was just about to get up, when he remembered the state he41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1455YKvl9K
and Mary were in. He blushed lightly, glaring at his wife's sly smile. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTgEIuGWfG
"Ida, Ethel, why don't you two go get dressed while mommy and daddy get 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmtsbxYvTL
ready?" He suggested to his daughters.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EICfc5KZX
The girls ran out eagerly, their messy hair swooshing around them. Then they closed the bedroom door as they ran out.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡChiAFqpkMG
After41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VQ70OSw91
they were gone, Mary barked a laugh, while Juatin glared playfully at 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpVx3E2JAh
her. "Oh shut up." He mumbled while leaning in and kissing her 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquETWPqUlk
collarbone softly.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRQczWFhlL
But she swatted his head, making him pull back 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGngwuhlnNv
and give her a confused look. "I have to feed the baby, and you need to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5UkCYYFHz
start breakfast for our other two girls." She reminded him with a 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX83B10rsUM
smiled. At his despondent face, she kissed him softly and ruffled his 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBa38Ekt28
hair. "Later, lover boy."copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡysqg5Gsaqs
He grinned slyly, stroking her arm with 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqdTLQRKvz
such softness. "I'll hold you to that, sweetheart." Then he rolled out 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsHn4Jnvbi
of bed, albeit reluctantly, and went to dress. After which, he left to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZUs227nw9
head for the kitchen to make breakfast.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72JqDpR3KD
As he stood at the old 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvAIplzg54
stove, his two oldest daughter came bounding in, their long hair still a41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpxxNBha7t
mess and in need of help. He laughed as he put the spoon with which he 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqsnSvq0SX
was using to make porridge down and knelt in front of them. "You girls 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaosK6S6G8b
need me to do your hair?" He asked as he stroked each of their heads.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7uAk3wZlS
Justin41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZBixoTOz1
and Mary had gotten married when they were fourteen and nineteen. There41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2rKqkgQk8
was no doubt in Justin's parents' mind that their son was in love, and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuwgeD8ljh
that Mary was in love with him. Mary had fallen in love with him for 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4g7mNwgC5
more than just his looks though. She'd found out, early on, that he was 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU7IFx2Von
able to cook and clean, unlike many of the suitors that had begged her 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bRBs6fBry
for her hand since her father's death, when she was twelve. Justin was 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYD96ZXCgA
different though.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTkcapSDAj
His ability to cook and clean made her one happy41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxuPgani6L
woman, when they married. And a year later they had Ida. As she began 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaXxLpE005
to grow hair, and it grew longer, Mary was pleased to discover more of 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT4c2ac0Ns
her husband's hidden talents. He could do hair. He had offered to do 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv05lgfIzl
hers on numerous occasions, but she had always insisted on doing it 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufwrMiRqjS
herself. But as Ida grew, and she was left tired, Justin had stepped in 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTMB6PMiPz
to do whatever his daughter needed. He could dress her, change her 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp5Lvq2K9B
diapers, do her hair, everything. And now, he had two daughters to do 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DQD5DVX4e
that with; which they both loved when he did their hair.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HmP8ZfZ2Z
Ida 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA7CcdrYwh
nodded and held out two leather bands for him. Turning them around, he 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiHD4c46Xd
used the wooden hair brush to gently pry out the nasty knots in their 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4RyHWbCUg
beautiful hair. Then he but them into loose braids. After that, he 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKRZn3dP1K
grabbed some flowers that Mary always kept on the table, and put them 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A2Od61idZ
into random spots of the braids. "There we go. There's my beautiful 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV3nuKkGne
girls." He said pridefully as he touched each of their cheeks and placed41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfZNfmQscS
light kisses on their foreheads.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM78mscSsx
The girls each giggled and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjsf8Gm9Yz
kissed his cheek. "Thanks, daddy." They said unanimously. Picking up the41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uucSYXcFl
ends of their dresses, they raced to the table and climbed up on the 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBAqoQNfi0
chairs that were still to big for them. Justin helped them up and then 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vjAKrh6Bf
went back to making breakfast.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeq5qBuje5
Mary came in, not long later, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKKaXC9UPP
Sallie in her arms, dressed in a thick dress to keep her from the bitter41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggqRHOHv4Z
cold that threatened them during the winter months. Mary herself wore a41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcvOMgg3mS
simple, beat up, blue dress with an apron over top. Her hair was loose,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2D4dBHnww
with only parts of the front being pulled back into a small braid.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkNY9VYpV1
That's41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMMDDuskZw
when Justin set breakfast in front of everyone. They'd had nothing but 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuIPjv5Ays
porridge for the past few weeks, but, unfortunately, that was all they 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSv6WJHD7e
could afford at the moment. Justin had lost his job at the sawmill 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj0XXDrpYq
several months ago, because of the impact of the war that had just 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjVD8e8ePH
started not even half a year ago. The Civil War, as they called it. They41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHizdpwW7a3
were at war with their own countrymen. It was sad to see it come to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlknlhkZIJX
this, and see the effects it cause. Because of it, Justin had lost his 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Eg4ipjrE8
job, and they had been reduced to nothing more than rations of food.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyNwHaYT3q
She41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mqIzQfvXp
looked over at Justin with a soft, hopefully encouraging smile. She 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziJWD0hDJ0
knew that losing his job had struck him right in the gut. His pride was,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSFRXYhhpW
without a doubt, damaged. With great struggle, she had managed to get 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyiQhRGwnD
him to admit that he felt like a failure as a husband and a father, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWWFTAGadp
because he lost his job. He felt unable to provide for his own family; 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOiQGgPYxe
to him, that was something worse than death. All he wanted was to give 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWNdN55tCt
his wife and young daughters a good home, good clothes, and good food. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yq4ejEUuR
Now, he couldn't even do that. It took its toll on him, and she could 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFGCwmSmlp
see it in the way he had started to age from the stress of the last few 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgmot9uzD7
months.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOERT5sopH
They were doing all they could for the time being. She 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LFsPUMtOh
would eat little, but still a substantial amount so that she could 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8X1LtoDPJ
provide milk for Sallie, and he would hardly eat anything. He had 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qZqPtzk2d
started losing a significant amount of weight, which he and Mary could 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4Y7xO1khP
only hope the girls hadn't noticed. She had also lost a great deal 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDYyEJ23nR
amount of weight, but still not quite as much as him. Even their 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNriNR8gqtj
daughter, Ida and Ethel, had begun losing weight because of the food 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUoD1Vr3fI
shortage.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡt11g0acZA7
He looked around at his family, as he always did at 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQlRp0Br4Z
breakfast and dinner, and felt his heart break once more. His wife's 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRqCEhKUId
face, while beautiful as he would always find her and know her to be, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm8BZaxqdN
was shallow, and dark bags lined under her eyes. She looked so…empty. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97EvZ3wAuA
His daughters looked weaker than they once were. They used to be so 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNrZp5ha0Z
lively; and while they would still run around and play, they couldn't 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoemwQlGnMU
last as long as they once did. One of his favorite things to do, had 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV1Or0SXBm
been to watch his little girls run and play. They were like fairies, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybaZbA5sK6
when they ran through the tall, summer grass. So beautiful. So 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8kNFa9mxW
enchanting. Now it seemed there was only a sliver of those girls left in41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIRixjjqhV
the daughters he'd raised.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZGOvnYuh2
Then there was Sallie. She was smaller41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP6XPhxUKh
than most six month old babies. She'd been born at nine months, she 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cqk06v9s3
just wasn't getting the necessary nourishing most babies needed. She was41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JMX2khmKy
healthy, but looked so torn down compared to most, healthier, six month41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwootdF17q
olds.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQAzJG285
He hated seeing his family so broken up. As a man 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8CJtCPZMh
especially, it hit him right where it hurts. His girls were the most 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S1OP487qS
important treasures in his world, and taking care of them felt more like41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIp46ThLUp
an honor than a duty. To have that honor suddenly taken, and to not be 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdxOW1qM0c
able to give his girls anything more than grits and moldy bread as 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4255RVa02A
meals, was about the cruelest thing for him. Now they were suffering, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIiiMoc3a6
and there was nothing her, or anyone else, could do about it.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB7KS8V47v
Mary,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmk0ah2B32
seeing the heartbreak that was all but written on his face, reached 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO75TdXOnXQ
across the table to take his hand in her own smaller one. With her eyes,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQyg9lFloP
she told him that it was alright. They were together. They had each 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRcMSm3VX6
other. That was all that mattered. And she was right; he knew that. but 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMe3Fr1tOY
deep in his heart, he couldn't help that feeling of letting them all 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMPS2YdHjC
down, even though it hadn't been his fault that he was fired.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8vSW0gVvx
As 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLuJyn6Bi4
the family finished their breakfast in silence, Mary got up and cleared 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgQWkvolYc
their pans. Meanwhile, Justin grabbed his hat and rifle and ruffled 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiY9b18pJr
little Ida's red hair. "You ready to go, half pint?" He asked with a 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gdw0MT6oc
broad, loving smile.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqfO1OxHRF
Ida jumped up excitedly and bounced on the 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6s13Nwr8v
balls of her feet. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" She squealed. A laugh slipped past 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtODDZFLoo
her lips when he placed another hat on her head as well. It was a bit 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqFrWGdQMB
too big, and fell slightly over her forehead. But she smiled wider and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XIvZLivdr
pushed it back up.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAhTl91hd8
"I wanna go, papa!" Ethel said hopefully, lifting her arms toward her father.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡMphhidiy9O
He chuckled and picked her up. "When you're a little older, sweetheart." He told her and kissed her brown head.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57ekVf9tX0
She41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SUPvxPajd
pouted, crossing her arms. And he couldn't get over how much she looked41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwDeYAUbqH
like Mary when she pouted. Other than those violet eyes, of course, she41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtFvYEggau
was her mother's spitting image. "Why does Ida get to do everything?"copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JBqCWzEdN
"She's41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcmC1RaR2t
older, Ethel. I know it ain't fair, hon, but I promise that we'll go 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B0IQYjLaK
riding together when you're a little bit older. Alright?" He didn't like41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXd8scNJtY
disappointing either of his older daughters – Sallie of course being 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbazOcrY3u
hard to displease because she was only six months old – but he also 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs85tQWs9HC
couldn't take major risks. He hadn't taken Ida out riding when she was 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbz7j2j7LN
three, and he wouldn't do that with Ethel or Sallie either. And she 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YYgyMt0Kx
might not have found it fair at the time, but he knew Ethel would 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudFAGww8Ge
understand one day.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0d4iviB3r
She was still pouting, but nodded anyway. "Ok,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAplIJn1R9
daddy." Kissing his cheek, she wiggled out of his arms and went to play41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX7NdGzHGk
in the small family room.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9yEtuUDXR
Mary came forward then and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Be careful?" She whispered.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6Afwdb5Rp
He41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebyULerhn7
smiled and nodded. "Of course, darlin'. And I'll bring our daughter 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8IVtqERsv
back in one piece." He promised, making them both laugh. Then he leaned 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hs84GPEov
in and kissed her lips chastely. "I love you." He mumbled against her 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCGxxsMYJ9
lips. Then pulling away, he stooped down to scoop Ida up into his strong41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fiOaMePDH
arms. "You ready to go, baby?" He asked, nudging his nose against her 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEYOM3vBIT
soft cheek.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFp7JIC1jG
She giggled and kissed his cheek. That was answer 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HvOf2g110
enough for her father, as he turned for the door. A last look back, and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6ftVqf9gS
he left with Ida snug against him. Within minutes, he had his horse, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBxPqjTVVB
Bobbie, ready and saddled. Then he saddled Mary's horse, Mosey. Picking 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2jkRyn7zo
Ida back up, under her arms, he lifted her up and set her in Mosey's 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LvneqOtA4
saddle.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIP1mjwgWt
Father and daughter spent hours riding the deserted plains41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrGTg6d918
of Braiden, which was part of the Dakota Territory. For miles, there 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPb4a2Cxac
was nothing but sage brush and wild grass. The air was fresh, and clean.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViXqGcRuGr
To Justin, that was the best thing about living in the Dakota 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3SfX9lajm
Territory, rather than the big cities. And he couldn't be any happier to41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4cu8nxLUI
be raising his own family in such a beautiful land.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AzIP5W1bO
As they rose 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP0WgG87bO
through the plain, over the hills, and through the tufts of rolling 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKSqZPAk0T
grass that danced with the wind, he watched his daughter with a proud 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjXUO6hmRb
smile. While she looked like no one in their family, he couldn't help 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q14MhLUoX
but admire all of their qualities that fit into her. She was as close to41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXHCoGrY1r
perfect as one could ever be. While she made mistakes, she was quick to41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSILPDAWUWO
try and make up and apologize for those mistakes. And she was quick to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60E75qpRlO
forgive too. She never once held a grudge, and for that, everyone was 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5LvHac98d
grateful. Being on her bad side was never fun.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5tQccyOeR
She fit into this 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0WmQzWNtT
life, better than most. This was the life she wanted. So many times, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAUfHZG7R1
since she was old enough to speak, she had crawled up into his lap and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF7HbORnX0
told him that she loved the life of the prairie. It's like living in a 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy1xVS6SFA
fairy-tale, she would tell him. And she knew not only the magical parts 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgaFwSFcZw
of the prairie, but also the dangers of it. She knew the harshness the 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUclBo9tM7
winters could bring. She knew to watch for mountain lions, and rattle 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnFvVAn1s2
snakes, and scorpions. She knew how to test whether a berry was safe to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeiMTOEz1D
eat, or deadly poisonous. She knew it all, and still, she loved it. She 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fyjAaIKDu
loved all te harsh realities that came with a beautiful land.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHzkJWDfdz
She 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7SwCN70Pz
wasn't like all the other girls, he well knew. While other girls loved 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rOldHaShb
dresses, or butterflies, she preferred to spend her time learning how to41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwor4H1fpMS
survive the rough life of the prairie. Justin and Mary had agreed, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD0MaDAhDp
before they even had children, that any daughters they had needed to be 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGRF15ncXF
taught how to handle themselves. They couldn't always depend on a man. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot3PyKRNaD
Mary already knew what that was like.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlai3Zn00z
Her father had been a drunk 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4hHQrkrIY
her whole life. Her mother was meek, and never spoke for herself. Being 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAEIfGODTL
raised mainly by her mother, Mary had been much the same, for years. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihfl7O6ZCg
When her mother died, when she was seven, nothing changed. She remained 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjkU0bllD4
the quiet girl that never spoke up to her father. She could hardly take 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuFYdVF1yy
care of herself, and knew little to nothing about the wilderness.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrEhhQuPFI
Her41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRQ2cXRjWt
father had never cared, though. He turned a blind eye as to Mary's 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzMUuN6Q8J
well-being. The only times he would acknowledge her was to tell her to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsdArrv6s3
cook, or clean, or to mend his clothes. She was more of a slave to him, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfUui7s9qp
than a daughter. And when he finally drank himself to death, he left 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0ZqUtd0jm
nothing behind for Mary to live a good life from. She didn't know how to41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeOYOfpjmR
work the small farm she lived on; her father didn't believe in women 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn17iwppYzQ
working anywhere else but in the house.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡGapgu8c8oq
Being thrown, so suddenly,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocQnCKRQLb
into the cruel world that she'd never had to think of before had a big 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwp1uehUyD
impact on Mary. Being only twelve years of age, she was nothing more 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWETeajE9S
than a scared orphan that was terrified by the sudden new world. she had41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux5lVI6MyR
to teach herself the ropes. No one was there to guide her. And when she41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKonMSC3Na
met and married Justin, she vehemently told him that she didn't want 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz6lslwM0G
her own daughters to go through that, should anything happen to one, or 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEueJQ9rWW0
both of them.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6LSoPSMPT
He was quick to agree, telling her that he believed 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOULcix5VAS
women should know the rules of the wild. He didn't think it fair to see 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hrcDUyaHy
women suddenly left on their own, when their husband, father or brother 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl345TexPb
died, and having little to no clue on how to handle themselves. That was41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD6jQpQVkr
no life, for any woman. And he couldn't, as a father and a husband, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqJgDmbbwS
live himself in knowing that if he didn't leave behind those rules with 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJndNrjGGRw
his women, something much worse could happen to them than if they did 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo9ZH0oyVJ
know. And as a man that loved his family more than anything, he'd be 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK9I0M5bXB
damned if he let anything happen to them because he didn't give them the41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HYiuqBb7s
tools necessary to survive.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDk0VCRprx
He had just started teaching Ethel, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0RRZzRn7N
as well. While she was a bit confused by the lessons, she knew that when41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76xgPy3UJ1
her father was trying to teach her something important, it was for a 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNIv5dVHo3
good reason. She paid very close attention to him, as she often did with41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa531W2ANqI
a lot of things.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88HxocGBl4
Now, watching Ida smiling with rosy cheeks, and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByP8OEHRzq
her loose hair drift with the cool winter's breeze, he couldn't help but41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5eBAkOw2d
imagine her as she grew. He visioned a beautiful young girl, riding 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAciDdfGO37
merrily through the fields. A girl that didn't care what society had to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEFlNu0umA
say about her unorthodox upbringing. A girl that didn't need to depend 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfFaRguGNx
on a man to take care of her. A strong, able-minded girl. It was nothing41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnJb1XrILu
short of amazing.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13bNWACPns
They returned at dusk, having had a most 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi8vEV0Fqn
enjoyable time. He was just helping her off of Mosey, when he saw Mary 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflCUvtb09Y
walking towards them, a despondent look on her beautiful face. Frowning,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2mgeoeF6Z
he crouched in front of Ida and adjusted her hat slightly. "Why don't 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WiisWetBE
you go on inside, Ida. Mommy and daddy will be in shortly." He told her.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ0sLvWWw6
She obediently did as she was told.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ63J1FBr7
As Mary neared him, he was 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV39hknGy3M
troubled to see tears in her red eyes. She'd been crying a while, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydJQwcNKGo
already. but why, he wondered? She was the strongest person he knew, and41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwfpZ0VWXr
she hardly ever cried. When she did cry, though, it was usually for 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SvbaQzQpD
something serious. She cried when he lost his job. She cried when they 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYRnOnAB7g
lost their baby boy, William, two years ago. Those were the only times. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xMfXMgSId
Two times, in their seven years of marriage, and he'd only seen her cry 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK5QWgHw76
twice.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zgQ6F3Ngo
As soon as she was close enough, he wrapped her in a loving41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L408TnJvv
embrace. "Hey. Hey. What's wrong? What's wrong, baby?" He mumbled in 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv3ML0y1Th
her ear. "Mary?" He pulled away and held her cheeks in his gentle hands.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed2k4YBLuJ
"What's the matter, dearest?" He rubbed his thumbs under her eyes to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEuXEDQ2mm
push away the nasty tears that lined her cheekbones.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡRis35oDId0
She didn't say anything, just handed him a crumpled piece of paper.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWJgZtiF4J
He41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylSB8DCGFv
furrowed his brows as he took the paper. Unfolding it, he read over the41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUJZfNYQzt
content carefully, and slowly. Neither he, nor Mary had been taught to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr74oMHfP3
read or write, as children. They had to teach themselves after they were41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBopt0x7CeM
married. Though they were better at it, they still encountered trouble.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cHRcWEbMe
But understanding what was in the letter was no trouble for him. The 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmFMq4z8jo
words were clear as day.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdi33pI6cZ
"I've been called to war. I leave first thing tomorrow."copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4hW7nlL6z
She41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUMBoN9wpn
released a sob when he said it aloud. And once again, she fell into his41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxA0pMW3XJ
arms. He was still in shock, but quickly began to cry along with her. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC5Xow1XEl
This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening, he tried to tell41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQg9sEWCbl
himself. But the sound of his wife's cries clearly told him that it was41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uTAuinqml
happening. He was going to war. He was leaving his wife and three 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EXfCmLDjq
daughters behind. He cried into her shoulder, and held her tighter than 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFhfOKULm5
ever before, stroking her soft hair.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgvwxvZPb4
"What are we going to tell the girls?" She whispered into his chest.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYhR2kgKrs
He41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mz0W3ijuE
shook his head and kissed her neck. "We're going to tell them the 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDjCSVYEzh
truth; that I've been called to join the war. There's no avoiding this, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yXmNM6Hxs
Mary. We can't lie to them." And she agreed.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVx1SEpeqv
Going inside, they 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEOmELpX4U
both called the girls from their room, and Justin beckoned them to sit 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJxVlqQk5q
on his lap. He and Mary shared similar glances as they struggled with 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaYzwLmDtT
just how to tell their daughters that daddy had to go away. They didn't 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gyUCcF29K
sugar-coat it. They told them everything.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcMjIkPIa0
"Ida, Ethel…you two know41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLuuHQVxa0
that all I want is to protect you, and make sure you're safe, right? 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMaWmHIIkb
Because you, and Sallie, and mommy are the most important things to me."41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqsal5n18x
Justin started. When they nodded, he pulled them even closer and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5jgz07uyh
stroked their soft cheeks. "Well that's what I'm going to be doing right41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw4Fsqna9H
now. I…I've been asked to join the war. That means I'm going to have to41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL8PWtUkv2
go far away, and make sure no bad people can hurt you, your sister, and41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh7bxHcEcK
mommy."copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJY4A1pQLQ
Ethel shook her head, and her bottom lip quivered, as she41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHh1nJrLUB
threw her chubby arms around his neck. "No, daddy! No! No! No! I don't 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthnB6k51EA
want them to take you far away!" She cried desperately.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvMRxFwWTW
He blinked41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wRcIpTU46
away tear as he wrapped one arm around her to keep her close. "I don't 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0OW1cGtXB
want to leave either, honey; but I need to protect you. Ethel, if there 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qSs2ZM71r
was another way, sweetheart, believe me I would take it, in a heart 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5YzhGZbB3
beat. But this is the only way I can protect you, your sisters, and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig46d6jTAg
mommy." He hated doing this. He may as well have told her that there was41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFHn8JnURo
a chance he wouldn't be coming back. Her innocence was already damaged.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmztk9L18XC
She was to young for this. Ida was to young for this. Ida. "Ida…what 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfThm6nFZX
are you thinking, darling?"copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH9f0SzPAK
She was expressionless. It was like 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuDDRLnfGe
she didn't know what to say; and really, she didn't. what could she say?41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2O7nXTo6Q
So instead of replying, she scooted up and buried herself in her 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j5UAr0X60
father's chest. "I love you, daddy." She whispered.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡQotPs3QSUB
He couldn't 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3uzGmk4B1
hold back the tears that threatened him, not anymore. He let them go as 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif46nr4gQb
he bent to kiss her head softly. "I love you too, little one. Both of 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RucM4DN2K
you." He spoke towards Ethel. After they got down and went to try and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYOixuESzg
distract themselves from the heartbreaking moment, Hiccup took little 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURwYYTp39f
Sallie. She couldn't know what was going on. All she would know was that41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg7JsTO6GR
she would be waking up, looking around for her daddy, and realize he's 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtPFMnargJ
not there. She would wonder why. And God forbid, if he were to be gone 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaAd8z7yCg
several years, he would come back and she wouldn't even know who he was.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRwUBZNp5t
His own daughter.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe7v5EaBB4
All to suddenly, the Daniels' world was 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXX5CJtMaJ
crumbling before them. It was all being shaken, taken away from them 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSU662GdBj
within the snap of a finger. He didn't have a choice. It was either 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuob1jM07b6
leave and stand a chance of coming home, or stay and undergo trial, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr3yxGi1tt
guaranteeing that he would never see his family again. there was no 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYmF5sIMGj
choice; he was going.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3LGjMzTCa
That night, after all the girls were fed and41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aIhb13c8e
tucked into bed, Justin shut the door of their room, and was 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKGmje2Bfv
immediately met by his wife's passionate lips. It took him no time to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51urGAUomA
respond to her kiss, and wrap his arms around her small frame. Their 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsKqKWsN8A
tears melted against their lips, as he pushed her against the wall, and 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qlJNEXQfd
slid his hands down to hold her hips.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsy6i198T4
It didn't take long to strip41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlleQMVrGkO
each other of their clothes and for him to lay her on their bed. 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2h1t1XVO6
Heartbreak filled what little space there was between their bodies. As 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQwRAkvxaL
he buried his hands in her disheveled hair, and kissed down her neck, he41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw60nTVOAf
mumbled words of absolute love and adoration for her. He told her how 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRiTSLUQHJ
much she meant to him, how he loved her, how beautiful she was.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCiR7nwhY7
When41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdAt4aNzIY
he finally entered her, she held tight to his back, trying to keep back41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkturtRkpGU
her sobs. But it was all for naught. She dug her fingers into his back,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiLXcEJ7vq
and cried softly into the crook of his freckled shoulder.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwb7duTMnw
He 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrDqVIBJhj
shook his head and shut his eyes tight. "Don't cry. Please don't cry, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCMc4g4pFK
darling." He said begged with a strangled voice. But he too couldn't 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl25ifK2mf
hold back his sobs. And as he made love to her, they shared in more than41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcH7DDPfm7
just passion, but also their fear and heartbreak.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0Zv7hwgpp
Afterwards, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4JlgOCkdi
they laid silently in each other's arms. Nothing needed to be said, to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xD7DVmnYJ
know what the other was thinking. It all spilled out in the way they 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrWlzzYoPk
made love, and the way they held each other. Nothing could make this 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnofJF3lZh
better. But for now, being with each other, was all they really needed.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡla1D190yqZ
The41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4OgcrczOb
next morning, they woke the girls up at the crack of dawn. It was time.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisDeNcOLAE
Mary packed him supplies, enough to last him through several weeks, and41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ561umL9p79
they all sat and ate one last meal together. After which, they all 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKdu1qWeZL
bundled up and went out to see him off.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMvRTJlNvJ
It didn't take him long to41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpid3x0fmLQ
prepare a saddle bag, and then to saddle Bobbie. Though he wanted to 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RX2ljOuIV
prolong the time for as long as he could, he knew that it would just 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpGRUHiQWi
make it harder to leave. And he'd never seen a shame in crying, but he 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmAPp8PFvA
also didn't like crying in front of his daughters. But today, he 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvssyNLmiu
couldn't help it. he was leaving them, potentially to never come back; 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWUXOOF6FB
how was he not to cry?copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsKiXRzu8Z
When all was ready, he turned to his small,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohYZ6n7V2D
but beautiful family. His daughters were quieter than he'd ever seen 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy8Z0HMM35
them. His wife couldn't stop her flow of tear. His youngest daughter was41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl1ajPZYWF
looking at them all curiously, confused to what was going on.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt9W6b57Jw
Licking41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkWyj3WrZY
his lips, he knelt down and held out a hand. Ida was quick to come 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vwduxUhjY
forward and take it. "Ethel, come here, little one." He beckoned gently.41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAkoLDeLBa
She finally came forward, and he pulled her, with Ida, into his 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcvnLOqHgp
embrace. "Now, you two listen; I'm going to be home real soon, ok? I 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkVcyqKtI3
love you. I love you two, so much." He told them over again. Giving them41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5ELtqoIb0
each one last kiss, he stood to take Sallie int his arms. "Oh, Sallie, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCdoZYcpGt
please remember me, sweet girl. Remember, how much daddy loved you." He 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmOLzmbjPT
kissed her softly then handed her to Ida.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7piDhbmCZS
His heart melted when he41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhY13srsaD
gazed at his wife, as it always did. But this time was different. He 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3fGseFFEl
could be saying goodbye to her, forever. He didn't want to lose her, and41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uIWfhjqA9
he knew she didn't want to lose him either. It was an unimaginable 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXqjZuLqWW
thought, for both of them. It was hard to believe, seven years ago, they41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q0j7syN7c
were fourteen and nineteen and just getting married. Six years ago, 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fHRcW8vnI
they became the parents of a darling daughter. Now they were saying 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIG61FAN6x
goodbye for an unknown amount of time.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡmik7BiYaN7
He took a sharp breath when41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaXKu5c2Sj
she threw herself into his arms, and he rested his head in the crevice 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1zWSMT0hh
of her neck and shoulder. "I love you, so damn much. Always remember 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWZp305DNc
that, Mary." He whispered against her flushed skin.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHAjDHuIPe
She nodded 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxm8hRdtT5
wordlessly. "I will. Just, remember that I'm always with you. The girls 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN97n6Z9Z0r
are always with you. We'll be right here, waiting. I promise."copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWEwAVIWyI
He 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJof9rgf54
sobbed and placed a single kiss on her neck. "One last time. Just one 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgBOoTFCny
last time. I want to make love to you. I want to ride out with Ida. I 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbIPyOOINO
want to walk in and watch Ethel playing. I want to see Sallie laugh. One41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94yykIZAX4
last time. I want to see my family happy together."copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU092Bs0Mf
All too soon,41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFokhcJaSmx
he was gone. Just like that. And Mary was left holding her crying 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4I9UhXJZL
daughters, as they watched their father ride off into the gloomy 41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9P6H9OHKM
sunrise. It would never be the same again, they all knew. Everything, in41Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpb7GnRRfd
that moment, had changed.copyright protection37ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WXIfAqKig
