"Mommy! Daddy!"8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2UjP8OUZb 維尼
Justin quickly pulled out of his very heated 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLKpNryU8H
kiss with Mary. Pulling the sheets up, he went to cover both of their 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7PucdPTXy
naked bodies. After which, he laughed as he rolled off of Mary and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4461WwzySd
turned towards their door. "Come on in, girls!" He called.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ASvMDIAnL 維尼
Two 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMkpTI2QOM
small girls ran in with the biggest smiles reaching their face. One was a132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JdahbHPJP
red-haired girl with blue eyes, the other a brown-haired girl with 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3sPAVJnPq
violet eyes. The red-haired girl, Ida, was the oldest, at six years old,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2RknW70Zf
and the blonde, Ethel, was three. In her arms, Ida carried a baby girl,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgepRCjekrU
Sallie. Sallie was six months old and had black hair and green eyes.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡELVk4xfq0L 維尼
Sitting132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2MnhgYzhI
up a little on the bed, not letting the sheets fall past his hips, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv72SYR3PfT
Justin held his arms out and helped Ethel into the bed. Then he helped 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMF8kfM25N
Ida, and took Sallie into his arms. "Good morning, sweethearts." He 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeREuWQYsFf
greeted them as he gave a kiss to the top of each of their heads. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmBZ8z5wvQ
Wrapping an arm around Mary, he held all four of his girls close and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7RRGheE9o
sighed in content.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0jMKAY544 維尼
"Are you going to take me riding today, daddy? 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMCIYa51hM
You promised me, last night, that you would." Ida asked excitedly. She 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlrciQ7ywT
was a beautiful girl, and had even been deemed a much beautiful baby, as132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfxomimJza
an infant. They had no clue where she got her red hair and blue eyes; 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3fTqGXUbm
it was one mystery that they figured made her that much more unique. And132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSuUiiCrft
they loved her for her uniqueness.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bjNisEWfR 維尼
He beamed over at his oldest 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4LuiOjOvm
and poked her nose playfully. "Well if I promised, don't you think I'd 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzJ2BJPLyl
take you riding? Since when has your daddy ever made a promise he can't 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnxKLxrGMy
keep?"8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVjLVn6Bt8 維尼
Mary chuckled and stroked Ida's hair with loving fingers. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnVa8PMicY
"One of the many wonderful qualities about your father, Ida, is that he 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqmUOPST7C
has never made a promise that he cannot keep. He's a smart man, not a 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZo9CzfEgJ
dumb one." She told the girl.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9Ey2DKAKN 維尼
Justin scoffed teasingly. "Wow, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QKmjkdIo6
thank you for that backhanded compliment, love. Girls, I love your 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoZItjlNTz
mother with all my heart, but she is very good with giving compliments 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8AvhAmOlm
in backhanded ways." He saw the look on his wife's face and gulped 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLEjpKhYbJ
slightly. "I-I mean…uh…thank you very much, dear?" He suggested with a 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hgwYLOnd7
crooked smile as though saying, please, just don't hurt me.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqbNQheya2 維尼
She 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ7ncZdqt2
laughed outright and shook her head. "I wasn't going to punch you, Jus. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtPaTQ1x9M
And even if I wanted to, I still wouldn't; not while you have the baby."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39KLy4ogbO
She reminded him.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUGqUgOMJb 維尼
He sighed in relief and pressed his lips to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhhUpeNGJc
Sallie's head. "You saved your old man's hide, Sal." He said gratefully.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66fk45kJYf
Then he looked back toward Ida, remembering their conversation before. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5QOVqN273
"We'll go out riding, after breakfast, Ida. Speaking of, whatcha say we 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRQS2B4QdZ
get up and make something for these munchkins, dear?" He said to Mary.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsrCiP97mt 維尼
She hummed. "I suppose we should. How bout you get it started, and I'll feed Sal?"8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV85awLL8u 維尼
"Sure."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeEHWDTpSq
He agreed. He was just about to get up, when he remembered the state he132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNUBQNelWD
and Mary were in. He blushed lightly, glaring at his wife's sly smile. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbMreK9OnD
"Ida, Ethel, why don't you two go get dressed while mommy and daddy get 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu9LO3qLJY
ready?" He suggested to his daughters.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjWYoIcTu5 維尼
The girls ran out eagerly, their messy hair swooshing around them. Then they closed the bedroom door as they ran out.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEENVD3eNx 維尼
After132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1RAMmTYeb
they were gone, Mary barked a laugh, while Juatin glared playfully at 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLdXmGsJ4C
her. "Oh shut up." He mumbled while leaning in and kissing her 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92BoRvpLER
collarbone softly.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ecnG5DJuJ 維尼
But she swatted his head, making him pull back 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91sUuRYmsm
and give her a confused look. "I have to feed the baby, and you need to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZLFLD2ctp
start breakfast for our other two girls." She reminded him with a 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvmF1vBBMe
smiled. At his despondent face, she kissed him softly and ruffled his 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWhYpe8eIE
hair. "Later, lover boy."8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9m0KmOnHf 維尼
He grinned slyly, stroking her arm with 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJHKsv3wsy
such softness. "I'll hold you to that, sweetheart." Then he rolled out 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5o5oXPjfD
of bed, albeit reluctantly, and went to dress. After which, he left to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnHdwVpSBD
head for the kitchen to make breakfast.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwlpfVL8As 維尼
As he stood at the old 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlyomDSw3T
stove, his two oldest daughter came bounding in, their long hair still a132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAgMO1W8cT
mess and in need of help. He laughed as he put the spoon with which he 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIenwrwrJEz
was using to make porridge down and knelt in front of them. "You girls 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GD3fYoK2q
need me to do your hair?" He asked as he stroked each of their heads.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmgruy1bPJ 維尼
Justin132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10ntV5BOns
and Mary had gotten married when they were fourteen and nineteen. There132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cMtEI6I0f
was no doubt in Justin's parents' mind that their son was in love, and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWHJHGwDue
that Mary was in love with him. Mary had fallen in love with him for 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX1Y7iHxy6
more than just his looks though. She'd found out, early on, that he was 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC3PYPpSyL
able to cook and clean, unlike many of the suitors that had begged her 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SCMjGb7ZX
for her hand since her father's death, when she was twelve. Justin was 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fQDdigrTk
different though.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGfq9PjYPb 維尼
His ability to cook and clean made her one happy132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bwMH9meiw
woman, when they married. And a year later they had Ida. As she began 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIe7szsVbU
to grow hair, and it grew longer, Mary was pleased to discover more of 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GOu4BjX2I
her husband's hidden talents. He could do hair. He had offered to do 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPtuKGRMXX
hers on numerous occasions, but she had always insisted on doing it 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssy0WauE4R
herself. But as Ida grew, and she was left tired, Justin had stepped in 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6gwws6rri
to do whatever his daughter needed. He could dress her, change her 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsdfoMDlhf
diapers, do her hair, everything. And now, he had two daughters to do 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaufmSXis4
that with; which they both loved when he did their hair.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMkZRx9sxQ 維尼
Ida 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4YstIbTN5
nodded and held out two leather bands for him. Turning them around, he 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbJJiWP3AJ
used the wooden hair brush to gently pry out the nasty knots in their 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP1TMhmzes
beautiful hair. Then he but them into loose braids. After that, he 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hwNpuAIEu
grabbed some flowers that Mary always kept on the table, and put them 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScfxnFI2OO
into random spots of the braids. "There we go. There's my beautiful 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37awg5g4yH
girls." He said pridefully as he touched each of their cheeks and placed132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosPhyZypjk
light kisses on their foreheads.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBp6JQSVfr 維尼
The girls each giggled and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIgt0Owlbk
kissed his cheek. "Thanks, daddy." They said unanimously. Picking up the132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4VcAZauId
ends of their dresses, they raced to the table and climbed up on the 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmiudMhm6y
chairs that were still to big for them. Justin helped them up and then 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5VA5ekcYe
went back to making breakfast.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOSFkpYodR 維尼
Mary came in, not long later, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3NUifTX9n
Sallie in her arms, dressed in a thick dress to keep her from the bitter132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsuC0dBIsE
cold that threatened them during the winter months. Mary herself wore a132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDBrKTp6Fm
simple, beat up, blue dress with an apron over top. Her hair was loose,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJffUBrH5J
with only parts of the front being pulled back into a small braid.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb1YbaG2Gk 維尼
That's132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQW6baRDDp
when Justin set breakfast in front of everyone. They'd had nothing but 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszZbJZ9J1a
porridge for the past few weeks, but, unfortunately, that was all they 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHnbbztMKo
could afford at the moment. Justin had lost his job at the sawmill 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2zxUVB8yB
several months ago, because of the impact of the war that had just 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhHk1ycbYM
started not even half a year ago. The Civil War, as they called it. They132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r17rMPPxQ
were at war with their own countrymen. It was sad to see it come to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZTa0Arn15
this, and see the effects it cause. Because of it, Justin had lost his 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtieZHBmCoo
job, and they had been reduced to nothing more than rations of food.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNx3wH4L48 維尼
She132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x4Hb63uGF
looked over at Justin with a soft, hopefully encouraging smile. She 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs184hhyqWE
knew that losing his job had struck him right in the gut. His pride was,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu8CNess3m
without a doubt, damaged. With great struggle, she had managed to get 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXi8Bz1YmR
him to admit that he felt like a failure as a husband and a father, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw3EV4pdpH
because he lost his job. He felt unable to provide for his own family; 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM1jE8QZ7q
to him, that was something worse than death. All he wanted was to give 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O0buGQ2Dz
his wife and young daughters a good home, good clothes, and good food. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GRN6gmbmg
Now, he couldn't even do that. It took its toll on him, and she could 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeqeBpSQ2i
see it in the way he had started to age from the stress of the last few 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zH2m4KBft
months.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BJ5GvAOcw 維尼
They were doing all they could for the time being. She 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZRnXKSShX
would eat little, but still a substantial amount so that she could 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSdjE1XXYq
provide milk for Sallie, and he would hardly eat anything. He had 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu66vh67psr
started losing a significant amount of weight, which he and Mary could 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5u9G1YFTm
only hope the girls hadn't noticed. She had also lost a great deal 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmVHsRirE8
amount of weight, but still not quite as much as him. Even their 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S0HrRnhcE
daughter, Ida and Ethel, had begun losing weight because of the food 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9OnIyaMrD
shortage.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8AwI08K1G 維尼
He looked around at his family, as he always did at 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9nonIOZLa
breakfast and dinner, and felt his heart break once more. His wife's 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknsrrmXbtL
face, while beautiful as he would always find her and know her to be, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA4qpr3hqs
was shallow, and dark bags lined under her eyes. She looked so…empty. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmxiUsliJK
His daughters looked weaker than they once were. They used to be so 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ37F77pda
lively; and while they would still run around and play, they couldn't 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrV1vAEJXi
last as long as they once did. One of his favorite things to do, had 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKowROtzaV
been to watch his little girls run and play. They were like fairies, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgblVNqpzev
when they ran through the tall, summer grass. So beautiful. So 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPZK59uEgZ
enchanting. Now it seemed there was only a sliver of those girls left in132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogFu520Zkk
the daughters he'd raised.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pCnxpEEmI 維尼
Then there was Sallie. She was smaller132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IazSwBEDp
than most six month old babies. She'd been born at nine months, she 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRqeXCSJjH
just wasn't getting the necessary nourishing most babies needed. She was132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBlsuGzCAJ
healthy, but looked so torn down compared to most, healthier, six month132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkaghkk0cJ
olds.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbaFDVpJ13 維尼
He hated seeing his family so broken up. As a man 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO05GcF2R2
especially, it hit him right where it hurts. His girls were the most 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgkGL0VxuI
important treasures in his world, and taking care of them felt more like132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD6nj9cBKw
an honor than a duty. To have that honor suddenly taken, and to not be 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrqRcGRqzz
able to give his girls anything more than grits and moldy bread as 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yZNuHgtfA
meals, was about the cruelest thing for him. Now they were suffering, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAuAGbhf6z
and there was nothing her, or anyone else, could do about it.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50jje0MR4Y 維尼
Mary,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oB2ndSNvT
seeing the heartbreak that was all but written on his face, reached 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZakRKMxgI
across the table to take his hand in her own smaller one. With her eyes,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxXp4S65iX
she told him that it was alright. They were together. They had each 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PrOhy2jxK
other. That was all that mattered. And she was right; he knew that. but 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDASfFMwaH
deep in his heart, he couldn't help that feeling of letting them all 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiTEtk8qui
down, even though it hadn't been his fault that he was fired.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGwTtAkhQI 維尼
As 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13g49NiWwX
the family finished their breakfast in silence, Mary got up and cleared 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi06pCSqgRb
their pans. Meanwhile, Justin grabbed his hat and rifle and ruffled 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z1N0mHpEe
little Ida's red hair. "You ready to go, half pint?" He asked with a 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQdecOp8Wt
broad, loving smile.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkA4k4h4Ju 維尼
Ida jumped up excitedly and bounced on the 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlf3tKZbkm
balls of her feet. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" She squealed. A laugh slipped past 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxVWr8Bw5w
her lips when he placed another hat on her head as well. It was a bit 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx4ZYacy0c
too big, and fell slightly over her forehead. But she smiled wider and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQPvQi7QqQ
pushed it back up.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQzthfU4xE 維尼
"I wanna go, papa!" Ethel said hopefully, lifting her arms toward her father.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡo10f7MfF9w 維尼
He chuckled and picked her up. "When you're a little older, sweetheart." He told her and kissed her brown head.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqzYbskj0g 維尼
She132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDauG3L2o1W
pouted, crossing her arms. And he couldn't get over how much she looked132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZyYIYSHHR
like Mary when she pouted. Other than those violet eyes, of course, she132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7XWMqNVMr
was her mother's spitting image. "Why does Ida get to do everything?"8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRBT0q6eYg 維尼
"She's132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7qE0uHik0
older, Ethel. I know it ain't fair, hon, but I promise that we'll go 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4ea4V8rNl
riding together when you're a little bit older. Alright?" He didn't like132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GGlZiqEoW
disappointing either of his older daughters – Sallie of course being 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbYKAVompX
hard to displease because she was only six months old – but he also 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr9BSr8pdD
couldn't take major risks. He hadn't taken Ida out riding when she was 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4JSU1avC5
three, and he wouldn't do that with Ethel or Sallie either. And she 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjCs0jUcLg
might not have found it fair at the time, but he knew Ethel would 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKHEGdox8e
understand one day.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGPN846VDj 維尼
She was still pouting, but nodded anyway. "Ok,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip9TQEyJqk
daddy." Kissing his cheek, she wiggled out of his arms and went to play132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld6KvtGzqh
in the small family room.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpGC1FabCq 維尼
Mary came forward then and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Be careful?" She whispered.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9kZiEsKSo 維尼
He132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T6oxYoSqI
smiled and nodded. "Of course, darlin'. And I'll bring our daughter 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyIT8K3jiK
back in one piece." He promised, making them both laugh. Then he leaned 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qdx3ornGl
in and kissed her lips chastely. "I love you." He mumbled against her 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzB48iMOle
lips. Then pulling away, he stooped down to scoop Ida up into his strong132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnvwubj8uo
arms. "You ready to go, baby?" He asked, nudging his nose against her 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M16qUnKZ8
soft cheek.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGoSbQobGR 維尼
She giggled and kissed his cheek. That was answer 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfjBiJnmQM
enough for her father, as he turned for the door. A last look back, and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoomNgjSK8m
he left with Ida snug against him. Within minutes, he had his horse, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNOMkY5Wig
Bobbie, ready and saddled. Then he saddled Mary's horse, Mosey. Picking 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3A6CAGCBz
Ida back up, under her arms, he lifted her up and set her in Mosey's 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbq47BYt12
saddle.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTePCXzRJz 維尼
Father and daughter spent hours riding the deserted plains132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtOLVcZxXU
of Braiden, which was part of the Dakota Territory. For miles, there 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITZg1Dg8gG
was nothing but sage brush and wild grass. The air was fresh, and clean.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C0BDqQ1WA
To Justin, that was the best thing about living in the Dakota 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviFaVlZZn2
Territory, rather than the big cities. And he couldn't be any happier to132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPTmbpiYfo
be raising his own family in such a beautiful land.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKLWdrwNo0 維尼
As they rose 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNJiOzyTvX
through the plain, over the hills, and through the tufts of rolling 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWleUxTQiMi
grass that danced with the wind, he watched his daughter with a proud 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0l8zETAmC
smile. While she looked like no one in their family, he couldn't help 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrqN8iiu1a
but admire all of their qualities that fit into her. She was as close to132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJSTSrXCIu
perfect as one could ever be. While she made mistakes, she was quick to132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwTC2AI9yD
try and make up and apologize for those mistakes. And she was quick to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwXZtve7n0
forgive too. She never once held a grudge, and for that, everyone was 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndYqiF8aLe
grateful. Being on her bad side was never fun.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgAqZm5Mof 維尼
She fit into this 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqCENS5bNF
life, better than most. This was the life she wanted. So many times, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWAieHSTr2
since she was old enough to speak, she had crawled up into his lap and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22LWoV8wRs
told him that she loved the life of the prairie. It's like living in a 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR6HGlcTfL
fairy-tale, she would tell him. And she knew not only the magical parts 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoTmfrLWpf
of the prairie, but also the dangers of it. She knew the harshness the 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1ig3MiErn
winters could bring. She knew to watch for mountain lions, and rattle 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHvz9UENg4
snakes, and scorpions. She knew how to test whether a berry was safe to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0PNmBOh6k
eat, or deadly poisonous. She knew it all, and still, she loved it. She 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIZcyTe53j
loved all te harsh realities that came with a beautiful land.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJqIkj0O4B 維尼
She 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZnhVkru6s
wasn't like all the other girls, he well knew. While other girls loved 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxRPM8WIwT
dresses, or butterflies, she preferred to spend her time learning how to132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztGRz8qi5B
survive the rough life of the prairie. Justin and Mary had agreed, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hOWFvLIKK
before they even had children, that any daughters they had needed to be 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTuQUiyk9F
taught how to handle themselves. They couldn't always depend on a man. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5CRyPQSaZ
Mary already knew what that was like.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGJBZi9Ocf 維尼
Her father had been a drunk 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIckEMfQzm
her whole life. Her mother was meek, and never spoke for herself. Being 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw0MwQ3FnC
raised mainly by her mother, Mary had been much the same, for years. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2vR7DRmrL
When her mother died, when she was seven, nothing changed. She remained 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6whkqMPYR
the quiet girl that never spoke up to her father. She could hardly take 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYfaDlOnuO
care of herself, and knew little to nothing about the wilderness.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlvKv7gMfw 維尼
Her132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPdb8KkTsf
father had never cared, though. He turned a blind eye as to Mary's 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PMW5XPb2C
well-being. The only times he would acknowledge her was to tell her to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G2o3G55ah
cook, or clean, or to mend his clothes. She was more of a slave to him, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrykEKsdG7
than a daughter. And when he finally drank himself to death, he left 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOEdnzbO9c
nothing behind for Mary to live a good life from. She didn't know how to132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahzS7ZBJEK
work the small farm she lived on; her father didn't believe in women 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftK2SjC1fR
working anywhere else but in the house.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE7K30D4H2 維尼
Being thrown, so suddenly,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D1xCJgoTC
into the cruel world that she'd never had to think of before had a big 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HMcNMbl9z
impact on Mary. Being only twelve years of age, she was nothing more 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4sC4hxEfl
than a scared orphan that was terrified by the sudden new world. she had132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzewmEIY0kg
to teach herself the ropes. No one was there to guide her. And when she132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGztzA1r2F
met and married Justin, she vehemently told him that she didn't want 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygsISrp70R
her own daughters to go through that, should anything happen to one, or 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLXXhGXHWX
both of them.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZaLuoKMRs 維尼
He was quick to agree, telling her that he believed 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZAYlY7kL4
women should know the rules of the wild. He didn't think it fair to see 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW8kZx2cfN
women suddenly left on their own, when their husband, father or brother 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP8uhczklb
died, and having little to no clue on how to handle themselves. That was132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaqmvVIN6V
no life, for any woman. And he couldn't, as a father and a husband, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhCSB54Efb
live himself in knowing that if he didn't leave behind those rules with 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGN9sS1y4z
his women, something much worse could happen to them than if they did 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGjXeT11cR
know. And as a man that loved his family more than anything, he'd be 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqrHm2UVaJ
damned if he let anything happen to them because he didn't give them the132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDNiPJq7ZA
tools necessary to survive.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JmTeQAIKZ 維尼
He had just started teaching Ethel, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP04XKlLzU0
as well. While she was a bit confused by the lessons, she knew that when132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPrnjsYt8b
her father was trying to teach her something important, it was for a 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmF8O8ns2x
good reason. She paid very close attention to him, as she often did with132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHylU33UsL
a lot of things.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡns4TTLm8o3 維尼
Now, watching Ida smiling with rosy cheeks, and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6BdOsXxro
her loose hair drift with the cool winter's breeze, he couldn't help but132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7m8FbIrGA
imagine her as she grew. He visioned a beautiful young girl, riding 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhONq3qrZPh
merrily through the fields. A girl that didn't care what society had to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy5bNKXHa3
say about her unorthodox upbringing. A girl that didn't need to depend 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJOt233nNX
on a man to take care of her. A strong, able-minded girl. It was nothing132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50oj1uyS8r
short of amazing.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEhmPZ5ypu 維尼
They returned at dusk, having had a most 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnDXYhFzm9
enjoyable time. He was just helping her off of Mosey, when he saw Mary 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sFAmP0S86
walking towards them, a despondent look on her beautiful face. Frowning,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3p24FuEei
he crouched in front of Ida and adjusted her hat slightly. "Why don't 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoQw2Q6bbu
you go on inside, Ida. Mommy and daddy will be in shortly." He told her.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ1C9Cpw3s
She obediently did as she was told.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKm9GRDPvI 維尼
As Mary neared him, he was 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAoqI39OLy
troubled to see tears in her red eyes. She'd been crying a while, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FRtCikj3Z
already. but why, he wondered? She was the strongest person he knew, and132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW66pBcDY9D
she hardly ever cried. When she did cry, though, it was usually for 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdw1dhjNUy
something serious. She cried when he lost his job. She cried when they 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfFlif1GfB
lost their baby boy, William, two years ago. Those were the only times. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs3WrBgWVD
Two times, in their seven years of marriage, and he'd only seen her cry 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGOy9BVeXr
twice.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡmce7s6Ensh 維尼
As soon as she was close enough, he wrapped her in a loving132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcs2pZsnzp
embrace. "Hey. Hey. What's wrong? What's wrong, baby?" He mumbled in 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BRSibzbZf
her ear. "Mary?" He pulled away and held her cheeks in his gentle hands.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZzHvIKSSN
"What's the matter, dearest?" He rubbed his thumbs under her eyes to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkVzGPjeFV
push away the nasty tears that lined her cheekbones.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sWulNFh5H 維尼
She didn't say anything, just handed him a crumpled piece of paper.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68XVdRx70D 維尼
He132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL7P352g2L
furrowed his brows as he took the paper. Unfolding it, he read over the132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGSF7htqY7
content carefully, and slowly. Neither he, nor Mary had been taught to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQU050lYPr
read or write, as children. They had to teach themselves after they were132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE9WjR9vgM
married. Though they were better at it, they still encountered trouble.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8FtiWWG8K
But understanding what was in the letter was no trouble for him. The 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX5FBFRXNK
words were clear as day.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡalqoOfTZoz 維尼
"I've been called to war. I leave first thing tomorrow."8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFoMLaQyJZ 維尼
She132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKW9tMlOCr
released a sob when he said it aloud. And once again, she fell into his132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO24APOVLlf
arms. He was still in shock, but quickly began to cry along with her. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBMrc85ILU
This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening, he tried to tell132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaLPcEezJT
himself. But the sound of his wife's cries clearly told him that it was132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcEb0mngVk
happening. He was going to war. He was leaving his wife and three 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAws7nBpKH
daughters behind. He cried into her shoulder, and held her tighter than 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWV1gF2KeW
ever before, stroking her soft hair.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5MpHWCFld 維尼
"What are we going to tell the girls?" She whispered into his chest.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFnrVojkJQ 維尼
He132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD7jkFmTIs
shook his head and kissed her neck. "We're going to tell them the 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTmcDjwiUZ
truth; that I've been called to join the war. There's no avoiding this, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCowkyO05f
Mary. We can't lie to them." And she agreed.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtZBvnAoO1 維尼
Going inside, they 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9xYQ0yEPX
both called the girls from their room, and Justin beckoned them to sit 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5eC6U0SAw
on his lap. He and Mary shared similar glances as they struggled with 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWichUlkx7i
just how to tell their daughters that daddy had to go away. They didn't 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93chXVaF2g
sugar-coat it. They told them everything.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmoc6ttzXg 維尼
"Ida, Ethel…you two know132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVdaeEnx4V
that all I want is to protect you, and make sure you're safe, right? 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1qPMhWKly
Because you, and Sallie, and mommy are the most important things to me."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNjEfJDFKV
Justin started. When they nodded, he pulled them even closer and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0qMKPU4i6
stroked their soft cheeks. "Well that's what I'm going to be doing right132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q2hOshESf
now. I…I've been asked to join the war. That means I'm going to have to132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8akUlJ4vBh
go far away, and make sure no bad people can hurt you, your sister, and132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTZwjTWncm
mommy."8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwANuATR47 維尼
Ethel shook her head, and her bottom lip quivered, as she132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bfzFxiKdZ
threw her chubby arms around his neck. "No, daddy! No! No! No! I don't 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwMkhXlkGC
want them to take you far away!" She cried desperately.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhlqT4Becw 維尼
He blinked132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡackKmOg2pZ
away tear as he wrapped one arm around her to keep her close. "I don't 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOWfFF0Oe6
want to leave either, honey; but I need to protect you. Ethel, if there 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIvcOvUHyt
was another way, sweetheart, believe me I would take it, in a heart 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzxPqB5ST8
beat. But this is the only way I can protect you, your sisters, and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ56wYKp6t
mommy." He hated doing this. He may as well have told her that there was132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ5an72lsF
a chance he wouldn't be coming back. Her innocence was already damaged.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzP00WSEAD
She was to young for this. Ida was to young for this. Ida. "Ida…what 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOqSltFYDc
are you thinking, darling?"8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoG9QiA3vo 維尼
She was expressionless. It was like 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwxOk5j7Z2
she didn't know what to say; and really, she didn't. what could she say?132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAa9I7B2xY
So instead of replying, she scooted up and buried herself in her 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QnHf8LzZ8
father's chest. "I love you, daddy." She whispered.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu9bytWWbd 維尼
He couldn't 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbZj2yy5Ox
hold back the tears that threatened him, not anymore. He let them go as 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVakqwTWf8f
he bent to kiss her head softly. "I love you too, little one. Both of 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDs5a8pPNm
you." He spoke towards Ethel. After they got down and went to try and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcugyngjj0T
distract themselves from the heartbreaking moment, Hiccup took little 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlgkl0S5fV
Sallie. She couldn't know what was going on. All she would know was that132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvTjTBehwQ
she would be waking up, looking around for her daddy, and realize he's 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo5Vb2j5rf
not there. She would wonder why. And God forbid, if he were to be gone 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U1QTDiCPL
several years, he would come back and she wouldn't even know who he was.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76d562wu2a
His own daughter.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xoaV2sh3t 維尼
All to suddenly, the Daniels' world was 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ECWLK7JAP
crumbling before them. It was all being shaken, taken away from them 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnzbMxyiiD
within the snap of a finger. He didn't have a choice. It was either 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qNAPuRu0L
leave and stand a chance of coming home, or stay and undergo trial, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx4FntG62w
guaranteeing that he would never see his family again. there was no 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK9cO03e0x
choice; he was going.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrrhjmqXYY 維尼
That night, after all the girls were fed and132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTHy5HPahl
tucked into bed, Justin shut the door of their room, and was 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4GTLJRmd7
immediately met by his wife's passionate lips. It took him no time to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNMgbuw6Hf
respond to her kiss, and wrap his arms around her small frame. Their 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxvdbHuPIi
tears melted against their lips, as he pushed her against the wall, and 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96y0G5oITC
slid his hands down to hold her hips.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN0QzJ0liB 維尼
It didn't take long to strip132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqANaQXLyMN
each other of their clothes and for him to lay her on their bed. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYLaYYE6Fx
Heartbreak filled what little space there was between their bodies. As 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwZXHpMJ3j
he buried his hands in her disheveled hair, and kissed down her neck, he132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAic4cvDXHA
mumbled words of absolute love and adoration for her. He told her how 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PGB0CQ1EZ
much she meant to him, how he loved her, how beautiful she was.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkVpForgzx 維尼
When132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX68r1yGpt
he finally entered her, she held tight to his back, trying to keep back132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJueCPPdKjE
her sobs. But it was all for naught. She dug her fingers into his back,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTTAqWexWN
and cried softly into the crook of his freckled shoulder.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXB6mGFyz4 維尼
He 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8AQq0MIAn
shook his head and shut his eyes tight. "Don't cry. Please don't cry, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpeFGHpp22
darling." He said begged with a strangled voice. But he too couldn't 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNWyDoFnvr
hold back his sobs. And as he made love to her, they shared in more than132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4sJ3zd5Se
just passion, but also their fear and heartbreak.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡw60m7G4Kkz 維尼
Afterwards, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VpU11YPY4
they laid silently in each other's arms. Nothing needed to be said, to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECa9q7iSpz
know what the other was thinking. It all spilled out in the way they 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmelGmiRDAi
made love, and the way they held each other. Nothing could make this 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjg3cErNhy
better. But for now, being with each other, was all they really needed.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2QIdril81 維尼
The132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcFqckgscO
next morning, they woke the girls up at the crack of dawn. It was time.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0TCoCRnFk
Mary packed him supplies, enough to last him through several weeks, and132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gtbkfHID2
they all sat and ate one last meal together. After which, they all 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP608AMcHH
bundled up and went out to see him off.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsTe9VwKY2 維尼
It didn't take him long to132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m6u1OeoQk
prepare a saddle bag, and then to saddle Bobbie. Though he wanted to 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2PM7DDWe1
prolong the time for as long as he could, he knew that it would just 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4fHLTKGnc
make it harder to leave. And he'd never seen a shame in crying, but he 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj80Bw0Mt6c
also didn't like crying in front of his daughters. But today, he 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbax9bn7qnE
couldn't help it. he was leaving them, potentially to never come back; 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpmGRao18h
how was he not to cry?8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGNbGxtq8F 維尼
When all was ready, he turned to his small,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFbYztnpx4
but beautiful family. His daughters were quieter than he'd ever seen 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ1hE5Wlsn
them. His wife couldn't stop her flow of tear. His youngest daughter was132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChim4ukRnm
looking at them all curiously, confused to what was going on.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi7gs14zZb 維尼
Licking132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7fIOfa4Vt
his lips, he knelt down and held out a hand. Ida was quick to come 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYXCRVyUF2
forward and take it. "Ethel, come here, little one." He beckoned gently.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5ctkl6o8H
She finally came forward, and he pulled her, with Ida, into his 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGI95ZI6wW
embrace. "Now, you two listen; I'm going to be home real soon, ok? I 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcG7a50zJz
love you. I love you two, so much." He told them over again. Giving them132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uCJYHKh1W
each one last kiss, he stood to take Sallie int his arms. "Oh, Sallie, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDrcJRUo1w
please remember me, sweet girl. Remember, how much daddy loved you." He 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvNbYXO8GU
kissed her softly then handed her to Ida.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsouhKznTJ 維尼
His heart melted when he132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2KNrTI7ZH
gazed at his wife, as it always did. But this time was different. He 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oXeyBW4zr
could be saying goodbye to her, forever. He didn't want to lose her, and132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibKq5Q0phS
he knew she didn't want to lose him either. It was an unimaginable 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QBe2rzmwq
thought, for both of them. It was hard to believe, seven years ago, they132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdMVVkPfzr
were fourteen and nineteen and just getting married. Six years ago, 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5bCdxJCf1
they became the parents of a darling daughter. Now they were saying 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSZBOv00gJ
goodbye for an unknown amount of time.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAOMbAFDPl 維尼
He took a sharp breath when132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KgRo4BmCZ
she threw herself into his arms, and he rested his head in the crevice 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4JSZHAcyq
of her neck and shoulder. "I love you, so damn much. Always remember 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMO3lzhxz6
that, Mary." He whispered against her flushed skin.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eD3SiCQuc 維尼
She nodded 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfW5vdqbU5
wordlessly. "I will. Just, remember that I'm always with you. The girls 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9hxYgSPea
are always with you. We'll be right here, waiting. I promise."8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9eqLMQfcR 維尼
He 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiEeG7ZKzQ
sobbed and placed a single kiss on her neck. "One last time. Just one 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVjkyC5nnY
last time. I want to make love to you. I want to ride out with Ida. I 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh35suqzrSA
want to walk in and watch Ethel playing. I want to see Sallie laugh. One132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkESkKBmxS
last time. I want to see my family happy together."8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhugrpQMT7 維尼
All too soon,132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiNPKYdBf1
he was gone. Just like that. And Mary was left holding her crying 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6okNilTlu
daughters, as they watched their father ride off into the gloomy 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsEuovufMe
sunrise. It would never be the same again, they all knew. Everything, in132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQesLCv0Sve
that moment, had changed.8964 copyright protection128ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpJxCGASMP 維尼
