"Mommy! Daddy!"copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUkLo8nyk4
Justin quickly pulled out of his very heated 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSXexXHnpZ
kiss with Mary. Pulling the sheets up, he went to cover both of their 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVECzhujhbs
naked bodies. After which, he laughed as he rolled off of Mary and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJIPW86qiF
turned towards their door. "Come on in, girls!" He called.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUARSS1n1j
Two 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHxjV5gDsG
small girls ran in with the biggest smiles reaching their face. One was a6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnkfWCKfUV
red-haired girl with blue eyes, the other a brown-haired girl with 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBFqqByx2Q
violet eyes. The red-haired girl, Ida, was the oldest, at six years old,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoyLHuQY7i
and the blonde, Ethel, was three. In her arms, Ida carried a baby girl,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKF0ZCCJRw
Sallie. Sallie was six months old and had black hair and green eyes.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OpJYnTEgR
Sitting6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA7k0yVz5Y
up a little on the bed, not letting the sheets fall past his hips, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqimY34tU3A
Justin held his arms out and helped Ethel into the bed. Then he helped 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIkSIkuk3m
Ida, and took Sallie into his arms. "Good morning, sweethearts." He 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJWZ3XxZxC
greeted them as he gave a kiss to the top of each of their heads. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXVkWZppTs
Wrapping an arm around Mary, he held all four of his girls close and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06akZTFueJ
sighed in content.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FMsraAPJV
"Are you going to take me riding today, daddy? 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5sN4vLCui
You promised me, last night, that you would." Ida asked excitedly. She 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrgaMcabB4
was a beautiful girl, and had even been deemed a much beautiful baby, as6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBaOW9HBDW
an infant. They had no clue where she got her red hair and blue eyes; 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku1Mi6i4IM
it was one mystery that they figured made her that much more unique. And6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXeD80Qibs
they loved her for her uniqueness.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyQupImr5o
He beamed over at his oldest 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP4xD0HlCl
and poked her nose playfully. "Well if I promised, don't you think I'd 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXPjK8p2d8
take you riding? Since when has your daddy ever made a promise he can't 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA53ee34xf
keep?"copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8cbRbyKPP
Mary chuckled and stroked Ida's hair with loving fingers. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT4ArIB83d
"One of the many wonderful qualities about your father, Ida, is that he 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlbjEVs4YF
has never made a promise that he cannot keep. He's a smart man, not a 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNfiQuwUy3
dumb one." She told the girl.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXvpqXA0Mj
Justin scoffed teasingly. "Wow, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4XfFoXgx1
thank you for that backhanded compliment, love. Girls, I love your 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0mGk1CM5A
mother with all my heart, but she is very good with giving compliments 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhoHzfb69K
in backhanded ways." He saw the look on his wife's face and gulped 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakO8zuxwL4
slightly. "I-I mean…uh…thank you very much, dear?" He suggested with a 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg5UWpVyc0
crooked smile as though saying, please, just don't hurt me.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGSMbivxJA
She 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EiwlSLxZV
laughed outright and shook her head. "I wasn't going to punch you, Jus. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9g6hPAPmm
And even if I wanted to, I still wouldn't; not while you have the baby."6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUCZPypL7B
She reminded him.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvI8GAkfl9
He sighed in relief and pressed his lips to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLff4MBWy9V
Sallie's head. "You saved your old man's hide, Sal." He said gratefully.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq5KxmA8bW
Then he looked back toward Ida, remembering their conversation before. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5R64GFurM
"We'll go out riding, after breakfast, Ida. Speaking of, whatcha say we 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d2lhPXen6
get up and make something for these munchkins, dear?" He said to Mary.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y7znxwXyj
She hummed. "I suppose we should. How bout you get it started, and I'll feed Sal?"copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv09hbrMJb
"Sure."6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SwfD4CecN
He agreed. He was just about to get up, when he remembered the state he6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGT2NYJssa
and Mary were in. He blushed lightly, glaring at his wife's sly smile. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyogTG6QUt
"Ida, Ethel, why don't you two go get dressed while mommy and daddy get 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4muj0yVeK
ready?" He suggested to his daughters.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFG6NnH7C2
The girls ran out eagerly, their messy hair swooshing around them. Then they closed the bedroom door as they ran out.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG0pgoXNmv
After6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpqDrdBaG4
they were gone, Mary barked a laugh, while Juatin glared playfully at 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUCJbwqhnk
her. "Oh shut up." He mumbled while leaning in and kissing her 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkp8OJ8nFm
collarbone softly.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D07Miie51
But she swatted his head, making him pull back 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pMy2dLEos
and give her a confused look. "I have to feed the baby, and you need to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJmltySTQf
start breakfast for our other two girls." She reminded him with a 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCAELpoTM3
smiled. At his despondent face, she kissed him softly and ruffled his 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTs3svgd9E
hair. "Later, lover boy."copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsG6zutgC6
He grinned slyly, stroking her arm with 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSo2eSB6Ms
such softness. "I'll hold you to that, sweetheart." Then he rolled out 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm05WFQm3K9
of bed, albeit reluctantly, and went to dress. After which, he left to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ713z4v4kJe
head for the kitchen to make breakfast.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUMjk3IhQ4
As he stood at the old 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo6orkg3r2
stove, his two oldest daughter came bounding in, their long hair still a6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN3AKIq6Mb
mess and in need of help. He laughed as he put the spoon with which he 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTcjsgOxBx
was using to make porridge down and knelt in front of them. "You girls 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAWSYncfrE
need me to do your hair?" He asked as he stroked each of their heads.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXIO4v6nJc
Justin6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWrkxb2YiP
and Mary had gotten married when they were fourteen and nineteen. There6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yIlRaBGId
was no doubt in Justin's parents' mind that their son was in love, and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtNamMyz1Z
that Mary was in love with him. Mary had fallen in love with him for 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjWEDtQGr9
more than just his looks though. She'd found out, early on, that he was 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAHdWzoyg6
able to cook and clean, unlike many of the suitors that had begged her 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtAzDWmbwn
for her hand since her father's death, when she was twelve. Justin was 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJG7nkAe02
different though.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9E6geAKud
His ability to cook and clean made her one happy6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvC5JzE77U
woman, when they married. And a year later they had Ida. As she began 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSoOr2LNeh
to grow hair, and it grew longer, Mary was pleased to discover more of 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp0Swoc7Dd
her husband's hidden talents. He could do hair. He had offered to do 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90JM5slKAs
hers on numerous occasions, but she had always insisted on doing it 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOl3DM5pAk
herself. But as Ida grew, and she was left tired, Justin had stepped in 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMJHEg6RnJ
to do whatever his daughter needed. He could dress her, change her 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xKOjPhFAR
diapers, do her hair, everything. And now, he had two daughters to do 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fGsijfoIP
that with; which they both loved when he did their hair.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN8D7sGPJw
Ida 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpCs7gId86
nodded and held out two leather bands for him. Turning them around, he 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdEI2XxjD8
used the wooden hair brush to gently pry out the nasty knots in their 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLnRdFat3T
beautiful hair. Then he but them into loose braids. After that, he 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMjVeqcXEk
grabbed some flowers that Mary always kept on the table, and put them 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CxIkAGSTj
into random spots of the braids. "There we go. There's my beautiful 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ044nWi26M6
girls." He said pridefully as he touched each of their cheeks and placed6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05Tj08Jc6o
light kisses on their foreheads.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxuDly8sVS
The girls each giggled and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa05TkFAcy
kissed his cheek. "Thanks, daddy." They said unanimously. Picking up the6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdDYAzhDG3
ends of their dresses, they raced to the table and climbed up on the 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH9E09MKmS
chairs that were still to big for them. Justin helped them up and then 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T38YWtEwG
went back to making breakfast.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl2jrjx231
Mary came in, not long later, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqTQpuqG76
Sallie in her arms, dressed in a thick dress to keep her from the bitter6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSNTwO3jyq
cold that threatened them during the winter months. Mary herself wore a6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGkePjbjXI
simple, beat up, blue dress with an apron over top. Her hair was loose,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa8T0xnqev
with only parts of the front being pulled back into a small braid.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTPoxWQdMA
That's6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZnkTU8WdH
when Justin set breakfast in front of everyone. They'd had nothing but 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnooHDe0PxX
porridge for the past few weeks, but, unfortunately, that was all they 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw7Gq7eNyt
could afford at the moment. Justin had lost his job at the sawmill 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5sHqlBziO
several months ago, because of the impact of the war that had just 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFdEmRSnHq
started not even half a year ago. The Civil War, as they called it. They6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeXrUnz8b8
were at war with their own countrymen. It was sad to see it come to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBud4bDqMcI
this, and see the effects it cause. Because of it, Justin had lost his 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtoP7KG07n
job, and they had been reduced to nothing more than rations of food.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH8ektMsVI
She6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsCnUwLtFW
looked over at Justin with a soft, hopefully encouraging smile. She 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChqPmCtMoG
knew that losing his job had struck him right in the gut. His pride was,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu09SPhDviL
without a doubt, damaged. With great struggle, she had managed to get 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJdv772SBI
him to admit that he felt like a failure as a husband and a father, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdZf2lRw8g
because he lost his job. He felt unable to provide for his own family; 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCgnv5E8BX
to him, that was something worse than death. All he wanted was to give 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuG7ZOf1GQ
his wife and young daughters a good home, good clothes, and good food. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv3JK65CDd
Now, he couldn't even do that. It took its toll on him, and she could 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQQ9dmeSvP
see it in the way he had started to age from the stress of the last few 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpkwwjkMl0
months.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz4nTvGqyJ
They were doing all they could for the time being. She 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5wGPhMVTp
would eat little, but still a substantial amount so that she could 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MgZWtlalQ
provide milk for Sallie, and he would hardly eat anything. He had 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bgkHNE2z0
started losing a significant amount of weight, which he and Mary could 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b5zRVQEQK
only hope the girls hadn't noticed. She had also lost a great deal 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZxkYtNkE9
amount of weight, but still not quite as much as him. Even their 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbElrZ2eD5N
daughter, Ida and Ethel, had begun losing weight because of the food 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8YJIQEzuu
shortage.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡrODgcbd3oZ
He looked around at his family, as he always did at 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyuRSskGNZ
breakfast and dinner, and felt his heart break once more. His wife's 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYEbpDeEhj
face, while beautiful as he would always find her and know her to be, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUsqEagiJL
was shallow, and dark bags lined under her eyes. She looked so…empty. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3jhUcKfSx
His daughters looked weaker than they once were. They used to be so 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIwSTWw7AN
lively; and while they would still run around and play, they couldn't 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2ITsn3JFN
last as long as they once did. One of his favorite things to do, had 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutQOLK0w0S
been to watch his little girls run and play. They were like fairies, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fBA8vwED7
when they ran through the tall, summer grass. So beautiful. So 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs49bXCy1le
enchanting. Now it seemed there was only a sliver of those girls left in6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQHFEtqEZq
the daughters he'd raised.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8GMn0g9tb
Then there was Sallie. She was smaller6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3G8EODbtg
than most six month old babies. She'd been born at nine months, she 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVls6j4Ekp
just wasn't getting the necessary nourishing most babies needed. She was6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9fAOT3ey3
healthy, but looked so torn down compared to most, healthier, six month6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF57ldL9RWC
olds.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOLXbEsS51
He hated seeing his family so broken up. As a man 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fytHEMLj7
especially, it hit him right where it hurts. His girls were the most 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbgrM5lPjT
important treasures in his world, and taking care of them felt more like6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZY0kcLu4I
an honor than a duty. To have that honor suddenly taken, and to not be 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cXFFEjrqC
able to give his girls anything more than grits and moldy bread as 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCOP3AUoqe
meals, was about the cruelest thing for him. Now they were suffering, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijdhjyu52y
and there was nothing her, or anyone else, could do about it.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxPgN2r16P
Mary,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9KLOpp8RQ
seeing the heartbreak that was all but written on his face, reached 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpszfwaaVA
across the table to take his hand in her own smaller one. With her eyes,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodUCveaZkd
she told him that it was alright. They were together. They had each 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7miSbHijz
other. That was all that mattered. And she was right; he knew that. but 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94ZBDe7Oo2
deep in his heart, he couldn't help that feeling of letting them all 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNgjqLyBLS
down, even though it hadn't been his fault that he was fired.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LYHylHOvb
As 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj0bBSmjbF
the family finished their breakfast in silence, Mary got up and cleared 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkJRVn63bu
their pans. Meanwhile, Justin grabbed his hat and rifle and ruffled 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AimUI8sjT
little Ida's red hair. "You ready to go, half pint?" He asked with a 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7ckjOdF7o
broad, loving smile.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oZMlbrO4w
Ida jumped up excitedly and bounced on the 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0J3RFqXIC
balls of her feet. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" She squealed. A laugh slipped past 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOcLb6tjyN
her lips when he placed another hat on her head as well. It was a bit 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTVpeedsTl
too big, and fell slightly over her forehead. But she smiled wider and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRelAhdfIbY
pushed it back up.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG3FWRHnSO
"I wanna go, papa!" Ethel said hopefully, lifting her arms toward her father.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSzbA7xhV2
He chuckled and picked her up. "When you're a little older, sweetheart." He told her and kissed her brown head.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVqtIMF9AJ
She6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkENxpYDSic
pouted, crossing her arms. And he couldn't get over how much she looked6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv6BVlP9NI
like Mary when she pouted. Other than those violet eyes, of course, she6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEWQee3uXe
was her mother's spitting image. "Why does Ida get to do everything?"copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqpI5mzMKr
"She's6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiTfPietbx
older, Ethel. I know it ain't fair, hon, but I promise that we'll go 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR2NsY8h7W
riding together when you're a little bit older. Alright?" He didn't like6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CAXsPcwja
disappointing either of his older daughters – Sallie of course being 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMsE2iWgM8
hard to displease because she was only six months old – but he also 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsZQgrOoJW
couldn't take major risks. He hadn't taken Ida out riding when she was 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKyVH1KTy4
three, and he wouldn't do that with Ethel or Sallie either. And she 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jRwYTPUaB
might not have found it fair at the time, but he knew Ethel would 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y42PkuEJd
understand one day.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXka9UhHcd
She was still pouting, but nodded anyway. "Ok,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4X9ZFbKzJ
daddy." Kissing his cheek, she wiggled out of his arms and went to play6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD2G91AYVK
in the small family room.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF9a9RWO0x
Mary came forward then and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Be careful?" She whispered.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFXXo2jYP4
He6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZJE1yYvcH
smiled and nodded. "Of course, darlin'. And I'll bring our daughter 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMMGWLm7wV
back in one piece." He promised, making them both laugh. Then he leaned 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlyT2HUCGQ
in and kissed her lips chastely. "I love you." He mumbled against her 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngP6URETmQ
lips. Then pulling away, he stooped down to scoop Ida up into his strong6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5DnMz88HF
arms. "You ready to go, baby?" He asked, nudging his nose against her 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y0Cr2kmF0
soft cheek.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq2KBbFSSS
She giggled and kissed his cheek. That was answer 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2h28cUN5g
enough for her father, as he turned for the door. A last look back, and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGmh39Rciy
he left with Ida snug against him. Within minutes, he had his horse, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm6SYyViVA
Bobbie, ready and saddled. Then he saddled Mary's horse, Mosey. Picking 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8DBbLN5yS
Ida back up, under her arms, he lifted her up and set her in Mosey's 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcyIuCSlPa
saddle.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CyfMH6Jv6
Father and daughter spent hours riding the deserted plains6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGw0zuzuNu
of Braiden, which was part of the Dakota Territory. For miles, there 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57CIIOtvT2
was nothing but sage brush and wild grass. The air was fresh, and clean.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoffXYJzQ4o
To Justin, that was the best thing about living in the Dakota 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z5x0F2z9P
Territory, rather than the big cities. And he couldn't be any happier to6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eXHWFvqbo
be raising his own family in such a beautiful land.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2MeZbhj97
As they rose 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzEIwDr6tw
through the plain, over the hills, and through the tufts of rolling 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuvA1vg35p
grass that danced with the wind, he watched his daughter with a proud 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9EQQBwl1H
smile. While she looked like no one in their family, he couldn't help 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuhocN1ETv
but admire all of their qualities that fit into her. She was as close to6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo0GZ1cf5h
perfect as one could ever be. While she made mistakes, she was quick to6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZqjPhUmCW
try and make up and apologize for those mistakes. And she was quick to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nrlLD8Ni2
forgive too. She never once held a grudge, and for that, everyone was 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtrjaqlmGq
grateful. Being on her bad side was never fun.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzxpj9BZ1u
She fit into this 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElq5FfmACY
life, better than most. This was the life she wanted. So many times, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGlY17CaVU
since she was old enough to speak, she had crawled up into his lap and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfnEyy4TUL
told him that she loved the life of the prairie. It's like living in a 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkz7KEM00nD
fairy-tale, she would tell him. And she knew not only the magical parts 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUjlSltuvo
of the prairie, but also the dangers of it. She knew the harshness the 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIENmclr6g
winters could bring. She knew to watch for mountain lions, and rattle 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrPkct6duu
snakes, and scorpions. She knew how to test whether a berry was safe to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtoaPhviM1
eat, or deadly poisonous. She knew it all, and still, she loved it. She 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbKlZ7ykyE
loved all te harsh realities that came with a beautiful land.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡR77pmT6sDB
She 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL6q5iUcwo
wasn't like all the other girls, he well knew. While other girls loved 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmS5xIn20a
dresses, or butterflies, she preferred to spend her time learning how to6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HlO3kWBFv
survive the rough life of the prairie. Justin and Mary had agreed, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgghmGmFBzb
before they even had children, that any daughters they had needed to be 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gyTm5BK8B
taught how to handle themselves. They couldn't always depend on a man. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcjg1nBXYg
Mary already knew what that was like.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUEm8ExqYG
Her father had been a drunk 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsexJBe6hPG
her whole life. Her mother was meek, and never spoke for herself. Being 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPW0Ij6j4e
raised mainly by her mother, Mary had been much the same, for years. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYqffrCQpB
When her mother died, when she was seven, nothing changed. She remained 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RQEBrSHII
the quiet girl that never spoke up to her father. She could hardly take 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbykcgEiAI
care of herself, and knew little to nothing about the wilderness.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlf5Lzenyg
Her6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwHXLWpoMO
father had never cared, though. He turned a blind eye as to Mary's 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTGPyhgrZZ
well-being. The only times he would acknowledge her was to tell her to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9naHHnYmFz
cook, or clean, or to mend his clothes. She was more of a slave to him, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c5LaRHzfu
than a daughter. And when he finally drank himself to death, he left 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeo54Wnlnm
nothing behind for Mary to live a good life from. She didn't know how to6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwKverScOy
work the small farm she lived on; her father didn't believe in women 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSKQDVIluX
working anywhere else but in the house.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqnZPKTWcw
Being thrown, so suddenly,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTcdZgamBx
into the cruel world that she'd never had to think of before had a big 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW4tsjVkvJ
impact on Mary. Being only twelve years of age, she was nothing more 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgBE7fzQB4
than a scared orphan that was terrified by the sudden new world. she had6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqX0EWhOjS
to teach herself the ropes. No one was there to guide her. And when she6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2PrwhKrCg
met and married Justin, she vehemently told him that she didn't want 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvxN9F2JvE
her own daughters to go through that, should anything happen to one, or 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj4LjJIAy1
both of them.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMrd8ARG0P
He was quick to agree, telling her that he believed 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV4jmAA71c
women should know the rules of the wild. He didn't think it fair to see 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndIU0Sz3B5
women suddenly left on their own, when their husband, father or brother 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpoMaIvSj3
died, and having little to no clue on how to handle themselves. That was6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMZY5lyGtA
no life, for any woman. And he couldn't, as a father and a husband, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQNBLNulR6
live himself in knowing that if he didn't leave behind those rules with 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyvOkGwQzP
his women, something much worse could happen to them than if they did 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtCTsIe0pI
know. And as a man that loved his family more than anything, he'd be 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiyoUkcoF3
damned if he let anything happen to them because he didn't give them the6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5B0UWGrMf
tools necessary to survive.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxbCDXbRkK
He had just started teaching Ethel, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGJTzbBOb0
as well. While she was a bit confused by the lessons, she knew that when6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNj5bdpoB5
her father was trying to teach her something important, it was for a 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6a365ZMwM
good reason. She paid very close attention to him, as she often did with6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MsLG1WhQ8
a lot of things.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cbvc0f5Xs
Now, watching Ida smiling with rosy cheeks, and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimVBr7ORvq
her loose hair drift with the cool winter's breeze, he couldn't help but6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXw71Cc1pI
imagine her as she grew. He visioned a beautiful young girl, riding 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrvgcch9u8
merrily through the fields. A girl that didn't care what society had to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMudoWldNQ
say about her unorthodox upbringing. A girl that didn't need to depend 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJOaRPM3Rb
on a man to take care of her. A strong, able-minded girl. It was nothing6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEDiUPucZY
short of amazing.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwe2JnDA3D
They returned at dusk, having had a most 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhLPu9LQmz
enjoyable time. He was just helping her off of Mosey, when he saw Mary 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0jvaalXec
walking towards them, a despondent look on her beautiful face. Frowning,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81RMjLCOYB
he crouched in front of Ida and adjusted her hat slightly. "Why don't 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjSz8nJUd5
you go on inside, Ida. Mommy and daddy will be in shortly." He told her.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU6MqgXLdb
She obediently did as she was told.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqbC2OzeGU
As Mary neared him, he was 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmcP8wBKlz
troubled to see tears in her red eyes. She'd been crying a while, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9TeI1CsVP
already. but why, he wondered? She was the strongest person he knew, and6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypKEcaU9W8
she hardly ever cried. When she did cry, though, it was usually for 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUuyKD5loq
something serious. She cried when he lost his job. She cried when they 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKAOZjQBLM
lost their baby boy, William, two years ago. Those were the only times. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjbbXolSxi
Two times, in their seven years of marriage, and he'd only seen her cry 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TcvrW9wix
twice.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN7ajjbyp8
As soon as she was close enough, he wrapped her in a loving6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeiy2hRTSD
embrace. "Hey. Hey. What's wrong? What's wrong, baby?" He mumbled in 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkWRvUfRMN
her ear. "Mary?" He pulled away and held her cheeks in his gentle hands.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NGmj8jsFB
"What's the matter, dearest?" He rubbed his thumbs under her eyes to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DPibSz3Ls
push away the nasty tears that lined her cheekbones.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01Ef3oDHZH
She didn't say anything, just handed him a crumpled piece of paper.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp8v2bkCp0
He6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrMCiiwx9j
furrowed his brows as he took the paper. Unfolding it, he read over the6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj61Fq9YSP
content carefully, and slowly. Neither he, nor Mary had been taught to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASsqaDjKG5
read or write, as children. They had to teach themselves after they were6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmwZZOiwls
married. Though they were better at it, they still encountered trouble.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGLWHqmRpe
But understanding what was in the letter was no trouble for him. The 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG078qhMJ2s
words were clear as day.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoOEz7YKGn
"I've been called to war. I leave first thing tomorrow."copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHoxXsVB9U
She6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfPlfO9xlu
released a sob when he said it aloud. And once again, she fell into his6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZabL6SctJB
arms. He was still in shock, but quickly began to cry along with her. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpBPy27kM9
This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening, he tried to tell6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBpCWEr5cM
himself. But the sound of his wife's cries clearly told him that it was6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcXLX4Daxn
happening. He was going to war. He was leaving his wife and three 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgNn5lqdFc
daughters behind. He cried into her shoulder, and held her tighter than 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsOM5KrxPD
ever before, stroking her soft hair.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡiukr0nCkZ1
"What are we going to tell the girls?" She whispered into his chest.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwqabZiaKY
He6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqQhbOlPYT
shook his head and kissed her neck. "We're going to tell them the 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK908flys1
truth; that I've been called to join the war. There's no avoiding this, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPuzBAj379
Mary. We can't lie to them." And she agreed.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDGWbEp7fz
Going inside, they 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHszxJLm5Bk
both called the girls from their room, and Justin beckoned them to sit 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO59PdpbLR
on his lap. He and Mary shared similar glances as they struggled with 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwHH6jhpmp
just how to tell their daughters that daddy had to go away. They didn't 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3R8BBUXGw
sugar-coat it. They told them everything.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y4nZ4KBpJ
"Ida, Ethel…you two know6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGkoQaBfln
that all I want is to protect you, and make sure you're safe, right? 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xUOe07wpu
Because you, and Sallie, and mommy are the most important things to me."6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYxM79n274
Justin started. When they nodded, he pulled them even closer and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqLTOB3pQo
stroked their soft cheeks. "Well that's what I'm going to be doing right6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXVHLaHSG7
now. I…I've been asked to join the war. That means I'm going to have to6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC6Uoe4Mgb
go far away, and make sure no bad people can hurt you, your sister, and6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPBCIpdLP4
mommy."copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLg3Vr3dBN
Ethel shook her head, and her bottom lip quivered, as she6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C15kMf1FW
threw her chubby arms around his neck. "No, daddy! No! No! No! I don't 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92ygXXu1KL
want them to take you far away!" She cried desperately.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9rT6CxwKM
He blinked6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBANeids32
away tear as he wrapped one arm around her to keep her close. "I don't 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdFxiZky1Z
want to leave either, honey; but I need to protect you. Ethel, if there 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub23r01W1L
was another way, sweetheart, believe me I would take it, in a heart 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeni2BBf3E
beat. But this is the only way I can protect you, your sisters, and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiASX7aXrIY
mommy." He hated doing this. He may as well have told her that there was6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd9uhAuixw
a chance he wouldn't be coming back. Her innocence was already damaged.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fLsxN4838
She was to young for this. Ida was to young for this. Ida. "Ida…what 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmIFjPPhhy
are you thinking, darling?"copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MkaajfUUF
She was expressionless. It was like 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJLpd20Ilx
she didn't know what to say; and really, she didn't. what could she say?6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqM0TjNXsR
So instead of replying, she scooted up and buried herself in her 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fdOVwEKOV
father's chest. "I love you, daddy." She whispered.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡExqUAlmEzY
He couldn't 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3F4sT7sBt
hold back the tears that threatened him, not anymore. He let them go as 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQUMQN5ELy
he bent to kiss her head softly. "I love you too, little one. Both of 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRNIFIfjt3
you." He spoke towards Ethel. After they got down and went to try and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM6VRzOZ2p
distract themselves from the heartbreaking moment, Hiccup took little 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2gnO6aUKV
Sallie. She couldn't know what was going on. All she would know was that6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgNgYsZdMs
she would be waking up, looking around for her daddy, and realize he's 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2fnX6XL5Z
not there. She would wonder why. And God forbid, if he were to be gone 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby1rVQy6Kj
several years, he would come back and she wouldn't even know who he was.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dzPtxhsK4
His own daughter.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL7TEewbLg
All to suddenly, the Daniels' world was 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV16ap3hmOn
crumbling before them. It was all being shaken, taken away from them 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZVnqRdYXY
within the snap of a finger. He didn't have a choice. It was either 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZbROFo689
leave and stand a chance of coming home, or stay and undergo trial, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3bgeAkvW8
guaranteeing that he would never see his family again. there was no 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi8OFzGTyE
choice; he was going.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS3i3dBi8w
That night, after all the girls were fed and6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQD3HsI6zQ
tucked into bed, Justin shut the door of their room, and was 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKUq181lEX
immediately met by his wife's passionate lips. It took him no time to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxgCmVc2PK
respond to her kiss, and wrap his arms around her small frame. Their 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGBlKiOton
tears melted against their lips, as he pushed her against the wall, and 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE8e59n6v1
slid his hands down to hold her hips.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM3nGEJ3ii
It didn't take long to strip6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZzkCVgOY5
each other of their clothes and for him to lay her on their bed. 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFMa0wtPZR
Heartbreak filled what little space there was between their bodies. As 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjvkyBuVHZ
he buried his hands in her disheveled hair, and kissed down her neck, he6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMYw6Bsnqr
mumbled words of absolute love and adoration for her. He told her how 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ7fa8LDXL
much she meant to him, how he loved her, how beautiful she was.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K49EInaU9
When6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva51vDCZzj
he finally entered her, she held tight to his back, trying to keep back6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw5X3cyvzZ
her sobs. But it was all for naught. She dug her fingers into his back,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2Z4i9d4Na
and cried softly into the crook of his freckled shoulder.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS1ub4IMnQ
He 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjkVkPyWP8
shook his head and shut his eyes tight. "Don't cry. Please don't cry, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNEmLHzkd9
darling." He said begged with a strangled voice. But he too couldn't 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjacifussyg
hold back his sobs. And as he made love to her, they shared in more than6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDozXjTNSQC
just passion, but also their fear and heartbreak.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkCnIj1smk
Afterwards, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07qFtbm3wA
they laid silently in each other's arms. Nothing needed to be said, to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPLo81SBtr
know what the other was thinking. It all spilled out in the way they 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Pr58lS0b
made love, and the way they held each other. Nothing could make this 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1jWGM73QE
better. But for now, being with each other, was all they really needed.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn4OwIxUTs
The6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2tprCqkdU
next morning, they woke the girls up at the crack of dawn. It was time.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL51Aw6JRZK
Mary packed him supplies, enough to last him through several weeks, and6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uLmqs9yvZ
they all sat and ate one last meal together. After which, they all 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc92GytiYNw
bundled up and went out to see him off.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kk5Owaxjx
It didn't take him long to6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzBUa81T00
prepare a saddle bag, and then to saddle Bobbie. Though he wanted to 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4vprWRAvn
prolong the time for as long as he could, he knew that it would just 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHwDo47H3V
make it harder to leave. And he'd never seen a shame in crying, but he 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWuPREYSxZ
also didn't like crying in front of his daughters. But today, he 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb3pBult5Q
couldn't help it. he was leaving them, potentially to never come back; 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGymjXrqEu
how was he not to cry?copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCS0ZAj02G
When all was ready, he turned to his small,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSrQIjvGb2
but beautiful family. His daughters were quieter than he'd ever seen 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5eIuQdQji
them. His wife couldn't stop her flow of tear. His youngest daughter was6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9YgvidWJS
looking at them all curiously, confused to what was going on.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN3pCA89v1
Licking6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5KSVsbq9n
his lips, he knelt down and held out a hand. Ida was quick to come 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOtIxYyKPR
forward and take it. "Ethel, come here, little one." He beckoned gently.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w02Mwk0t3
She finally came forward, and he pulled her, with Ida, into his 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU8CN45Zue
embrace. "Now, you two listen; I'm going to be home real soon, ok? I 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY2QGAPelE
love you. I love you two, so much." He told them over again. Giving them6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oa7qXDLY6
each one last kiss, he stood to take Sallie int his arms. "Oh, Sallie, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ1XtO1yNv
please remember me, sweet girl. Remember, how much daddy loved you." He 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbuQ1aqRpL
kissed her softly then handed her to Ida.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzlWEasOIL
His heart melted when he6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwaGDBDhnB
gazed at his wife, as it always did. But this time was different. He 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbsp9Wdau1
could be saying goodbye to her, forever. He didn't want to lose her, and6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhca8ely5L
he knew she didn't want to lose him either. It was an unimaginable 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAhvgU7Ubu
thought, for both of them. It was hard to believe, seven years ago, they6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzGZYPVcZq
were fourteen and nineteen and just getting married. Six years ago, 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFIqQQEboK
they became the parents of a darling daughter. Now they were saying 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJleeC9lwl
goodbye for an unknown amount of time.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5oe6nOpoR
He took a sharp breath when6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3Vw2UlX6k
she threw herself into his arms, and he rested his head in the crevice 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok06LRWq3k
of her neck and shoulder. "I love you, so damn much. Always remember 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa04vei7oEE
that, Mary." He whispered against her flushed skin.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JE99hKhqf
She nodded 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuIF0LzlJF
wordlessly. "I will. Just, remember that I'm always with you. The girls 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG70GdLy9bB
are always with you. We'll be right here, waiting. I promise."copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2OFZtPshy
He 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmByRQQZev
sobbed and placed a single kiss on her neck. "One last time. Just one 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY0mD07dmQ
last time. I want to make love to you. I want to ride out with Ida. I 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3XTKaFikR
want to walk in and watch Ethel playing. I want to see Sallie laugh. One6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOdum5kd5z
last time. I want to see my family happy together."copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDDCRJ0G9p
All too soon,6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJyI6cJep6
he was gone. Just like that. And Mary was left holding her crying 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i93cTeScy
daughters, as they watched their father ride off into the gloomy 6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5mWAI2VV7
sunrise. It would never be the same again, they all knew. Everything, in6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuER3mYf6dF
that moment, had changed.copyright protection2ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf8dphuayU
