"Mommy! Daddy!"8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQh3UnzsvU 維尼
Justin quickly pulled out of his very heated 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK3zm2rRYp
kiss with Mary. Pulling the sheets up, he went to cover both of their 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuKX6aopd6
naked bodies. After which, he laughed as he rolled off of Mary and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UG6NRF6Q8
turned towards their door. "Come on in, girls!" He called.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13875b5m5V 維尼
Two 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHOJGByDE6
small girls ran in with the biggest smiles reaching their face. One was a211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrnzNlnWlr
red-haired girl with blue eyes, the other a brown-haired girl with 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9oRMNHv3V
violet eyes. The red-haired girl, Ida, was the oldest, at six years old,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQLkpiIxpU
and the blonde, Ethel, was three. In her arms, Ida carried a baby girl,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL3tlKgf9v
Sallie. Sallie was six months old and had black hair and green eyes.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiN1KxjwYS 維尼
Sitting211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYSlMaIu30
up a little on the bed, not letting the sheets fall past his hips, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Ot7dvnub
Justin held his arms out and helped Ethel into the bed. Then he helped 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlhh96sn3q
Ida, and took Sallie into his arms. "Good morning, sweethearts." He 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyee1XCl30
greeted them as he gave a kiss to the top of each of their heads. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0EVm3TzJW
Wrapping an arm around Mary, he held all four of his girls close and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU2GKvIG7D
sighed in content.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wbFbug19w 維尼
"Are you going to take me riding today, daddy? 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EhfSA7s3d
You promised me, last night, that you would." Ida asked excitedly. She 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxSqClYDmI
was a beautiful girl, and had even been deemed a much beautiful baby, as211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUeMZg1CGG
an infant. They had no clue where she got her red hair and blue eyes; 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS79FZJHYJ
it was one mystery that they figured made her that much more unique. And211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu0jQ2M2ZE
they loved her for her uniqueness.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZEsl9Bm1h 維尼
He beamed over at his oldest 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOCKm5cKh3
and poked her nose playfully. "Well if I promised, don't you think I'd 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1LDiQsGhQ
take you riding? Since when has your daddy ever made a promise he can't 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGLDvmUZV0
keep?"8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzZMaTK0G2 維尼
Mary chuckled and stroked Ida's hair with loving fingers. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytZx6hQuLP
"One of the many wonderful qualities about your father, Ida, is that he 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdWeYpXSxC
has never made a promise that he cannot keep. He's a smart man, not a 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwPY4bf9yK
dumb one." She told the girl.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPBOMDGNlz 維尼
Justin scoffed teasingly. "Wow, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEdPwXGy8d
thank you for that backhanded compliment, love. Girls, I love your 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yAoOaNqP5
mother with all my heart, but she is very good with giving compliments 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ2swAAcev
in backhanded ways." He saw the look on his wife's face and gulped 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPeEtDTETL
slightly. "I-I mean…uh…thank you very much, dear?" He suggested with a 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdObj2lJG5
crooked smile as though saying, please, just don't hurt me.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e28oPYXQZ 維尼
She 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA1ooBM2gh
laughed outright and shook her head. "I wasn't going to punch you, Jus. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZh8rjBQyP
And even if I wanted to, I still wouldn't; not while you have the baby."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UEfzDHXWF
She reminded him.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4n3Nt6VJW 維尼
He sighed in relief and pressed his lips to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidljQGJb9t
Sallie's head. "You saved your old man's hide, Sal." He said gratefully.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1toO27KScF
Then he looked back toward Ida, remembering their conversation before. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNDjmFfETP
"We'll go out riding, after breakfast, Ida. Speaking of, whatcha say we 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwny6hrfWZ
get up and make something for these munchkins, dear?" He said to Mary.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8YTQWVzey 維尼
She hummed. "I suppose we should. How bout you get it started, and I'll feed Sal?"8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfzul4kbkw 維尼
"Sure."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05LHXRXRru
He agreed. He was just about to get up, when he remembered the state he211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NrlpyuxS3
and Mary were in. He blushed lightly, glaring at his wife's sly smile. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb4qnjMT9O
"Ida, Ethel, why don't you two go get dressed while mommy and daddy get 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIHR7TMITt
ready?" He suggested to his daughters.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUCMhacw6F 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 protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2xufhQZdI 維尼
After211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUzexhRnfm
they were gone, Mary barked a laugh, while Juatin glared playfully at 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYRf1t1881
her. "Oh shut up." He mumbled while leaning in and kissing her 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOnCwSzt88
collarbone softly.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9FQ2HYIqt 維尼
But she swatted his head, making him pull back 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOT0BO97rg
and give her a confused look. "I have to feed the baby, and you need to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKGGFWIwvc
start breakfast for our other two girls." She reminded him with a 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs0oKGZPdV
smiled. At his despondent face, she kissed him softly and ruffled his 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyZF0JwFpS
hair. "Later, lover boy."8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMjNS1IMJO 維尼
He grinned slyly, stroking her arm with 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfmJYUQvrY
such softness. "I'll hold you to that, sweetheart." Then he rolled out 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RxUciRykJ
of bed, albeit reluctantly, and went to dress. After which, he left to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm9rzjQKxd
head for the kitchen to make breakfast.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhxZZAeEtv 維尼
As he stood at the old 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b2W6DwvyR
stove, his two oldest daughter came bounding in, their long hair still a211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkNTxgtrUT
mess and in need of help. He laughed as he put the spoon with which he 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdBAt0VS2h
was using to make porridge down and knelt in front of them. "You girls 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xb9zGVBkC
need me to do your hair?" He asked as he stroked each of their heads.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJJgGDeS5t 維尼
Justin211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25jnC3b9ff
and Mary had gotten married when they were fourteen and nineteen. There211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXKdx1rLdy
was no doubt in Justin's parents' mind that their son was in love, and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH3Ho5ZZxV
that Mary was in love with him. Mary had fallen in love with him for 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUplgiItt5g
more than just his looks though. She'd found out, early on, that he was 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85MmKqfh5d
able to cook and clean, unlike many of the suitors that had begged her 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscP9J82qTJ
for her hand since her father's death, when she was twelve. Justin was 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBriRdzuCuJ
different though.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhw4Lwwi7l 維尼
His ability to cook and clean made her one happy211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0AUCiqjkn
woman, when they married. And a year later they had Ida. As she began 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkwOJgEXVZ
to grow hair, and it grew longer, Mary was pleased to discover more of 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Egj3gSsZ
her husband's hidden talents. He could do hair. He had offered to do 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxIalFU7dO
hers on numerous occasions, but she had always insisted on doing it 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEX2z50Sge
herself. But as Ida grew, and she was left tired, Justin had stepped in 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rM8coiE6A
to do whatever his daughter needed. He could dress her, change her 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoSM5KgfBF
diapers, do her hair, everything. And now, he had two daughters to do 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsMLFSIAK5
that with; which they both loved when he did their hair.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYeRYaz071 維尼
Ida 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2nuap7qWX
nodded and held out two leather bands for him. Turning them around, he 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rESJr3PsE
used the wooden hair brush to gently pry out the nasty knots in their 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK4LfS5FwK
beautiful hair. Then he but them into loose braids. After that, he 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAOPPJPtsc
grabbed some flowers that Mary always kept on the table, and put them 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfJigN6nVY
into random spots of the braids. "There we go. There's my beautiful 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlptCBLs1B
girls." He said pridefully as he touched each of their cheeks and placed211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qBvguM1Hw
light kisses on their foreheads.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u0TeQiGPs 維尼
The girls each giggled and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVcS0Rf2NO
kissed his cheek. "Thanks, daddy." They said unanimously. Picking up the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAK1EfWbkU
ends of their dresses, they raced to the table and climbed up on the 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J1uTrwBqD
chairs that were still to big for them. Justin helped them up and then 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd5kXF8ED4
went back to making breakfast.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYIsOdbq3g 維尼
Mary came in, not long later, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcwq6E8a2Y
Sallie in her arms, dressed in a thick dress to keep her from the bitter211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EbAKxefvq
cold that threatened them during the winter months. Mary herself wore a211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrwjRo0mg1
simple, beat up, blue dress with an apron over top. Her hair was loose,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7za5jsA63
with only parts of the front being pulled back into a small braid.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡERMYltToF8 維尼
That's211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tUjrA5da5
when Justin set breakfast in front of everyone. They'd had nothing but 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFaouklPi4
porridge for the past few weeks, but, unfortunately, that was all they 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACEMav6tk8
could afford at the moment. Justin had lost his job at the sawmill 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPcpWkGn0q
several months ago, because of the impact of the war that had just 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEtXgwJ03S
started not even half a year ago. The Civil War, as they called it. They211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwSq18XN3W
were at war with their own countrymen. It was sad to see it come to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPiA1FDSKj
this, and see the effects it cause. Because of it, Justin had lost his 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqeYc3xHS0
job, and they had been reduced to nothing more than rations of food.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLfxy8AQU8 維尼
She211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VcAly3F7q
looked over at Justin with a soft, hopefully encouraging smile. She 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg8G88zbTZ
knew that losing his job had struck him right in the gut. His pride was,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAkrnnUVxn
without a doubt, damaged. With great struggle, she had managed to get 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O20qK4vqT
him to admit that he felt like a failure as a husband and a father, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3R7kPQ5gL
because he lost his job. He felt unable to provide for his own family; 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4te0AuCqaf
to him, that was something worse than death. All he wanted was to give 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnUMVBHuUc
his wife and young daughters a good home, good clothes, and good food. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyWm2zYO9n
Now, he couldn't even do that. It took its toll on him, and she could 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfGTPLfhP1
see it in the way he had started to age from the stress of the last few 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h7aR4Pes0
months.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡykToExA9yL 維尼
They were doing all they could for the time being. She 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOQPJ9b2gU
would eat little, but still a substantial amount so that she could 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH2MJQzoyO
provide milk for Sallie, and he would hardly eat anything. He had 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzsVn8aQH1
started losing a significant amount of weight, which he and Mary could 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq02D3Qvkm
only hope the girls hadn't noticed. She had also lost a great deal 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxstSdwaLX
amount of weight, but still not quite as much as him. Even their 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYso5f0poU
daughter, Ida and Ethel, had begun losing weight because of the food 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNDeCHHwsp
shortage.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJK394tKYl 維尼
He looked around at his family, as he always did at 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vbtl2I3rb
breakfast and dinner, and felt his heart break once more. His wife's 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1elYK2ogdP
face, while beautiful as he would always find her and know her to be, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUDNj6H4fB
was shallow, and dark bags lined under her eyes. She looked so…empty. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2vsc7mQji
His daughters looked weaker than they once were. They used to be so 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRYb5VetoW
lively; and while they would still run around and play, they couldn't 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdv158eAKd
last as long as they once did. One of his favorite things to do, had 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnhvTfwuv5
been to watch his little girls run and play. They were like fairies, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChFQNwJ0yu
when they ran through the tall, summer grass. So beautiful. So 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiM8sorRo9
enchanting. Now it seemed there was only a sliver of those girls left in211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI384jmoa8Q
the daughters he'd raised.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjysiK4arC 維尼
Then there was Sallie. She was smaller211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA00gsMt74
than most six month old babies. She'd been born at nine months, she 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JLWlJGv5p
just wasn't getting the necessary nourishing most babies needed. She was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyootb0Z5R
healthy, but looked so torn down compared to most, healthier, six month211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdytnu89jk
olds.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡzonf9FWgMV 維尼
He hated seeing his family so broken up. As a man 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5x0V15HMf
especially, it hit him right where it hurts. His girls were the most 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoxfZcx5eV
important treasures in his world, and taking care of them felt more like211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IwmqAthe5
an honor than a duty. To have that honor suddenly taken, and to not be 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMepjoNv7O
able to give his girls anything more than grits and moldy bread as 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbgfBGNDfg
meals, was about the cruelest thing for him. Now they were suffering, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH5vvT6Qdw
and there was nothing her, or anyone else, could do about it.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJhhikXlSH 維尼
Mary,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP1nhOrfRo
seeing the heartbreak that was all but written on his face, reached 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGCZb8H7Ym
across the table to take his hand in her own smaller one. With her eyes,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6lwqoe0Iv
she told him that it was alright. They were together. They had each 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm9QQGpybs
other. That was all that mattered. And she was right; he knew that. but 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHw5tEaQPr
deep in his heart, he couldn't help that feeling of letting them all 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxxMuuuwey
down, even though it hadn't been his fault that he was fired.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ug8z9WXKF 維尼
As 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB65hxiSHtT
the family finished their breakfast in silence, Mary got up and cleared 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprDbhVcD4e
their pans. Meanwhile, Justin grabbed his hat and rifle and ruffled 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYBzLUYYYv
little Ida's red hair. "You ready to go, half pint?" He asked with a 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcGvbCuNhq
broad, loving smile.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQBrK871ad 維尼
Ida jumped up excitedly and bounced on the 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3fVhpUfkn
balls of her feet. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" She squealed. A laugh slipped past 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKDQIZ5DBW
her lips when he placed another hat on her head as well. It was a bit 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbNfm3E3i6
too big, and fell slightly over her forehead. But she smiled wider and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvSd0tocLH
pushed it back up.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNKwGxldGS 維尼
"I wanna go, papa!" Ethel said hopefully, lifting her arms toward her father.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡt80qleryyK 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 protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H43szvIu9 維尼
She211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SUnBdD2QZ
pouted, crossing her arms. And he couldn't get over how much she looked211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0ig6KEFMn
like Mary when she pouted. Other than those violet eyes, of course, she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9e09QDX2D
was her mother's spitting image. "Why does Ida get to do everything?"8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk3IaPiFGE 維尼
"She's211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMuMI3Kl2z
older, Ethel. I know it ain't fair, hon, but I promise that we'll go 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUEEeU2zu7
riding together when you're a little bit older. Alright?" He didn't like211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELIGeMrLeO
disappointing either of his older daughters – Sallie of course being 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9SJwhwQsh
hard to displease because she was only six months old – but he also 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD0bgIFScF
couldn't take major risks. He hadn't taken Ida out riding when she was 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sHily6MMP
three, and he wouldn't do that with Ethel or Sallie either. And she 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5eycuoI1z
might not have found it fair at the time, but he knew Ethel would 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhS6Jt2PH1
understand one day.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6HfItrfpg 維尼
She was still pouting, but nodded anyway. "Ok,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsZecWECl3
daddy." Kissing his cheek, she wiggled out of his arms and went to play211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshhlOD3StU
in the small family room.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXjgoxJtAP 維尼
Mary came forward then and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Be careful?" She whispered.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DGqMejDnQ 維尼
He211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoj9e3fBVA
smiled and nodded. "Of course, darlin'. And I'll bring our daughter 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS3HLgj6SC
back in one piece." He promised, making them both laugh. Then he leaned 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2DO1wc7LU
in and kissed her lips chastely. "I love you." He mumbled against her 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i7lax7va6
lips. Then pulling away, he stooped down to scoop Ida up into his strong211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb42tSIvHGG
arms. "You ready to go, baby?" He asked, nudging his nose against her 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vDKqKtpF6
soft cheek.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRPmBPT2rm 維尼
She giggled and kissed his cheek. That was answer 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSaSi0OHlw
enough for her father, as he turned for the door. A last look back, and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs8aqcpTA1
he left with Ida snug against him. Within minutes, he had his horse, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1pyVMkS8j
Bobbie, ready and saddled. Then he saddled Mary's horse, Mosey. Picking 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW4WVA5Dvp
Ida back up, under her arms, he lifted her up and set her in Mosey's 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8Bynepdip
saddle.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0HGloXTzp 維尼
Father and daughter spent hours riding the deserted plains211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktZzuxqYEh
of Braiden, which was part of the Dakota Territory. For miles, there 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3Gbt8m7Ht
was nothing but sage brush and wild grass. The air was fresh, and clean.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3nBFK0uA4
To Justin, that was the best thing about living in the Dakota 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIdGPHU36b
Territory, rather than the big cities. And he couldn't be any happier to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqLEWqTLJA
be raising his own family in such a beautiful land.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45Tkzgqpxq 維尼
As they rose 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xEpuj17LJ
through the plain, over the hills, and through the tufts of rolling 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAM6u0RbP9
grass that danced with the wind, he watched his daughter with a proud 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eONsxRF8n
smile. While she looked like no one in their family, he couldn't help 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwFHl7LMzn
but admire all of their qualities that fit into her. She was as close to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv36p9xzHd
perfect as one could ever be. While she made mistakes, she was quick to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLa3wREznU
try and make up and apologize for those mistakes. And she was quick to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHnaaQeoR2
forgive too. She never once held a grudge, and for that, everyone was 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg2jcP7N1k
grateful. Being on her bad side was never fun.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoMrzIDuAP 維尼
She fit into this 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF1POE5BiG
life, better than most. This was the life she wanted. So many times, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lVnbuLgNK
since she was old enough to speak, she had crawled up into his lap and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfwX8ncr6l
told him that she loved the life of the prairie. It's like living in a 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyqtHZqmC8
fairy-tale, she would tell him. And she knew not only the magical parts 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35hIzvPNaK
of the prairie, but also the dangers of it. She knew the harshness the 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEzBoyqqDa
winters could bring. She knew to watch for mountain lions, and rattle 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5kZNOL4Ft
snakes, and scorpions. She knew how to test whether a berry was safe to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ765TGNMXeN
eat, or deadly poisonous. She knew it all, and still, she loved it. She 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG81yaxCiQE
loved all te harsh realities that came with a beautiful land.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzNJsna8SQ 維尼
She 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCaInKuAs3
wasn't like all the other girls, he well knew. While other girls loved 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ661vnzCt57
dresses, or butterflies, she preferred to spend her time learning how to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX85ROA93v
survive the rough life of the prairie. Justin and Mary had agreed, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeclRRGVMJ
before they even had children, that any daughters they had needed to be 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxjELrYl6v
taught how to handle themselves. They couldn't always depend on a man. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwKITjsc5c
Mary already knew what that was like.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrHliEFUPg 維尼
Her father had been a drunk 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtghtiQxySB
her whole life. Her mother was meek, and never spoke for herself. Being 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IGHxJtEEA
raised mainly by her mother, Mary had been much the same, for years. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSOB6siqqj
When her mother died, when she was seven, nothing changed. She remained 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61voyb4GzD
the quiet girl that never spoke up to her father. She could hardly take 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXepSyhU4N
care of herself, and knew little to nothing about the wilderness.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3TPn61A4J 維尼
Her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUP8EjIy4e
father had never cared, though. He turned a blind eye as to Mary's 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01BC0FUELu
well-being. The only times he would acknowledge her was to tell her to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESCRD9lAGE
cook, or clean, or to mend his clothes. She was more of a slave to him, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeeaOAYJwn
than a daughter. And when he finally drank himself to death, he left 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYdrFZ0mdi
nothing behind for Mary to live a good life from. She didn't know how to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboKXNBA1wf
work the small farm she lived on; her father didn't believe in women 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvNz6bZmFp
working anywhere else but in the house.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk1eKG0KHb 維尼
Being thrown, so suddenly,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlbf9slM63
into the cruel world that she'd never had to think of before had a big 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWibpbSYJOF
impact on Mary. Being only twelve years of age, she was nothing more 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ2xIZOhVa
than a scared orphan that was terrified by the sudden new world. she had211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAIpO64kwB
to teach herself the ropes. No one was there to guide her. And when she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EoHBDyp3N
met and married Justin, she vehemently told him that she didn't want 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMhEJT9OfQ
her own daughters to go through that, should anything happen to one, or 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXWrfYShfj
both of them.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NEV6uqaNO 維尼
He was quick to agree, telling her that he believed 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6ljZ2nrdj
women should know the rules of the wild. He didn't think it fair to see 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYN2niZH8E
women suddenly left on their own, when their husband, father or brother 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCMWMeKpi5
died, and having little to no clue on how to handle themselves. That was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6sa60QeXa
no life, for any woman. And he couldn't, as a father and a husband, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTSFYs9iEY
live himself in knowing that if he didn't leave behind those rules with 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzgANowDLz
his women, something much worse could happen to them than if they did 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7ujtLaj24
know. And as a man that loved his family more than anything, he'd be 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWuJsKsdZB
damned if he let anything happen to them because he didn't give them the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJbddFUtzB
tools necessary to survive.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTuob71f8D 維尼
He had just started teaching Ethel, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2SFF2VylU
as well. While she was a bit confused by the lessons, she knew that when211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi5rUrTttC
her father was trying to teach her something important, it was for a 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E8xdQkVYU
good reason. She paid very close attention to him, as she often did with211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj67JPc2Fh
a lot of things.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzpQ1ARW4D 維尼
Now, watching Ida smiling with rosy cheeks, and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7M3W2oodB
her loose hair drift with the cool winter's breeze, he couldn't help but211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDx9BVLEC4
imagine her as she grew. He visioned a beautiful young girl, riding 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzVg9jpSnA
merrily through the fields. A girl that didn't care what society had to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrYvbb0Bp6
say about her unorthodox upbringing. A girl that didn't need to depend 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW2Rvg5E25
on a man to take care of her. A strong, able-minded girl. It was nothing211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNN5m9qUpL
short of amazing.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYJVYCLrYk 維尼
They returned at dusk, having had a most 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq6UvkTpIU
enjoyable time. He was just helping her off of Mosey, when he saw Mary 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQigyJizcc
walking towards them, a despondent look on her beautiful face. Frowning,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHXVFc5A6E
he crouched in front of Ida and adjusted her hat slightly. "Why don't 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08XUXGvghG
you go on inside, Ida. Mommy and daddy will be in shortly." He told her.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCEsw9MbBo
She obediently did as she was told.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7UCyWqlZ7 維尼
As Mary neared him, he was 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFCsKR1S7E
troubled to see tears in her red eyes. She'd been crying a while, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh14B1VjH3
already. but why, he wondered? She was the strongest person he knew, and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XZcefDoBh
she hardly ever cried. When she did cry, though, it was usually for 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD9Qg3V0qY
something serious. She cried when he lost his job. She cried when they 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvYpvX9Mp0
lost their baby boy, William, two years ago. Those were the only times. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVuZTb9jT1
Two times, in their seven years of marriage, and he'd only seen her cry 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LR9nKMKfq
twice.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBZZ8H63qB 維尼
As soon as she was close enough, he wrapped her in a loving211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRasF5g1XG
embrace. "Hey. Hey. What's wrong? What's wrong, baby?" He mumbled in 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF76jdRVA4u
her ear. "Mary?" He pulled away and held her cheeks in his gentle hands.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XZYf4B4To
"What's the matter, dearest?" He rubbed his thumbs under her eyes to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dsSgb1THF
push away the nasty tears that lined her cheekbones.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxTn9uIZWQ 維尼
She didn't say anything, just handed him a crumpled piece of paper.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYVbs8JgF8 維尼
He211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLnPCN67yL
furrowed his brows as he took the paper. Unfolding it, he read over the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOGKWYpHFU
content carefully, and slowly. Neither he, nor Mary had been taught to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp4rFNLnXq
read or write, as children. They had to teach themselves after they were211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPePyG5D8E
married. Though they were better at it, they still encountered trouble.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUJf5u51LQ
But understanding what was in the letter was no trouble for him. The 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFozFp44O4q
words were clear as day.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMjKtSlrEc 維尼
"I've been called to war. I leave first thing tomorrow."8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc25BSJPHn 維尼
She211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5iA9SKWo8
released a sob when he said it aloud. And once again, she fell into his211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciEbcjhCne
arms. He was still in shock, but quickly began to cry along with her. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52OSUOcUT6
This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening, he tried to tell211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcI97D23U8
himself. But the sound of his wife's cries clearly told him that it was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoFcs3PJoV
happening. He was going to war. He was leaving his wife and three 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dvpCnd5eg
daughters behind. He cried into her shoulder, and held her tighter than 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA9fC60keY
ever before, stroking her soft hair.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0CiaquTuK 維尼
"What are we going to tell the girls?" She whispered into his chest.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡqObBp3qeUU 維尼
He211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUs52BvzOa
shook his head and kissed her neck. "We're going to tell them the 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnd4c8o2y0C
truth; that I've been called to join the war. There's no avoiding this, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Npedf9VRj
Mary. We can't lie to them." And she agreed.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd0VXWUN4f 維尼
Going inside, they 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpTnB4soTV
both called the girls from their room, and Justin beckoned them to sit 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8UzNf8hmk
on his lap. He and Mary shared similar glances as they struggled with 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMP2KP5hG1
just how to tell their daughters that daddy had to go away. They didn't 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv14pXGleDD
sugar-coat it. They told them everything.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY47964SWG 維尼
"Ida, Ethel…you two know211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwz3vPoePS
that all I want is to protect you, and make sure you're safe, right? 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQslXZaxg4
Because you, and Sallie, and mommy are the most important things to me."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreKgtO2tQ6
Justin started. When they nodded, he pulled them even closer and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3Ma9uucUx
stroked their soft cheeks. "Well that's what I'm going to be doing right211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp7MisAjcn
now. I…I've been asked to join the war. That means I'm going to have to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M2caIHe6a
go far away, and make sure no bad people can hurt you, your sister, and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieOgFTnEAb
mommy."8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IRO1NfeFd 維尼
Ethel shook her head, and her bottom lip quivered, as she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj4yavC4WF
threw her chubby arms around his neck. "No, daddy! No! No! No! I don't 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTQKey8sIr
want them to take you far away!" She cried desperately.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYACvaLOE7 維尼
He blinked211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh94g0RmuF
away tear as he wrapped one arm around her to keep her close. "I don't 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6pKZV2lBw
want to leave either, honey; but I need to protect you. Ethel, if there 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYwtr84q6m
was another way, sweetheart, believe me I would take it, in a heart 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyerS07ILan
beat. But this is the only way I can protect you, your sisters, and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovJH4Lwso1
mommy." He hated doing this. He may as well have told her that there was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnsjEp7ZJ6
a chance he wouldn't be coming back. Her innocence was already damaged.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3boRaRgj8
She was to young for this. Ida was to young for this. Ida. "Ida…what 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpAvejDHao
are you thinking, darling?"8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TmJXhc5PH 維尼
She was expressionless. It was like 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGbtSX9LPj
she didn't know what to say; and really, she didn't. what could she say?211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwZmXC5xo7
So instead of replying, she scooted up and buried herself in her 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfFBZ7ZrMc
father's chest. "I love you, daddy." She whispered.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37FzPNGsKO 維尼
He couldn't 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡargjc2gaRX
hold back the tears that threatened him, not anymore. He let them go as 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNndnjKAdz
he bent to kiss her head softly. "I love you too, little one. Both of 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD7yLO2lGh
you." He spoke towards Ethel. After they got down and went to try and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIE2cPiCfE
distract themselves from the heartbreaking moment, Hiccup took little 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvQAMvhBtU
Sallie. She couldn't know what was going on. All she would know was that211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P6exWB5XD
she would be waking up, looking around for her daddy, and realize he's 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1PrtDXC1B
not there. She would wonder why. And God forbid, if he were to be gone 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpPULZqBcd
several years, he would come back and she wouldn't even know who he was.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc0mQYhzfP
His own daughter.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGaryLYtjW 維尼
All to suddenly, the Daniels' world was 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayYFtAZObX
crumbling before them. It was all being shaken, taken away from them 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cQeGvGHGT
within the snap of a finger. He didn't have a choice. It was either 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLdWQoC2SO
leave and stand a chance of coming home, or stay and undergo trial, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLI4ZJXIEM
guaranteeing that he would never see his family again. there was no 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaW6OSTeKT
choice; he was going.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡivt5h9iYrK 維尼
That night, after all the girls were fed and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsSbHiONRv
tucked into bed, Justin shut the door of their room, and was 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmNoRCniuC
immediately met by his wife's passionate lips. It took him no time to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4eCfB1cfI
respond to her kiss, and wrap his arms around her small frame. Their 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8Jr0Tgb2U
tears melted against their lips, as he pushed her against the wall, and 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmBN91VOBF
slid his hands down to hold her hips.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAY0lX6FkF 維尼
It didn't take long to strip211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGekEYsDCd
each other of their clothes and for him to lay her on their bed. 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF72IktIcD5
Heartbreak filled what little space there was between their bodies. As 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFgPpRaUeK
he buried his hands in her disheveled hair, and kissed down her neck, he211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUovFh9M2p
mumbled words of absolute love and adoration for her. He told her how 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcEj72WzCy
much she meant to him, how he loved her, how beautiful she was.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzX8QfQEzd 維尼
When211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyp1nf7Enr
he finally entered her, she held tight to his back, trying to keep back211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60stbF1sgK
her sobs. But it was all for naught. She dug her fingers into his back,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCRoR2YnY3
and cried softly into the crook of his freckled shoulder.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzAGw2bklT 維尼
He 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOnYEL2bZX
shook his head and shut his eyes tight. "Don't cry. Please don't cry, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrl6LXdOWT
darling." He said begged with a strangled voice. But he too couldn't 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC9E3QU1VH
hold back his sobs. And as he made love to her, they shared in more than211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaDMsHD8NA
just passion, but also their fear and heartbreak.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqKd0dnBDD 維尼
Afterwards, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLLFnSSpew
they laid silently in each other's arms. Nothing needed to be said, to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgAzIg2Afg
know what the other was thinking. It all spilled out in the way they 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ49ZDhp2hs
made love, and the way they held each other. Nothing could make this 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEISfwTBZl
better. But for now, being with each other, was all they really needed.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhZO6zWF8B 維尼
The211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7SPgDbqKH
next morning, they woke the girls up at the crack of dawn. It was time.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLaB14hzSG
Mary packed him supplies, enough to last him through several weeks, and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAm8dvEYxu
they all sat and ate one last meal together. After which, they all 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei97PinhC6
bundled up and went out to see him off.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UbjMv8tzO 維尼
It didn't take him long to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh6xG3hKUW
prepare a saddle bag, and then to saddle Bobbie. Though he wanted to 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmIBp0C260
prolong the time for as long as he could, he knew that it would just 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkZueHCsXo
make it harder to leave. And he'd never seen a shame in crying, but he 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAzbeFIK0X
also didn't like crying in front of his daughters. But today, he 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidjGA8JW84
couldn't help it. he was leaving them, potentially to never come back; 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WHyFwjuw9
how was he not to cry?8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2S6YZDtoF 維尼
When all was ready, he turned to his small,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyKmqEJPf2
but beautiful family. His daughters were quieter than he'd ever seen 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePBl2uS36G
them. His wife couldn't stop her flow of tear. His youngest daughter was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUC798rpio
looking at them all curiously, confused to what was going on.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tFH7kXFmV 維尼
Licking211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSMhEbtjnq
his lips, he knelt down and held out a hand. Ida was quick to come 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHz6uVck8B
forward and take it. "Ethel, come here, little one." He beckoned gently.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhyGmmiN54
She finally came forward, and he pulled her, with Ida, into his 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdiBdyLNeo
embrace. "Now, you two listen; I'm going to be home real soon, ok? I 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z5TNXTk0n
love you. I love you two, so much." He told them over again. Giving them211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBfKS3EiCd
each one last kiss, he stood to take Sallie int his arms. "Oh, Sallie, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWeSr05oek
please remember me, sweet girl. Remember, how much daddy loved you." He 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiayZZiYHE
kissed her softly then handed her to Ida.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO5CMvK7nL 維尼
His heart melted when he211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gVHmfDyP2
gazed at his wife, as it always did. But this time was different. He 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2iLpsvgJa
could be saying goodbye to her, forever. He didn't want to lose her, and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSDlO0GDa3
he knew she didn't want to lose him either. It was an unimaginable 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoGkDrA3IO
thought, for both of them. It was hard to believe, seven years ago, they211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOTBrU5DiL
were fourteen and nineteen and just getting married. Six years ago, 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlhy9Zc21V
they became the parents of a darling daughter. Now they were saying 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsyLowa0Vl
goodbye for an unknown amount of time.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NF8TMlhLY 維尼
He took a sharp breath when211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAl1Dqlqvv
she threw herself into his arms, and he rested his head in the crevice 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5Ye6z6JZd
of her neck and shoulder. "I love you, so damn much. Always remember 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG13MFwhIe
that, Mary." He whispered against her flushed skin.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡy696KJRtn8 維尼
She nodded 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvbXpdVWzE
wordlessly. "I will. Just, remember that I'm always with you. The girls 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT3KzBl0da
are always with you. We'll be right here, waiting. I promise."8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVcjeOh54w 維尼
He 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z4cxidcXk
sobbed and placed a single kiss on her neck. "One last time. Just one 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabP888IHYy
last time. I want to make love to you. I want to ride out with Ida. I 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLV6PLDZZ2
want to walk in and watch Ethel playing. I want to see Sallie laugh. One211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6nqgCd38J
last time. I want to see my family happy together."8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIgTnkuLvN 維尼
All too soon,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjnMGxeizp
he was gone. Just like that. And Mary was left holding her crying 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHpKay3exa
daughters, as they watched their father ride off into the gloomy 211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sMbeIwKaM
sunrise. It would never be the same again, they all knew. Everything, in211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgPzE1DQwo
that moment, had changed.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡpatwXnNXbT 維尼
