211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPz8c1qXyX
It was a cold and dark day.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNdzhRMqiu
Wet. Dreary. Certainly, not a day one would wish to be married on. But for211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EydIWUsah
them, there wasn’t a more perfect day. And they were being married in the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ2YCi6YZ9
church, after all; it wasn’t like they had to worry about being rained on, or211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnjcZQ0RBl
their entire wedding being ruined, altogether. Nothing could ruin this day for211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9XWofgzwL
them. Not the weather, not a kink in plans, nothing.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKPgM4smeF 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkIWUEEqsu
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TW57Iu6Ep
“Do you, Justin Daniels, take211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PHWsMKvGu
this woman, Mary Smith, to be your wife? To have and to hold, to love and to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNH4FCZ05z
cherish, and to honor and respect her, until death do you part?” The priest, who211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExekvZPOMK
was their good friend, Jacoby, asked with a smile.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO3Yhcv0Yp 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfesvBjH6Co
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcg9Zvivgd
Justin beamed, tears in his eyes,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCL0VwpVV6
as he stared down at Mary, right into her eyes. He didn’t even have to think211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdUVAojpTJ
about it. He gulped down the lump in his throat and nodded. “Yes. Yes, I do.”8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bkgya81HR 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRoGPvgike
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaqlbK4xkW
Then turning to Mary, Jacoby211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh4Xwh8I7K
directed the words to her. “Do you, Mary Smith, take this man, Justin Daniels,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCCYegmxXn
to be your husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, and to honor211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jp5eLD2jn
and respect him, until death do you part?”8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpFNIJ7g1G 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUADGrSMGwu
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t4C9zkxPW
She couldn’t help it; her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v73VsS4iC
tears fell freely down her unblemished face, as she nodded without a second211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIMLtfPyyh
thought. “I do.” She said with a strangled voice. Justin smiled at her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQgL6nEYxK
confirmation, as if previously afraid that she would change her mind.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh932VdzTE 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLt5q8i0HA
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nWEbUmZ5g
“Then, without further wait,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZZvrb4Gss
I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” Jocoby announced211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ld2GksOsa
with his thick accent weighing heavily throughout the small room.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rDVJDIdHR 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhSr4sg7KV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JFGcxxdzj
Not waiting a second longer,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYStuuCxGD
Justin slid his hands over Mary’s slender hips and pulled her near to him.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJNqAeLbRt
Smiles lit their faces as they kissed passionately, but still innocently enough211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANyf88UJjE
while in front of a crowd. Cheers rang through the whole room, as they sealed211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mrv5ZVAoM
their marriage officially, finalizing their union as one.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFvXIozwFC 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTWwAQzAQj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP79MotMmoQ
After the marriage ceremony,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKODgs8SnHJ
the crowd hauled over to the bar just across town. For hours, they drank, sang,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkGaGafqtM
and danced the day away. When it came time for supper, they all gathered211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Cx7wZJWh
around, the finest mugs, filled to the brim with the best whisky, in their211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiM2u2AULO
hands. It was time for the bride and groom toasts. Justin’s best man, Mark211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWw73PrBZ6
Avery, went first.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA3luw2woQ 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJaE1rqjrz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXGpf845YU
“I have known Justin and Mary211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu8cGW8kwK
for most of my life. Separately, of course. But I know that there isn’t a211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIM7GN9WMl
couple better suited for each other, than the one right here. Justin, you’re my211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitLhoAKkXg
best friend, though I know that, to you, I come in second place of Mary. My211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxREcBTke3H
friend, you chose well. If only there were more women like Mary out there. And211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3ZneXm7Uv
let me say, you deserve the finest. After Catharine broke your heart, I thought211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6vur7IcvS
you’d never move on. I’m glad you proved me wrong. To Justin and Mary Daniels!211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCm2TzaFZkA
May you two live long, and happy together!” He cheered before raising his mug211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPth7QKdRu
to his lips and taking a long swing, just as everyone else did.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMKmaMbiRk 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1EwQMNLDE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD3jycpX9U
Mary’s maid of honor, Leah211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLJ9VsBKMH
Cassidy, went next. “Mary, I have seen you struggle through everything in your211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxijXeAPhki
life, since the day your mother passed. All the things you went through with211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0dVWRcZo7
your father, they were tough. But, they also made you strong. And I couldn’t be211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwNuo8Fzaa
happier to see you as the strong woman you are now. I know that you will work211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTT6M76Jcn
hard in your marriage. Justin loves you, I think everyone here can see that.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YmzrILUym
What can I say? He has a great taste. To Justin and Mary Daniels! May you know211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wt7vo4zIE
bright and happy days, and always know how lucky you are!” Once again, everyone211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBFqPucOUV
took a swig of their whisky.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7ZJB9zLg7 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa0r2aBwM8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWEmFFs97t
After the bride and groom211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf0xOYw0IQ
were toasted, the people went back to dancing, and before to long it was time211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUsPiZQZ37
for the first dance of the newly wedded. Against the wishes of his parents,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5lT8APOCu
Justin and Mary had decided they wanted a lively reception; so their first song211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YojQZArPA
was The Old Zip Coon. It was a spry dance, one that kept people moving211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bV6x3tzcH
constantly.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJLU0zhDu3 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29rB4GLwI2
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTcWsHGFIt
Hoots of fun-filled laughter211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4SBsTr063
filled the air, as the couple swung around with the biggest smiles. Soon, the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqoKAyqxY9
whole community joined in, and the room was full of women and men bounding211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEIHdG3uHq
around the spacious bar. Without a doubt, it would be a time for the small town211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt397F1yJop
of Berk to always remember. But, for Justin and Mary, the most memorable part211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCekiCHEuVb
came that night.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMubJ0b9U7 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ0WGEcioS
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpHemMQEYT
That was seven years ago,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo262cqgGKv
though. All but a faded memory, left in the past.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡIugslARfnU 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0VrIOPixy
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SuJsqFSrT
8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wUHKoOdoY 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPRdbtNm3l
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaQLdcBSrN
Present day8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZUCY7TGpk 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwg2bP2dOW
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgN9YiSQn4
8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0e1PFfWad 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cBJv6Ol5J
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIqjV8qkjD
She was bleak, weary, and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3I5HwQiOX
couldn’t find it in her heart to smile. She longed for it, yearned for it. all211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCggOhc6Wcp
she wanted was to look out at them, running around in the sunlit yard. They211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHWPYVZCAc
were so graceful and beautiful, her two oldest daughters. They had finally211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95PHbFauYE
cheered up, she just wished she could join in their happiness.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡicXDzYTUXn 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRldJO6AcH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1eD2B3R8x
Mary looked behind her, where211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadzVi9qpXY
her youngest was sitting up on the floor with a big smile. So much like her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV6nq4BlhA
father, she thought. Sallie was, indeed, the spitting image of her war-bound211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv8cw4v1Yy
father, all but those green s. She had his face, his nose, his hair and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWjKAOcTNO
freckles, everything. The Violet eyes had passed over her though, instead being211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKuKO4A3jZ
given to little Ethel.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2C2S5ATxq 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9zL0LpkA6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcJ3YUGWNu
Turning completely to keep a211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8FukXG9Wq
full eye on her daughter, and make sure she didn’t wander off, she leaned211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl6s4Y0HYB
against her chair and sighed. Resting a hand on the swell of her belly, she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J35Ua0ayZ
rubbed it gently, lovingly. For the hundredth time since Justin left for war, she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSY2EJNmxZ
felt her heart break again. She didn’t understand how it was possible to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVzQurkUoW
experience heartbreak so many times, in such a short amount of time; all she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhKsjk774e
knew was that she hated it.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYJoVcbzHp 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXNFGJrOEm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxyVLEZdV7
Not even a month after Justin211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzbbRRVib5
left, she discovered that she was once again with child. She was pregnant, with211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3gbkBSbLv
a baby Justin didn’t even know about; a baby she wouldn’t get to tell him about211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLHi7EUynm
until he returned. Now, not only would Sallie be estranged from her father, but211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xg4Czu97U
another baby of theirs wouldn’t know him. He would be a total stranger, in the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7jKPMlzdt
eyes of his own two children.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSfdWklEUP 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3XIeesxXa
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX0HtV0MAe
She was currently seven211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMB5YvfpcP
months along, and her belly was already round and swollen. Women of the town211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ21G2aF6uW
had talked, first thinking she’d had an affair. But when she vehemently told211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf5cmmwP9y
them that that was certainly not the case, that she would never do that to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemKfixi3JM
Justin and their girls, the women began to take pity on her. She hated it, but211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhXWzqQOHb
had to admit that their bugging petty was a step up from their thinking she was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjuw3ypRFb
having an affair.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70joSze6hy 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUWwBMl0iO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvTVVodRZI
A hiss brushed past her lips,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto37dcRBSQ
as she felt a sharp jab to the side of her stomach. “Easy, little one.” She211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg0dL9uYuo
whispered, directing it toward the baby inside her. Lately, she hadn’t been211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf3FiLrohI
feeling right. She was throwing up more, and the baby had been much more active211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ytyartBUk
than he/she had in the beginning stages of movement. Almost constantly, she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX3UcIgsti
felt the baby turning completely around, which just wasn’t normal. It worried211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbmZ4WYiXZ
her, yet she decided not to go to the town doctor.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzNIz6NG73 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMHIJr06PA
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaf5h2AW5h
Just then, a whinny could be211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgPgiFFQ9Z
heard from down the trail. Mary frowned, as no one ever came this far out of211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPIQ36W4xi
town. Maybe it was a passerby? Someone looking for direction? She didn’t know;211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW9hyM5Z0X
but taking extra precaution, she grabbed the rifle that had always been kept by211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigf4ycijK7
the door, and readied it, in case it was a robber, or someone who would harm211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r0PHNLun1
her or her girls.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEyH0yk0gW 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpCv3FmVfs
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHUInxkBNs
Waiting by the porch, rifle211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7ejQjIxqy
readied, she watched as the mounted horse glided toward them. “Girls, come up211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzbXIw5q67
here, please!” She called to her daughters, and they obeyed without argument.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDbRoHR0hf
Watching the horse and rider come closer, she could finally see what the person211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3dYWceJga
was wearing: blue army jacket, with a blue cap. Gold lined the jacket and cap,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWTm0ZDD4A
and the clothes could be seen as clean. The horse was also well groomed, and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B8sgHJ4L3
it’s saddle appeared to be fancy.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYxVljGDDh 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehKBk7NXkf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawW7JDNJMl
She didn’t dare to hope, but211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pkP11uD0O
the closer the rider neared, the more she felt her heart begin to lift. “Justin?”211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqHsMQ8jCv
She choked. Closer and closer. Faster and faster, her heart beat. But it211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb4RfUcrKm
suddenly dropped, when the man came to a stop and unmounted. It fell, hitting211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOptFZqtKH4
the dirt ground hard and painfully.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoW3V5NNnT 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjTM622b1V
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhM9c4pCzn
It wasn’t Justin.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡmphCPvqhXg 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf4bxMRngV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqdi3nmnOj
The man walked up briskly,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSycOQDEXZ
taking off his cap as he came up the steps. His gaze drifted down to the two211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaz2XJN2a4
girls behind her, clinging to her dress. A tone of sympathy edged his eyes as211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB5z1QwNrO
he slowly lifted them back up to meet Mary’s. “Ma’am, I’m sergeant Michael,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kblNap7MH
are you Mary Daniels?” He asked softly.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTixMnNeUE 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6xnCKQ9Fn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRivokAhxPP
She forced the lump down her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe52VL3LCX
throat and nodded. “That I am. Is-is my husband alright?”8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNFxg5X6M4 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvIrTEFLZt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SYSj58gsa
He ran a shaky hand through211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH4HAyp607
his hair and closed his eyes briefly. “Mrs. Daniels, I’m…I’m sorry to inform211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS4ccblnK0
you that yesterday, July 2, 1863, at 5 in the afternoon, your husband was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIYujuVNi2
killed on the field of battle at Gettysburg. I’m so sorry for your loss.” One211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzKlOFjFls
last look at her and her daughters, then he turned and left.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaBN6reX4Y 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzHW0rEsj8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlnUgaepUv
Shock filled her at first.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk0yJuY6cT
Against her will, a sob ripped through her lips, and she slapped a hand over211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwl9f6YWdI
her mouth to stifle her cry. Slowly dropping her eyes downward, she looked to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKc2Wh2Sl0
her daughters. They looked scared, confused, and worried.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡNefMqZrtut 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg9cBtOZKm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5g7rwotA5
“Daddy coming home?” Ethel211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BxRTyWiJi
asked her softly.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv2Gbv5RQK 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS0JXUtflu
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uLtKsQVlC
The tears raged down her face211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwVriChKrT
and she shut her eyes tight for a moment. As best as she could, she knelt down211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArJMx0mlHT
and pulled the girls close to her. “No, Ethel.” She whispered. “Daddy’s not211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JGdMtfXbW
coming home. He’s…he’s with the angels, baby.” She choked, the lump in her throat211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xtlpMGtD1
growing by the second. Her daughters were too young for this. The pain of211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSCz0nSwWv
losing a parent was difficult no matter what, but none of her children were211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4dVH53mhu
even through their first decade of life. Her oldest was barely seven.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfD62HF7gu 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyREVNRTwMX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW1m0i1chD
The small girl had tears in her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFrg5zcAJo
eyes, and her lip quivered. “Daddy left us forever?” She whimpered.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3SuZXFfq9 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY06i4PG90r
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqKabCL8lU
Mary hated to think of it211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt4XJKoVTK
that way, but what other way was there to explain to her daughters? Unable to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MbWbscmkw
say anything, she nodded and pulled her daughters into the safety of her arms.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz3rhvQwgs
“He loved you girls. So very much. You and your sister were everything to him.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsMbHrmBRY
And if he were here, right now, he would tell you how much he loves you.”8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gHgJkGOoO 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTcJM5pyfb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgIPFjze6T
Her heart ached so much211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnc1w9v8jW
though. Sallie wasn’t even a year old, and the father she would never remember211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oeWiAgLAu
was gone. The baby growing inside her would never even meet his/her father. He211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeduCEptZiC
hadn’t even known about her pregnancy. Now he would never know. He would never211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3IQBu8saJ
know his youngest daughter. He would never know his unborn child. He would211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLV1mFgagG
never walk his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days. He’d miss out on211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObjZkXF9wp
his grandchildren being born and growing up. All of that, he would never have a211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIICT9PjNt
chance to do or see.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kml1w1Ogb 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdhziTRamY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxxaWBbf7R
8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡGil3AD0B4A 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OxBOgAKdS
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsa8eR9eWJ
……8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8Sv50r5mH 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29wIdxfkCJ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrtRpccWgr
8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u6171BH70 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkulTn39yv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rzFhQhFGe
For several days, the Daniels211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlan616V9vn
girls were all in a state of melancholy. Townspeople had stopped by a few211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYRa6G8wAd
times, both to give their condolences, and to offer Mary anything she needed:211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PbMjHwvsc
help with the girls, food for the next few days, someone to talk to, anything.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6MhHJlWb7
The young widow refused though. She didn’t wish for charity, and she thought it211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDar14ymBfZ
best that she be the one to care for the girls, especially through such a time211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfy8PBNCGP
as the news of their father’s death.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNVSOfN8vm 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZpvYzpDbj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOQgU6Y0bZ
Ida and Ethel, while still211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dxOAbvRi2
not fully comprehending that their father was gone forever, seemed to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gLlG0Yp8S
understand that something really bad had happened to him. Mary hated seeing it211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c8k4Ty2Wc
on her daughters; she’d gone through the same thing when she was not much older211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jesWYCKcl
than Ida. She knew it wasn’t fair, on anybody.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZHk9Td2n8 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WakDqVAjE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntEt2LnReJ
It was barely a week after211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGyZV7PcP5
receiving the news, when Mary felt a hard kick to her lower abdomen. At first,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX5bLrI97c
she didn’t take it to mean anything, just the baby putting up a fuss; but when211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzxx31od9L
the kicks increased in severity, she became slightly worried.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC4cHXYZ4E 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsV5Ve6dSs
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6JXtWE34X
Just as she was getting up to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh3Ri3AIO2
make something for the girls to eat, she felt something wet between her legs.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgsNmTAwyj
Shutting her eyes, not wanting to admit to herself what she already knew was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeEEztEahU
happening, she looked to the ground under her feet. There it was; that small211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5EFNFFYks
puddle that could only mean one thing: she was in labor.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj8mD2v2p3 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKKlcmA6tm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UiG4cx2c7
It’s to early, she said in211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvKgcXKCSF
her mind. The same thing had happened with her baby boy a few years ago. She’d211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0TWSmo61T
gone into early labor, and he only lasted a few minutes after birth. The first211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWycu4eBof
thing since her father’s death, and it broke her. Losing her child, the child211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGYKCttfLt
she had carried for six months, the child she felt moving inside her, was the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum19r7o2bg
hardest thing. She couldn’t go through it again, especially after the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpxBqYj6vA
heartbreak of losing her beloved husband.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeR0DvlKlL 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrBkilS7ik
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUa3l8eg6G
Braving through her fear for211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbUhKmDlcx
the moment, she looked to Ida, holding her stomach tightly. “Idie, I need to to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qjhoYo1af
ride Bobbie into town and tell auntie Leah that your baby brother or sister is211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKsRJ3TCOM
coming.” She said in a steady, but still fearful voice.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡueAlTi8YHg 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQhIWHYHjj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYTRJR3701
The seven year old wasted no211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjyPWtOZ2e
time in jumping up from the floor, racing to pull on her coat, and running out211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGhePPfGKQ
the door. She was thankful to know that her father’s horse was already saddled211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdoYgX4zID
up and ready to go. Climbing up, she gripped the reins in shaking hands and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoj7adafS8
gave them a snap.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Uph6VQvfC 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NaKD8xTAd
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPyYbJ8N6G
Only half an hour later, she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduo2YxXNuJ
returned with Leah riding behind her. They slid off their horses, and Leah immediately211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsqWKVAYVi
made a beeline for the house. “Mary!” She called in a panic.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5HPL2QEMA 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i4K0yD7DF
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwyzfyGVDf
“Back here, Lee!” Mary called211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86ZaLe3keu
back to her best friend. When Leah stood beside her, she took a deep breath and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTAsgEcmJL
leaned back slightly. “I’m sorry. I know you have to take care of the boys-“8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk6ZwS0Ed8 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFVsOGP6Zq
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkeSJ8MMJx
“Mary, Ivan and Timothy are211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjynh70gIJ1
fine. Mark is watching them. What matters is that you’re in labor. Now, listen,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6KxjP04be
since you’ve gone into early labor, you know what we have to do.” Leah stroked211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvzSCud8zH
her friend’s hair sympathetically and dabbed her already sweaty forehead.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeOD0RWV9A
“Let’s get you in bed, and I’ll do what I can to bring your little one into the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk77mrrqxc
world.” She guided her over to the bed and helped her lay down.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5epd9fwMm 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQbqedJ8Gh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaNdFjpeh3
Hours passed by, and the only211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYylhPJI6J
thing that seemed to change was the pitch in Mary’s screams. They varied from211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsjh2IPSWx
loud, to quiet, to high pitched, and real low. The three girls, Ida, Ethel, and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1YoGxAtwl
Sallie, all sat in the corner. They worried for their dear mother, as they211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0IK0cvYNq
didn’t understand what was going on, but they stayed silent and kept patient.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2ZMKTgRhB 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWttS9HCWp6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XmrD5rLFg
It was well into the night,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtfW4ONUKL
and there was still nothing to be gained from the long hours of labor that Mary211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XEZAh8IGf
had endured. She’d been in labor for twelve hours already, and while Leah211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oCpVCZHVd
wasn’t expecting her to have delivered by then, she was at least expecting her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaZyQ1u3qt
to be dilating; Mary wasn’t even so much as dilating. There was no doubt in the211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllBQD40qiu
fellow mother’s mind, this was going to be a long birthing process.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJcnHyXxKn 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchcWnIGY3J
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VeSqW6aBe
And so it was. Two days of211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlqaNzaKVf
labor, and still nothing to show for it. Mark eventually had to bring his and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpE1olb4RJ
Leah’s two sons out so that she could help them bathe, as he had no idea how to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM5OH6J7wH
do it. Throughout the whole two days though, Mary still showed no signs of211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZioWxddUY
actually giving birth.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E70fzqT1Q 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8idO53PyH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFSHau18z3
And then the third day came.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4P73YbOyR 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgUvnS0sZM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH6jDnxCJv
It hit them all, like a211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0ymCqGvPh
tornado. It came with piercing screams, and obvious signs that Mary had finally211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCXcMLt8iR
started crowning. For when Leah looked under the blanket that was sprawled over211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUFwr3ME81
Mary, she could clearly see a head full of black hair. And at that sight, she211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5egsYZsqj
gave a joyous cry and told Mary that it was time. She shoved everyone else out211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSn989Zg79
in the meantime, asking Fabian to watch the children.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V0FIIhkeg 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILTSvNKjT1
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08xnrsccYy
That night was long and hard.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlIbPzBFPo
And in the end, silence filled the small Daniels’ residence. It was so quiet,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI3X0nY6Zk
you could have heard a pin drop. But suddenly, tiny wails came from the room211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JamZL3JgH
Mary was in. Newborn wails. Leah came in to the family room with a bright smile211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskVcMASZii
upon her face. “The baby is good and healthy, though a bit small.” Taking211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTO1Rj0iR9
Sallie from her husband, she looked to Ida and Ethel. “Your mother is waiting211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yQoaYJlch
for you. Go on, I’ll be there in a minute.” She told them softly. She watched211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C8AP7zwnt
them leave before turning back to Mark, who looked worried.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJv5CxgmaA 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyrids5Rrv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalzgZg3STq
“So?” He said nervously.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUbOsIIYP8 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM3vaNMyPq
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Bj719IpF
Her smile, still, didn’t211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGQHF5bpoR
fade. “Healthy baby girl.” Her gaze fell then, though, and she looked morose.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIDeuIRug5
“Mary…didn’t want to hold her at first. She-she looks like…like him.” She211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70WUkpWn3L
whispered.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡasmimIM4Ft 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kUXgSgVkW
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kHZztHMyr
Mark sighed and shook his211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomZtNje9EJ
head. “Those poor girls. And poor Mary, having to deal with four daughters, all211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X5BKLQXsD
on her own. This shouldn’t be happening.” He hesitated briefly before stating,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3JCMSX3bl
“What is she going to do?” A careful edge to his voice.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU6KuSdynw 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukuUo2eeUr
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4gNBGTLmJ
She chewed on her lip. “I211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstLasW8kG8
think she’s going to go to work. How else is she going to care for the girls?211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CHVQQQ6D3
Still, you’re right; this shouldn’t be happening.”8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNNstQaHRf 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xaFyyPS9h
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61QyXlwOye
“What’s her name?”8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡknJO5DnyiH 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstJd7ZEJBb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhza3UnWBb
Leah smiled again, having211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ0h8OZXmB
known the name Mary had picked. There was no doubt in her mind, it was a lovely211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ9yAyeGsP
name. “Margaret. Margaret Hope Daniels. Justin loved the name, and Mary thought211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ICLSc77Yn
that it was perfectly suited.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuhtAbnwVD 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrzIeJauz4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBbiJLN9IP
Mark knew, all to well, how211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8Q8WbmPvQ
his friend had loved the name. They had discussed the topic a few months before211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA9VGFKTm9
he left; he said that if he ever had another daughter, he wanted her name to be211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDnHyoPSYD
Margaret Hope Daniels.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ292HAhHlHS 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5UMBcgE8k
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5CVrMMz35
He wrapped and arm around his211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvT0XNxnJ3
wife as they started for Mary’s room, Sallie in Leah’s free arm. When they211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EakbQTq4N
arrived at the entrance, Mark couldn’t help but smile at the sweet scene. The211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHqW1Gyp0M
girls were on either side of Mary, on the bed, and were completely mesmerized211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYagCNjwrm
by their new baby sister. Even from such a distance, Mark could definitely see211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYoP52rjlw
how baby Margaret resembled her late father. Her tiny face was a mold of his,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFgsFFbzXm
and the small tufts of black hair were as dark and soft-looking as her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECcj6mfEfZ
father’s. He could only imagine how much more she would grow to look like her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNeJSZh5DJ
father; it was a painful thought.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡtilAzOKyfy 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRz0LcNA4U
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJStxMiX9Fb
Mary’s head snapped up to her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFpXHosaxz
friends, and she smiled wide. “Come and meet the new Daniels.” She beckoned to211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AaSieTuEw
them gently, yet eagerly.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aMV6SpvFb 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBejDaj0kCV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtPEhp0nuJ
They came in and stood beside211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwpy5fPrE6
her, admiring the beautiful baby that was nestled within her arms. They smiled211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm9wtItDpS
at each other, and then back at her. “She’s beautiful, Mary.” Mark said softly.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w07q9uWDj 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic4e58zop8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qMQlbs66F
The exhausted mother managed211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHhGW9N5fk
a laugh as she nodded. “She gets it from her father.” Looking back down at her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHQjixgj1X
newborn, she brought the girl up slightly and kissed her small, pink forehead.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0pebYSgTO
“I love you, my sweet girl. Daddy would have loved you too. But remember, little211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsc0WgKBVx
one, he’s always with you.” Looking around at all of them, tears embraced her211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV93b0JIGm
eyes and caressed her cheeks. She tried licking them away, but to no use. “He’s211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjzYBfE0GP
with all of us.” She whimpered.8964 copyright protection207ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S4zhNbQ5V 維尼211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0omN95eYCb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu4YT73K3U
The Avery’s embraced her and211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDt4mw9VcH
the girls, and the Avery boys were quick to join in, always loving hugs. They211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2uR1FssbD
knew this was not a typical hug, but they could feel the love than ran through,211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTTBgvrH0p
just as much as the heartache. The one thing they could all feel though, was211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcftx9YAd42
how it uplifted them. They were stronger together. The past months had been211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GFE7xmfCJ
hard, but they were sure now that they could get through this hard time. Mary211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFpkSL9gpr
and her daughters would make it. They would all make it; together.
