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It was a cold and dark day.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH15Z8stjy
Wet. Dreary. Certainly, not a day one would wish to be married on. But for117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrbKS55hO3
them, there wasn’t a more perfect day. And they were being married in the117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bPbKgjyhm
church, after all; it wasn’t like they had to worry about being rained on, or117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpkqkKuhRK
their entire wedding being ruined, altogether. Nothing could ruin this day for117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEGzbwPO1N
them. Not the weather, not a kink in plans, nothing.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa04g2BT0M 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jfBNBhjng
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“Do you, Justin Daniels, take117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P706UgwRQ
this woman, Mary Smith, to be your wife? To have and to hold, to love and to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetrFymZGZP
cherish, and to honor and respect her, until death do you part?” The priest, who117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjQLyiMlLM
was their good friend, Jacoby, asked with a smile.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡFet53WDlHZ 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpdajDib4F
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDYYZqz91B
Justin beamed, tears in his eyes,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXg5ZuElt8
as he stared down at Mary, right into her eyes. He didn’t even have to think117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9NeSacPlv
about it. He gulped down the lump in his throat and nodded. “Yes. Yes, I do.”8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYxs3ynjBK 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUVypJpvO6
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7poEMbfR2
Then turning to Mary, Jacoby117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZlnV1dJpM
directed the words to her. “Do you, Mary Smith, take this man, Justin Daniels,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFhdoLk1EO
to be your husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, and to honor117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62MQvWTt8K
and respect him, until death do you part?”8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR3JmZhiBb 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEiR20nZcA
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQV0MdrGRz
She couldn’t help it; her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXhKmXcZwR
tears fell freely down her unblemished face, as she nodded without a second117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeoRrlAjsc
thought. “I do.” She said with a strangled voice. Justin smiled at her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkk8C9HJlP
confirmation, as if previously afraid that she would change her mind.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKfhFU8UNQ 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3dJAu8D6Q
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArWXcnSlEt
“Then, without further wait,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5AprqwjRW
I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” Jocoby announced117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJrZyNIUF3
with his thick accent weighing heavily throughout the small room.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9E5tWVNRt 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA20k1YJME
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OgRCHE0zQ
Not waiting a second longer,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAI0S2AgH6
Justin slid his hands over Mary’s slender hips and pulled her near to him.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoCmulBsQs
Smiles lit their faces as they kissed passionately, but still innocently enough117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAQvH0Y4SM
while in front of a crowd. Cheers rang through the whole room, as they sealed117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0Fss5u5na
their marriage officially, finalizing their union as one.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrWaMLXGeu 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHOcr8WFpt
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7CQGTlMnv
After the marriage ceremony,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PpoviYcBd
the crowd hauled over to the bar just across town. For hours, they drank, sang,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNP6RkHlPB
and danced the day away. When it came time for supper, they all gathered117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MnT0q4RH9
around, the finest mugs, filled to the brim with the best whisky, in their117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCAYeLm17g
hands. It was time for the bride and groom toasts. Justin’s best man, Mark117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8hdhX7cms
Avery, went first.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrC3k0PMJ8 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQNzE8MPxM
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94UxaTxywI
“I have known Justin and Mary117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiMevOM31M
for most of my life. Separately, of course. But I know that there isn’t a117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IYLEzWvYT
couple better suited for each other, than the one right here. Justin, you’re my117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdJz42bnbR
best friend, though I know that, to you, I come in second place of Mary. My117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB2SlkkmIs
friend, you chose well. If only there were more women like Mary out there. And117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNbhGLnHYk
let me say, you deserve the finest. After Catharine broke your heart, I thought117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQySxlTwGX5
you’d never move on. I’m glad you proved me wrong. To Justin and Mary Daniels!117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH9bRsJhoe
May you two live long, and happy together!” He cheered before raising his mug117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL3rCW117H
to his lips and taking a long swing, just as everyone else did.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYERX3o4TV 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVgBwRAc8t
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR6MorwdFb
Mary’s maid of honor, Leah117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVK0Rbz31F
Cassidy, went next. “Mary, I have seen you struggle through everything in your117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXkfgwVj7f
life, since the day your mother passed. All the things you went through with117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWOvVgw2zr
your father, they were tough. But, they also made you strong. And I couldn’t be117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl47wM16EM
happier to see you as the strong woman you are now. I know that you will work117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRhEkWSyWz
hard in your marriage. Justin loves you, I think everyone here can see that.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2korWLVTk2
What can I say? He has a great taste. To Justin and Mary Daniels! May you know117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yTfGUkTdb
bright and happy days, and always know how lucky you are!” Once again, everyone117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2RhB1GL3C
took a swig of their whisky.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt92AIZSOS 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3aZsJHfIz
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDfm9SznKS
After the bride and groom117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV7swVlanT
were toasted, the people went back to dancing, and before to long it was time117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoAXG79jDF
for the first dance of the newly wedded. Against the wishes of his parents,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp0dZbaKB9
Justin and Mary had decided they wanted a lively reception; so their first song117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP23WaESDd
was The Old Zip Coon. It was a spry dance, one that kept people moving117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LS70473KE
constantly.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdE4vXlIjZ 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEPSQFfXzZ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm8SZYUrFF
Hoots of fun-filled laughter117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9qayeVSQO
filled the air, as the couple swung around with the biggest smiles. Soon, the117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW9g51MXEE
whole community joined in, and the room was full of women and men bounding117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H2KU8k3xI
around the spacious bar. Without a doubt, it would be a time for the small town117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvZ9e3f83i
of Berk to always remember. But, for Justin and Mary, the most memorable part117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4K6vFYplg
came that night.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡT08pjv9PAj 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeFbEdgPCu
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEnzKyLzTK
That was seven years ago,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1uMOk4tOG
though. All but a faded memory, left in the past.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡmah5eqwQnh 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofmSeuj0qU
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBxdnMTnRQ
8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD3M3gfzir 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalXOT0te61
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE8p1XfRkv
Present day8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeHYQoWGwc 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL6KXxEe1L
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8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU3CnQ83Um 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTE5umBJY7
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She was bleak, weary, and117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUUPPmXpUD
couldn’t find it in her heart to smile. She longed for it, yearned for it. all117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTaqwLWh1L
she wanted was to look out at them, running around in the sunlit yard. They117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2i9CNi1Mh
were so graceful and beautiful, her two oldest daughters. They had finally117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD6uaA2zEJ
cheered up, she just wished she could join in their happiness.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Uj5swDxR 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWimPhDbwFS
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7EWHNRW7C
Mary looked behind her, where117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkzURTkqrC
her youngest was sitting up on the floor with a big smile. So much like her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYqcraLU7J
father, she thought. Sallie was, indeed, the spitting image of her war-bound117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MyCQFFMIe
father, all but those green s. She had his face, his nose, his hair and117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4zxAXzSkY
freckles, everything. The Violet eyes had passed over her though, instead being117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OMkQCW3q8
given to little Ethel.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡihdUVdlQOa 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5xNayi1tp
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhUbOV4WyN
Turning completely to keep a117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClugmHs1hc
full eye on her daughter, and make sure she didn’t wander off, she leaned117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljV9qvdF6J
against her chair and sighed. Resting a hand on the swell of her belly, she117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5Hr58pTma
rubbed it gently, lovingly. For the hundredth time since Justin left for war, she117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyarwXSsnk
felt her heart break again. She didn’t understand how it was possible to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjrq5ZtHvV
experience heartbreak so many times, in such a short amount of time; all she117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJRlWzvlKS
knew was that she hated it.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fQPJ6rq2r 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJdhBRNP4U
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9clHlRIplX
Not even a month after Justin117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKhhjRRNBN
left, she discovered that she was once again with child. She was pregnant, with117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPta22GsxQc
a baby Justin didn’t even know about; a baby she wouldn’t get to tell him about117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfY7Yi8wRr
until he returned. Now, not only would Sallie be estranged from her father, but117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiS4stcPOx
another baby of theirs wouldn’t know him. He would be a total stranger, in the117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpIXvIoLYK
eyes of his own two children.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYIqUvi3Vy 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFTJcR4GeH
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk1jBGlHX2
She was currently seven117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeszWJj2mVh
months along, and her belly was already round and swollen. Women of the town117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJPUODdpTH
had talked, first thinking she’d had an affair. But when she vehemently told117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU9cS6On7W
them that that was certainly not the case, that she would never do that to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnrhGztim2
Justin and their girls, the women began to take pity on her. She hated it, but117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mUWnsUxoy
had to admit that their bugging petty was a step up from their thinking she was117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2VOQt37nJ
having an affair.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtU8VhvTdl 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMnoJrJnsC
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A hiss brushed past her lips,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw5fuNoa4s
as she felt a sharp jab to the side of her stomach. “Easy, little one.” She117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF61r6ybzBX
whispered, directing it toward the baby inside her. Lately, she hadn’t been117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMREDa9Jhf
feeling right. She was throwing up more, and the baby had been much more active117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZp94v7zXn
than he/she had in the beginning stages of movement. Almost constantly, she117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekKlW348BG
felt the baby turning completely around, which just wasn’t normal. It worried117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P3XEzdaFZ
her, yet she decided not to go to the town doctor.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjYqSo1b7F 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcswj58moE
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Just then, a whinny could be117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9I3nNVmtX
heard from down the trail. Mary frowned, as no one ever came this far out of117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul4UEZKIes
town. Maybe it was a passerby? Someone looking for direction? She didn’t know;117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1HTP8xkXd
but taking extra precaution, she grabbed the rifle that had always been kept by117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww9pjHQcYL
the door, and readied it, in case it was a robber, or someone who would harm117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JGvYtYfxZ
her or her girls.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4grviIidjU 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxbPZdvX76
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yXKs5Dyfd
Waiting by the porch, rifle117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhVK8Red4L
readied, she watched as the mounted horse glided toward them. “Girls, come up117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeSXknRugi
here, please!” She called to her daughters, and they obeyed without argument.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH19XajD8x
Watching the horse and rider come closer, she could finally see what the person117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNMLqL6sel
was wearing: blue army jacket, with a blue cap. Gold lined the jacket and cap,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBMpTBb5UV
and the clothes could be seen as clean. The horse was also well groomed, and117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7EDL2xPU9
it’s saddle appeared to be fancy.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCESXV1KKP 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8He0KHZ20
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She didn’t dare to hope, but117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK989JoxJao
the closer the rider neared, the more she felt her heart begin to lift. “Justin?”117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgfxKZ6iIW
She choked. Closer and closer. Faster and faster, her heart beat. But it117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIh6QFca7R
suddenly dropped, when the man came to a stop and unmounted. It fell, hitting117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBceq7SnsI
the dirt ground hard and painfully.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4gg6vl3At 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSGRxXuil0
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKdAhFCumc
It wasn’t Justin.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTiQ69Fhbi 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz6VuL7GwE
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAtwgxeZeH
The man walked up briskly,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRclZifTc2
taking off his cap as he came up the steps. His gaze drifted down to the two117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRODWT6hau
girls behind her, clinging to her dress. A tone of sympathy edged his eyes as117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11nKHJwRLG
he slowly lifted them back up to meet Mary’s. “Ma’am, I’m sergeant Michael,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymM3clfqG1
are you Mary Daniels?” He asked softly.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2mZh0aHIC 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdluhWMsXOr
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeYFeDEwey
She forced the lump down her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OpQS9QMno
throat and nodded. “That I am. Is-is my husband alright?”8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJrnC0AgfH 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1MuEYvPVs
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc25IrI0Jd
He ran a shaky hand through117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYbYofTPU3
his hair and closed his eyes briefly. “Mrs. Daniels, I’m…I’m sorry to inform117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q6e8qz21L
you that yesterday, July 2, 1863, at 5 in the afternoon, your husband was117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgbd6WYPXU
killed on the field of battle at Gettysburg. I’m so sorry for your loss.” One117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHGpLnSQyq
last look at her and her daughters, then he turned and left.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYmKJI5xcx 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7aLCf1tPm
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrBxJg1kiK
Shock filled her at first.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSR7pycY0j
Against her will, a sob ripped through her lips, and she slapped a hand over117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IeB56hsA2
her mouth to stifle her cry. Slowly dropping her eyes downward, she looked to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPMGV1T9ZE
her daughters. They looked scared, confused, and worried.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdxf0YXsTG 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPne3cmvQp9
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvNCEMHvXb
“Daddy coming home?” Ethel117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz3JOJxksW
asked her softly.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYMIWlYR4b 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55YhEBFdxM
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy0Xb5cwSx
The tears raged down her face117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd1z2gUL3u
and she shut her eyes tight for a moment. As best as she could, she knelt down117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfR0NUtKvt
and pulled the girls close to her. “No, Ethel.” She whispered. “Daddy’s not117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9QMSWy6Hn
coming home. He’s…he’s with the angels, baby.” She choked, the lump in her throat117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRgYnHKR6p
growing by the second. Her daughters were too young for this. The pain of117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvJRgppwDT
losing a parent was difficult no matter what, but none of her children were117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVe0dSezGh
even through their first decade of life. Her oldest was barely seven.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQYFXr9Xam 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVKcm7Yu8R
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRZCnVcz6K
The small girl had tears in her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2KdCkZbPo
eyes, and her lip quivered. “Daddy left us forever?” She whimpered.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkqUWc1F3y 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyMmE25agj
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Mary hated to think of it117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRCdvH3xQk
that way, but what other way was there to explain to her daughters? Unable to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXeSXJDDPQ
say anything, she nodded and pulled her daughters into the safety of her arms.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCE24WsLyp
“He loved you girls. So very much. You and your sister were everything to him.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFGMRHvlRp
And if he were here, right now, he would tell you how much he loves you.”8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgv2dVYUwa 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0mKxJ8Qtj
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Her heart ached so much117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZVbUXIWp2
though. Sallie wasn’t even a year old, and the father she would never remember117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivk5Z1oFeO
was gone. The baby growing inside her would never even meet his/her father. He117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmbmQGWvHj
hadn’t even known about her pregnancy. Now he would never know. He would never117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF6CqdGNsS
know his youngest daughter. He would never know his unborn child. He would117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzg7uU0BmU
never walk his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days. He’d miss out on117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxM8dss9VT
his grandchildren being born and growing up. All of that, he would never have a117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigowIgQOW8
chance to do or see.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OI2bSU9ZZ 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S16s7Ghmb
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8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe0Dw1CiYN 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD1LlliS4g
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vRYH3qBGT
……8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsUIJPO0Fz 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk3taLfbE9
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQe17g6XbA
8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH1GERx7rp 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5DFQOrgzg
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3dvV4iC0n
For several days, the Daniels117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxl1zamvtC
girls were all in a state of melancholy. Townspeople had stopped by a few117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCubvE5LysP
times, both to give their condolences, and to offer Mary anything she needed:117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPhRreok1C
help with the girls, food for the next few days, someone to talk to, anything.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmd36Tz77V
The young widow refused though. She didn’t wish for charity, and she thought it117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC6jIkGaUy
best that she be the one to care for the girls, especially through such a time117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgYzoPy2Bw
as the news of their father’s death.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wjH22ewWr 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NtaSaqbPJ
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Ida and Ethel, while still117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTJ381BuAL
not fully comprehending that their father was gone forever, seemed to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBExLSTqm5
understand that something really bad had happened to him. Mary hated seeing it117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxljHhRf9bX
on her daughters; she’d gone through the same thing when she was not much older117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7oagiaOCk
than Ida. She knew it wasn’t fair, on anybody.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0eLQAniim 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa7vq0ES5o
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48eFKEfrUD
It was barely a week after117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XpEbJu86g
receiving the news, when Mary felt a hard kick to her lower abdomen. At first,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm1MpC3ebr
she didn’t take it to mean anything, just the baby putting up a fuss; but when117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGN00BsMVc
the kicks increased in severity, she became slightly worried.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡc55uHNj7uV 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOeiGg1S7A
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmetogfhpK0
Just as she was getting up to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRoLWtxf87
make something for the girls to eat, she felt something wet between her legs.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmWykrpCSY
Shutting her eyes, not wanting to admit to herself what she already knew was117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6Zg8mSujl
happening, she looked to the ground under her feet. There it was; that small117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNclhqOmXXF
puddle that could only mean one thing: she was in labor.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡK487vWrDTa 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP8QHaerNP
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It’s to early, she said in117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR8RboE5BA
her mind. The same thing had happened with her baby boy a few years ago. She’d117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO4I8YFcoE
gone into early labor, and he only lasted a few minutes after birth. The first117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt2uYmRjfX
thing since her father’s death, and it broke her. Losing her child, the child117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqjluNhTVo
she had carried for six months, the child she felt moving inside her, was the117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TwFig2FfG
hardest thing. She couldn’t go through it again, especially after the117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt4K29MmDd
heartbreak of losing her beloved husband.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp8VYris6v 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1B58MRH6Z
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP7wHLFPdk
Braving through her fear for117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYwdwzdJYp
the moment, she looked to Ida, holding her stomach tightly. “Idie, I need to to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3KgfFtPzf
ride Bobbie into town and tell auntie Leah that your baby brother or sister is117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZay84EkaO
coming.” She said in a steady, but still fearful voice.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9VsB6X2ei 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvwCljzuXq
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFLiGIx2E9
The seven year old wasted no117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3xt6ZfhvP
time in jumping up from the floor, racing to pull on her coat, and running out117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3ZqBbBiLM
the door. She was thankful to know that her father’s horse was already saddled117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6dpflYdFq
up and ready to go. Climbing up, she gripped the reins in shaking hands and117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcZswRIDCx
gave them a snap.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2GHxcSSGb 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPsRNjJ0ie
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Only half an hour later, she117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9QPDfLIeh
returned with Leah riding behind her. They slid off their horses, and Leah immediately117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtXTBB4vMl
made a beeline for the house. “Mary!” She called in a panic.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡks80B2TrN8 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEN1E7sQBO
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReWHZQ9y4T
“Back here, Lee!” Mary called117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp9YLl9D5k
back to her best friend. When Leah stood beside her, she took a deep breath and117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylUI4pYrX8
leaned back slightly. “I’m sorry. I know you have to take care of the boys-“8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuTUG5SQKb 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWmYoUYMbC
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLva40WuxU
“Mary, Ivan and Timothy are117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmyRV9NCjX
fine. Mark is watching them. What matters is that you’re in labor. Now, listen,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfieojQmNDb
since you’ve gone into early labor, you know what we have to do.” Leah stroked117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIAU7pWypR
her friend’s hair sympathetically and dabbed her already sweaty forehead.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6WPKDDkAv
“Let’s get you in bed, and I’ll do what I can to bring your little one into the117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVbmI869vV
world.” She guided her over to the bed and helped her lay down.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZBa7BAbKg 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wdle9Bh7I
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Hours passed by, and the only117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTyH8pWvh1
thing that seemed to change was the pitch in Mary’s screams. They varied from117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRKc1nMiBa
loud, to quiet, to high pitched, and real low. The three girls, Ida, Ethel, and117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsTCwe63tG
Sallie, all sat in the corner. They worried for their dear mother, as they117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOzmo5T8hg
didn’t understand what was going on, but they stayed silent and kept patient.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡimwcxZbuPP 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofkKf1OmbE
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It was well into the night,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofRWhGDLSN
and there was still nothing to be gained from the long hours of labor that Mary117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6P1LphJk7
had endured. She’d been in labor for twelve hours already, and while Leah117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1D4qRTYGt
wasn’t expecting her to have delivered by then, she was at least expecting her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfliTKDEHy
to be dilating; Mary wasn’t even so much as dilating. There was no doubt in the117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w4B1xRBXY
fellow mother’s mind, this was going to be a long birthing process.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK51eF9jn6 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuIq2Sxx5M
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyS5ihIcTu
And so it was. Two days of117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix6IOKW3VI
labor, and still nothing to show for it. Mark eventually had to bring his and117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwWS2M179C
Leah’s two sons out so that she could help them bathe, as he had no idea how to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Pf2ae9D3p
do it. Throughout the whole two days though, Mary still showed no signs of117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAabACz7bmj
actually giving birth.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbwglALoev 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HGzsiEgSN
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And then the third day came.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEU9MIbKvq 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18CJHb0FtJ
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It hit them all, like a117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCUcCahQrN
tornado. It came with piercing screams, and obvious signs that Mary had finally117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBEwaanEN2
started crowning. For when Leah looked under the blanket that was sprawled over117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzQ1di8bRK
Mary, she could clearly see a head full of black hair. And at that sight, she117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalhQWI3U1M
gave a joyous cry and told Mary that it was time. She shoved everyone else out117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt5a6XfhPc
in the meantime, asking Fabian to watch the children.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj5eUrCu6N 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoZW9YOQEN
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That night was long and hard.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94eYN33ZM4
And in the end, silence filled the small Daniels’ residence. It was so quiet,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO9MLPjfiX
you could have heard a pin drop. But suddenly, tiny wails came from the room117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlxnMnDHip
Mary was in. Newborn wails. Leah came in to the family room with a bright smile117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIl63jcsKL
upon her face. “The baby is good and healthy, though a bit small.” Taking117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmzBwHSLI3
Sallie from her husband, she looked to Ida and Ethel. “Your mother is waiting117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst9mneXZMZ
for you. Go on, I’ll be there in a minute.” She told them softly. She watched117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqC7Pr7Xcv
them leave before turning back to Mark, who looked worried.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfbnj2YMEA 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhMwr6rzKw
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“So?” He said nervously.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvf7AaNxK6 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEqwVViRxJ
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Her smile, still, didn’t117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSvomJswrC
fade. “Healthy baby girl.” Her gaze fell then, though, and she looked morose.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRNBg0J9mY
“Mary…didn’t want to hold her at first. She-she looks like…like him.” She117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbraVJm6DJ9
whispered.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgGPQO7ORE 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNfXZYE9UH
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrms2VQWUBL
Mark sighed and shook his117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAkz1t79X7
head. “Those poor girls. And poor Mary, having to deal with four daughters, all117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSobFk8p9OE
on her own. This shouldn’t be happening.” He hesitated briefly before stating,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwgYPj1Z2U
“What is she going to do?” A careful edge to his voice.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDY7Bub1re 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2780EI6ayQ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtuu67vxk4
She chewed on her lip. “I117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu15RBtLpc
think she’s going to go to work. How else is she going to care for the girls?117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ed6K5NIS2
Still, you’re right; this shouldn’t be happening.”8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8heKfGlkfx 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUICt1hM7ch
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE4Y9Mz0GH
“What’s her name?”8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA6EKamtBC 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt69pD18dZ
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKTigLoRA7
Leah smiled again, having117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTiWO2caCS
known the name Mary had picked. There was no doubt in her mind, it was a lovely117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uGLzsoex6
name. “Margaret. Margaret Hope Daniels. Justin loved the name, and Mary thought117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDRK5U8DZa
that it was perfectly suited.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGGThRcwv3 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIMHRlfnZ9
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRdyIlfxlH
Mark knew, all to well, how117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM0HOeU3pA
his friend had loved the name. They had discussed the topic a few months before117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsvzcNnraN
he left; he said that if he ever had another daughter, he wanted her name to be117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9cgBfP5BH
Margaret Hope Daniels.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hGNHVKEHX 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6tOK1zSaB
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzi1o0m4Gg
He wrapped and arm around his117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISGJiyloYo
wife as they started for Mary’s room, Sallie in Leah’s free arm. When they117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYAf9eISXz
arrived at the entrance, Mark couldn’t help but smile at the sweet scene. The117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8DJZdg5BP
girls were on either side of Mary, on the bed, and were completely mesmerized117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogXOtp1vC5
by their new baby sister. Even from such a distance, Mark could definitely see117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9MQX9k3VR
how baby Margaret resembled her late father. Her tiny face was a mold of his,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsLtKqOrKy
and the small tufts of black hair were as dark and soft-looking as her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChQ3YdNScg
father’s. He could only imagine how much more she would grow to look like her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Tu69eUIok
father; it was a painful thought.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPGtD8nEBP 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFYFZ1xDjC
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Mary’s head snapped up to her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJyjtSng3U
friends, and she smiled wide. “Come and meet the new Daniels.” She beckoned to117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDd2aC29io
them gently, yet eagerly.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1ORosiVIY 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV4FCnz8JZ
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They came in and stood beside117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsAXyOucEs
her, admiring the beautiful baby that was nestled within her arms. They smiled117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0GHMYgp3J
at each other, and then back at her. “She’s beautiful, Mary.” Mark said softly.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7UWV984V3 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYtepJWKyx
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The exhausted mother managed117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6xtVJzLnM
a laugh as she nodded. “She gets it from her father.” Looking back down at her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggeI1gnygB
newborn, she brought the girl up slightly and kissed her small, pink forehead.117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9agaNLSHE
“I love you, my sweet girl. Daddy would have loved you too. But remember, little117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wJ4a7IwmE
one, he’s always with you.” Looking around at all of them, tears embraced her117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg4oOk1tsV
eyes and caressed her cheeks. She tried licking them away, but to no use. “He’s117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3jU08J1Rv
with all of us.” She whimpered.8964 copyright protection113ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLkTe9lNrE 維尼117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGUMJiPvdo
117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdlbuH6XVn
The Avery’s embraced her and117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zBi2SQDxM
the girls, and the Avery boys were quick to join in, always loving hugs. They117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyTZZsWcru
knew this was not a typical hug, but they could feel the love than ran through,117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtywZnzfsL
just as much as the heartache. The one thing they could all feel though, was117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC6S1irs2O
how it uplifted them. They were stronger together. The past months had been117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP5qokngN9
hard, but they were sure now that they could get through this hard time. Mary117Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWSiofQS5v
and her daughters would make it. They would all make it; together.
