141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwSXRYDpBE
It was a cold and dark day.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CVDBhD6jc
Wet. Dreary. Certainly, not a day one would wish to be married on. But for141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm7WuGgIXi
them, there wasn’t a more perfect day. And they were being married in the141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCUoV7mpAi
church, after all; it wasn’t like they had to worry about being rained on, or141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBvqVx6y1D
their entire wedding being ruined, altogether. Nothing could ruin this day for141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVJV1zIy3p
them. Not the weather, not a kink in plans, nothing.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73iKHMexz9 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn6suv5cHS
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry29gxFz15
“Do you, Justin Daniels, take141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eOIyMKjw9
this woman, Mary Smith, to be your wife? To have and to hold, to love and to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl7CSTdMYh
cherish, and to honor and respect her, until death do you part?” The priest, who141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymWl0J0UPc
was their good friend, Jacoby, asked with a smile.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLEpXHLwmr 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxda3M4ISW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTFGyfvZrQ
Justin beamed, tears in his eyes,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlctHVdV3h
as he stared down at Mary, right into her eyes. He didn’t even have to think141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0uJGm54BK
about it. He gulped down the lump in his throat and nodded. “Yes. Yes, I do.”8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72wP4uWSer 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4l3FmcoID
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdx8V4LkI2
Then turning to Mary, Jacoby141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJGv6rGGwK
directed the words to her. “Do you, Mary Smith, take this man, Justin Daniels,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nzQvuxAkX
to be your husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, and to honor141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGWn2yOFk6
and respect him, until death do you part?”8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8Yy2JUhAA 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqNRegSU51
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOATiTwRyk6
She couldn’t help it; her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCYb274mXt
tears fell freely down her unblemished face, as she nodded without a second141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvZFnfHKvx
thought. “I do.” She said with a strangled voice. Justin smiled at her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ceYIfFALu
confirmation, as if previously afraid that she would change her mind.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrM4ohJQLx 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlGPWo18fw
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEP35EMIEy
“Then, without further wait,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSXRPjXim2
I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” Jocoby announced141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC09R1KFNJ
with his thick accent weighing heavily throughout the small room.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxpbmsNnQQ 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg7rAZaAIW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4apJoLYHSk
Not waiting a second longer,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf0HGRbPpK
Justin slid his hands over Mary’s slender hips and pulled her near to him.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxdKdOXSOW
Smiles lit their faces as they kissed passionately, but still innocently enough141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUCSNsJz82
while in front of a crowd. Cheers rang through the whole room, as they sealed141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzrNX0gRrI
their marriage officially, finalizing their union as one.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEjZ7Z545k 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVWoDVqHCC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSWH70qFv8
After the marriage ceremony,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV58Esd9jgR
the crowd hauled over to the bar just across town. For hours, they drank, sang,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1Nk6KMyBY
and danced the day away. When it came time for supper, they all gathered141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyCpg9CKgK
around, the finest mugs, filled to the brim with the best whisky, in their141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nZ7MRYwqn
hands. It was time for the bride and groom toasts. Justin’s best man, Mark141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJAxLJHVu1
Avery, went first.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcgCoFlC6N 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KgkIbPnlq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnae2AL9zo
“I have known Justin and Mary141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLHIvRNNQH
for most of my life. Separately, of course. But I know that there isn’t a141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbcK4BgW2r
couple better suited for each other, than the one right here. Justin, you’re my141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfykul7aj3P
best friend, though I know that, to you, I come in second place of Mary. My141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bgcUOWKK3
friend, you chose well. If only there were more women like Mary out there. And141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNufWa9egWJ
let me say, you deserve the finest. After Catharine broke your heart, I thought141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tuNfKcuJV
you’d never move on. I’m glad you proved me wrong. To Justin and Mary Daniels!141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgVZ64SfKp
May you two live long, and happy together!” He cheered before raising his mug141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42UH49icxP
to his lips and taking a long swing, just as everyone else did.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzwZSXt4qf 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3B1WZtivq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3YkN1TpHC
Mary’s maid of honor, Leah141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSn8i0t1xz
Cassidy, went next. “Mary, I have seen you struggle through everything in your141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvKLbsPImx
life, since the day your mother passed. All the things you went through with141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMR5XDYkqF
your father, they were tough. But, they also made you strong. And I couldn’t be141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVMQSZQr8N
happier to see you as the strong woman you are now. I know that you will work141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nM7IaKQzP
hard in your marriage. Justin loves you, I think everyone here can see that.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHm8gZJmvp
What can I say? He has a great taste. To Justin and Mary Daniels! May you know141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHxLm6mEUt
bright and happy days, and always know how lucky you are!” Once again, everyone141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzVdR7xiMh
took a swig of their whisky.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aT5yLKeoD 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2f1qVJG73
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7md0EP18s
After the bride and groom141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIWgw4E854
were toasted, the people went back to dancing, and before to long it was time141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB1kQ43KiS
for the first dance of the newly wedded. Against the wishes of his parents,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjyc0vPT0j
Justin and Mary had decided they wanted a lively reception; so their first song141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MIXJkw7sJ
was The Old Zip Coon. It was a spry dance, one that kept people moving141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgcPZmMG5P
constantly.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gjUtOFxWp 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk5WWpvMjB
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14w3wL8ckP
Hoots of fun-filled laughter141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmwUcM4xKk
filled the air, as the couple swung around with the biggest smiles. Soon, the141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQzdR5qqfy
whole community joined in, and the room was full of women and men bounding141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai4funhIav
around the spacious bar. Without a doubt, it would be a time for the small town141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6GEApeSq3
of Berk to always remember. But, for Justin and Mary, the most memorable part141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvY8gkhNsX
came that night.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu59LXz0cQ 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD13lTa7c2
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcr9QMhk8f
That was seven years ago,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPC5GBDOVc
though. All but a faded memory, left in the past.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49j5NR3O5H 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuO2WcS2So
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp4ltH2pv3
8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNwOAZCeu0 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxykMMlQuZR
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKigFMgNJUn
Present day8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbWhg0oaKz 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiruiKO6RlT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwv9MqQt2P
8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFplUKqp2w 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSuswbLo2W
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAOdRinOtS
She was bleak, weary, and141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoqdqrYDSh
couldn’t find it in her heart to smile. She longed for it, yearned for it. all141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK1BOiHuFb
she wanted was to look out at them, running around in the sunlit yard. They141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpiGMYrAf4
were so graceful and beautiful, her two oldest daughters. They had finally141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YzVGQi2VN
cheered up, she just wished she could join in their happiness.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS42pHOR6l 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NPsn2SoIk
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh8rad0i7Y
Mary looked behind her, where141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoYPxPumnw
her youngest was sitting up on the floor with a big smile. So much like her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2oitVm4mg
father, she thought. Sallie was, indeed, the spitting image of her war-bound141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpJCB4z0Yu
father, all but those green s. She had his face, his nose, his hair and141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb41rX7W8z
freckles, everything. The Violet eyes had passed over her though, instead being141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvStRkHwjH
given to little Ethel.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYEVKieBV6 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0apoVPPNx
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78tKcdPzWA
Turning completely to keep a141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5olrAEyofw
full eye on her daughter, and make sure she didn’t wander off, she leaned141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡednTzInK7l
against her chair and sighed. Resting a hand on the swell of her belly, she141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZZ5VWMSOT
rubbed it gently, lovingly. For the hundredth time since Justin left for war, she141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi6dKmt6tu
felt her heart break again. She didn’t understand how it was possible to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80MeXdKtJQ
experience heartbreak so many times, in such a short amount of time; all she141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCFVnWmMhV
knew was that she hated it.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5DRUhBG57 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH57SFeZmh
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kkYfznOiG
Not even a month after Justin141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1wD0EhxsS
left, she discovered that she was once again with child. She was pregnant, with141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz6wEqBhcq
a baby Justin didn’t even know about; a baby she wouldn’t get to tell him about141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVpPwUSv41
until he returned. Now, not only would Sallie be estranged from her father, but141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7xdmaKO79
another baby of theirs wouldn’t know him. He would be a total stranger, in the141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcQTOGeiTT
eyes of his own two children.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbgSnkWdVk 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8o9XAZ4ez
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivhgtXhBZU
She was currently seven141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqeNxP6Ud9
months along, and her belly was already round and swollen. Women of the town141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaEVkqMAEs
had talked, first thinking she’d had an affair. But when she vehemently told141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2XanqA99h
them that that was certainly not the case, that she would never do that to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfkJz3Hktx
Justin and their girls, the women began to take pity on her. She hated it, but141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyHQ7tzAFB
had to admit that their bugging petty was a step up from their thinking she was141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxEgTx0KK7
having an affair.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pJpkNvGUN 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AZPDJSShe
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pNYOHZP8r
A hiss brushed past her lips,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccMuPuiLaf
as she felt a sharp jab to the side of her stomach. “Easy, little one.” She141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfSUSdpera
whispered, directing it toward the baby inside her. Lately, she hadn’t been141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLp4r9h1ZF
feeling right. She was throwing up more, and the baby had been much more active141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKRBxSWpLP
than he/she had in the beginning stages of movement. Almost constantly, she141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2po8OoDdwQ
felt the baby turning completely around, which just wasn’t normal. It worried141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg5amsln6g
her, yet she decided not to go to the town doctor.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZV79lRO2y 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsxY2BB1u7
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRnYRr4Nvr
Just then, a whinny could be141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW0MAFELve
heard from down the trail. Mary frowned, as no one ever came this far out of141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbnhMKiXGm
town. Maybe it was a passerby? Someone looking for direction? She didn’t know;141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbyInpGdhp
but taking extra precaution, she grabbed the rifle that had always been kept by141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlmGSNu42z
the door, and readied it, in case it was a robber, or someone who would harm141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrb4EkRr8a
her or her girls.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8TT5OHMK6 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbXple0J33
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRaGRajLL2
Waiting by the porch, rifle141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQOqfU0pir
readied, she watched as the mounted horse glided toward them. “Girls, come up141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBDGLM9MOd
here, please!” She called to her daughters, and they obeyed without argument.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHwS2uRDvv
Watching the horse and rider come closer, she could finally see what the person141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwj8X2XAiB
was wearing: blue army jacket, with a blue cap. Gold lined the jacket and cap,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeolwNhffh9
and the clothes could be seen as clean. The horse was also well groomed, and141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvvq8Kl9z7
it’s saddle appeared to be fancy.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90kk1xdeqh 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yt1wWXtOL
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUmWkzp08I
She didn’t dare to hope, but141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj8qbfyvRE
the closer the rider neared, the more she felt her heart begin to lift. “Justin?”141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxULKYQAQZc
She choked. Closer and closer. Faster and faster, her heart beat. But it141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgAVVqnYfv
suddenly dropped, when the man came to a stop and unmounted. It fell, hitting141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXMlTMg2Bl
the dirt ground hard and painfully.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqdusmJ571 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOUbCGQvOC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RK9TvZtSu
It wasn’t Justin.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoUWjDIG5v 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMEpn1poNk
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUgOkEYZRH
The man walked up briskly,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8fGZReobk
taking off his cap as he came up the steps. His gaze drifted down to the two141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDSJ3t2olM
girls behind her, clinging to her dress. A tone of sympathy edged his eyes as141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIHIambytO
he slowly lifted them back up to meet Mary’s. “Ma’am, I’m sergeant Michael,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zLlicBOOG
are you Mary Daniels?” He asked softly.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtPCLoE24r 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJHbUMPyYd
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrIehIN2TL
She forced the lump down her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ6QdKIv3f
throat and nodded. “That I am. Is-is my husband alright?”8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RPmhUQm1Q 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVKad08lW6
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVJKH2PFcS
He ran a shaky hand through141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvsvsYFC85
his hair and closed his eyes briefly. “Mrs. Daniels, I’m…I’m sorry to inform141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK3qAmu4SN
you that yesterday, July 2, 1863, at 5 in the afternoon, your husband was141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpgmEGxWuy
killed on the field of battle at Gettysburg. I’m so sorry for your loss.” One141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PlEM9w5hn
last look at her and her daughters, then he turned and left.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SvRrBuL3l 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nnqjKvaco
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCglIuty1b
Shock filled her at first.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpOKBMfkE9
Against her will, a sob ripped through her lips, and she slapped a hand over141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPZkzIoik4
her mouth to stifle her cry. Slowly dropping her eyes downward, she looked to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2jYpuNVYZ
her daughters. They looked scared, confused, and worried.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡiro192EQx0 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb15JSD6Uc6
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwulV7HLmXv
“Daddy coming home?” Ethel141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYwz1NGlxQ
asked her softly.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSv5TakRTB 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDI7qlzarO
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRlWUw0Z5K
The tears raged down her face141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFopSLlxvF
and she shut her eyes tight for a moment. As best as she could, she knelt down141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBCTcWZoOG
and pulled the girls close to her. “No, Ethel.” She whispered. “Daddy’s not141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41L7qhtshW
coming home. He’s…he’s with the angels, baby.” She choked, the lump in her throat141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnoHFqzu4G
growing by the second. Her daughters were too young for this. The pain of141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr6Pe2TMqd
losing a parent was difficult no matter what, but none of her children were141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSSmq0Au2W
even through their first decade of life. Her oldest was barely seven.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cwUIjZAIA 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2bNMRrY4m
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsZsQw5Ppj
The small girl had tears in her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiYZEsbmrE
eyes, and her lip quivered. “Daddy left us forever?” She whimpered.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTDxiz9Hd7 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKeah7Mjdv
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsE24XWbIA
Mary hated to think of it141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS7hnwmaXf
that way, but what other way was there to explain to her daughters? Unable to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMujmnRXA9
say anything, she nodded and pulled her daughters into the safety of her arms.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnvTWzy0c9
“He loved you girls. So very much. You and your sister were everything to him.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6pRU5m6Zo
And if he were here, right now, he would tell you how much he loves you.”8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsU7HE7Tzf 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRINFVrdz20
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Aprbhrg6M
Her heart ached so much141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k7LueC0F4
though. Sallie wasn’t even a year old, and the father she would never remember141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt4GlYusIf
was gone. The baby growing inside her would never even meet his/her father. He141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4DBoEs8uq
hadn’t even known about her pregnancy. Now he would never know. He would never141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKQeHhiUe1
know his youngest daughter. He would never know his unborn child. He would141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT2uC4l0fh
never walk his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days. He’d miss out on141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9tGSzybUr
his grandchildren being born and growing up. All of that, he would never have a141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChpuLQir6C
chance to do or see.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEYOpGSvPW 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S2dPb3zxK
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVouGzBsKu
8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRutlXGYvG 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK33zh63riq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaA6ZLOloh
……8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLQ26xiyoG 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnuPJqY28n
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fbKyb9kXx
8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4F7wx1Twt 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOeZDsPGSA
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI12hlFX11
For several days, the Daniels141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYwSrfykLo
girls were all in a state of melancholy. Townspeople had stopped by a few141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSfOZvOqRA
times, both to give their condolences, and to offer Mary anything she needed:141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OMQz6HtCC
help with the girls, food for the next few days, someone to talk to, anything.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO0kTLBxo8
The young widow refused though. She didn’t wish for charity, and she thought it141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNRf4ebx5M
best that she be the one to care for the girls, especially through such a time141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaiSKpydgz
as the news of their father’s death.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNol1ehy2g 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDSoFHYI3h
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQZzFTDiqp
Ida and Ethel, while still141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLLPm7Z9OP
not fully comprehending that their father was gone forever, seemed to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkkO5e20qe
understand that something really bad had happened to him. Mary hated seeing it141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWMsl8LVuR
on her daughters; she’d gone through the same thing when she was not much older141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1woUIgVo8A
than Ida. She knew it wasn’t fair, on anybody.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz9OankBaZ 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sZ2jeV371
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLjO5yk29j
It was barely a week after141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uR5mcBlbg
receiving the news, when Mary felt a hard kick to her lower abdomen. At first,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxSCSk5ksP
she didn’t take it to mean anything, just the baby putting up a fuss; but when141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVJ2CQP0kc
the kicks increased in severity, she became slightly worried.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S9nGlas9f 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLprOKUF4GK
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJpbyM0kLA
Just as she was getting up to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoglM3LfyB
make something for the girls to eat, she felt something wet between her legs.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfSweDhIN3
Shutting her eyes, not wanting to admit to herself what she already knew was141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzxMgJjA8j
happening, she looked to the ground under her feet. There it was; that small141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gq7LpZiBW
puddle that could only mean one thing: she was in labor.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡA60ZQHxEbG 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkIurRfcbq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MwogDZyn0
It’s to early, she said in141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0cKzGQOiu
her mind. The same thing had happened with her baby boy a few years ago. She’d141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO72NHBYn0y
gone into early labor, and he only lasted a few minutes after birth. The first141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ik95ZNbbb
thing since her father’s death, and it broke her. Losing her child, the child141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dnxevqVw6
she had carried for six months, the child she felt moving inside her, was the141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFosM1kWFY3
hardest thing. She couldn’t go through it again, especially after the141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXZ5hN3iWZ
heartbreak of losing her beloved husband.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn0P6O2dVr 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgqiUakBvX
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0h0YQq7IH
Braving through her fear for141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BFizkka0b
the moment, she looked to Ida, holding her stomach tightly. “Idie, I need to to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP7Ycb7wfF
ride Bobbie into town and tell auntie Leah that your baby brother or sister is141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMZ0UctYin
coming.” She said in a steady, but still fearful voice.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaOIcIDqz0 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaguueE36uK
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVdGRmBfUE
The seven year old wasted no141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5DxfOr6Yi
time in jumping up from the floor, racing to pull on her coat, and running out141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTL7lCBO77
the door. She was thankful to know that her father’s horse was already saddled141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AJBNI5JbK
up and ready to go. Climbing up, she gripped the reins in shaking hands and141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaN6ZfVaTd
gave them a snap.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWK2VaNSm9 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYWfNBXoez
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6osB2WhoNq
Only half an hour later, she141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE1K4L5lra
returned with Leah riding behind her. They slid off their horses, and Leah immediately141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUOFnQXOto
made a beeline for the house. “Mary!” She called in a panic.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPtZ7ZBMom 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7eIWdRhz1
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHrCzkw8R4
“Back here, Lee!” Mary called141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbpJXciIWT
back to her best friend. When Leah stood beside her, she took a deep breath and141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEPKvUGtnZ
leaned back slightly. “I’m sorry. I know you have to take care of the boys-“8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJTwI6oE8L 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQCUZKIVHt
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69mwSAZAey
“Mary, Ivan and Timothy are141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvKif30JOP
fine. Mark is watching them. What matters is that you’re in labor. Now, listen,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZXb4lnlpE
since you’ve gone into early labor, you know what we have to do.” Leah stroked141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSZt9jWtDg
her friend’s hair sympathetically and dabbed her already sweaty forehead.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO2WGOUpIi
“Let’s get you in bed, and I’ll do what I can to bring your little one into the141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTmIKUd15L
world.” She guided her over to the bed and helped her lay down.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDEfglQYs9 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwJLOuljoT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsSPh08WXj
Hours passed by, and the only141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZlVfKuCKo
thing that seemed to change was the pitch in Mary’s screams. They varied from141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz8zH1O49S
loud, to quiet, to high pitched, and real low. The three girls, Ida, Ethel, and141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnPp4n9GPo
Sallie, all sat in the corner. They worried for their dear mother, as they141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUvX3u3bad
didn’t understand what was going on, but they stayed silent and kept patient.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrX0XvMTEX 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCVPVGDavA
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq1rC8CULz
It was well into the night,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7rexdsw7i
and there was still nothing to be gained from the long hours of labor that Mary141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO5PtsSf7m
had endured. She’d been in labor for twelve hours already, and while Leah141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaeqBjPD3A
wasn’t expecting her to have delivered by then, she was at least expecting her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZgEXpDe4Z
to be dilating; Mary wasn’t even so much as dilating. There was no doubt in the141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDOJ73AQbC
fellow mother’s mind, this was going to be a long birthing process.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgng18klEY 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nWWFC5NAX
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F2zP1E6CJ
And so it was. Two days of141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwsSDfAd6c
labor, and still nothing to show for it. Mark eventually had to bring his and141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvqL2S06RL
Leah’s two sons out so that she could help them bathe, as he had no idea how to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC88BOECoZv
do it. Throughout the whole two days though, Mary still showed no signs of141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4riE3sy3D
actually giving birth.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBpvVkuOTw 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz97GQQ8u2
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQyLj2jHnX
And then the third day came.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1RE1QkbNa 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpLJ11FS0n
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTj4sylSvM
It hit them all, like a141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIVTttFLdE
tornado. It came with piercing screams, and obvious signs that Mary had finally141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L7EEKWZoo
started crowning. For when Leah looked under the blanket that was sprawled over141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme5KitgTPW
Mary, she could clearly see a head full of black hair. And at that sight, she141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj9Czy10gB
gave a joyous cry and told Mary that it was time. She shoved everyone else out141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2p0RN31Rw
in the meantime, asking Fabian to watch the children.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dzVWdjM6W 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlV7g0feefE
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdRu1A2NgY
That night was long and hard.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsgW4mxvGJ
And in the end, silence filled the small Daniels’ residence. It was so quiet,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gvyWvkn07
you could have heard a pin drop. But suddenly, tiny wails came from the room141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvtsqzu4uD
Mary was in. Newborn wails. Leah came in to the family room with a bright smile141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNsdW0fE9B
upon her face. “The baby is good and healthy, though a bit small.” Taking141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8d9p7IOb6
Sallie from her husband, she looked to Ida and Ethel. “Your mother is waiting141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkiaKBsOEf
for you. Go on, I’ll be there in a minute.” She told them softly. She watched141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhnDKm3WPE
them leave before turning back to Mark, who looked worried.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYibHZHEnw 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRspuTneFL
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEtZASUUdn
“So?” He said nervously.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VRwzMbiVI 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh4elu3bMm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNZasyIf5b
Her smile, still, didn’t141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wR2E1Rj4m
fade. “Healthy baby girl.” Her gaze fell then, though, and she looked morose.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbVH7Jbj3E
“Mary…didn’t want to hold her at first. She-she looks like…like him.” She141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu8WcIna2o
whispered.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDVISQbalB 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBZvBNHEgb
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiKat5KUKV
Mark sighed and shook his141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfd6iFlbsz
head. “Those poor girls. And poor Mary, having to deal with four daughters, all141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9nRWr7zR1
on her own. This shouldn’t be happening.” He hesitated briefly before stating,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10WqjYp6Ys
“What is she going to do?” A careful edge to his voice.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PALVEvW8a 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYg3D8HUnF
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iHsghJCUZ
She chewed on her lip. “I141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulwW2SRiBl
think she’s going to go to work. How else is she going to care for the girls?141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT9M7CzBnZ
Still, you’re right; this shouldn’t be happening.”8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZqAWS5dH0 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGPlIOcRxv
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfll1NAortv
“What’s her name?”8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhSzq422Vi 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VnA1M6WDd
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJkmiiiZ97
Leah smiled again, having141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJHczTf40L
known the name Mary had picked. There was no doubt in her mind, it was a lovely141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzG6qeSnCV
name. “Margaret. Margaret Hope Daniels. Justin loved the name, and Mary thought141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIGE3lfRZ4
that it was perfectly suited.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYvG4QCHYj 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hp0R0hYyO
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJlWVEzcUs
Mark knew, all to well, how141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtq4BPRNTG
his friend had loved the name. They had discussed the topic a few months before141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZVBMElMan
he left; he said that if he ever had another daughter, he wanted her name to be141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9uKfl6hS8
Margaret Hope Daniels.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsgFH2wkiI 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItloU1xnBw
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0BKXcJtGH
He wrapped and arm around his141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z7SA9LSgi
wife as they started for Mary’s room, Sallie in Leah’s free arm. When they141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF2khPXuPB
arrived at the entrance, Mark couldn’t help but smile at the sweet scene. The141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsBZhFyNvP
girls were on either side of Mary, on the bed, and were completely mesmerized141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdiUIB4tod
by their new baby sister. Even from such a distance, Mark could definitely see141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P4s9va9ah
how baby Margaret resembled her late father. Her tiny face was a mold of his,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OS8gr6sIO
and the small tufts of black hair were as dark and soft-looking as her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQtNtJknxu
father’s. He could only imagine how much more she would grow to look like her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBvgGSeFuJ
father; it was a painful thought.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xs5EbPLNd 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEPkscG0on
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYQicJQNhB
Mary’s head snapped up to her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ovt4kEf3E
friends, and she smiled wide. “Come and meet the new Daniels.” She beckoned to141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2PrOaGWQS
them gently, yet eagerly.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2ayztf55Q 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAEPB2Ntsh
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4crkt9vvFQ
They came in and stood beside141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiSk8lKLwU
her, admiring the beautiful baby that was nestled within her arms. They smiled141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2RFoKLeLY
at each other, and then back at her. “She’s beautiful, Mary.” Mark said softly.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡY315UbMaiD 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnBI0WxKyG
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK17qJfAHT
The exhausted mother managed141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqED2Aiq0G
a laugh as she nodded. “She gets it from her father.” Looking back down at her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbS7Ih8anfR
newborn, she brought the girl up slightly and kissed her small, pink forehead.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAVe4KeILc
“I love you, my sweet girl. Daddy would have loved you too. But remember, little141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qtducitoh
one, he’s always with you.” Looking around at all of them, tears embraced her141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx8OV8neBH
eyes and caressed her cheeks. She tried licking them away, but to no use. “He’s141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qj4qMTbf5
with all of us.” She whimpered.8964 copyright protection137ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2JHdLxYJl 維尼141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGpjrL9tzE
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB9m9R34Kk
The Avery’s embraced her and141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIWTMd5y4Q
the girls, and the Avery boys were quick to join in, always loving hugs. They141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UBRXtyrt3
knew this was not a typical hug, but they could feel the love than ran through,141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8niPjcL98
just as much as the heartache. The one thing they could all feel though, was141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dgnqhvEEf
how it uplifted them. They were stronger together. The past months had been141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiqFF8Ir7H
hard, but they were sure now that they could get through this hard time. Mary141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw16Hsbtkpq
and her daughters would make it. They would all make it; together.
