Very short Birthday inspired oneshot I wrote for a friend's birthday.
Title: Birthday wishes
author: Cindy Ryan
summary: Jed and Mary celebrate her brithday
notes: Set season 2
Mary Phinney shivered and pulled her white shawl tighter around her shoulders. It was early May but the unrelenting rain of the day had turned cold and the wind had picked up. She moved through the main floor of Mansion hospital going about her daily tasks. The war had worsened this spring and they had been especially busy this past month as battles grew near them. They had cots lining the halls and all beds were full.
Nearing noon Mary stepped out onto the back porch to get some fresh air. The porch was covered so she was able to stay out of the rain at least. Today was her birthday and being so far from family Mary had felt no reason to celebrate it or mention it. Still she felt a twinge of loneliness then. She remembered how she and her sister had been doted on and their birthdays made special when they were young. Visits by grandparents, trips to the candy store or park. Mary smiled at the memories she had been very fortunate. After a few more minutes Mary turned and opened the door to head back inside and nearly collided with Jed Foster.
"I'm sorry…."Mary began.
"I was looking for you and this was my last stop didn't think you'd be out in this weather."Jed replied with a smile as he rested a hand on the door.
"Was getting a bit of fresh air; do you need my help with something?"Mary asked.
"No, would like your company for a few minutes."Jed stated gesturing towards the porch. "Let's go outside."
Mary nodded and pulled the shawl tight once more as they stepped onto the porch and the door closed behind them. They had a bit of privacy back here especially with the in climate weather. Mary nestled herself against Jed's right side and he placed his arm around her waist drawing her close. Mary rested her head against his shoulder.
"This weather is messing with my plans for today."Jed commented ruefully.
"Were you going somewhere?"Mary inquired.
"Thought you might like to go for a picnic."Jed replied quietly. "Birthdays need to be celebrated."
Mary pulled away in surprise her eyes widening.
"How did you know today was my birthday?"Mary asked.
Jed leaned in and kissed her lightly.
"Summers, he was reviewing files last week and I happened to see it on his desk."Jed explained with a smile. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"We've been so busy I didn't want to make a fuss."Mary replied. "It's nice to spend some of it with you though."
Jed pulled Mary close once more and she felt him press something into her left land. Looking down Mary saw a candy stick. It was white with a green stripe in it. She knew without smelling it that it would be apple; her favorite. Mary smiled up at Jed and he kissed her once more. Mary knew how scarce sugar was. She knew the shops in town hadn't had candy for weeks.
"Happy Birthday, Mary."Jed whispered when they broke apart.
"Thank you for the gift."Mary responded with a smile.
"Friend of mine was going to Washington City last month and I asked him to bring some candy back. Thinking it would lift some of the soldiers spirits if they had something out of the ordinary."Jed commented.
Mary sat down on the small bench and Jed sat down next to her. She unwrapped the candy and broke it offering half to Jed. He smiled and took it nodding his thanks. They sat watching the rain and sharing the candy. To Mary this was one of her favorite birthdays ever. When the candy was finished Mary scooted closer to Jed and rested her head once more on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her lower back. Mary knew they'd have to get back to work soon but for now she was just enjoying the moment and her birthday.
end