Chapter 9

(Somehow I skipped this chapter!)

The next day was filled with excitement. Colleen and her family were due in on the 2:00 train. Michaela woke up with a pounding headache and an upset stomach, and so she decided that she would stay home that day with Matthew, while the rest of the family went to meet the train. They were planning to go into town early, so they could get some supplies and catch lunch together. Mabel and Anna Rose were very excited to see their sister-in-law and aunt again, as they had met at the wedding and at Christmas one year, and so Michaela offered to keep the four-month-old Tommy at home with her so that Mabel would not have to worry about him. Mabel accepted, and when the family left the homestead, Michaela was sitting in the rocking chair, while Tommy was fast-asleep in his cradle by her side.

Later that day, after the family had shopped and eaten, they started to make their way to the train station. When they arrived, they still had about a half of an hour before the train was due to come in. The three girls begged Brian to come and play with them and he gave in. They were laughing and talking and playing some silly childish game. The rest of the adults were talking amongst themselves. When the train whistle blew, signaling its arrival, they all stopped what they were doing and gathered into a big group. The brakes screeched and the train rolled to a stop. The steam hissed and after a few minutes, the passengers started to unload. The family searched for Colleen or Andrew. Finally, Katie spotted the top of Colleen's unmistakable dark auburn hair. "There she is!" she squealed, "There's Leenie!" The crowd started to clear and there they were. Colleen was holding her baby on her hip and Andrew stood beside her, their luggage in his hands. When she saw them, Colleen ran as fast as she could with the baby. The family erupted into cheers and laughs. Sully was in front and she launched into his arms. He squeezed her tight. When he released her, she handed the baby off to him so she could greet the other family members.

"Hello, Little Man!" Sully said, "I'm your grandpa!" The baby looked confused for a moment and then he smiled and touched Sully's face. He fell in love immediately with this little boy who would eventually call him grandpa. He felt so blessed. He had an amazing wife. He had three daughters, a daughter-in-law, two sons, a son-in-law, a baby on the way, two grandsons, and a granddaughter. And they were all going to be together this Christmas!

Andrew walked over and started greeting everyone too. Colleen hugged Mabel and Brian and then kneeled down to give her sisters and niece a hug. "I missed you girls so much! All of you!" she said. It was then that she realized that Michaela wasn't there. "Where's Ma?" she asked. She stood up, confused. At the mention of Michaela, everyone, except for Colleen and Andrew, slyly smiled, for they knew of the surprise Michaela had not yet told them.

Before someone let the cat out of the bag, Sully said, " She wasn't feeling well this morning, and so she decided to stay home with Matthew and Baby Tommy and get some rest. She was so sad, she really wanted to meet you at the station. She can't wait to see you and that little son of yours."

"Let's go home then, I can't wait to see her either!" They all piled into the wagon and headed for home. Colleen was curious about what happened to Matthew and so Sully explained the story once more. Then Katie, Brooke and Anna Rose entertained them with stories of their antics, since the last time Colleen saw them. It was a beautiful, winter day. The snow was white and sparkled as far as the eye could see. Finally, they arrived at the homestead. As soon as the wagon was stopped, the girls jumped out and ran to play in the backyard. Colleen too leaped out and dashed into the house. The rest of the family meandered onto the front porch. Colleen quickly opened the door and started to rush inside, but the silence stopped her. She slowed her pace and quietly walked through the kitchen and into the parlor. Michaela sat with her back to the door. She appeared to be sleeping peacefully. Baby Tommy was happily gurgling in his crib. Colleen walked behind her. "Ma." she softly whispered. "Ma," she said a little louder. Michaela moaned. "Ma? I'm home!" Michaela finally recognized the voice. She jerked awake.

"Colleen!" She yelled and jumped up. They met in a hug.

"I missed you so much!" Michaela said. Colleen too did not notice her bump until she felt it pressing against her. She looked really confused, and then it dawned on her. She looked down and squealed!

"Ma!" She gasped and laid a hand on Michaela's stomach. Michaela laid her own hand on top of Colleen's. Andrew heard Colleen squeal and so he walked into the house. His jaw dropped.

"Michaela!" he yelled. "Why didn't you tell us?!" he laughed.

"Merry Christmas!" She said. "We should have told you kids, but we just didn't want to worry you! And besides, this is a pretty fun surprise!"

"You're right about the surprise part!" They said. "I bet you didn't expect this to happen!"

"I was definitely not expecting this! It took me a while to believe it for myself!" Michaela said. "We'll tell you the full story later. Now, where is this grandson of mine that I have never seen?! I want me some snuggles!" Brian came through the door with the baby right then, and Michaela swooped in and took him. "There he is! Come to Gramma!" She said.

"Hey! I just got him!" Brian protested playfully. The baby started to cry, but Michaela started to rock him and he quickly settled down. "Can you believe it! We are going to have another sibling!"

"I can't wait! She is such a good mom! Just look at her!" Colleen excitedly gushed. The rest of the family walked into the house. They stopped and stared at the sweet display before them. They sighed. Michaela looked so precious, tenderly holding her newfound grandson. Michaela too sighed a sigh of pure joy and contentment. All her family together again. This was going to be a Christmas to remember!