Chapter 24

Independence-1846

"Joseph!" Lucinda Daniels screamed her husband's name as her stomach muscles contracted for the last time as she delivered her first child.

Joseph Daniels, sequestered in the sitting room with the Cines' men, sprang to his feet, and made a move toward the room in which his wife labored to bring their first child into the world.

Tommy Jr. and Abe Cine moved to block his path. They smiled sympathetically at him, each having been in his place, but were determined to not let him pass until their Ma and the doctor gave them permission to do so.

Doctor Travers tapped the tiny bottom with his hand and grinned approvingly as an indignant wail pierced the silence.

"Maude, I'll let you do the honors of washing this little beauty up while I see to her Ma." Doctor Travers said, handing the wailing bundle to her surrogate grandmother.

"A girl?" Lucinda asked wearily. "Is she okay?"

"By first look and sounds she appears to not only be a pretty little thing like her mama, but healthy as well. As soon as Maude finishes cleaning her up I will examine her." Dr. Travers assured her.

Out in the sitting room Joseph listened to the sound of his newborn child wailing, and thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard. The room exploded in noise as the Cines' men erupted in congratulatory cheers, pounding Joseph on the back and hugging each other. As the door opened, Joseph was the first to leap toward it.

Maude stepped out into the sitting room. "You have a beautiful baby girl Joseph."

"A girl." Joseph said, a stunned look appearing on his face, followed quickly by a wide smile. "I have a daughter."

"How is Lucinda?' Tom asked, moving to embrace his wife.

"She's just fine. Tired, but fine. I've got to go back inside and help the doc finish cleaning the baby and Lucinda up. As soon as we're done you'll be allowed to come in and see them." Maude said disappearing back inside the bedroom.

The next few minutes passed far too slowly for Joseph's liking. He was anxious to set his eyes on Lucinda and reassure himself she was truly okay…and just as eager to make the acquaintance of his new daughter.

Finally the door opened again and Maude bid him and the others entrance into the bedroom. Joseph went immediately to Lucinda's side, kneeling down beside the bed, and kissing her tenderly on the lips.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her softly, his green eyes intent on her pale face.

"Tired, happy, sore." Lucinda replied, lifting a hand to caress his jaw.

"I expect you've got good reason to feel all of those." Tom said from the foot of the bed.

"I do." Lucinda agreed proudly as Maude moved over to Joseph with a tiny bundle in her arms.

"Here you go Pa." Maude said holding out her delicate bundle to Joseph. "Your daughter is mighty anxious to be making your acquaintance."

Joseph turned toward Maude and took his new daughter into his arms. He lifted the corner of the tiny quilt so that he could peer down into the tiny pink face of his daughter. She was beautiful just like her ma.

"What are you going to call her?" Caleb asked.

"Mary," Lucinda said.

"Lucinda," Joseph added.

"Mary Lucinda seems like quite a mouthful for such a little one." Tom mused. "Might shorten it to Mari or 'Cinda?"

"Maricinda. " Joseph said putting the two shortened names together and forming a new one.

"I like that. "Lucinda said, testing the name out on her tongue.

"Everyone, we would like you to meet Mary Lucinda Daniels; Maricinda to all who love her." Joseph said holding his daughter up for everyone to see.