John Curtis followed Emma around all morning as she worked in the kitchen, up until she made lunch. The three year old watched her carefully, never taking his eyes away from his aunt. Emma wondered if he missed his momma when she was at work. Maybe he just didn't know how to feel about knowing that he wasn't going to be the youngest anymore.
Olivia had been out visiting neighbours and giving them home baked treats, but when she got home she entered the kitchen and smiled at the sight that was before her. "You look stressed, Emma. You'd better sit down for a while and let me take over."
Emma gave her a look of annoyance, but eventually gave in and sank down on the bench. "I find that when I'm busy I worry less."
Olivia smiled softly as she started to finish lunch. "That's true. Though it sometimes helps to talk," She turned and gave the younger woman a pointed look.
John Curtis frowned. "I'm hungwy." Olivia quickly made him a small sandwich, which the young boy started to work on. Emma grinned at her nephew, and stood up, walking over to the door.
Taking breaks from work was hard for Ben. He liked to have a certain amount of work down before a precise time, but every now and often he would make exceptions. One being, taking Emma for a walk the next afternoon. They both needed to get away from the house and be alone.
As they walked hand in hand over the bridge at Drucilla's Pond, the birds seemed to chirp louder, and the water sent ripples just for them. They stopped in the middle, and gazed over the railing, soaking in the beautiful atmosphere around them. Time seemed to stand still, and they both thought of the memories.
"Remember that time we came down her and waded after I had been annoying?" Ben asked, his eyes fixed on the exact spot. "I had such a crush on you."
Emma smiled over at him. "I didn't like you then, to be honest. Not in the like like way. But it sure made me appreciate you as more than the little boy you were."
Ben rolled his eyes playfully. "Not that you weren't a little girl." Emma giggled and pecked him on the lips. Soon they were in each others arms, only focused on the other, and the little one they had created from their love.
"Mama, daddy, everyone, meet Paul."
Erin had her arm around a handsome blonde, who was standing awkwardly, taking in anxiously the huge family. "H-ello." He said, his lips staying straight. John shook his hand, smiling and giving him the 'don't mess with my little girl' eyes. Olivia hugged him, and Mary Ellen gave him a weary look laced with a small smile.
Emma was the first one to give him a genuine grin, and as she hugged him she winked at Erin, who went completely red. Jim Bob and Elizabeth hung back and waved, not really interested. Ben, who had always been close to Erin, sceptically looked Paul up and down. After a moment's analysis, he smiled and shook his hand.
"I hope you'll stay for supper, Paul." Olivia said, her eyes warm.
"Yes ma'am, I'm quite hungry." Paul nodded and said solemnly. When he sat down beside Erin on the couch, he made no movement of wanting to make conversation, instead he sat there with a stone cold face. Emma wasn't quite sure what was wrong, but eventually guessed it was just nerves.
Supper was soon ready and the family gathered round the table with even Grandma, who, with some help, sat down in her normal place. Emma thought back over the last few months. John Boy and Jason being sent overseas. Erin getting a new boyfriend. Emma getting pregnant.
She was sure the rest of 1942 would be eventful, to say the least.