September 1923
Dearest Lillian.
I do wish these letters did not take as long as they do. It feels like forever since I woke up to a letter from Paris, with your news and your apologies for waiting so long. Not knowing that I would have news of my own soon enough.
I do wish to thank you for the lovely parcel, I will enjoy the chocolate very much. I nibbled on it cautiously as I am still learning what things I can now enjoy again. I think chocolate might be safe in small quantities at the very least. I showed Ken the small nightgown you had made, who has been bursting at the seams with the news ever since I told him. I, on the other hand, cried over the sight of the lacy little thing. Then again I cry over many things.
I do wish I had the energy to make something you. I learned so much from you and wish to show you my appreciation. Except I barely have the energy to mend and alter Ken's clothing and socks at that moment. Let alone start a new project, thankfully Mrs. Clarke, bless her heart has taken over most of it for me. Perhaps one day I will have the energy to do more. Until then you will have found enclosed in this parcel something from Eaton's, it may be a bit exuberant. But I believe you enjoy over the top when it comes to christening gowns.
I have been feeling better lately, so I have been able to make small trips out of the department stores with Ken. He keeps a watchful eye on me but leaves me to do my shopping as he reads the paper in the men's waiting area. Ken, of course, is over the moon, he makes time to ask me about appointments. He's come to one to voice his concerns over my health, it took my doctor back slightly. But according to Father, he has a right to be worried. As he voiced his own concerns I am sure that I will hear more of them over thanksgiving.
Within recent weeks, I've been able to feel movement more. Sometimes I lie awake at night, taking in the comfort that I can feel the tiny flutters. How she, I think it's a she, likes to play hide and seek with Ken.
We are heading to the Island for Thanksgiving, Di has decided to get married out of the blue. I called her when I found out and let the cat out of the bag. I didn't want to show up to her wedding with my own surprise. Strangely enough, she was understanding about the entire thing. I explained why I hadn't said anything sooner. Wanting to wait until the worst of my sickness was over with. How only our parents were told about the happy news. In the end, she decided that I should surprise Jem and Faith. Thanksgiving is about family and family is about love. She may have chosen the weekend for her wedding but there was more than enough love to go around. Especially for my own news that I had been waiting to share. Nan is right, Jack has mellowed Di out a bit!
How is Amelie doing? Is she enjoying her new school? We all knew that wouldn't come back, but Mom is sad that doesn't have another baby anymore. Though the older the grandchildren get, the more she finds herself looking after them which she enjoys.
It will be also the last time we see mother before she heads to come to see you. I don't think she needed an excuse to go to Paris, but you gave her one. Thankfully, Faith and Rosemary will keep father supplied in meals.
Ken is calling me, so I should close this letter. Thank you again for the lovely nightgown. Give my love to Shirley and Amelie!
Love Rilla
October 1923
Rilla arrived at Ingleside on a Thursday afternoon. She was tired, and the Ferry had been rough. Having spent more than once heaving over the side of the ferry. By the time they caught their train to Glen, she sank in her seat and nibbled on her biscuits. Women around her smiled politely, nodded sympathetically towards her. One even offered her a peppermint.
So it was a happy sight when they pulled up to Ingleside, Anne waiting for them at the door.
"You have made it!" Anne said joyfully and kissed her daughter, and son in laws cheeks. "Come in, come in how was the trip."
"The ferry was rough, but the train waited for us," Ken explained their lateness. "Rilla did not take well to the ferry and second train."
"I'll be fine," She told her mother as she hugged her.
"We put you in your usual room," Anne told to Ken who had the bags in his hand.
"I well deposit these then," he said with a nod of his head and went up the familiar stairs.
Anne watched as Rilla unbutton her coat. It was the first time since June that Anne had seen her daughter, which was five months ago. Rilla had chosen a camel coloured traveling dress. One that disguised her condition fairly well. Anne looked her over, while she was much approved, she didn't like a glowing expectant mother.
"My goodness looks at you," Anne said smiling. "You're all belly it seems?"
"So it seems," Rilla nodded tiredly as she heard her father's footsteps come up from parking the car in the port.
He stopped for a moment in the doorway of the side door, clearly taken back at the sight of his youngest daughter. "You reminded me of your mother for a moment," Gilbert shook his head to clear his thoughts. "The trip wasn't too tiring?"
"I'll be fine," Rilla told him. She used her handkerchief to wipe under her nose that was running from the cool air of October. "I'll most likely have a bite to eat and then rest for an hour or so." She told him.
"Are you eating any better lately?" Anne asked as Ken came down the stairs, having shed his jacket and was left in his trousers and shirt. Anne smiled at home. "Come sit down both of you," Anne told them as they all took spots around the kitchen table. "How is the company doing?" She directed to Ken.
"It's going good," Ken told his in-laws. "Most things are doing well. I believe the doctor said that things are progressing wonderfully." He kissed Rilla's temple lovingly. There was no mistake in how happy he was.
"And I am feeling immensely better," Rilla told them trying to reassure that she was doing better. "I only get sick every other day, and not spending hours lying on the bathroom floor, so much has been improved." She explained. "Once I have a rest. I will look ten times better than how I do right now."
"Then I suggest you rest as much as possible. Aunt Diana and Uncle Fred will be here tomorrow afternoon with Jack. Your siblings will be around on Saturday for our family dinner. Sunday will have the ceremony down in the church and then the reception at the hall. Di has invited quite a few people from Redmond I believe and Jack has some Avonlea friends as well. Susan is making the cake tomorrow, and the ladies of the auxiliary will be taking over dinner as per Di's request." Anne told her about the schedule. "So you just sit back and relax and enjoy your holiday," Anne told her daughter. "Oh your sister is catching the late train tonight, she was in Charlottetown at a friend's place."
Rilla nodded she was looking forward to seeing Aunt Diana. She always remembered being at the Wright's farm with fond memories. She remembers bits and pieces from her time in Avonlea with her siblings. She remembered looking up to Anne Cordelia when she was six. Who memorized she was with her sparkling jet black hair. She was pretty and kind, and let her lick the cake batter spoon which Rilla had enjoyed.
"I think I will go freshen up and have a small rest before dinner." Rilla excused herself as she felt her bladder send a warning signal. She didn't wait for a reply as she turned around and made a beeline for the stairs. However, she did hear her mother laugh lightly and offer Ken some coffee.
It was bright and sunny when Rilla ventured down the stairs the next morning.
"Good morning Susan," Rilla said as she found her basket of food that they had brought with them and picked out a banana.
"My! Look at you!" Susan exclaimed and Rilla looked over her light cotton plaid day dress. The low waist and lack of belt did neither accentuate nor did it hide her growing stomach.
"Congratulations my dear," Susan told her. "What do you wish for breakfast? The others ate earlier but I can make you something."
"Thank you," Rilla blushed. "But I will be okay with this right now," Rilla held up her fruit. "Maybe I'll have some toast though if I'm still hungry? Where is everyone?"
"Your mother is checking on the pumpkin patch. Your father and Ken are out in the garage working on something or another," Susan told her.
"So are you really going?" Rilla asked, curiously as she looked at the calendar that had Paris written down on it
"Of course, I don't see why people are so surprised," Susan huffed slightly. "We still correspond. They have no help, what so ever. Your mother is going, and she'll need a travel companion. Your father has too many things going on to escape for the amount of time it will take." Susan explained. "He will go out next spring most likely."
"I think it's nice that you are going," Rilla told her sincerely. "I think if anything, a baby will help mend some broken fences? Just don't freak out if they talk about baptisms. I believe they are going for a modern approach to such things."
"And what is the modern way?" Susan asks unsure of what the modern approach was.
"That if the child is a girl, she will be raised within Lillian's faith, and a boy would be Shirley's if it is possible. "Rilla explained.
"This world is changing all the time. You and Ken go to church do you not?" Susan asked her with a steady gaze.
"When I am feeling up to it, yes," Rilla told her. "We enjoy going to church together."
"Good," Susan patted her arm. "Toast?"
"Please," Rilla nodded her head. She watched as Susan reached into the bread box and plug in the new electric toaster. Within a few moments, she slipped into her jacket and a pair of spare wellingtons as she walked across the yard. Munching on her toast to find her husband who was going to pick up the Wright's from the Station that afternoon.
"My goodness, look at you!" Diana Wright exclaimed as she looked over Rilla embracing her in a hug. "So tiny still!"
"Not really, Aunt Diana," Rilla stepped away from her, and turned to the side, and held the skirt of her dress out of the way. Showing her bump in full capacity, which was more outward than across on her. "See plenty of baby!" Rilla told her. "Uncle Fred," she gave him a small hug. "I'm not sure if either of you ever met the Ford, this is my husband Kenneth," Rilla brought him forward.
"Lovely to meet you," Diana said with a nod her salt and pepper hair.
"You as well Mrs. Wright," Ken spoke. "Though I believe I was here in summer when you were visiting Ingleside with your family."
"I do believe I remember you and your I believe it was your sister?" Diana thinking back to summers long ago. "Penelope?"
"Persis," Ken correct. "She married now and lives out in Winnipeg, mother of a little boy named George."
"It seems everyone is married now," Fred spoke up. Thinking about his youngest son, ready to tie the knot who already abandoned his parents for his fiancee who had already greeted her in-laws and asked for a moment so she could tell Jack a few things about the wedding. "Just as well congratulations it appears as well for the two of you."
"Thank you," Ken grinned. "We are over the moon."
"He is, mostly since he doesn't have to go through anything," Rilla teased him.
"Men have no idea do they?" Diana laughed as the ladies went into the sitting room. Diana went to sit next to Anne who was making sure tea was all set up. It was the first time the families would have a holiday together. Mostly since Di and Jack had come up with the idea to get married two weeks previously.
"How far along are you my dear?" Diana asked as she eyed the table of sweets.
"I'm in my sixth month," Rilla told her. "Feeling much better than I was before."
"Of course, I remember those early weeks it was always rough, you have help? I told Anne Cordelia over and over to get some help. Anyone to help with the chores and cooking." Diana reminisced about her own daughter had been married for quite a few at this point.
"Yes, we have a housekeeper who helps around the house during the week," Rilla nodded. "She has been a great help." She added.
"Mrs. Clarke has been invaluable towards Rilla and her diet," Ken spoke up as the men came into the room. He took the nearest chair to his wife and surveyed the spread of food.
"When are Fred and Anne Cordelia coming in?" Anne asked her long time bosom friend.
"Fred and Sarah will be here tomorrow morning. I believe Anne Cordelia and Jasper tomorrow afternoon in time to help finish off dinner. They have rooms at the Inn near us, Jack got us all booked in, heavens I almost didn't believe him. You would think he would allow his mother to have a new dress for his wedding?" Diana explained with a laugh too Anne. "All the grandchildren will come as well, I believe Di told the little girls they could be flower girls."
"She told Faith the same for Ceci, though Faith was worried that Ceci was too young to understand what to do. Of Course, Nan is her Matron of Honour." Anne relayed her information.
"Of course," Diana nodded her head. "Jack's friend from college is supposed to come and be the best man for him. Do we know Di plans on wearing?"
"Di bought something from Charlottetown. She's slender enough that she can pull off ready-made clothing fairly easily. Here I was holding out on making the last wedding grown for my last daughter." Anne told her friend.
"I gather we will see it later today," Rilla spoke up as she shifted in her seat before standing up. She waved off Ken who about to jump up. "Excuse me for a moment." She said not wanting to make a scene as she made her way quickly to the washroom.
Anne looked over daughter, relieved she wasn't deathly pale. Although nothing would displace the look of oncoming sickness. "All of your usuals are in the kitchen dear," she reminded her daughter quietly. Which Ken decided he would find her something to eat and quietly left the room after his wife.
"Poor dear," Diana murmured.
"She hasn't had the easiest of pregnancies," Anne agreed. "I don't think I have seen anyone as sick as she was in the beginning. Gilbert is concerned, her doctor in Kingsport seems to be not as concerned. It's hard to wonder if her doctor is right and Gilbert is overreacting as she is his daughter, or the opposite.
"Gilbert usually has good intuition about such things though doesn't he?" Diana asked as she helped herself to a petite four.
"That's why he is worried," Anne sighed. "They are rather close, she has his mind when it comes to medical things. Different areas of study, but sometimes you can find them discussing medical journals."
"Is everything all right?" Gilbert found himself jumping up while asking his daughter. The closer he got he saw the spots of red on the handkerchief she held up to her nose.
"Just a nose bleed, I blew it too hard I suppose when trying to get clear it out," Rilla said with a sigh. "It happens."
"You have double amount bloody in your body," Gilbert said agreeing. "Blood vessels in the nose are delicate. Especially if you have stomach bile or vomit coming out of your nose by accident?" He gave her a wad of cotton and took her handkerchief and tossed it in a bowl and added some water and peroxide. "Great stain remover as well," he told her explaining.
Rilla only nodded sighing. There was no hiding thing from her father. She sat down as she tipped her head forward holding the batting to her noise. She waited a few minutes in silence before she let go and raised her head. Waiting a moment she took a deep breath and swallowed the saliva that she kept in her mouth. The last thing she wanted was to have blood trickle down her throat, to make her sick again.
"Has your doctor gave you any sort of diagnosis?" She heard him ask and she knew it wasn't about her nose bleed.
"He doesn't consider it Hyper. Or whatever that name is because I manage to keep some food down. While I've lost a bit of weight it wasn't drastic and I have gained it back." Rilla told him to explain her doctor's reasonings.
"Still, that doesn't mean you don't have it," Gilbert told her sternly. "The fact you are still being afflicted by it. Well past twenty weeks, it should have them reconsidering. I'm in my right mind to tell you to find another doctor." He told her pragmatically.
"I'll be fine daddy," Rilla told him, dabbed at her nose once more to make sure it had been staunched. "I'm occasionally nauseous still but I can eat at most meals now."
"But you still get sick," Gilbert looked at her pointedly.
"I am much better," Rilla told him weakly. "The little one is moving around like a fish and I am eating more now. Occasionally I get nose bleeds and heartburn, but some milk of magnesium helps with that."
"I just want to make you that you being seen to properly," Gilbert told her as he crouched down in front of her holding out a new cotton ball for her. "Has your doctor explained Hyperemesis Gravidarum at all?"
"He said it rarely dangerous to the child," Rilla replied taking the offer batting and threw the soiled one in the bin he held in his other hand.
"Did he mention that there is a higher chance of premature birth?" Gilbert said not breaking his facade. "Possible Liver dysfunction?"
"Can we not do this right now?" Rilla sighed. "If it makes you feel any better you can test my urine for whatever your doctors look for."
"Ketones," Gilbert supplied his answer. "But if you think your doctor is correct, who am I to go against it?"
"You will always go against it if you think you are right," Rilla gave him a look.
"Rilla?" They both turned to hear Ken's voice on the other side of the door. She nodded and her father stood up and quickly opened the door. "Is everything all right?" Ken asked walking quickly to be at her side.
"Nose bleed," Rilla told him. "Dad also thinks that I should find another doctor." Ken looked over to his father in law, who shrugged.
"I disagree with his nonchalance about Rilla's sickness," Gilbert said simply. "Just because it's decreasing, or because she can eat more. It doesn't mean she not experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum."
Ken nodded. "We will look into it," he told his father in law, both ignoring the eye roll from Rilla at their over protectiveness.
It was late when Di, crept quietly down the stairs. Looking for a book she had left downstairs. Yet she found Rilla nursing a cup of tea by the fireplace in her nightgown.
"I didn't think anyone would be up," Di said as she wrapped herself up in one of the knitted afghans next to her sister.
"I couldn't sleep," Rilla explained. "This one is making too many somersaults at the moment."
Di nodded, "May I?" She reached out her hand.
Rilla nodded and let her sister touch her stomach. "She might get shy" Rilla explained. "She does with Ken at least, or at least she seems to like playing hide and seek."
"She?" Di raised an eyebrow.
"Just a feeling," Rilla said quietly. "Excited for the wedding."
"Of course, I'll show you my dress tomorrow," Di said quietly. "I still can't wait to see Jem's face this weekend."
"I'm sure it will shock him," Rilla smiled.
"What's it like for you?" Di asked curiously. She heard Nan's point of view on pregnancy, even Faith's.
"I don't think you want to know," Rilla told her truthfully. Di just shrugged her best tell me anyway. "There is little to enjoy when you spend months being sick. I don't mean that I don't enjoy feeling her move and flutter around. I do, but for the most part, so far, I haven't been able to enjoy this as much as I would like to. Really whoever endorsed pregnancy as a wonderful thing. Clearly has never been pregnant." Rilla told her sister.
"Those who dance must pay the fiddler," Di said quoted somberly.
Rilla looked at her sister, she had never asked what brought on the impromptu wedding. She was almost afraid to ask after that quote.
"I'm not pregnant if that is what you are thinking," Di said out of nowhere.
"I wasn't even thinking such a thing," Rilla told her back trying to not give herself away. "Although I know all too well what being engaged is like. Ken and I weren't all the innocent in our engagement." Rilla told her truthfully. "I had my morals and lines I refused to cross, but I still tested my own resolve towards the end" Rilla told her truthfully.
"Did Dad give contraception when you got married, or offer it to you?" Di asked quietly.
"He did," Rilla admitted. "Thats on the top of my list for awkward conversations with our father." Rilla laughed quietly.
"I can only assume from your time in school, that it works?" Di asked her.
"It has a higher guarantee than counting days," Rilla nodded her head. "A lot safer than trusting someone in the heat of the moment too well, to remove themselves." She said blushing. "It's not totally fail-proof, they can tear if you're not careful, and you may not notice it until you take it out."
"How did Ken feel about it?" Di asked her sister.
"He didn't oppose the veil. Though we spoke about family planning before the wedding and came up with a game plan. The veil ended up being a blessing for us," Rilla told Di honestly. "I won't lie, there were compromises along the way. Acknowledgments about how the other felt. Discussions about where we stood with the subject. Its something we always had to be aware of, even if we disagreed."
Di nodded. "Jack and I have a plan. We don't want to wait too long, but we also want to enjoy married life for a little bit before we graduate to parents."
"Then he should be fine, and relieved," Rilla told her with a chuckle. "And if's not, well, clearly you weren't on the same page." She told her sister as they heard the stair creak.
"Girls, don't stay up too late," Anne whispered in the dark.
"We're heading up now," Di called out quietly. "Go up to your husband, I'll put out the fire." She said Rilla as she got up extinguish the fire.
Ingleside was in full swing with families arriving. The Merediths had been invited for various familiar reasons. Bruce had bought over a bouquet of greenhouse flowers for Mrs. Blythe. Fred Jr who still walked with a limp from the war and his wife Sarah who was a pretty blonde woman. Their three children were still fairly young. The oldest was a sturdy young lad of thirteen named George, who had two younger sisters Mary who was eleven, and Elsa who was four. All with light brown hair and blue eyes, Fred had inherited from his father.
Anne Cordelia Gordon, Nee Wright, was a mother of four. Her husband Jasper as a quiet man, who owned a bookshop in Newbridge. He had a slight stutter and wore glasses, he had been exempt from the war for medical reasons. Their eldest was a lovely young lady of fourteen named Victoria. Two rambunctious boys who were ten and twelve respectively named Alfie and Bertie. While the youngest with a little lady of four who was named Helena.
It was a loud but happy place at Ingleside, Rilla helping with small tasks. Smiling at the congratulations, and the occasional fawning that Di sent her way. Especially when she got tired of being the center of attention. Rilla was holding Deena in her arms as Nan took down a stack of china plates for dinner when the door opened. First came Faith the children, who smiled at the sigh of Rilla, and grinned as Jem walked into the kitchen. There was a brief pause and look of confusion on Jem's face as he took his sister's appearance. Not only that she was making a funny face as she was holding her niece who was giggling. Rilla finally looked at her brother and smiled. she said as she motioned to Nan to take back her daughter. She gave her brother a quick hug, raising an eyebrow over his out of style beard and smoothed her dress over her bump.
"Hello to you too," Rilla said. "Are you trying to scare the children with that beard?"
"Of course not," Jem grinned and ran his hand over it. "I thought it made me look more distinguished. Though dear sister, would have thought you would have said something sooner?" Jem gestured as he looked over her appearance.
"I had planned on it, but it had a timeline of its own," Rilla told him with a laugh. He was still starring at her as she smoothed over her dress. Promptly showing what the dress hid from the world.
"Faith did you know about this?" Jem turned to his wife. Faith just smiled and shrugged.
"Not in an official capacity," Faith told him she said handed off Walter Jr to the first person who reached for him. "Congratulations Rilla," she said sincerely and kissed Rilla cheek.
"Thank you," Rilla flushed and looked down at Ceci who was tugging on her hem. She bent down and lifted the toddler and settled her on her hip. "Why hello there," Rilla said, "Are you excited for all the pie this weekend?"
"Uh-huh," Ceci said nodding her head, her curls bouncing. "Wally no-no pie," she babbled.
"No, Wally is too young for pie." Rilla grasped the messaged fairly easily. "Let's see what sort of sweets we have lying around.
"Don't you dare ruin her dinner," Jem stated, breaking out of his daze. He had seen Rilla holding a baby, smiling, then walk off with a toddler, without any prompting. "I think I have seen it all."
"Nonsense, she was lovely with Jimmy all those years ago," Faith told him. "Though one can imagine. Impending motherhood is giving her a bunch of emotions that might not make much sense to anyone but her."
"Are you saying, she's finding herself liking children more because she's having one?" Jem looked at his wife.
"It's possible, hormones do crazy things to women," Faith told him with a shrug. "Or maybe she was just protecting herself and not wanting to be hurt again. We may never know, but we can be happy for her."
"Well, I know that," Jem smiled crookedly at her. "All too well," he grinned and kissed her temple. "I am going to go find the other men."
"Give Ken our love and congratulations," Faith tells him.
"Sure," Jem told her with a nod. "I will just ignore the fact that I am congratulating my friend with impregnating my sister. Like I did with Jerry, and how he does the same with me."
"Oh you," Faith shook her head and pushed him out the back door. "Go find the men will you and stay out of the ladies' hair this afternoon." She shook her head and went to go oversee some younger girls who were setting the table in the dining room. They had leaves pulled out and added to the table as much as they could. Leaving the sliding door to the parlour was opened and the table was extended into the other room. The china was mismatched, Rosemary having brought over another set from the manse. Silverware was polished and the crystal was sparkling. The table in the eat-in kitchen would be the children's table, as there wouldn't be enough room in the dining room.
In total there were sixteen adults and eleven children. The children's ages ranging from after thirteen and to a few months old. The babies were preened over. The young children ran around outside until their mothers cleaned them up for dinner. Even the telephone didn't ring for the doctor, as the town knew it was the last of his children to marry this weekend.
The women were upstairs the next day, in the master bedroom that had been taken over by shoes and gowns. Baskets held sleeping infants and half-naked toddlers who refused to get dressed were running about. It was a sight to behold as Di was in her stockings and lacy step-in as she wiggled into her corselet and pulled at the ties to fasten it.
Rilla sat back on her parent's bed, absentmindedly rubbing her stomach. Her nose was acting up once more she was beyond annoyed with it. Her father that morning gave her a once over. Saying unless her throat went scratchy, it was most likely an annoying symptom.
Now she was dressed in a short-sleeved muted blue gown that had a belt tied in a way to deflect her changing body. Conceal the condition, words she saw over and over while shopping. It left her bewildered how something so normal, was so taboo. If she wanted a catalogue or pattern she had to ask. Even then the shopkeepers would pull her over to another part of the counter. Pull the maternity wear items from out of their dark hiding spots.
She focused back on her sister who was being dressed in a satin gown. One that draped over her body, being fastened with a beaded belt, that went down in a panel down the front of the skirt. Something that made Rilla think of one royal wedding that was not long ago in April. Long sleeves that were decorated with matching beads at her wrists.
"Are you doing all right?" Anne Cordelia asked kindly who was wearing a pretty dusty rose coloured dress. She was older than Rilla by a decade. She had been a young lady of sixteen when Rilla went to Avonlea with her sibling when her parents went to Europe.
"I am fine, just off in my own little world," Rilla smiled at her. "Just the little one moving about, wants to be part of the party it seems."
"You're over halfway through?" Anne Cordelia asked as she bent down and picked up her youngest daughter. She was already dressed in a pretty pink dress and a garland of flowers in her hair.
"Twenty-six weeks," Rilla told her with a nod of her head.
"Almost at the finish line, Helena, please don't pull on mommy's hair." She told her daughter who had been named after her great grandmother. Both Rilla and Anne Cordelia turned as Di's veil was fixed on her head and Anne spoke up.
"I think it's time to make our way to the church," Anne said as she dabbed her eyes. "Oh, my last of my babies to get married." She said to her daughter.
"Oh Diana, did you ever imagine this happening?" Anne turned to her old bosom friend, who wiped away tears herself.
The wedding went off without a hitch, even with all the tears of women that were shed. The photographs were taken, the cake cut into and everyone tucked into a delicious dinner. The reception was filled with music from local musicians.
How Di had managed to pull it together and on Thanksgiving. It was something everyone was thinking, but they all admitted it was a lovely wedding.
"Are you feeling up for a slow waltz?" Ken asked as the music changed.
"I think I can manage one dance," Rilla said with a smile and took his hand. He held her close, knowing he took comfort and pride that their child was between them. "Then maybe we bow out early, now Di and Jack already left?"
Ken nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
"I have another plan," Rilla told him and Ken raised an eyebrow. "It's a surprise." She told him with a coy smile.
"Then I suggest we make our way to Ingleside as soon as possible. I like surprises lately." Ken grinned. As soon as the dance ended they grabbed their coats and feigning tiredness. An excuse no woman batted an eye too, seeing Rilla's condition. Plus the bride and groom had left so it wouldn't be considered rude.
They made their way up to Ingleside and then up the stairs. Undressing and readying for the night taking turns in the bathroom. Finally, they shut their bedroom door and crawled into the bed but stayed sitting up.
"I asked Dad for this earlier today," Rilla told him as she opened her robe so she sat in her tap pants and bandeau. She picks up his spare stethoscope that was lying on the nightstand. "I told him how the doctor wouldn't allow you to hear the heartbeat. It may not be totally clear, and it can be hard to hear according to Dad, but he gave me a few tips though." She explained. She used it first, testing out areas before she smiled.
"Here," she told got him to hold the drum as she took off the earpieces. She placed it in his ears gently and waiting as he sat quietly.
"Do you hear it?" Rilla asked him and he only nodded. Knowing he was hearing a steady heartbeat in the background of her own. Along with echoes of tiny movements their child made. She couldn't help but cry when Ken looked at her with his dark grey eyes and nodded his head.
It was better than anything he'd ever imagined.
Well, this was a long one! Phew, it's done.
I hope everyone is doing well, this one took a bit longer to write as I wasn't in the greatest mood for some of this week, but I am feeling much better now which is nice.
Thank you all for the lovely reviews and comments.
My province is beginning to reopen after forty plus days of being shut down. Out of 273 cases, we are down to 35 active. I am proud of my city and province for just cooperating and being able to flatten the curve as soon it came into our city.
Tina.