"Faith," Rosemary ducked into the infirmary, hoping Lee hadn't seen her.
"What is it, Rosemary?" Faith appeared from behind the curtain.
"Are you busy right now?"
"No, I'm not. What's wrong?" Faith stepped over, looking concerned.
"I need you to examine me."
"Of course. Is something going on? Sit down,"
"Well, I've been really tired lately, and emotional, and I can tell Lee is worried about me. I even almost got sick this morning."
"Hmm…" Faith's voice trailed off as she marked a few things down on her clipboard. "Have you had any extra cravings, like a sweet tooth?"
"I haven't really been eating much," Rosemary admitted. "It's been a busy weekend."
"Well, you're definitely healthy, so that's good." A sudden smile came over Faith's face.
"So nothing's wrong with me then?"
"No, something's definitely wrong."
"What?"
"Rosemary, think about it. Tired, emotional, sick…don't you remember last time?"
"Last time? I've never…oh." Rosemary stopped as she caught Faith's meaning. "You mean…" a huge smile spread over her face. "I'm pregnant?" She finished quietly.
Faith nodded excitedly. "Yes, yes you are!"
"Really?" Rosemary jumped up and threw her arms around Faith. "That's so exciting! I can hardly believe it, I'll have to tell Lee right away…oh my!" But then her face fell as she remembered what had happened last time. "Because of what happened, the miscarriage, is it more likely that I'll miscarry this time?"
"Rosemary, what happened last time wasn't your fault, and you are perfectly healthy. As long as you are careful, I'm more than sure that you'll be able to carry to full term."
"Okay. I will do my best." Rosemary nodded, then stood up. "I'd better go now. Thank you."
"No problem. Don't forget to come back in about a month so I can make sure you're doing okay." Faith said as Rosemary opened the door.
"I won't." Rosemary promised, stepping out into the cold afternoon. She wanted to tell Lee right away, but she also wanted to make it special. She was thinking so deeply that she nearly ran into Elizabeth on the street.
"Whoa, Rosemary, where are you?" Elizabeth chuckled as her friend ran right into her.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't paying attention. Where are you going?"
"I was going over to Abigail's. You're still coming over to my house tomorrow night for New Year's, right?"
"Oh?" Rosemary had completely forgotten. "Yes, yes I am."
Elizabeth looked at her friend. Something was up, she knew. "And you're bringing dessert, right?"
"Yes, I am." Rosemary nodded. She had forgotten about that too. "What time again?"
"Seven. Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong, everything is wonderful," a sudden smile spread on Rosemary's face. "I'll tell you later, I promise. I'll make dessert and Lee and I will see you at seven tomorrow. I really should go."
"Alright. Bye." Elizabeth watched Rosemary leave. Something was definitely up, but she knew Rosemary would tell her sooner or later.
"Sweetheart, I'm home," Lee called into an empty living room.
"I'll be right down!" Rosemary said from upstairs. She stood up, smoothed her skirt, and tried to calm her quickly beating heart. This was the time to tell him, if she could! She came down the stairs. "You're home early," she commented as she walked up to him.
"I wanted to make sure that you're doing okay." He said, looking at her carefully.
"I'm doing fine."
"Are you sure? Because after Vivian leaving, and you being tired lately…"
"I'm okay. Thanks for worrying about me though."
"No problem." He smiled. "There is something I wanted to talk to you about though." He took her hand and led her over to the settee. "Sit."
They sat. "What is it?" Rosemary hoped he hadn't guessed.
"Sweetheart, after having Vivian here and seeing you with her, I can't get her out of my head. It's really helped me see that adopting would be a wonderful blessing."
"Lee, I…" Rosemary began, but he held up his hand.
"Just wait, let me finish. What do you think about going to visit Grace and Lillian and spending some time with Vivian in a couple of weeks? If things go well, what do you think about even possibly adopting her?"
"Are you done?" At Lee's nod, she continued. "I've been thinking about that too, and I would love to." A huge smile spread over Lee's face. "But there is a slight problem that may affect those plans."
"A problem?"
"Yes." She'd better just say it! "I don't think I'm going to be feeling well enough to travel in two weeks. I went to see Faith this morning and-"
"Are you okay? Did she say what's wrong?"
"I'm just fine. I'm pregnant." Rosemary waited expectantly for the news to hit him.
It hit him. A big smile, bigger than she had ever seen, spread slowly across his face. It took over his mouth, his cheeks, and his eyes. His whole face was glowing. "Really?" He finally said softly.
Rosemary nodded excitedly. "Yes! Really!"
"Well that's, I mean I, wow…Rosie, really?"
"Yes." Rosemary said as he hugged her.
"That's amazing." He leaned back, then leaned in and kissed her. "Wow. So I guess we probably shouldn't rush things then."
"Well, I'm not sure how I'm going to be feeling in two weeks. Last time I was pretty sick. I don't think I'll be up to traveling, but I definitely want to visit Vivian again."
"You're probably going to be sick for a while too."
"It'll be hit and miss. But," Rosemary leaned against him. "We could go now."
Lee looked down at her. "Now?"
"Not now, but soon. Friday?"
"New Year's Day? Are you sure?"
"Absolutely! What do you think?"
"I think I'll telegram Grace and Lillian right away!" Lee sat up excitedly.
"Wonderful! And I'll make supper before you get back." Rosemary sat up too.
"Okay. It won't take me long. And you're sure you're okay, right?"
"I am."
"Alright, wow, this is crazy. Love you, sweetheart, when I get back we'll have to celebrate."
"Love you too." Rosemary smiled to herself as the door closed behind him. "And we love you too," she whispered to the little life inside her.
Lee flew to the mercantile. He could hardly believe it! He and Rosie were going to be parents again. He hurried inside. "Ned, can I send a telegram?"
"Of course." Ned turned. "Is something wrong, Lee?"
"No, everything is great. I just need to send it quickly. Thanks." Lee accepted the piece of paper.
Grace and Lillian,
Rosemary and I would love to visit Vivian. I know this is short notice, but do you think we could come this weekend?
Lee
"There you go." Lee handed it back to Ned, with the money.
"Thanks."
Lee didn't wait a second, he dashed out of the Mercantile and jumped in his car. He wanted to get back and celebrate!
Ned stared after him. "Where's Lee going so fast?" Florence asked, coming to the front counter.
"I have no idea, he wouldn't say."
"Hmm."
Rosemary cooked supper, trying to push her nauseous feelings aside. Before long, the whole kitchen smelled amazing. Just then, Lee arrived back. "You were fast," Rosemary commented.
"I wanted to get back. Do you need any help?"
"Could you set the table? I think it's almost ready."
"Of course." Lee quickly set the table.
"Are you okay?" Rosemary chuckled.
"Of course I am." Lee stopped and turned to look at her.
"Really? Cause you have more energy than I did a couple days ago."
"I'm just excited, that's all."
"I am too." Sounds of bubbling coming from the stove interrupted Rosemary's words. "Looks like its ready."
They sat down and Rosemary served the delicious soup. They ate for a while in silence until Rosemary spoke. "Don't forget, we're invited to Elizabeth's tomorrow for New Year's Eve."
"How could I?"
"Lee." Rosemary took another bite of soup. "I was just reminding you." She paused. "Maybe let's not tell anyone yet. I'd like to wait for a little bit."
"Are you sure?" Lee asked, knowing how hard it was for Rosemary to keep a secret.
"I'm sure. I like having a secret that just we know." Rosemary nodded excitedly.
"Alright." When supper was over, they cleaned it up together and then settled in the living room. The fire glowed, the room was quiet, and they talked together. Rosemary got up once to get them some tea, and when she came back, Lee gently spread the blanket over both of them. "You know," he began. "As much as I loved having my family over, it is nice to be just the two of us too."
"It's also nice that it won't be the two of us for forever." Rosemary snuggled in a little closer to him.
"It is."
"Do you think I'll be a good mother?" Rosemary asked after a few moments of silence.
"Of course I do." Lee put his arm around her.
"I just don't want to have another miscarriage. I don't want to hurt our baby."
"Sweetheart, what happened wasn't your fault. You'll be a fantastic mother, I can already see it."
"If you're sure."
"I'm sure." Lee leaned his head against hers. He could already see it, a bright blue-eyed child just like Rosemary, or maybe a more serious child with big brown eyes. Whatever the child looked like, he hoped it would carry Rosemary's spirit.
"Do you think we're ready to maybe parent two kids? That's big step." Rosemary interrupted his thoughts.
"I can do it if you can, sweetheart."
"Me too."
"Well, I guess that's settled then." Lee chuckled.
They sat there in silence, and Rosemary leaned her head against Lee's shoulder. "I'm happy."
"I'm happy that you're happy." He said as he kissed her forehead.
The next day flew by, and before they knew it, it was time to go to Elizabeth's. They hurried next door to the party with their friends. Nathan and Allie were there, and so were Abigail, Ned and Florence, Jesse and Clara, Bill, and Mollie. "I brought some dessert," Rosemary said as she bustled over to the ladies who were in the kitchen.
"Wonderful!" Elizabeth looked up from the stove. "How are you feeling?" She asked in a low voice when Rosemary came over to her.
"I'm doing great." Rosemary replied, even as she tried to hide her disdain for the smell of mushrooms.
"Good. I think it's ready." Elizabeth stood up and turned. "Ev-"
"Everyone! Supper time!" Rosemary shouted, interrupting her. Everyone listened to Rosemary's voice and came to the table. Elizabeth chuckled to herself as she put the food on the table. Throughout the meal though, she couldn't help but focus her attention on Rosemary. Her friend seemed to be glowing, and Lee too. They were both always smiling, and trying to be as near to each other as possible. There was something there, something more than there generally was. Elizabeth didn't know what it was, but she hoped Rosemary would confide in her soon.
After supper, the ladies cleared the table and did the dishes, then they started playing games. There was much laughter and carrying on as they played games. "You know," Rosemary began, "we should convince the guys to play charades with us."
"That's a wonderful idea!" Elizabeth said. She got up from the table and walked over to the guys, who were sitting in the living room talking. "Would you guys be willing to play charades with us?" She came to stand beside Nathan.
He turned to her. "Charades?"
"Yes, charades!" Rosemary joined the conversation. "And yes, you have to. Come on, it'll be so much fun!"
Lee came to stand beside Rosemary and exchanged a glance with Nathan. "Sweetheart, we'd love to."
"Wonderful!"
They spilt into teams, Rosemary, Elizabeth, Bill, Mollie, Nathan, and Lee were on the first, and Ned, Florence, Jesse, Clara, Abigail, and Allie were on the other. Rosemary's team got to go first, and she volunteered to act it out first. She thought of a tree, and tried to mimic it.
"Branch!" Elizabeth called.
"Leaf," Bill said.
Rosemary shook her head, standing as straight as she could and fluttering her arms. "Tree?" Nathan asked.
"Yes!" She said excitedly. Everyone laughed. After her two minutes were up, they switched.
As Rosemary watched the game, she had a thought. All her dearest and closest friends were here, and she didn't want to hide anything from them. After a few rounds, it finally came back to her turn. They had one chance to win, and she knew exactly what she was going to do. "Lee," she whispered. "Think hard about this one. You'll get it." She stood up.
Lee looked after her, confused by what she had said.
Rosemary smiled to herself, then pretended to be sick.
"Sick!" Mollie called.
Rosemary shook her head, and pointed to Lee, then herself.
"Date?" Bill questioned.
Rosemary laughed to herself, and continued pointing to herself, then miming sickness and time.
"I don't get it, what are you doing?" Elizabeth finally asked.
"Fifteen seconds." Jesse warned.
Rosemary turned to Lee and she focused her gaze on him. She knew that he knew what she was doing. He shook his head. I thought we weren't going to tell anyone, he mouthed.
"Time's up!" Jesse called.
"What was it?" Elizabeth asked, eager to know what her friend had been meaning.
Rosemary spun towards her friend. "I can't believe you of all people didn't guess it. I was sick, I pointed to Lee, I was tired…" she paused at Elizabeth's confused look. "I'm pregnant!"
There was a moment of silence before the whole room exploded. They surrounded Rosemary and Lee with hugs and congratulations. "When did you find out?" Elizabeth asked after giving her friend a huge hug.
"Just yesterday. I didn't want to tell anyone, but it kind of just happened."
"Rosemary, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!"
Rosemary just smiled. For once, she didn't need to say anything.
"Rosemary's team won!" Clara announced, looking over Jesse's shoulder at the score.
"Yes!" Rosemary hugged Elizabeth again. "We did it!"
"Guys, the New Year is in ten minutes." Abigail said.
"I'll get the drinks." Nathan volunteered.
"I'll put Little Jack to bed." Elizabeth said.
"I'll grab the snacks." Rosemary said. She went to the kitchen and brought out the second round of snacks. She placed them on the table in the center of the living room and then sat down next to Lee. He put his arm around her and pulled her close.
"I thought you weren't going to tell anyone," he whispered.
"I couldn't bear to keep something like this from everyone." She replied. "Is that okay?"
Lee looked at her. She really was glowing. "It's okay." He smiled.
"Thirty seconds!" Allie announced excitedly.
"We'll start the countdown at ten," Bill said. A few seconds passed. "Ten," he began.
"Nine," everyone joined in. "Eight, seven, six, five," Rosemary leaned closer to Lee. "four, three, two,"
"Happy New Year!" Rosemary exclaimed, a second ahead of everyone else. They were startled, but then they laughed and many more happy new years were said.
"Happy New Year, sweetheart." Lee said as he gave Rosemary a hug. "I can't wait for this one and all the rest."