Big Decisions
The Next Morning...
Lexy woke up with the sun. She slipped from between Sean and Marita and closed the door quietly as she left the room. Marita rolled over as her body searched for the warmth that Lexy took with her. She turned her back to Sean's chest and slid into his arms. He held her as they continued to sleep.
Lexy looked into all the rooms. Jeremy and Alice were still sleeping in their rooms. Clay, a sandy haired man, and a man with a splint on his leg slept in another room. Isaac was in Sean's bed. But Pa wasn't in his room. Lexy went downstairs and found Ned asleep in one of the big chairs in the study. As she walked into the room, Ned's eyes opened. He rubbed his face and continued the motion as he ran his fingers through his hair. "What are you doing up?"
"I want to know what happened last night," Lexy answered as she walked over to him.
"You will. We'll talk about it after breakfast."
"Alright, Pa. Since Alice isn't awake yet can I help the cook make breakfast?"
"I don't see why not," Ned smiled as he patted her back and stood. Ned continued to talk as he stretched his arms above his head. "Are Sean and Marita still upstairs in your room?"
"Yes, Pa, they were up really late."
"I know, Lex, we all were." Ned monitored his concern about Marita and Sean being in a bed together even if they were fully clothed. He had seen them last night when he was checking on everyone after the doctor left. "Did you close the door?"
"To my bedroom?"
"Yes."
"Yes, Pa," Lexy said and ran off to the kitchen.
Ned walked up the stairs and cracked the door to Lexy's room. He saw Sean holding Marita while they slept. They looked so peaceful and natural. It began to remind him of how he and Libby used to sleep. He closed the door and headed to his room to change.
Lexy's Room...
Sean woke up with the sound of the door. He figured it was Pa as he heard the footsteps in the hall head to Ned's room. Sean realized the position of his body and who was in his arms. He couldn't think of a better way to wake up. Sean leaned his face close to Marita's hair and smelled it. He wanted to remember every essence of this moment because he wasn't sure when it would happen again. He gently kissed the back of her neck. He wanted her to wake up and share this moment with him, but he also wanted to enjoy watching her sleep. He remembered the words they had shared when answering Lexy's questions. Marita was such a strong, caring, loving, and forgiving woman and she had chosen him to love before he even had a notion of it. He continued to nibble at her neck. He only hoped that he could love her as much as she deserved.
Marita smiled as she began to wake up. She looked down to find Sean's arms tightly wrapped around her. She felt the moisture of his breath on her back as he slowly moved from one kiss to the next. "Mmm," she moaned with delight as she closed her eyes again.
"Morning, beautiful," Sean whispered in her ear.
"I like waking up like this," Marita said with her eyes still closed.
"So do I, and you know what would make it even better?"
"What?" Marita turned in his arms to face him. "This is Lexy's bed, you know."
"Well, I was going to say a big breakfast, but now that you mentioned it," Sean smiled.
Marita returned his grin. "Sean," she playfully reprimanded.
"What, you brought it up."
"I know but..."
Sean stopped Marita's talking with a kiss. He rolled her over on her back and began to kiss her neck again. He lowered his kisses and then looked up to see Marita's face. She was enjoying every moment of it. Sean was stretched out on top of her now; Marita could feel every part of him. Something in the lower part of her stomach wanted to be touched. She could feel Sean get hard. "Wow, did I just make you do that?" she asked.
Sean blushed, "Yeah, sorry."
"It's okay, but that's a good thing, right?"
"A very good thing."
Marita giggled as Sean began to nibble on her earlobes. They both knew they couldn't go any further, especially on Lexy's bed with pictures of the mothers looking at them from the nightstand. Sean kissed Marita erotically one more time, exploring her mouth like it was the first and last time he could. Marita brought her arms around Sean and pressed his body down on hers. She wanted this feeling to stay with her all day. Marita felt a new warmth grow between her legs as her body began to respond to his. They quickly and abruptly stopped and Sean rolled off of Marita with a gentle push from her. "We're going to have to do something about his," Marita said. Her heart was pounding, but it seemed to make her whole body, even parts she never considered, throb.
"Then marry me," Sean said as he leaned up on his elbow.
"Sean, now's not the time to joke around." Marita faced him and rested her head on her arm.
"I'm serious," Sean looked into Marita's eyes.
"You're not just saying this for the...well, you know?" Marita waved her free hand to indicate herself and the bed.
"No, though that is an added benefit to the whole marriage thing." Sean smiled.
Marita laughed. "I don't know what I'm going to do with you, Sean Logan."
"Marry me, make love with me, have my children, and love me as we grow old together."
"Gee, you're asking a lot," Marita teased.
"Is that a yes?"
"It won't be legal."
"By man or by God?"
"Well, society has made it illegal. Besides, you're a public official now."
"Yes, and hopefully, I'll be able to make a change."
"But what about last night?"
"We'll take care of it, and you're stalling." Sean wanted an answer. "Marita, if everything works out, will you marry me?" Sean's tone of voice was as serious as he could get it. His eyes were beginning to well up with the fear that she might turn him down.
Marita looked into Sean's eyes. They pleaded and pierced her soul again. She tried to make light of it. "The least you could do is get on one knee."
Sean hopped up and ran to her side of the bed. Marita sat up to face him as he took her hand. Sean calmed his breathing with a few deep breaths. "Marita Ann Peters, will you marry me?"
Tears formed in her dark eyes. "Yes," she whispered, "yes."
Sean leapt up and kissed her as they fell back on the bed laughing.
Lexy opened the door. "What's so funny?" she asked as she walked into the room and crawled onto the bed.
"Do you want to tell her or should I?" Sean asked Marita.
"Someone tell me, please."
"Sean just proposed, Lexy," Marita answered.
"Can I be in the wedding?" Lexy said as she bounced for joy.
Marita sat up. "What makes you think I said yes," Marita tried to make her voice sound convincing.
Lexy stopped bouncing and looked at Marita. "You wouldn't have said no. Besides, Sean would have left the room crying if you did."
"You have a point," Marita whispered to Lexy.
"Hey," Sean tried to defend himself, but he knew they were right. If Marita had said no, he would have left crying and probably would have left Lexington for good that day.
"Lexy, you can be in the wedding, but first everything needs to settle down. So don't tell anyone yet. We'll announce it to the family once things are calm, alright."
"Alright," Lexy said. "I won't tell."
"Thanks, munchkin," Sean said as his face still gleamed with bliss from Marita's acceptance. He reached over and began to tickle Lexy, "Now, why did you come in here?"
Lexy tried to talk as she laughed, "Well, besides the fact that it's my room, I wanted Marita to help me make breakfast for everyone."
"Sure, Lex. Let me get cleaned up and I'll be right down."
"Alright," Lexy said as she left the room.
Marita got up so she could get her bag from Alice's room and find a place to wash up. She turned back to get another look at Sean before she left.
"This is all I could hope for," Sean began as if Marita's look to him was his cue to speak a private word to her. She lingered in the doorway and listened, slowly turning as his continued. "Waking up with you next to me, you saying yes, and now you're making our breakfast."
Marita came back and kissed Sean's nose. "And I hope that you'll enjoy it. It will come from my heart." A smirk crossed her lips as she raised one eyebrow, "Besides, if you don't like it, I don't know what you'll be eating once we're married."
Sean pulled Marita onto his lap. "I don't need food when I have something this sweet." Sean began to nibble on Marita's neck again.
Marita knew were this could lead if she let him have total control right now. She lifted Sean's head in her hands and looked deeply and longingly into his eyes. Then she tenderly caught his bottom lip in her mouth and played with his mouth. She finished before Sean wanted to and looked at him again. This time she was leaving him dazed. "That will have to hold you until after breakfast," she said and slowly got up and left.
Sean was shaking. He fell back on the bed. "Thank you, God!"
In Georgia...
Anna slid out of her bed a little earlier than usual. Her husband, Philip, had a hangover that would keep him in bed for a while. She quietly got dressed and slipped down the stairs. Anna ran to the kitchen were some of the servants were beginning breakfast preparations.
"Sorry, ma'am. We didn't know you wanted breakfast earlier," one servant apologetically bowed her head.
"Breakfast will be at the same time it normally is," Anna tried to keep her voice dignified like she was taught. She needs someone she could really trust. "Have you seen Mary?"
"She's out back."
"Thank you." Anna left the kitchen through the back door that was mainly used by the servants. She saw an elderly colored woman bent over a scrubbing board and tub. Anna always admired the strength in this old woman who used to be her mammy. Mary was the only colored person who Anna wasn't afraid of. "Mary."
"Yes'm," Mary said as she slightly raised her head to see the young woman before her.
"Mary, you know all the help here."
"Yes'm," Mary said again with a nod this time.
"I've only been back here a short time, who is trustworthy enough to do something for me?"
"Pends on what needs to be done." Mary continued to scrub.
"I need to get a message to Lexington, Kentucky."
"What's up there?" Mary paused again and looked up at Anna.
"A person who can help Aunt Kathy."
Mary straightened up and tried to get the creak out of her back. "Well, you done said it right there. You could pick just about anyone here and they'd help. We's been wantin' to help Kathy for years, but we's not even 'lowed near her. I'd go myself if I wasn't so old and colored. Can't you send one of them telegram thangs."
"I could and it would be faster, but I need something to be delivered with it."
"Alright, then hold on." Mary started off for the barn, and Anna's curiosity made her follow. Once inside, Mary called up the hayloft, "Tom...Thomas, you up, boy."
A blond-haired young man poked his head over to see who was calling. "Now I am, Mary," he yawned.
"Thomas, come down here. We have a job for you." Mary put her hands on her hips, so Thomas knew she meant now.
"I'll be right down."
Anna leaned over to Mary. "Is he trustworthy?"
"Yes'm, I raised him from a baby. He was found in this here barn when he was nothin' but two years old."
Thomas climbed down the ladder and approached them. Anna was shocked to see that he was not as young as she thought he was. He looked as if he was close to her age and vaguely familiar.
"Thomas has been here since I was your mammy, Miss Anna. Ya'll played together until Mr. Tucker found out. Thomas has been working outside ever since."
Anna looked closer. She hadn't seen him since she got married when she was fifteen. "Tommy."
"That's me." Thomas ran his fingers through his hair. "Hiya, Anna."
Mary nudged Thomas, "Mind your manners, boy."
"Sorry, Mary." Thomas turned to Anna again. "Hello, Mrs. Porter," he said and bowed at the waist.
"Anna, call me Anna, you've known me long enough."
Thomas smiled at Mary, "See."
"Still, boy, ya got to mind your manners." Mary changed her focus to Anna. "Tell him what you need, girl."
Anna reached into her pocket and pulled out a letter, an envelope, and Katherine's necklace. "Thomas, I need you to go to Lexington, Kentucky. The next train leaves in thirty minutes so you have to hurry. Pack lightly. In the envelope is enough money to get you there and back plus extra spending money."
"What's this all about?" Thomas wanted to know what he was getting himself into.
"Aunt Kathy was a daughter who at one time lived in Kentucky. My father and uncles have been keeping this a secret, but I just found out yesterday. We need to help Aunt Kathy, and I think this is a way we can do it. Thomas, trust no one unless they have the last name Logan. I don't know how many people are in on this. The letter and necklace are to get to a Mr. Sean Logan. Now, go as quickly as possible. And safely come back to us. Godspeed."
Thomas took hold of Anna's hand, kissed it, and bowed like a gentleman. "I'll do my best, ma'am." Then he turned to hug Mary. "Take care. I'll be back." Thomas jumped on his horse, and since he didn't really have anything to pack, he rode off.
"Thank you, Mary," Anna said as she held the old woman.
"No problem. That boy would have ran to Lexington himself if'n it would've pleased you."
"No, not Thomas," Anna blushed. "We haven't seen each other in years."
"Yes'm but that's none my business now." Mary headed back to the wash.
Anna looked up at the path and watched the cloud of dust settle back to the ground. She shook her head at the thought. As she turned back to look at the house, she saw a curtain close in a window. Anna calculated and positioned in her head all the rooms in the house. That was Uncle Johnny's room.
Back at the Logan Home...
A Talk to Remember
The smell of ham frying and biscuits baking floated through the Logan home. Sean rushed to wash up. He wanted to watch Marita cook, but he also wanted to look and smell good for her. He entered his room just as Isaac was waking up.
"Mornin', son."
"Mornin', Isaac. How'd ya sleep?"
"Alright considering everything that happened last night." Isaac sat on the edge of the bed and watched Sean get his clothes together for the day. There was something about the way Sean was moving around the room that made Isaac wonder what had him so happy. The night had been hard on them all, yet Sean was whistling like nothing had even happened. "Sean, son, what's got you so happy this morning?"
Sean turned to face Isaac. He knew he had to watch what he said. Everyone else would still be focused on the hatred displayed last night, but he and Marita wanted to think about the love of this morning and the future. "I'm just glad that you and Marita are alright."
Isaac examined Sean's face while Sean was speaking. "You really love her, don't you, boy?"
"Yes, sir," Sean admitted without hesitation.
"Do you realize the danger you all are in?"
"Yes, sir."
"Really," Isaac said as he stood and went to the washing basin to rinse his face.
"Isaac, I know the danger. I know about the hatred. I've known since I saw you when Pa brought you home from Georgia."
Isaac had just finished drying his face. He slowly brought the towel down so he could see Sean.
"Yes, Isaac, I saw what was done to you. I saw the blood, the bandages, the swollenness, and I made a promise that night that when I was old enough and strong enough I would make sure nothing like that ever happened to you or Marita again." Sean's gaze left Isaac as he remembered what Marita had told him last night. "I failed her once," Sean said softly. Then he looked up at Isaac and with full sincerity and determination added, "I don't plan to ever fail her again."
Isaac walked over to a chair and placed the towel on the back of it. He continued walking to the window, occasionally giving Sean a few hard glances. When he reached the window, Isaac turned, sat on the sill, and crossed his arms. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were asking for Marita's hand."
Sean blushed and laid his clothes out on the bed.
"Is that what you're doing, son?"
"I guess so, sir," Sean's voice trembled and cracked. His hands began to sweat.
Isaac walked over and placed a hand on Sean's shoulder. "Son, I couldn't pick a better man for her, but you are a politician now. You'd be breaking the very laws that you are supposed to uphold and help others to live by. If this were a different time and pl..."
"But it's not, and we love each other," Sean angrily interrupted and walked away from Isaac. His voice softened as he continued. "I love her, and why should a law be kept if it goes against love? Shouldn't love be the regulator of all laws?"
Sean's back was to Isaac, but Isaac could tell from Sean's breathing and the quaking in his voice that Sean was either about to cry or already crying.
"Sean."
Sean looked over his shoulder before completely turning to face Isaac. Isaac could see the tears in Sean's eyes as Sean fought his urge to cry. "Isaac, I'll give up politics to be with Marita. We'll even move to a safer place. I just...I don't know what I'll do without her." Sean blinked and a single tear fell down his cheek and dripped to the floor.
Isaac's heart was stirred by Sean's words. He took a deep breath and weighed the present situation. He remembered how he lost Katherine, and he couldn't stand losing Marita, too. But Isaac also knew that he could lose Marita in another sense if he said no. He looked at Sean again and this time he saw himself. What would he have wished Katherine's family would have said and done? He took another deep breath. "Son, if everything calms down and you can find a way to live in peace without my little girl getting hurt, then..." Isaac cleared his throat and stood tall, "you have my blessing."
Sean matched Isaac's stature and nodded. That was all he could do as all his emotions ran through him. He wanted to shout, cry, jump, sing, dance, and hug all at once.
Isaac left Sean in the room and walked into the hall. Ned was coming from his room. They gave each other a nod of acknowledgment. The two of them walked down the stairs together in silence. Then Isaac chose to break it. "Well, Ned, it looks like our wives were right."
"About what this time," Ned chuckled with the memory of how Libby and Katherine always had one up on them. He ran his fingers through his hair and slid his hat on.
"It looks like we're gonna be in-laws."
Ned stopped walking and looked at Isaac. Isaac, realizing Ned was no longer beside him, stopped and looked back. Ned half smiled as he said, "What did you just say?"
"Our kids want to marry."
"Even after what they saw last night?"
"Yes, sir."
"But Sean's a politician."
"I know, but your boy says he'll give that up if he needs to so he can be with her. Ned, the boy was crying."
Ned looked down for a moment. He had always wanted his children to know the kind of love he had known. The kind of love that looks at the obstacles and trials of life and says together we can make it. Sean had found it. Ned looked back at his friend. "Well, alright," he smiled. "First, we'll fix this problem from last night and see how safe we can make if for those two. If they get married, I'd want them to stay close, but if that can't be we'll see what we can do."
Isaac nodded. It was nice to see his friend so optimistic. "Alright then, let's see what kind of plans we can come up with before the rest of them wake up."
The two of them walked into the study and closed the door.
The Winters' Home...
"Again, I apologize for getting here so late," the doctor tipped his hat at Vivian as he left William's room.
"I'll show the doctor to the door," Vivian said to her mother and William before following the doctor.
As she went into the hall, questions began to fill Vivian's mind. William never said what happened to him last night. How did he get shot? Maybe something happened in Lexington that the doctor knew about. That could be what kept the doctor from getting there sooner.
"Dr. Williams, you must have had a busy night. We couldn't find you anywhere," Vivian tried to get him to open up.
"Quite busy; I had a broken leg to set and a stray bullet to take out. William was lucky he was only grazed."
Vivian fanned herself with her hand and feigned shock, "My goodness, what could have caused so many accidents in one night."
"Well, it seems that a group of men decided to set fire to the Peters' home last night."
"Peters?" The name sounded vaguely familiar, but Vivian couldn't place it. "I don't believe I know any Peters. Are they new in town?"
"No, they work for Ned Logan. I think you've met them before: Isaac and Marita Peters."
Vivian's blood chilled at the sound of Marita's name. She remembered how she watched Sean put a flower in Marita's hair at one of the Logan's gatherings. Vivian also remembered the letter Sean had her read. There was nothing to make her like Marita. Whether or not that letter was true, Vivian observed that Sean's attention was always easily distracted whenever Marita was around. But something deep inside of her made Vivian also remember her own fear when her home was violated. "Are they alright?" she asked half wanting and half not wanting to know the answer.
"Yes, Ned was able to get them to the Logan home before the men came. Your brother must have been one of them. Clay said he had shot someone but he tried not to hurt the person. I was thinking that the bullet I had to take out of Dennis was the..."
"Wait a minute, Clay shot William," Vivian interjected. Her hand went to the base of her throat as the idea of Clay willingly hurting anyone in her family became too real for her. Clay wouldn't, even if he hated William and her mother; Vivian knew Clay cared about her too much to do anything to hurt her. That was the thing that continued to confuse her, She knew how he felt but she wasn't sure about her own feelings. Clay had been the one person she was sure would be there for her and now...
"It looks that way." The doctor watched Vivian's body as it weakened from shock. "Are you alright?" he added as he held on to her arm so she wouldn't fall.
"Oh, yes, thank you." Vivian regained her poise. "You were saying...Dennis, do you mean Dennis Elwood got shot too last night."
"Um, yes, but he's alright. It went into his left shoulder." The doctor yawned. The weariness from being up for so long was taking its toll. He covered his mouth. "Excuse me, Miss Vivian."
"That's quite alright. You should go and get some rest. Thank you again for everything."
"You're welcome." The doctor turned to leave. "Remember change his dressings once every two or three hours. Most of the bleeding has stopped but I don't want infection to set in."
"Yes, sir," Vivian smiled as the doctor began to walk down the front steps. "I just don't know if we'll be able to keep him in bed," she laughed.
The doctor laughed with her and waved good-bye.
Vivian closed the door and leaned her back against it. She needed to find out what was going on. Boy, did she miss the days when she could be oblivious and enjoy being rich while her father took care of everything. But Vivian knew she wasn't going to let the Winters' name, especially her name, be brought down by the actions of William or their mother. She had to figure out something. Vivian began to put the pieces together. Both Dennis and William getting shot at the Logan's. Why would they go after the Peters unless...was there another copy of that letter. Vivian's stomach turned at the thought of that letter. Turner was supposed to get rid of any copies he had, but what if he didn't. Vivian felt ready to explode. She knew that she would be looked down upon if there were really something going on between Sean and Marita. Of course, Sean would be too, but how would everyone treat her if it ever got out that Sean broke up with her because he loved a colored girl more. That was one thing Vivian didn't want a definite answer for. She slowly walked away from the door. She didn't care what Sean did as long as it didn't make her look bad. But where could she get more information? Who could she trust enough to talk to about all of this? Vivian could only think of one person.
Back in Georgia...
"You're up early."
Anna was startled by her uncle's voice as she walked into the front hall. "Good morning, Uncle John. I was just going to make sure Sarah was awake."
"That's good," John said as he moved from the steps to Anna's side. "I was just wondering what could have you up and sending off workers so early in the morning."
Anna quickly came up with an answer. "I sent Thomas on an errand. I had a craving for lemon tarts for supper tonight, but we're out of lemons. He said he knew where a tree was and that he would go now and get them before he started working for the day."
John studied Anna's face. He wasn't sure what to think. "Alright then. Well, I wanted to let you know that I will only be staying for another day or so. I need to move on and check a few things for my employers."
"Alright."
"I'll be heading into town after breakfast."
"Okay, sir," Anna nodded. "Now if you'll pardon me I need to check on Sarah." Anna walked past her uncle.
"Oh, and Anna," John called after her.
"Yes," she said and turned her head to face him.
"What you heard yesterday, don't let it worry you. I found Katherine's daughter, Marita." John looked down as he adjusted the sleeve of his shirt.
"Oh, you have?" Anna was careful with the tone of her voice. She wanted to sound like she believed her uncle, but she wasn't sure whether or not she did. How could any of them be trusted anymore?
"Yes," John looked up at Anna. "Unfortunately, she died about a year ago. Her father, what was his name...Isaac, I believe."
"Yes," Anna decided to let him continue.
"This Isaac Peters ran out on Marita as a little girl. From what she told me right before she died, she never really knew him and never cared to know anything about him. I found out later that he died when Marita was about twelve years old."
"How sad," Anna tried to play remorse.
"So it would be best if you never brought it up to your Aunt Kathy again. I don't think she could handle finding that out. That is if she even remembers what we talked about yesterday. Alright." John fixed his other cufflink.
"Yes, Uncle John. Thank you for telling me." Anna turned and went up the stairs. Her uncle had almost convinced her, but something about that story and what she had found out from her aunt didn't mix. Her aunt wouldn't fall in love with a man who would walk out on a child. Then again he was colored so who knows. Anna figured she would wait to see what Thomas came up with in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Logan Home...
Sean could hear everyone moving around in the house. That was one of the reasons he liked living at home. Though there were many reasons to move, he knew that he was never really alone here at home. Within the walls of his house he was loved even when they fought each other. He wished it could always be like this, but he knew his father was right when he said that they couldn't let other people's bad behavior stop them from living their lives. Ned had said that to Alice when she didn't want to go to the debutante ball. Sean remembered his Pa saying that if they let other people's behavior rule their lives they would never be able to leave their own home. Sean had held that statement as a motivator. What happened last night was not going to stop him from living his life. He had a woman who loved him, and now he also had her father's blessing. All they had to do now was find a way out of the mess they were in presently.
Freshly shaved, hair brushed back, and shirt unbuttoned at the neck so that the hair on his massive chest could show, Sean rushed out his room and down the stairs. He nearly tripped over Lexy as he turned the corner to enter the dining room. "Whoa! Sorry, Lexy."
"That's okay. I was just coming to let you know breakfast is almost ready."
Sean lifted Lexy into the air and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, sis. Where's Marita?"
"She's in the kitchen," Lexy giggled as Sean put her down. "I've got to get everyone." She ran off to find the rest of the family members.
The table was set with three extra places for Marita, Isaac, and the Virginian man. Marita came out with a breakfast tray in her hands. "Mornin', Sean."
"Good morning." Sean was aware that the servants were coming in and out of the room so he monitored the tone of his voice. "When you have a moment I would like to speak with you," Sean said with a smile. A servant walked by him and put a pitcher on the serving table.
"Alright, Sean," Marita smiled back. Even thought there was a lot they needed to discuss, Marita knew Sean wanted to do more than talk. "I need to take this tray up to David first."
Sean's face, unknowingly to him, expressed his concern and shock at Marita's comment.
"What? Everyone has to eat, right? Besides, he has been sick all morning. He needs to get something in him that might stay down," Marita said as she began to walk around the table and head for the doorway where Sean stood. She lowered her voice, "I need to do this. I have to face my fears."
Sean whispered back, "Let me go with you."
"Sean, I have to do this alone. Please understand." She smiled, "I'll be fine. Besides, I know you're not far." Marita looked around to see if anyone was coming. No one was in the dining room or in the hall. She quickly kissed his cheek. "I'll be right back," she added as she headed up the stairs.
Sean watched her until he couldn't see her anymore. He hadn't even noticed Clay and Jeremy brush by him.
Ned and Isaac came from the study. Ned patted Sean on the arm as they began to pass him in the doorway. "Where's Marita, Sean?"
"She went to take David his breakfast," Sean said without taking his eyes off the last place he saw her.
Ned put his arm around Sean's shoulder, "Come on, son. She'll be down in a few minutes. After breakfast, we need to talk to the two of you."
"Excuse us," Alice said as she and Lexy scooted between Ned and Sean. The men backed out of the way.
"Isaac told you," Sean continued as the girls took their seats.
Alice took charge of seating. She decided that she would let Isaac sit at the other head of the table so he would have a place of authority like her Pa. She also made sure that a space was available for Marita to sit next to Sean.
"Yes, and we came up with a few ideas we'd like to run by you two, but let's eat first." Ned smiled and put his arm around Sean's shoulders again as they walked to the table.
Upstairs in the Logan Home...
David Engleman's head pounded as he woke to hear two voices whispering. The whispering stopped and soft footsteps approached the bed. David tried to remember everything that happened last night, but his mind was still foggy. What cause him to drink so much? Dennis Elwood. Dennis had told him about Sean Logan and Marita. David recalled deciding to have a few drinks before the meeting. He had thought that having a drink or two would help him handle things better. It ended up being more than just a drink or two.
David was a childhood friend of Sean, but they lost contact when David went away to college a year before Sean. David knew the reason for his drinking last night. It was the same reason he went with Dennis and William that day when they saw Marita in town. They were all attracted to Marita; she was too beautiful for a colored girl. It was wrong to want her in any other way than the way they were taught: screw them then trash them, that's the way to treat nigger women. The colored shouldn't even be treated as human beings. That's how David and the others were raised.
A wet towel was gently placed on his forehead, and he heard a woman's voice call his name through the haziness of his half-conscious state. He let out a moan as his head felt like someone was beating it with a hammer. He slowly tried to open his eyes.
"David, do you think you can eat?"
The woman's voice was like a feather pillow to David's mind. Normally, when he had a hangover he hated when people talked to him, but this person was different. When he concentrated on trying to make out the voice, the pain seemed to ease. As his eyes adjusted to the light, David was surprised to see Marita looking him in the eyes as she wiped his face with the cloth. "What..." David painfully realized how loud he was. He softened his voice, "What do you think your doing?"
Marita's voice was as gentle as her touch. She wrung out the cloth and reapplied it to David's head. "You have a slight fever and your leg is broken." She nodded her head toward the tray that was on the nightstand next to the bed. "I brought you breakfast. I don't know how much you'll be able to keep down, but you need to try to eat."
David felt his mouth hanging open. After all he had said and done to this woman, she was trying to help him. "Why?" he asked aloud.
Marita smiled and stood to get the tray, "Because it'll help you build up all the strength you lost from vomiting all morning."
David hadn't remembered that but it explained the taste in his mouth. But that wasn't the answer to the question he was trying to ask. "No, I mean, why are you helping me?"
Marita gave David the tray as he gradually sat up in bed. "Because I'm not going to let you or anyone else rob me of who I am. I might be colored, but I still have a heart. You can rape me, beat me, do whatever, but as you can see I survive. It has only made me stronger." With that Marita left the room.
The Virginian man sat in the chair facing David. "She's something else," he thought to himself. David on the other hand began to rethink everything he learned about colored people. This one spoke with a strength that he never heard in another person's voice before. She wasn't just another nigger, she was actually...well...a person. David couldn't understand it.
Downstair in the Logan Home...
Marita had outdone herself with breakfast. The table was set with hominy grits, buttermilk biscuits, fried ham, scrambled eggs, home fries, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Everyone was seated and waiting when Marita entered the room. All of the men stood, except Clay, who was about to reach for the dish of home fries in front of him. Sean gave him a nudge, and Clay stood.
"Good morning, Marita," Ned said as he moved to pull out the seat to his left between him and Sean.
Marita smiled at Ned before addressing the rest of the family. "Good morning, everyone." She walked to the seat as her eyes continued to glance around the room. "Oh, Bridgette, can you please take a plate to our visitor upstairs. He will not be joining us at the table this morning."
"Yes, ma'am," the plumb Irishwoman answered. Though Marita was colored, Bridgette had come to respect the young woman and always tried to show that whenever she could. She gathered the extra setting from the table and removed the chair, making more space for the rest of the family to spread out.
"This looks wonderful, Marita," Alice said from across the table.
"Thank you," Marita blushed as she sat down, "but I had an excellent helper." She winked at Lexy. "Thank you, Mr. Logan," she added as Ned slowly pushed her seat in.
"You're welcome. It's been awhile since we've had a woman at the breakfast table, some of us have forgotten how to behave." Ned glared at Clay as all of the men took their seats. "Now that everyone's here. Isaac, would you care to say grace?"
"Alright." Isaac reached out his hands to take hold of Clay and Jeremy's hands. Everyone followed his example and held their neighbors' hands. Sean lovingly rubbed his thumb across the back of Marita's hand as their fingers interlocked. "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for a new morning and for friends and family. Bless this meal and give us the strength we need for all You have for us to do this day. Amen."
Everyone repeated the "amen". Sean held onto Marita's hand a moment longer than the rest of the family held hands. She looked up and smiled at him. He returned the smile before letting go. Sean's attention was distracted by Clay's need for the eggs. She handed them to Clay and saw Lexy's smiling face across the table. She was trying not to burst from the joy of knowing Sean and Marita's secret. Sean gave her a look, and she knew she had to stay quiet.
The dishes were passed around the table, and the servants quietly removed them and placed them on the warmers on the serving table. Clay was the first to ask for seconds. "Marita, this is so good. You need to teach Alice and Bridgette how to make grits. I've never tasted grits this good," Clay said as he stuffed another bite into his mouth, "and these biscuits!"
Marita was please; she had wanted to impress the Logans with her cooking. "Thanks, Clay."
"Clay slow down. You'll choke," Ned warned.
"Sorry, Pa," Clay said and swallowed before he continued, "It's just that everything's so good, and I want to make sure that I eat enough before I set out today." Clay stopped and realized what he said and what he knew was going to come next.
"Set out for what?" Ned asked.
Clay swallowed again; this time he was using it to give him a chance to properly phrase what he wanted to say, but he couldn't think of any way but blunt. "I want to know who burned down Isaac and Marita's house last night. I have an idea who, too. Pa, let me do somethin'. I hate sitting still." Clay looked down at his plate.
Ned and Isaac looked at each other, and Ned nodded to Isaac to give him the okay on responding to Clay. "Clay, thanks for your concern. I think we all know who did it and why. Your Pa and I are going to sit down with Sean and Marita and see what we can do to fix this mess before someone really gets hurt."
Ned looked at each of his children and tried to give and encouraging grin. "Come on, everyone. Let's not spoil Marita's..." his smiled broadened, "...and Lexy's wonderful breakfast. We can talk about this after your morning chores."
"Yes, sir," came soft grumbles from Ned's children.
Marita's stomach was flipping, though. What would Ned and her Pa want to talk to her and Sean about? Would they change their minds in supporting Sean and her once they found out that they wanted to get married? What if they wanted them to separate for a while until things cooled off. She didn't' know if she could handle being away from Sean for too long. It would be going backwards in their relationship, and Marita just wanted to keep going forward. She drifted to her time in the kitchen with Lexy. It had felt so right to be there making breakfast for the Logans, for Sean. Maybe their fathers would be able to help them with finding a way for Sean and her to stay together. After all, her father had been in the same situation.
Marita hadn't noticed that she was no longer eating. Her head was hanging as she stared at her plate, played with the eggs on her plate, and remained lost in her thoughts. Sean noticed, though. He barely remembered the few times they had breakfast together as children, but he knew something was wrong. He wanted to hold her and ask what she was so concerned about, but he knew it would be inappropriate at the breakfast table with the rest of the family there.
Others at the table began to notice. Marita was usually so happy. Right as Ned was about to ask Marita, she realized that everyone was staring at her. She needed to think without the watching eyes of the family. She stood and asked to be excused. The men stood as she left the table. Sean looked to Isaac. He wondered if he should follow her or should Isaac. Isaac nodded his head in the direction that Marita went. He knew that if Sean was going to marry his little girl than he would have to let Sean handle some of the problems.
"Why'd you have to bring up the house, Clay?" Alice bitingly came at her brother, not really knowing what had caused Marita to leave the table.
"I didn't mean to..."
"It's alright," Ned said as he sat down in his chair.
"Marita," Sean whispered as he walked up behind her in the great room.
Marita was sitting at the piano, staring at the keys, her hand poised to play. "Sean, we both respect our fathers, but what if they tell us no? I mean, what if my Pa says we can't get married?"
Sean smiled and brought his arms down around her shoulders. He hugged her neck and brought his lips close to her ear. "If that's all that's stopping you from eating, then go back and finish your breakfast. I talked to your Pa this morning, but I wanted it to be a surprise." Sean let go so Marita could turn and look at him.
"And just how did that conversation come up?" Marita said with a raised eyebrow.
"I have my ways," Sean laughed. "Now can we finish eating?"
Marita smiled and shook her head as she stood. "Sean Logan, what am I going to do with you?"
"I thought we settled that this morning," Sean chuckled and took hold of Marita's hand.
"Marry you, make love TO and with you, have your children, and love you as we grow old together," Marita smiled seductively.
"I like your addition," Sean's face beamed with pleasure at the thought of Marita wanting to satisfy him physically.
"I thought you would," the words seemed to tantalizingly flow off her lips. She let go of his hand and pretended to run from him.
"You, temptress," Sean said and grabbed her waist. He spun her around and kissed her.
Marita wanted to get swept away in it, but part of the fun was the game. She pulled away. "Cheater," she pouted, "You're suppose to wait until after breakfast, remember."
"I would have if a beautiful young woman wouldn't have distracted me from finishing my meal."
"Alright, let's get back. They're probably missing us."
"And my food is getting cold."
"I'm sure Alice kept it warm."
"Yeah, I guess." Now Sean was pouting.
"Alright," Marita sad and kissed his cheek. "Does that make it better?"
"Yes," Sean's face lit up with the kiss. "Though I do like the mouth to mouth ones better. I guess that will have to do...for now."
Marita softly laughed and shook her head. "Let's go."
He took her hand again and headed for the breakfast table.
A Force Combined...
Alice and Lexy helped Bridgette and the other servants clear the table. Clay and Jeremy went upstairs to check on David Engleman and the other visitor before going about their morning chores. Pa had told everyone to meet in the Great Room in an hour.
Ned and Isaac headed to the study with Sean and Marita in tow. Once everyone was in the room, Ned closed the door and motioned for Sean and Marita to sit in the large chairs that faced the desk. As they sat, Ned leaned his backside against the desk, and Isaac propped himself up along the bookcase. Both men took in the sight of their children.
"So, Sean, like I was telling you earlier, Isaac told me that you asked for Marita's hand."
Marita's eyes widened as she looked over at Sean. She had gathered that Sean and her Pa had talked, but she wished now that she had asked Sean to tell her what had been said specifically. She had thought that they were supposed to keep things a secret until everything had calmed down. Marita smiled as she thought to herself, "I should have know Sean wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut about this."
"Yes, sir," Sean answered and kept his eyes on his father but reached for Marita's hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze. He wondered what could be going through her mind, especially since she didn't know what was said between him and Isaac or his Pa.
"Well, do you two realize what lies ahead of you?" Ned asked, knowing the answer but wanting to make it clear to them what was going on.
"Pa, we've seen hatred. Even in living her, we know it exists. If it didn't, Marita's house would still be standing, her mother would be alive, words like 'lynching' and 'Ku Klux Klan' would not exist; there would be NO law against our marriage." Sean's confidence and strength radiated from him.
Marita felt it flow through her as well. She looked softly at their father and then Ned and back to her father again. "We know. We've experienced it, and probably will again. But we also know that together we can do this."
"That's the only way we can make it through this as all," Sean added.
"We weighed the consequences and the options." Marita let go of Sean's hand, stood, and walked toward her father. All of the men's eyes followed her. "Pa, Sean loves me and wants to do right by me, and I want to let him."
Isaac looked into his daughter's smooth brown eyes. Tears reflected the sunlight that came through the window and warmed her face. Isaac took hold of Marita's hands. "I know that, angel girl...that's why, in spite of all the hatred I know you will face and all the protection I want to give you...he has my blessing to marry you."
She knew that he must have blessed Sean, but she needed to hear it from her father's mouth. Marita hugged Isaac's neck and smiled. "Thank you, Pa," she said softly before kissing his cheek.
"I just wanted to hear how committed you two are," Ned interjected, "so we can move on with some ideas on how you two can be together and still live here. We love you two too much to have you go running off. Besides, I want to be near my grandchildren," Ned added with a smile.
Marita ran over and gave Ned a kiss on the cheek before taking her seat next to Sean. If anyone could figure something out it would be one of these four in this room. Marita knew that nothing could stop such a strong force as the bond between these four: fathers and firstborns, best friends through pain and joy; no matter what color their skin were.
The Next Morning...
Lexy woke up with the sun. She slipped from between Sean and Marita and closed the door quietly as she left the room. Marita rolled over as her body searched for the warmth that Lexy took with her. She turned her back to Sean's chest and slid into his arms. He held her as they continued to sleep.
Lexy looked into all the rooms. Jeremy and Alice were still sleeping in their rooms. Clay, a sandy haired man, and a man with a splint on his leg slept in another room. Isaac was in Sean's bed. But Pa wasn't in his room. Lexy went downstairs and found Ned asleep in one of the big chairs in the study. As she walked into the room, Ned's eyes opened. He rubbed his face and continued the motion as he ran his fingers through his hair. "What are you doing up?"
"I want to know what happened last night," Lexy answered as she walked over to him.
"You will. We'll talk about it after breakfast."
"Alright, Pa. Since Alice isn't awake yet can I help the cook make breakfast?"
"I don't see why not," Ned smiled as he patted her back and stood. Ned continued to talk as he stretched his arms above his head. "Are Sean and Marita still upstairs in your room?"
"Yes, Pa, they were up really late."
"I know, Lex, we all were." Ned monitored his concern about Marita and Sean being in a bed together even if they were fully clothed. He had seen them last night when he was checking on everyone after the doctor left. "Did you close the door?"
"To my bedroom?"
"Yes."
"Yes, Pa," Lexy said and ran off to the kitchen.
Ned walked up the stairs and cracked the door to Lexy's room. He saw Sean holding Marita while they slept. They looked so peaceful and natural. It began to remind him of how he and Libby used to sleep. He closed the door and headed to his room to change.
Lexy's Room...
Sean woke up with the sound of the door. He figured it was Pa as he heard the footsteps in the hall head to Ned's room. Sean realized the position of his body and who was in his arms. He couldn't think of a better way to wake up. Sean leaned his face close to Marita's hair and smelled it. He wanted to remember every essence of this moment because he wasn't sure when it would happen again. He gently kissed the back of her neck. He wanted her to wake up and share this moment with him, but he also wanted to enjoy watching her sleep. He remembered the words they had shared when answering Lexy's questions. Marita was such a strong, caring, loving, and forgiving woman and she had chosen him to love before he even had a notion of it. He continued to nibble at her neck. He only hoped that he could love her as much as she deserved.
Marita smiled as she began to wake up. She looked down to find Sean's arms tightly wrapped around her. She felt the moisture of his breath on her back as he slowly moved from one kiss to the next. "Mmm," she moaned with delight as she closed her eyes again.
"Morning, beautiful," Sean whispered in her ear.
"I like waking up like this," Marita said with her eyes still closed.
"So do I, and you know what would make it even better?"
"What?" Marita turned in his arms to face him. "This is Lexy's bed, you know."
"Well, I was going to say a big breakfast, but now that you mentioned it," Sean smiled.
Marita returned his grin. "Sean," she playfully reprimanded.
"What, you brought it up."
"I know but..."
Sean stopped Marita's talking with a kiss. He rolled her over on her back and began to kiss her neck again. He lowered his kisses and then looked up to see Marita's face. She was enjoying every moment of it. Sean was stretched out on top of her now; Marita could feel every part of him. Something in the lower part of her stomach wanted to be touched. She could feel Sean get hard. "Wow, did I just make you do that?" she asked.
Sean blushed, "Yeah, sorry."
"It's okay, but that's a good thing, right?"
"A very good thing."
Marita giggled as Sean began to nibble on her earlobes. They both knew they couldn't go any further, especially on Lexy's bed with pictures of the mothers looking at them from the nightstand. Sean kissed Marita erotically one more time, exploring her mouth like it was the first and last time he could. Marita brought her arms around Sean and pressed his body down on hers. She wanted this feeling to stay with her all day. Marita felt a new warmth grow between her legs as her body began to respond to his. They quickly and abruptly stopped and Sean rolled off of Marita with a gentle push from her. "We're going to have to do something about his," Marita said. Her heart was pounding, but it seemed to make her whole body, even parts she never considered, throb.
"Then marry me," Sean said as he leaned up on his elbow.
"Sean, now's not the time to joke around." Marita faced him and rested her head on her arm.
"I'm serious," Sean looked into Marita's eyes.
"You're not just saying this for the...well, you know?" Marita waved her free hand to indicate herself and the bed.
"No, though that is an added benefit to the whole marriage thing." Sean smiled.
Marita laughed. "I don't know what I'm going to do with you, Sean Logan."
"Marry me, make love with me, have my children, and love me as we grow old together."
"Gee, you're asking a lot," Marita teased.
"Is that a yes?"
"It won't be legal."
"By man or by God?"
"Well, society has made it illegal. Besides, you're a public official now."
"Yes, and hopefully, I'll be able to make a change."
"But what about last night?"
"We'll take care of it, and you're stalling." Sean wanted an answer. "Marita, if everything works out, will you marry me?" Sean's tone of voice was as serious as he could get it. His eyes were beginning to well up with the fear that she might turn him down.
Marita looked into Sean's eyes. They pleaded and pierced her soul again. She tried to make light of it. "The least you could do is get on one knee."
Sean hopped up and ran to her side of the bed. Marita sat up to face him as he took her hand. Sean calmed his breathing with a few deep breaths. "Marita Ann Peters, will you marry me?"
Tears formed in her dark eyes. "Yes," she whispered, "yes."
Sean leapt up and kissed her as they fell back on the bed laughing.
Lexy opened the door. "What's so funny?" she asked as she walked into the room and crawled onto the bed.
"Do you want to tell her or should I?" Sean asked Marita.
"Someone tell me, please."
"Sean just proposed, Lexy," Marita answered.
"Can I be in the wedding?" Lexy said as she bounced for joy.
Marita sat up. "What makes you think I said yes," Marita tried to make her voice sound convincing.
Lexy stopped bouncing and looked at Marita. "You wouldn't have said no. Besides, Sean would have left the room crying if you did."
"You have a point," Marita whispered to Lexy.
"Hey," Sean tried to defend himself, but he knew they were right. If Marita had said no, he would have left crying and probably would have left Lexington for good that day.
"Lexy, you can be in the wedding, but first everything needs to settle down. So don't tell anyone yet. We'll announce it to the family once things are calm, alright."
"Alright," Lexy said. "I won't tell."
"Thanks, munchkin," Sean said as his face still gleamed with bliss from Marita's acceptance. He reached over and began to tickle Lexy, "Now, why did you come in here?"
Lexy tried to talk as she laughed, "Well, besides the fact that it's my room, I wanted Marita to help me make breakfast for everyone."
"Sure, Lex. Let me get cleaned up and I'll be right down."
"Alright," Lexy said as she left the room.
Marita got up so she could get her bag from Alice's room and find a place to wash up. She turned back to get another look at Sean before she left.
"This is all I could hope for," Sean began as if Marita's look to him was his cue to speak a private word to her. She lingered in the doorway and listened, slowly turning as his continued. "Waking up with you next to me, you saying yes, and now you're making our breakfast."
Marita came back and kissed Sean's nose. "And I hope that you'll enjoy it. It will come from my heart." A smirk crossed her lips as she raised one eyebrow, "Besides, if you don't like it, I don't know what you'll be eating once we're married."
Sean pulled Marita onto his lap. "I don't need food when I have something this sweet." Sean began to nibble on Marita's neck again.
Marita knew were this could lead if she let him have total control right now. She lifted Sean's head in her hands and looked deeply and longingly into his eyes. Then she tenderly caught his bottom lip in her mouth and played with his mouth. She finished before Sean wanted to and looked at him again. This time she was leaving him dazed. "That will have to hold you until after breakfast," she said and slowly got up and left.
Sean was shaking. He fell back on the bed. "Thank you, God!"
In Georgia...
Anna slid out of her bed a little earlier than usual. Her husband, Philip, had a hangover that would keep him in bed for a while. She quietly got dressed and slipped down the stairs. Anna ran to the kitchen were some of the servants were beginning breakfast preparations.
"Sorry, ma'am. We didn't know you wanted breakfast earlier," one servant apologetically bowed her head.
"Breakfast will be at the same time it normally is," Anna tried to keep her voice dignified like she was taught. She needs someone she could really trust. "Have you seen Mary?"
"She's out back."
"Thank you." Anna left the kitchen through the back door that was mainly used by the servants. She saw an elderly colored woman bent over a scrubbing board and tub. Anna always admired the strength in this old woman who used to be her mammy. Mary was the only colored person who Anna wasn't afraid of. "Mary."
"Yes'm," Mary said as she slightly raised her head to see the young woman before her.
"Mary, you know all the help here."
"Yes'm," Mary said again with a nod this time.
"I've only been back here a short time, who is trustworthy enough to do something for me?"
"Pends on what needs to be done." Mary continued to scrub.
"I need to get a message to Lexington, Kentucky."
"What's up there?" Mary paused again and looked up at Anna.
"A person who can help Aunt Kathy."
Mary straightened up and tried to get the creak out of her back. "Well, you done said it right there. You could pick just about anyone here and they'd help. We's been wantin' to help Kathy for years, but we's not even 'lowed near her. I'd go myself if I wasn't so old and colored. Can't you send one of them telegram thangs."
"I could and it would be faster, but I need something to be delivered with it."
"Alright, then hold on." Mary started off for the barn, and Anna's curiosity made her follow. Once inside, Mary called up the hayloft, "Tom...Thomas, you up, boy."
A blond-haired young man poked his head over to see who was calling. "Now I am, Mary," he yawned.
"Thomas, come down here. We have a job for you." Mary put her hands on her hips, so Thomas knew she meant now.
"I'll be right down."
Anna leaned over to Mary. "Is he trustworthy?"
"Yes'm, I raised him from a baby. He was found in this here barn when he was nothin' but two years old."
Thomas climbed down the ladder and approached them. Anna was shocked to see that he was not as young as she thought he was. He looked as if he was close to her age and vaguely familiar.
"Thomas has been here since I was your mammy, Miss Anna. Ya'll played together until Mr. Tucker found out. Thomas has been working outside ever since."
Anna looked closer. She hadn't seen him since she got married when she was fifteen. "Tommy."
"That's me." Thomas ran his fingers through his hair. "Hiya, Anna."
Mary nudged Thomas, "Mind your manners, boy."
"Sorry, Mary." Thomas turned to Anna again. "Hello, Mrs. Porter," he said and bowed at the waist.
"Anna, call me Anna, you've known me long enough."
Thomas smiled at Mary, "See."
"Still, boy, ya got to mind your manners." Mary changed her focus to Anna. "Tell him what you need, girl."
Anna reached into her pocket and pulled out a letter, an envelope, and Katherine's necklace. "Thomas, I need you to go to Lexington, Kentucky. The next train leaves in thirty minutes so you have to hurry. Pack lightly. In the envelope is enough money to get you there and back plus extra spending money."
"What's this all about?" Thomas wanted to know what he was getting himself into.
"Aunt Kathy was a daughter who at one time lived in Kentucky. My father and uncles have been keeping this a secret, but I just found out yesterday. We need to help Aunt Kathy, and I think this is a way we can do it. Thomas, trust no one unless they have the last name Logan. I don't know how many people are in on this. The letter and necklace are to get to a Mr. Sean Logan. Now, go as quickly as possible. And safely come back to us. Godspeed."
Thomas took hold of Anna's hand, kissed it, and bowed like a gentleman. "I'll do my best, ma'am." Then he turned to hug Mary. "Take care. I'll be back." Thomas jumped on his horse, and since he didn't really have anything to pack, he rode off.
"Thank you, Mary," Anna said as she held the old woman.
"No problem. That boy would have ran to Lexington himself if'n it would've pleased you."
"No, not Thomas," Anna blushed. "We haven't seen each other in years."
"Yes'm but that's none my business now." Mary headed back to the wash.
Anna looked up at the path and watched the cloud of dust settle back to the ground. She shook her head at the thought. As she turned back to look at the house, she saw a curtain close in a window. Anna calculated and positioned in her head all the rooms in the house. That was Uncle Johnny's room.
Back at the Logan Home...
A Talk to Remember
The smell of ham frying and biscuits baking floated through the Logan home. Sean rushed to wash up. He wanted to watch Marita cook, but he also wanted to look and smell good for her. He entered his room just as Isaac was waking up.
"Mornin', son."
"Mornin', Isaac. How'd ya sleep?"
"Alright considering everything that happened last night." Isaac sat on the edge of the bed and watched Sean get his clothes together for the day. There was something about the way Sean was moving around the room that made Isaac wonder what had him so happy. The night had been hard on them all, yet Sean was whistling like nothing had even happened. "Sean, son, what's got you so happy this morning?"
Sean turned to face Isaac. He knew he had to watch what he said. Everyone else would still be focused on the hatred displayed last night, but he and Marita wanted to think about the love of this morning and the future. "I'm just glad that you and Marita are alright."
Isaac examined Sean's face while Sean was speaking. "You really love her, don't you, boy?"
"Yes, sir," Sean admitted without hesitation.
"Do you realize the danger you all are in?"
"Yes, sir."
"Really," Isaac said as he stood and went to the washing basin to rinse his face.
"Isaac, I know the danger. I know about the hatred. I've known since I saw you when Pa brought you home from Georgia."
Isaac had just finished drying his face. He slowly brought the towel down so he could see Sean.
"Yes, Isaac, I saw what was done to you. I saw the blood, the bandages, the swollenness, and I made a promise that night that when I was old enough and strong enough I would make sure nothing like that ever happened to you or Marita again." Sean's gaze left Isaac as he remembered what Marita had told him last night. "I failed her once," Sean said softly. Then he looked up at Isaac and with full sincerity and determination added, "I don't plan to ever fail her again."
Isaac walked over to a chair and placed the towel on the back of it. He continued walking to the window, occasionally giving Sean a few hard glances. When he reached the window, Isaac turned, sat on the sill, and crossed his arms. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were asking for Marita's hand."
Sean blushed and laid his clothes out on the bed.
"Is that what you're doing, son?"
"I guess so, sir," Sean's voice trembled and cracked. His hands began to sweat.
Isaac walked over and placed a hand on Sean's shoulder. "Son, I couldn't pick a better man for her, but you are a politician now. You'd be breaking the very laws that you are supposed to uphold and help others to live by. If this were a different time and pl..."
"But it's not, and we love each other," Sean angrily interrupted and walked away from Isaac. His voice softened as he continued. "I love her, and why should a law be kept if it goes against love? Shouldn't love be the regulator of all laws?"
Sean's back was to Isaac, but Isaac could tell from Sean's breathing and the quaking in his voice that Sean was either about to cry or already crying.
"Sean."
Sean looked over his shoulder before completely turning to face Isaac. Isaac could see the tears in Sean's eyes as Sean fought his urge to cry. "Isaac, I'll give up politics to be with Marita. We'll even move to a safer place. I just...I don't know what I'll do without her." Sean blinked and a single tear fell down his cheek and dripped to the floor.
Isaac's heart was stirred by Sean's words. He took a deep breath and weighed the present situation. He remembered how he lost Katherine, and he couldn't stand losing Marita, too. But Isaac also knew that he could lose Marita in another sense if he said no. He looked at Sean again and this time he saw himself. What would he have wished Katherine's family would have said and done? He took another deep breath. "Son, if everything calms down and you can find a way to live in peace without my little girl getting hurt, then..." Isaac cleared his throat and stood tall, "you have my blessing."
Sean matched Isaac's stature and nodded. That was all he could do as all his emotions ran through him. He wanted to shout, cry, jump, sing, dance, and hug all at once.
Isaac left Sean in the room and walked into the hall. Ned was coming from his room. They gave each other a nod of acknowledgment. The two of them walked down the stairs together in silence. Then Isaac chose to break it. "Well, Ned, it looks like our wives were right."
"About what this time," Ned chuckled with the memory of how Libby and Katherine always had one up on them. He ran his fingers through his hair and slid his hat on.
"It looks like we're gonna be in-laws."
Ned stopped walking and looked at Isaac. Isaac, realizing Ned was no longer beside him, stopped and looked back. Ned half smiled as he said, "What did you just say?"
"Our kids want to marry."
"Even after what they saw last night?"
"Yes, sir."
"But Sean's a politician."
"I know, but your boy says he'll give that up if he needs to so he can be with her. Ned, the boy was crying."
Ned looked down for a moment. He had always wanted his children to know the kind of love he had known. The kind of love that looks at the obstacles and trials of life and says together we can make it. Sean had found it. Ned looked back at his friend. "Well, alright," he smiled. "First, we'll fix this problem from last night and see how safe we can make if for those two. If they get married, I'd want them to stay close, but if that can't be we'll see what we can do."
Isaac nodded. It was nice to see his friend so optimistic. "Alright then, let's see what kind of plans we can come up with before the rest of them wake up."
The two of them walked into the study and closed the door.
The Winters' Home...
"Again, I apologize for getting here so late," the doctor tipped his hat at Vivian as he left William's room.
"I'll show the doctor to the door," Vivian said to her mother and William before following the doctor.
As she went into the hall, questions began to fill Vivian's mind. William never said what happened to him last night. How did he get shot? Maybe something happened in Lexington that the doctor knew about. That could be what kept the doctor from getting there sooner.
"Dr. Williams, you must have had a busy night. We couldn't find you anywhere," Vivian tried to get him to open up.
"Quite busy; I had a broken leg to set and a stray bullet to take out. William was lucky he was only grazed."
Vivian fanned herself with her hand and feigned shock, "My goodness, what could have caused so many accidents in one night."
"Well, it seems that a group of men decided to set fire to the Peters' home last night."
"Peters?" The name sounded vaguely familiar, but Vivian couldn't place it. "I don't believe I know any Peters. Are they new in town?"
"No, they work for Ned Logan. I think you've met them before: Isaac and Marita Peters."
Vivian's blood chilled at the sound of Marita's name. She remembered how she watched Sean put a flower in Marita's hair at one of the Logan's gatherings. Vivian also remembered the letter Sean had her read. There was nothing to make her like Marita. Whether or not that letter was true, Vivian observed that Sean's attention was always easily distracted whenever Marita was around. But something deep inside of her made Vivian also remember her own fear when her home was violated. "Are they alright?" she asked half wanting and half not wanting to know the answer.
"Yes, Ned was able to get them to the Logan home before the men came. Your brother must have been one of them. Clay said he had shot someone but he tried not to hurt the person. I was thinking that the bullet I had to take out of Dennis was the..."
"Wait a minute, Clay shot William," Vivian interjected. Her hand went to the base of her throat as the idea of Clay willingly hurting anyone in her family became too real for her. Clay wouldn't, even if he hated William and her mother; Vivian knew Clay cared about her too much to do anything to hurt her. That was the thing that continued to confuse her, She knew how he felt but she wasn't sure about her own feelings. Clay had been the one person she was sure would be there for her and now...
"It looks that way." The doctor watched Vivian's body as it weakened from shock. "Are you alright?" he added as he held on to her arm so she wouldn't fall.
"Oh, yes, thank you." Vivian regained her poise. "You were saying...Dennis, do you mean Dennis Elwood got shot too last night."
"Um, yes, but he's alright. It went into his left shoulder." The doctor yawned. The weariness from being up for so long was taking its toll. He covered his mouth. "Excuse me, Miss Vivian."
"That's quite alright. You should go and get some rest. Thank you again for everything."
"You're welcome." The doctor turned to leave. "Remember change his dressings once every two or three hours. Most of the bleeding has stopped but I don't want infection to set in."
"Yes, sir," Vivian smiled as the doctor began to walk down the front steps. "I just don't know if we'll be able to keep him in bed," she laughed.
The doctor laughed with her and waved good-bye.
Vivian closed the door and leaned her back against it. She needed to find out what was going on. Boy, did she miss the days when she could be oblivious and enjoy being rich while her father took care of everything. But Vivian knew she wasn't going to let the Winters' name, especially her name, be brought down by the actions of William or their mother. She had to figure out something. Vivian began to put the pieces together. Both Dennis and William getting shot at the Logan's. Why would they go after the Peters unless...was there another copy of that letter. Vivian's stomach turned at the thought of that letter. Turner was supposed to get rid of any copies he had, but what if he didn't. Vivian felt ready to explode. She knew that she would be looked down upon if there were really something going on between Sean and Marita. Of course, Sean would be too, but how would everyone treat her if it ever got out that Sean broke up with her because he loved a colored girl more. That was one thing Vivian didn't want a definite answer for. She slowly walked away from the door. She didn't care what Sean did as long as it didn't make her look bad. But where could she get more information? Who could she trust enough to talk to about all of this? Vivian could only think of one person.
Back in Georgia...
"You're up early."
Anna was startled by her uncle's voice as she walked into the front hall. "Good morning, Uncle John. I was just going to make sure Sarah was awake."
"That's good," John said as he moved from the steps to Anna's side. "I was just wondering what could have you up and sending off workers so early in the morning."
Anna quickly came up with an answer. "I sent Thomas on an errand. I had a craving for lemon tarts for supper tonight, but we're out of lemons. He said he knew where a tree was and that he would go now and get them before he started working for the day."
John studied Anna's face. He wasn't sure what to think. "Alright then. Well, I wanted to let you know that I will only be staying for another day or so. I need to move on and check a few things for my employers."
"Alright."
"I'll be heading into town after breakfast."
"Okay, sir," Anna nodded. "Now if you'll pardon me I need to check on Sarah." Anna walked past her uncle.
"Oh, and Anna," John called after her.
"Yes," she said and turned her head to face him.
"What you heard yesterday, don't let it worry you. I found Katherine's daughter, Marita." John looked down as he adjusted the sleeve of his shirt.
"Oh, you have?" Anna was careful with the tone of her voice. She wanted to sound like she believed her uncle, but she wasn't sure whether or not she did. How could any of them be trusted anymore?
"Yes," John looked up at Anna. "Unfortunately, she died about a year ago. Her father, what was his name...Isaac, I believe."
"Yes," Anna decided to let him continue.
"This Isaac Peters ran out on Marita as a little girl. From what she told me right before she died, she never really knew him and never cared to know anything about him. I found out later that he died when Marita was about twelve years old."
"How sad," Anna tried to play remorse.
"So it would be best if you never brought it up to your Aunt Kathy again. I don't think she could handle finding that out. That is if she even remembers what we talked about yesterday. Alright." John fixed his other cufflink.
"Yes, Uncle John. Thank you for telling me." Anna turned and went up the stairs. Her uncle had almost convinced her, but something about that story and what she had found out from her aunt didn't mix. Her aunt wouldn't fall in love with a man who would walk out on a child. Then again he was colored so who knows. Anna figured she would wait to see what Thomas came up with in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Logan Home...
Sean could hear everyone moving around in the house. That was one of the reasons he liked living at home. Though there were many reasons to move, he knew that he was never really alone here at home. Within the walls of his house he was loved even when they fought each other. He wished it could always be like this, but he knew his father was right when he said that they couldn't let other people's bad behavior stop them from living their lives. Ned had said that to Alice when she didn't want to go to the debutante ball. Sean remembered his Pa saying that if they let other people's behavior rule their lives they would never be able to leave their own home. Sean had held that statement as a motivator. What happened last night was not going to stop him from living his life. He had a woman who loved him, and now he also had her father's blessing. All they had to do now was find a way out of the mess they were in presently.
Freshly shaved, hair brushed back, and shirt unbuttoned at the neck so that the hair on his massive chest could show, Sean rushed out his room and down the stairs. He nearly tripped over Lexy as he turned the corner to enter the dining room. "Whoa! Sorry, Lexy."
"That's okay. I was just coming to let you know breakfast is almost ready."
Sean lifted Lexy into the air and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, sis. Where's Marita?"
"She's in the kitchen," Lexy giggled as Sean put her down. "I've got to get everyone." She ran off to find the rest of the family members.
The table was set with three extra places for Marita, Isaac, and the Virginian man. Marita came out with a breakfast tray in her hands. "Mornin', Sean."
"Good morning." Sean was aware that the servants were coming in and out of the room so he monitored the tone of his voice. "When you have a moment I would like to speak with you," Sean said with a smile. A servant walked by him and put a pitcher on the serving table.
"Alright, Sean," Marita smiled back. Even thought there was a lot they needed to discuss, Marita knew Sean wanted to do more than talk. "I need to take this tray up to David first."
Sean's face, unknowingly to him, expressed his concern and shock at Marita's comment.
"What? Everyone has to eat, right? Besides, he has been sick all morning. He needs to get something in him that might stay down," Marita said as she began to walk around the table and head for the doorway where Sean stood. She lowered her voice, "I need to do this. I have to face my fears."
Sean whispered back, "Let me go with you."
"Sean, I have to do this alone. Please understand." She smiled, "I'll be fine. Besides, I know you're not far." Marita looked around to see if anyone was coming. No one was in the dining room or in the hall. She quickly kissed his cheek. "I'll be right back," she added as she headed up the stairs.
Sean watched her until he couldn't see her anymore. He hadn't even noticed Clay and Jeremy brush by him.
Ned and Isaac came from the study. Ned patted Sean on the arm as they began to pass him in the doorway. "Where's Marita, Sean?"
"She went to take David his breakfast," Sean said without taking his eyes off the last place he saw her.
Ned put his arm around Sean's shoulder, "Come on, son. She'll be down in a few minutes. After breakfast, we need to talk to the two of you."
"Excuse us," Alice said as she and Lexy scooted between Ned and Sean. The men backed out of the way.
"Isaac told you," Sean continued as the girls took their seats.
Alice took charge of seating. She decided that she would let Isaac sit at the other head of the table so he would have a place of authority like her Pa. She also made sure that a space was available for Marita to sit next to Sean.
"Yes, and we came up with a few ideas we'd like to run by you two, but let's eat first." Ned smiled and put his arm around Sean's shoulders again as they walked to the table.
Upstairs in the Logan Home...
David Engleman's head pounded as he woke to hear two voices whispering. The whispering stopped and soft footsteps approached the bed. David tried to remember everything that happened last night, but his mind was still foggy. What cause him to drink so much? Dennis Elwood. Dennis had told him about Sean Logan and Marita. David recalled deciding to have a few drinks before the meeting. He had thought that having a drink or two would help him handle things better. It ended up being more than just a drink or two.
David was a childhood friend of Sean, but they lost contact when David went away to college a year before Sean. David knew the reason for his drinking last night. It was the same reason he went with Dennis and William that day when they saw Marita in town. They were all attracted to Marita; she was too beautiful for a colored girl. It was wrong to want her in any other way than the way they were taught: screw them then trash them, that's the way to treat nigger women. The colored shouldn't even be treated as human beings. That's how David and the others were raised.
A wet towel was gently placed on his forehead, and he heard a woman's voice call his name through the haziness of his half-conscious state. He let out a moan as his head felt like someone was beating it with a hammer. He slowly tried to open his eyes.
"David, do you think you can eat?"
The woman's voice was like a feather pillow to David's mind. Normally, when he had a hangover he hated when people talked to him, but this person was different. When he concentrated on trying to make out the voice, the pain seemed to ease. As his eyes adjusted to the light, David was surprised to see Marita looking him in the eyes as she wiped his face with the cloth. "What..." David painfully realized how loud he was. He softened his voice, "What do you think your doing?"
Marita's voice was as gentle as her touch. She wrung out the cloth and reapplied it to David's head. "You have a slight fever and your leg is broken." She nodded her head toward the tray that was on the nightstand next to the bed. "I brought you breakfast. I don't know how much you'll be able to keep down, but you need to try to eat."
David felt his mouth hanging open. After all he had said and done to this woman, she was trying to help him. "Why?" he asked aloud.
Marita smiled and stood to get the tray, "Because it'll help you build up all the strength you lost from vomiting all morning."
David hadn't remembered that but it explained the taste in his mouth. But that wasn't the answer to the question he was trying to ask. "No, I mean, why are you helping me?"
Marita gave David the tray as he gradually sat up in bed. "Because I'm not going to let you or anyone else rob me of who I am. I might be colored, but I still have a heart. You can rape me, beat me, do whatever, but as you can see I survive. It has only made me stronger." With that Marita left the room.
The Virginian man sat in the chair facing David. "She's something else," he thought to himself. David on the other hand began to rethink everything he learned about colored people. This one spoke with a strength that he never heard in another person's voice before. She wasn't just another nigger, she was actually...well...a person. David couldn't understand it.
Downstair in the Logan Home...
Marita had outdone herself with breakfast. The table was set with hominy grits, buttermilk biscuits, fried ham, scrambled eggs, home fries, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Everyone was seated and waiting when Marita entered the room. All of the men stood, except Clay, who was about to reach for the dish of home fries in front of him. Sean gave him a nudge, and Clay stood.
"Good morning, Marita," Ned said as he moved to pull out the seat to his left between him and Sean.
Marita smiled at Ned before addressing the rest of the family. "Good morning, everyone." She walked to the seat as her eyes continued to glance around the room. "Oh, Bridgette, can you please take a plate to our visitor upstairs. He will not be joining us at the table this morning."
"Yes, ma'am," the plumb Irishwoman answered. Though Marita was colored, Bridgette had come to respect the young woman and always tried to show that whenever she could. She gathered the extra setting from the table and removed the chair, making more space for the rest of the family to spread out.
"This looks wonderful, Marita," Alice said from across the table.
"Thank you," Marita blushed as she sat down, "but I had an excellent helper." She winked at Lexy. "Thank you, Mr. Logan," she added as Ned slowly pushed her seat in.
"You're welcome. It's been awhile since we've had a woman at the breakfast table, some of us have forgotten how to behave." Ned glared at Clay as all of the men took their seats. "Now that everyone's here. Isaac, would you care to say grace?"
"Alright." Isaac reached out his hands to take hold of Clay and Jeremy's hands. Everyone followed his example and held their neighbors' hands. Sean lovingly rubbed his thumb across the back of Marita's hand as their fingers interlocked. "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for a new morning and for friends and family. Bless this meal and give us the strength we need for all You have for us to do this day. Amen."
Everyone repeated the "amen". Sean held onto Marita's hand a moment longer than the rest of the family held hands. She looked up and smiled at him. He returned the smile before letting go. Sean's attention was distracted by Clay's need for the eggs. She handed them to Clay and saw Lexy's smiling face across the table. She was trying not to burst from the joy of knowing Sean and Marita's secret. Sean gave her a look, and she knew she had to stay quiet.
The dishes were passed around the table, and the servants quietly removed them and placed them on the warmers on the serving table. Clay was the first to ask for seconds. "Marita, this is so good. You need to teach Alice and Bridgette how to make grits. I've never tasted grits this good," Clay said as he stuffed another bite into his mouth, "and these biscuits!"
Marita was please; she had wanted to impress the Logans with her cooking. "Thanks, Clay."
"Clay slow down. You'll choke," Ned warned.
"Sorry, Pa," Clay said and swallowed before he continued, "It's just that everything's so good, and I want to make sure that I eat enough before I set out today." Clay stopped and realized what he said and what he knew was going to come next.
"Set out for what?" Ned asked.
Clay swallowed again; this time he was using it to give him a chance to properly phrase what he wanted to say, but he couldn't think of any way but blunt. "I want to know who burned down Isaac and Marita's house last night. I have an idea who, too. Pa, let me do somethin'. I hate sitting still." Clay looked down at his plate.
Ned and Isaac looked at each other, and Ned nodded to Isaac to give him the okay on responding to Clay. "Clay, thanks for your concern. I think we all know who did it and why. Your Pa and I are going to sit down with Sean and Marita and see what we can do to fix this mess before someone really gets hurt."
Ned looked at each of his children and tried to give and encouraging grin. "Come on, everyone. Let's not spoil Marita's..." his smiled broadened, "...and Lexy's wonderful breakfast. We can talk about this after your morning chores."
"Yes, sir," came soft grumbles from Ned's children.
Marita's stomach was flipping, though. What would Ned and her Pa want to talk to her and Sean about? Would they change their minds in supporting Sean and her once they found out that they wanted to get married? What if they wanted them to separate for a while until things cooled off. She didn't' know if she could handle being away from Sean for too long. It would be going backwards in their relationship, and Marita just wanted to keep going forward. She drifted to her time in the kitchen with Lexy. It had felt so right to be there making breakfast for the Logans, for Sean. Maybe their fathers would be able to help them with finding a way for Sean and her to stay together. After all, her father had been in the same situation.
Marita hadn't noticed that she was no longer eating. Her head was hanging as she stared at her plate, played with the eggs on her plate, and remained lost in her thoughts. Sean noticed, though. He barely remembered the few times they had breakfast together as children, but he knew something was wrong. He wanted to hold her and ask what she was so concerned about, but he knew it would be inappropriate at the breakfast table with the rest of the family there.
Others at the table began to notice. Marita was usually so happy. Right as Ned was about to ask Marita, she realized that everyone was staring at her. She needed to think without the watching eyes of the family. She stood and asked to be excused. The men stood as she left the table. Sean looked to Isaac. He wondered if he should follow her or should Isaac. Isaac nodded his head in the direction that Marita went. He knew that if Sean was going to marry his little girl than he would have to let Sean handle some of the problems.
"Why'd you have to bring up the house, Clay?" Alice bitingly came at her brother, not really knowing what had caused Marita to leave the table.
"I didn't mean to..."
"It's alright," Ned said as he sat down in his chair.
"Marita," Sean whispered as he walked up behind her in the great room.
Marita was sitting at the piano, staring at the keys, her hand poised to play. "Sean, we both respect our fathers, but what if they tell us no? I mean, what if my Pa says we can't get married?"
Sean smiled and brought his arms down around her shoulders. He hugged her neck and brought his lips close to her ear. "If that's all that's stopping you from eating, then go back and finish your breakfast. I talked to your Pa this morning, but I wanted it to be a surprise." Sean let go so Marita could turn and look at him.
"And just how did that conversation come up?" Marita said with a raised eyebrow.
"I have my ways," Sean laughed. "Now can we finish eating?"
Marita smiled and shook her head as she stood. "Sean Logan, what am I going to do with you?"
"I thought we settled that this morning," Sean chuckled and took hold of Marita's hand.
"Marry you, make love TO and with you, have your children, and love you as we grow old together," Marita smiled seductively.
"I like your addition," Sean's face beamed with pleasure at the thought of Marita wanting to satisfy him physically.
"I thought you would," the words seemed to tantalizingly flow off her lips. She let go of his hand and pretended to run from him.
"You, temptress," Sean said and grabbed her waist. He spun her around and kissed her.
Marita wanted to get swept away in it, but part of the fun was the game. She pulled away. "Cheater," she pouted, "You're suppose to wait until after breakfast, remember."
"I would have if a beautiful young woman wouldn't have distracted me from finishing my meal."
"Alright, let's get back. They're probably missing us."
"And my food is getting cold."
"I'm sure Alice kept it warm."
"Yeah, I guess." Now Sean was pouting.
"Alright," Marita sad and kissed his cheek. "Does that make it better?"
"Yes," Sean's face lit up with the kiss. "Though I do like the mouth to mouth ones better. I guess that will have to do...for now."
Marita softly laughed and shook her head. "Let's go."
He took her hand again and headed for the breakfast table.
A Force Combined...
Alice and Lexy helped Bridgette and the other servants clear the table. Clay and Jeremy went upstairs to check on David Engleman and the other visitor before going about their morning chores. Pa had told everyone to meet in the Great Room in an hour.
Ned and Isaac headed to the study with Sean and Marita in tow. Once everyone was in the room, Ned closed the door and motioned for Sean and Marita to sit in the large chairs that faced the desk. As they sat, Ned leaned his backside against the desk, and Isaac propped himself up along the bookcase. Both men took in the sight of their children.
"So, Sean, like I was telling you earlier, Isaac told me that you asked for Marita's hand."
Marita's eyes widened as she looked over at Sean. She had gathered that Sean and her Pa had talked, but she wished now that she had asked Sean to tell her what had been said specifically. She had thought that they were supposed to keep things a secret until everything had calmed down. Marita smiled as she thought to herself, "I should have know Sean wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut about this."
"Yes, sir," Sean answered and kept his eyes on his father but reached for Marita's hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze. He wondered what could be going through her mind, especially since she didn't know what was said between him and Isaac or his Pa.
"Well, do you two realize what lies ahead of you?" Ned asked, knowing the answer but wanting to make it clear to them what was going on.
"Pa, we've seen hatred. Even in living her, we know it exists. If it didn't, Marita's house would still be standing, her mother would be alive, words like 'lynching' and 'Ku Klux Klan' would not exist; there would be NO law against our marriage." Sean's confidence and strength radiated from him.
Marita felt it flow through her as well. She looked softly at their father and then Ned and back to her father again. "We know. We've experienced it, and probably will again. But we also know that together we can do this."
"That's the only way we can make it through this as all," Sean added.
"We weighed the consequences and the options." Marita let go of Sean's hand, stood, and walked toward her father. All of the men's eyes followed her. "Pa, Sean loves me and wants to do right by me, and I want to let him."
Isaac looked into his daughter's smooth brown eyes. Tears reflected the sunlight that came through the window and warmed her face. Isaac took hold of Marita's hands. "I know that, angel girl...that's why, in spite of all the hatred I know you will face and all the protection I want to give you...he has my blessing to marry you."
She knew that he must have blessed Sean, but she needed to hear it from her father's mouth. Marita hugged Isaac's neck and smiled. "Thank you, Pa," she said softly before kissing his cheek.
"I just wanted to hear how committed you two are," Ned interjected, "so we can move on with some ideas on how you two can be together and still live here. We love you two too much to have you go running off. Besides, I want to be near my grandchildren," Ned added with a smile.
Marita ran over and gave Ned a kiss on the cheek before taking her seat next to Sean. If anyone could figure something out it would be one of these four in this room. Marita knew that nothing could stop such a strong force as the bond between these four: fathers and firstborns, best friends through pain and joy; no matter what color their skin were.
