Sean stirred as the morning light brighten the room. He had slept all night with his hand resting on Marita's stomach. He was still on cloud 9, still reeling from the news that he would be a father. That Marita was having his baby. A smile formed on his face even before he opened his eyes. He prayed and thanked GOD again for the precious life he and Marita had, through their love, created.
Sean was content to lie in his same position until Marita woke up. He snuggled closer to her, rubbed her stomach and waited until she stirred. An hour later, Marita began to move.
"Morning Ma" Sean whispered.
"Morning" she said, her voice sounding fatigue. "Shouldn't you be up and gone?"
"I wanted to wait until you woke up" he told her. "You sound tired."
"Some mornings, I'm fine, but other mornings I wake up exhausted no matter how early I go to sleep."
"You want me to go tell Pa you won't be up at the house today?"
"No. I'll get up in a minute" she said.
"You sure you feel up to it?" he asked and Marita could hear the worry in his voice.
Marita turned to face him and Sean saw that she had not even opened her eyes. She snuggled under his chin.
"I'm fine Sean" she said into his chest and in the next breath "I feel sick."
"What's the matter?!" he said with alarm.
"My stomach feels queasy. I usually lay here until it passes."
"Can I get you something to make you feel better?"
"No. I'll be OK in a minute."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
"Maybe you can ask your aunt if she has something she can give you."
"Um hum" Marita mumbled.
"Want me to read a scripture?"
"Um hum."
Sean reached over to the nightstand and grabbed his bible and read the last four books of Psalms. After he finished reading, Sean lead them in prayer, then held Marita and rubbed the side of her face until she felt better.
"I think I'm alright now" Marita said after about ten minutes, then slowly sat up.
"You sure" Sean said as he sat up next to her.
"Um hum."
"Do you feel sick every morning?" Sean asked as he got out of bed.
"I have been just in the last two weeks or so" Marita said as she threw her legs over the side of the bed.
"Is that normal?" he asked walking around to her side and looking down at her.
"I don't know."
"Maybe we need to get Doc Williams out here."
"Sean, we don't have to do that. I can ask Auntie if it's normal."
"When are you gonna ask her?"
"I'll ask her today" Marita looked up at his worried expression. "I promise."
"I'm still gonna ask Doc Williams to come see you."
"Alright" Marita said as she slowly stood up.
Sean grabbed her by the arm in case she felt lightheaded or queasy. Once they were both sure she could stand on her own, they washed up, got dressed, they headed down stairs.
"Do you want me to fix you some breakfast?" Marita asked.
"You don't have to. I'll ride with you to Pa's and get something there. Are you gonna eat something?"
"I'll just get some crackers to settle my stomach" she said as she walked to the kitchen. "I'll eat later."
"You sure you're OK?" Sean asked as he followed her.
"I'm fine Sean."
While Marita ate her crackers, Sean went outside to get his horse and Marita's carriage. When Marita stepped out on the porch, Sean was waiting for her. He lifted her up into the carriage and hopped up and they drove to Ned's.
"Hi Marita, hi Sean" Lexy said as they came up the steps to the house.
"Hi Lexy" they both said.
"What are you doing here Sean? Aren't you suppose to be working?"
"Do you mind if I bring my wife to work sometimes?" he laughed.
Lexy shrugged her shoulders. "No, I don't mind."
"THANK YOU!" he laughed again.
Sean and Marita walked into the house then into the study and Marita sat down at the desk. Sean had followed her behind the desk and leaned against it
"I want you to eat something."
"I will."
"I'll be back for lunch, then I need to go to the warehouse" Sean informed her.
"OK. Once I finish here, I'm going down to Auntie's. We've got a lot of orders to fill. We also got a few orders for the fertilizer."
"Good. We may have to see about building on to the warehouse and hiring some workers to help you."
"I think you're right. We are getting behind in filling the orders and we'll be able to do more in the extra space at the warehouse."
"Alright, I'll look into what it would cost us to add on to the warehouse" Sean said. "I'd better get out of here" he said as he leaned down to kiss Marita.
"OK, honey" she puckered up and kissed him. "Have a good day."
"I'll be here for lunch. Wait for me before you go to your Aunt's"
"OK"
"Bye in there" he said as he rubbed Marita's stomach then leaned down and kissed it.
Sean kissed Marita's forehead one last time before leaving.
****************
"Marita was crying" Lexy told Sean when he came in for lunch.
"What?" he said. "For what?"
"She ran out of ink and she just started crying" Lexy said, still perplexed.
"Because she ran out of ink?!" Sean could not believe it.
"Yeah" Lexy said. "I tried to tell her it was alright. I told her I would ask Clay to take me into town to get some if she wanted me to, but she just kept crying. I didn't know what to do."
"Is she still crying?"
"No. Alice found some ink and gave it to her."
"Where is she?" Sean asked.
"In your room. She said she was tired and wanted to take a nap. Is something wrong with Marita?" Lexy asked and Sean could see that she was worried.
"No peanut. She's OK" he tried to reassure her.
"Are you gonna have lunch?" Lexy asked.
"Yeah, but let me check on Marita first."
"OK"
Sean went upstairs and quietly opened the door to his old room. Marita was lying across the bed on her stomach. Sean walked over to her and leaned over her and kissed her cheek.
Marita stirred at his touch and slowly opened her eyes.
"Sean?" she said in a sleepy voice.
"It's me baby" he said quietly as he sat on the bed.
Marita stretched then pushed herself up and sat up. "It's lunch time already?"
"Yeah" he said. "What's wrong Marita?"
"Nothing" she wondered why he was asking her that.
"Lexy said you were crying."
"Sean, I was a little upset. That's all." She did not want him to worry or make a big deal out of what she thought was nothing.
"You got upset because you ran out of ink?!"
"I don't know why I started crying. I just couldn't seem to help it" she shrugged her shoulders.
Sean looked at her with a frown on his face. "Did you eat something?"
"Yes. I had some eggs and a biscuit and it didn't bother me."
"Are you gonna eat some lunch with me?"
"Yeah, I'll get a bite" she said as she stood up.
They went downstairs to the dining room and found Alice, Jeremy, Lexy and Clay having lunch.
"Where's Pa?" Sean asked as he walked over to the serving table to fix his plate.
"I think he's in the stables with Isaac" Clay answered.
After they fixed their plates, Sean and Marita sat down. Sean talked with Jeremy about his carriage business and Marita talked with Alice.
"Are you OK?" Alice asked.
"I'm fine" Marita smiled. "Really" she said when Alice gave her a doubting look.
"I saw some china that I think you might like" Alice said to Marita as the different conversations mingled and the room filled with pleasant discourse.
After lunch, Marita told Sean that she had a few more things to do before she left for Auntie's.
"I'll probably be down there late, since we have so many orders to fill."
"OK. If you're not home when I get there and it's dark, I'll come down and get you."
"Alright."
Sean said goodbye again to his wife and baby and headed to the warehouse. Once Marita finished her work for Ned, she went down to Aunt Eleanor's.
"Hi Auntie" Marita said when Auntie opened the door.
"Hey Mo."
"We've got a lot of orders to fill" she said as she walked into the house.
"I already started on 'em" Auntie said as she walked back to the table.
"Sean wants to add on to the warehouse so we can hire some workers to help us."
"Looks like we're gonna need the help."
Marita joined Auntie at the table and began helping fill the orders.
"Auntie, I'm gonna have a baby."
"WHAT you say?!"
"I'm gonna have a baby" Marita smiled.
"I shoulda figured! I kept dreaming about fish" Auntie laughed. "How far along are you?"
"Three months I think."
"Um. Three months. That's when you went back home, ain't it?"
"Yes" Marita blushed, thinking about the welcome home Sean gave her. The thought of that night and the next morning still gave her chills.
"Didn't I tell ya that boy would make it up to ya? And he done got a baby in the process!" Auntie laughed again. "I knew he had it in him! You told Isaac yet?"
"No. We're going to tell the family Sunday at dinner. I'd love for you to come."
"I wouldn't miss it."
"Good" Marita smiled. Auntie had been the only mother she knew. "Auntie, can I ask you something?"
"Sure baby."
"What are the signs of being pregnant? I mean, I'm tired a lot and today I started crying because I ran out of ink. Is that normal?" she asked.
"Baby, women have all different kinds of signs. Bein' tired and crying for nothin' are two of 'em. You feelin sick in the mornings?"
"Um hum"
"That's normal too. It may pass the further along you get or you may have it the whole time. Every woman seem to be different."
"Sean'll be relieved. He was worried this morning when I was feeling sick."
"Well, you need to try and eat to keep your strength up and keep that sick feeling off ya."
Marita and Auntie worked on their orders and talked about the baby and the signs of pregnancy. When they finished, it was dark outside and Marita help Auntie with her dinner while she waited for Sean.
"What was my Ma like when she was pregnant with me?" Marita asked Auntie.
"Your Ma cried for nothin up til 'bout her fourth month I think. Poor Isaac. I felt sorry for him" Auntie smiled, remembering her sister. "After that, she was OK til she got near her delivery. I really felt sorry for Isaac then. She was a terror! She had your Pa pullin his hair out and runnin around like a chicken wit it's head cut off!" Auntie laughed. "Isaac was ready to leave her. He begged me to take her off his hands."
Marita laughed as she listened to stories of how her mother behaved when she was pregnant. Marita was also saddened because she wished with all her heart that her mother could be with her now that she was going to have her own baby.
When the cornbread was ready to come out the oven, Sean knocked on the door. Auntie went to answer it.
"Well, well, well. I hear tell you got my Mo pregnant" Auntie grinned at Sean.
Sean laughed as he came into the house. "She told on me, huh?"
"She told, but she wasn't complainin'." Auntie laughed.
Sean looked at Marita with a gleam in his eye. He had counted back the months and guessed when she had gotten pregnant. He knew she did not have any complaints about that night or the next morning.
Marita read his mind and blushed. "Sean, Auntie invited us to stay for dinner if you want to."
"That's fine with me."
"She's going to come to Sunday dinner too" Marita told Sean.
"Good" Sean smiled as he walked over to the table. "You need me to help set the table."
"Nah. You're the guest so just sit down. You too Mo" Auntie instructed.
"I don't mind helping" Marita offered.
"I said sit down."
And that was the end of that. Auntie served Sean and Marita dinner. She had cooked beef stew and cornbread. The three enjoyed the stew and lively conversation.
"Sean, the next time this girl runs away from home, you'd better not let her stay gone. You shoulda went and dragged her from Isaac's that first night." Auntie scolded.
"Auntie!" Marita could not believe her aunt was telling Sean he should have dragged her home.
"I already scolded you. You didn't think I'd let him off the hook, did you?" she said to Marita, then turned back to Sean. "You hear me? She belongs with you now, not Isaac."
"Yes ma'am" Sean laughed. "I'll remember that. But I don't think I'll have to worry about her running away from home anymore" he grinned, then looked at Marita. "She promised me twice that she wouldn't leave me again."
Again, Marita blushed, knowing Sean was reliving in his mind the second time she made that promise to him.
"I guess I caint fuss to much though. When she finally did make her way back home looks like y'all had a good time and now I'm gonna be a great aunt. That is when y'all got this baby ain't it?" she looked at Marita, then at Sean.
Marita was a little embarrassed talking about intimacy with Aunt Eleanor, but Sean was not.
"Yeah Aunt Eleanor" he said with a huge smile on his face. "That's when we got this baby and we had a mighty good time gettin it" he leered at Marita. "Didn't we baby?"
Under Marita's beautiful brown skin she was turning red. She looked at Sean and told him with her eyes that she was going to kill him dead. He understood and laughed.
"What you shame for Mo?" Auntie asked, when Marita did not answer Sean. "Y'all married and ain't a thang wrong with having good relations. Count yourself blessed that you got a man who loves you and wants you to enjoy being in his bed."
"I want her to enjoy EVERY minute Auntie. I want her to enjoy it so much that she never wants to leave it."
"You're a blessed woman, Mo. A BLESSED woman!" Auntie said, shaking her head.
Marita was about ready to die of embarrassment. The first thing she would do when she got home was kill Sean. Then she would have her baby and live out the rest of her days until she met him in heaven.
The topic of conversation eventually turned to Auntie's Remedies, the name Marita came up with for her and Auntie's herbicide business. They discussed expanding the warehouse and looking for equipment they would need and hiring workers. Sean though that some of his workers may be interested in working for them during the winter months.
After dinner and dessert, Sean and Marita left and headed home.
"I can't believe you said those things in front of my aunt" Marita said as they rode home.
"WHAT! I didn't bring it up she did" Sean laughed. "Besides" he said as he bumped her leg with his "she's right - 'ain't a thang wrong with having good relations'".
Marita could not help but laugh at Sean quoting her aunt. And she admitted to herself that she too agreed with Auntie - ain't a thang wrong with it. Not one thang!
*************************
The family, including Aunt Eleanor, gathered around the Logan table to enjoy Sunday supper and one another. Conversation was lively. Sean, Jeremy and Ned were talking about Jeremy's carriage business and how it was progressing. Clay and Lexy were talking about Clay's next race and the new foals. Isaac and Aunt Eleanor were talking about her leaky roof she needed Isaac fix for her. Marita and Alice were talking about furniture Alice had seen in a book and showed to Marita, wondering if she would like it for her house.
"Vivian and I want to get married next month" Clay informed everyone when there was a lull in conversation.
"Will Vivian be able to put together a wedding in a month?" Alice asked.
"We're not having a big formal wedding. We want to get married here. Just something small with the family."
Everyone was surprised that Vivian had agreed to that.
"Does she need any help planning it?" Alice said.
"You have to ask her" Clay said, not really caring about the planning. He just wanted to marry her.
"Will you be moving into her house?" Jeremy asked.
"No. We're gonna move into Sean and Marita's cabin."
"Vivian's gonna live in a CABIN!" Lexy almost shouted.
"Lexy" Ned warned her.
"Yeah, Lexy. She is" Clay said. "I'm just as surprised as you are. At first, she didn't want to but she changed her mind."
"Well, congratulations son. We'll do whatever we can to help" Ned said.
"Thanks Pa."
Everyone said their congratulations and was happy for Clay and Vivian.
Marita was especially happy for Vivian. She and Vivian had begun to talk whenever they were both at the house. Vivian began to share more and more of herself with Marita and Marita began to see that Vivian was really a kind hearted person and would make a great friend. She smiled as she thought of her living in a cabin.
Sean wondered how in the world Clay convinced Vivian to have no engagement party, have a 'small' ceremony, and live in a cabin. Then he realized that Vivian must really love Clay if she was willing to give up all those 'high society' things. He was happy for his brother.
After questions and conversation died down about Clay and Vivian's upcoming wedding, Sean spoke.
"I guess it's a good time to make my announcement" Sean said with a smile and the family turned their eyes on him.
"What is it son?" Ned asked when Sean simply smiled at Marita.
"Marita is pregnant" he said as he continued to stare at Marita. "We're gonna have a baby" he turned and scanned the faces of the family.
"WHAT!" Alice said.
"We're gonna have a baby" Sean smiled proudly.
"OH! Marita" Alice said as she got up out of her seat and ran over to her. "I can't believe it!" she hugged her neck.
Marita laughed as she hugged Alice's arms.
"So, that's why you and Sean were so happy the other day" Lexy smiled. "A baby! That means I'm gonna be an aunt!"
"When did this happen? I mean when is the baby due?" Clay asked.
"It probably happened when Marita went back home" Lexy said, referring to their separation three months ago.
Everyone turned and looked at Lexy with surprise on their faces. They all wondered if she knew how babies were made. They were all afraid to ask her, so they simply did not respond to her remark. All except Jeremy.
"Do you know how babies are made Lexy?" he asked.
"Yeah" she said.
A looked of surprise crossed everyone's face as they continued to stare, open mouthed at Lexy.
"Who told you how babies are made?"
"Nobody told me. It's just like horse breeding Jeremy. The horse mounts the mare and then a year later a foal is born." Lexy said nonchalantly as she continued to eat. "I can put two and two together, you know."
There was a moment of silence before Aunt Eleanor began to chuckle.
"You surely can put two and two together Lexy."
Lexy smiled at Aunt Eleanor.
"Well" Ned said trying to change the focus of conversation, "This is surely good news. Isaac, I guess we're really getting old. We're about to be grandfathers" he laughed.
"I guess we are" Isaac said, looking at his baby girl. He could not believe she would be having her own baby.
Ned and Isaac knew this day would come. They were both concerned about their grandchild, a child of obvious mixed race. But for now they each decided to enjoy the good news.
"I think this calls for some music. Alice, honey, would you mind playing for us."
"Sure!" she hugged Marita again and headed for the great room.
One by one the family followed. Alice played while everyone hugged and kissed the mother-to-be and hugged and shook hands with the father-to-be.
"I can't believe it Marita" Isaac said as he held her by the arms. "You're going to have a baby" he said in such an awed voice. Tears formed as he pulled Marita into his arms. "I wish your mother was here" he said in her ear.
"Me too Pa Pa" Marita whispered back as she started to cry.
After several minutes of embracing, Marita and Isaac separated and smiled at one another. Ned hugged her next.
"Congratulations, Marita" he said as he squeezed her tight. "I know you're going to make a terrific mother."
"Thanks, Mr. Logan."
"Are you ever going to call me Ned? I mean, first you marry my son and now you are going to give me my first grandchild."
Marita just smiled like she always did whenever he asked her to call him 'Ned'.
"Congratulations, son" Isaac had turned to Sean and shook his hand.
"Thanks, Isaac"
Lexy, Clay and Jeremy all hugged and congratulated Marita and Sean as the family enjoyed the news of baby and danced to the sound of the organ. It was a joyous time for the Logan and Peters family. There would be another one to love in a few more months.
To Be Continued..............................
Sean was content to lie in his same position until Marita woke up. He snuggled closer to her, rubbed her stomach and waited until she stirred. An hour later, Marita began to move.
"Morning Ma" Sean whispered.
"Morning" she said, her voice sounding fatigue. "Shouldn't you be up and gone?"
"I wanted to wait until you woke up" he told her. "You sound tired."
"Some mornings, I'm fine, but other mornings I wake up exhausted no matter how early I go to sleep."
"You want me to go tell Pa you won't be up at the house today?"
"No. I'll get up in a minute" she said.
"You sure you feel up to it?" he asked and Marita could hear the worry in his voice.
Marita turned to face him and Sean saw that she had not even opened her eyes. She snuggled under his chin.
"I'm fine Sean" she said into his chest and in the next breath "I feel sick."
"What's the matter?!" he said with alarm.
"My stomach feels queasy. I usually lay here until it passes."
"Can I get you something to make you feel better?"
"No. I'll be OK in a minute."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
"Maybe you can ask your aunt if she has something she can give you."
"Um hum" Marita mumbled.
"Want me to read a scripture?"
"Um hum."
Sean reached over to the nightstand and grabbed his bible and read the last four books of Psalms. After he finished reading, Sean lead them in prayer, then held Marita and rubbed the side of her face until she felt better.
"I think I'm alright now" Marita said after about ten minutes, then slowly sat up.
"You sure" Sean said as he sat up next to her.
"Um hum."
"Do you feel sick every morning?" Sean asked as he got out of bed.
"I have been just in the last two weeks or so" Marita said as she threw her legs over the side of the bed.
"Is that normal?" he asked walking around to her side and looking down at her.
"I don't know."
"Maybe we need to get Doc Williams out here."
"Sean, we don't have to do that. I can ask Auntie if it's normal."
"When are you gonna ask her?"
"I'll ask her today" Marita looked up at his worried expression. "I promise."
"I'm still gonna ask Doc Williams to come see you."
"Alright" Marita said as she slowly stood up.
Sean grabbed her by the arm in case she felt lightheaded or queasy. Once they were both sure she could stand on her own, they washed up, got dressed, they headed down stairs.
"Do you want me to fix you some breakfast?" Marita asked.
"You don't have to. I'll ride with you to Pa's and get something there. Are you gonna eat something?"
"I'll just get some crackers to settle my stomach" she said as she walked to the kitchen. "I'll eat later."
"You sure you're OK?" Sean asked as he followed her.
"I'm fine Sean."
While Marita ate her crackers, Sean went outside to get his horse and Marita's carriage. When Marita stepped out on the porch, Sean was waiting for her. He lifted her up into the carriage and hopped up and they drove to Ned's.
"Hi Marita, hi Sean" Lexy said as they came up the steps to the house.
"Hi Lexy" they both said.
"What are you doing here Sean? Aren't you suppose to be working?"
"Do you mind if I bring my wife to work sometimes?" he laughed.
Lexy shrugged her shoulders. "No, I don't mind."
"THANK YOU!" he laughed again.
Sean and Marita walked into the house then into the study and Marita sat down at the desk. Sean had followed her behind the desk and leaned against it
"I want you to eat something."
"I will."
"I'll be back for lunch, then I need to go to the warehouse" Sean informed her.
"OK. Once I finish here, I'm going down to Auntie's. We've got a lot of orders to fill. We also got a few orders for the fertilizer."
"Good. We may have to see about building on to the warehouse and hiring some workers to help you."
"I think you're right. We are getting behind in filling the orders and we'll be able to do more in the extra space at the warehouse."
"Alright, I'll look into what it would cost us to add on to the warehouse" Sean said. "I'd better get out of here" he said as he leaned down to kiss Marita.
"OK, honey" she puckered up and kissed him. "Have a good day."
"I'll be here for lunch. Wait for me before you go to your Aunt's"
"OK"
"Bye in there" he said as he rubbed Marita's stomach then leaned down and kissed it.
Sean kissed Marita's forehead one last time before leaving.
****************
"Marita was crying" Lexy told Sean when he came in for lunch.
"What?" he said. "For what?"
"She ran out of ink and she just started crying" Lexy said, still perplexed.
"Because she ran out of ink?!" Sean could not believe it.
"Yeah" Lexy said. "I tried to tell her it was alright. I told her I would ask Clay to take me into town to get some if she wanted me to, but she just kept crying. I didn't know what to do."
"Is she still crying?"
"No. Alice found some ink and gave it to her."
"Where is she?" Sean asked.
"In your room. She said she was tired and wanted to take a nap. Is something wrong with Marita?" Lexy asked and Sean could see that she was worried.
"No peanut. She's OK" he tried to reassure her.
"Are you gonna have lunch?" Lexy asked.
"Yeah, but let me check on Marita first."
"OK"
Sean went upstairs and quietly opened the door to his old room. Marita was lying across the bed on her stomach. Sean walked over to her and leaned over her and kissed her cheek.
Marita stirred at his touch and slowly opened her eyes.
"Sean?" she said in a sleepy voice.
"It's me baby" he said quietly as he sat on the bed.
Marita stretched then pushed herself up and sat up. "It's lunch time already?"
"Yeah" he said. "What's wrong Marita?"
"Nothing" she wondered why he was asking her that.
"Lexy said you were crying."
"Sean, I was a little upset. That's all." She did not want him to worry or make a big deal out of what she thought was nothing.
"You got upset because you ran out of ink?!"
"I don't know why I started crying. I just couldn't seem to help it" she shrugged her shoulders.
Sean looked at her with a frown on his face. "Did you eat something?"
"Yes. I had some eggs and a biscuit and it didn't bother me."
"Are you gonna eat some lunch with me?"
"Yeah, I'll get a bite" she said as she stood up.
They went downstairs to the dining room and found Alice, Jeremy, Lexy and Clay having lunch.
"Where's Pa?" Sean asked as he walked over to the serving table to fix his plate.
"I think he's in the stables with Isaac" Clay answered.
After they fixed their plates, Sean and Marita sat down. Sean talked with Jeremy about his carriage business and Marita talked with Alice.
"Are you OK?" Alice asked.
"I'm fine" Marita smiled. "Really" she said when Alice gave her a doubting look.
"I saw some china that I think you might like" Alice said to Marita as the different conversations mingled and the room filled with pleasant discourse.
After lunch, Marita told Sean that she had a few more things to do before she left for Auntie's.
"I'll probably be down there late, since we have so many orders to fill."
"OK. If you're not home when I get there and it's dark, I'll come down and get you."
"Alright."
Sean said goodbye again to his wife and baby and headed to the warehouse. Once Marita finished her work for Ned, she went down to Aunt Eleanor's.
"Hi Auntie" Marita said when Auntie opened the door.
"Hey Mo."
"We've got a lot of orders to fill" she said as she walked into the house.
"I already started on 'em" Auntie said as she walked back to the table.
"Sean wants to add on to the warehouse so we can hire some workers to help us."
"Looks like we're gonna need the help."
Marita joined Auntie at the table and began helping fill the orders.
"Auntie, I'm gonna have a baby."
"WHAT you say?!"
"I'm gonna have a baby" Marita smiled.
"I shoulda figured! I kept dreaming about fish" Auntie laughed. "How far along are you?"
"Three months I think."
"Um. Three months. That's when you went back home, ain't it?"
"Yes" Marita blushed, thinking about the welcome home Sean gave her. The thought of that night and the next morning still gave her chills.
"Didn't I tell ya that boy would make it up to ya? And he done got a baby in the process!" Auntie laughed again. "I knew he had it in him! You told Isaac yet?"
"No. We're going to tell the family Sunday at dinner. I'd love for you to come."
"I wouldn't miss it."
"Good" Marita smiled. Auntie had been the only mother she knew. "Auntie, can I ask you something?"
"Sure baby."
"What are the signs of being pregnant? I mean, I'm tired a lot and today I started crying because I ran out of ink. Is that normal?" she asked.
"Baby, women have all different kinds of signs. Bein' tired and crying for nothin' are two of 'em. You feelin sick in the mornings?"
"Um hum"
"That's normal too. It may pass the further along you get or you may have it the whole time. Every woman seem to be different."
"Sean'll be relieved. He was worried this morning when I was feeling sick."
"Well, you need to try and eat to keep your strength up and keep that sick feeling off ya."
Marita and Auntie worked on their orders and talked about the baby and the signs of pregnancy. When they finished, it was dark outside and Marita help Auntie with her dinner while she waited for Sean.
"What was my Ma like when she was pregnant with me?" Marita asked Auntie.
"Your Ma cried for nothin up til 'bout her fourth month I think. Poor Isaac. I felt sorry for him" Auntie smiled, remembering her sister. "After that, she was OK til she got near her delivery. I really felt sorry for Isaac then. She was a terror! She had your Pa pullin his hair out and runnin around like a chicken wit it's head cut off!" Auntie laughed. "Isaac was ready to leave her. He begged me to take her off his hands."
Marita laughed as she listened to stories of how her mother behaved when she was pregnant. Marita was also saddened because she wished with all her heart that her mother could be with her now that she was going to have her own baby.
When the cornbread was ready to come out the oven, Sean knocked on the door. Auntie went to answer it.
"Well, well, well. I hear tell you got my Mo pregnant" Auntie grinned at Sean.
Sean laughed as he came into the house. "She told on me, huh?"
"She told, but she wasn't complainin'." Auntie laughed.
Sean looked at Marita with a gleam in his eye. He had counted back the months and guessed when she had gotten pregnant. He knew she did not have any complaints about that night or the next morning.
Marita read his mind and blushed. "Sean, Auntie invited us to stay for dinner if you want to."
"That's fine with me."
"She's going to come to Sunday dinner too" Marita told Sean.
"Good" Sean smiled as he walked over to the table. "You need me to help set the table."
"Nah. You're the guest so just sit down. You too Mo" Auntie instructed.
"I don't mind helping" Marita offered.
"I said sit down."
And that was the end of that. Auntie served Sean and Marita dinner. She had cooked beef stew and cornbread. The three enjoyed the stew and lively conversation.
"Sean, the next time this girl runs away from home, you'd better not let her stay gone. You shoulda went and dragged her from Isaac's that first night." Auntie scolded.
"Auntie!" Marita could not believe her aunt was telling Sean he should have dragged her home.
"I already scolded you. You didn't think I'd let him off the hook, did you?" she said to Marita, then turned back to Sean. "You hear me? She belongs with you now, not Isaac."
"Yes ma'am" Sean laughed. "I'll remember that. But I don't think I'll have to worry about her running away from home anymore" he grinned, then looked at Marita. "She promised me twice that she wouldn't leave me again."
Again, Marita blushed, knowing Sean was reliving in his mind the second time she made that promise to him.
"I guess I caint fuss to much though. When she finally did make her way back home looks like y'all had a good time and now I'm gonna be a great aunt. That is when y'all got this baby ain't it?" she looked at Marita, then at Sean.
Marita was a little embarrassed talking about intimacy with Aunt Eleanor, but Sean was not.
"Yeah Aunt Eleanor" he said with a huge smile on his face. "That's when we got this baby and we had a mighty good time gettin it" he leered at Marita. "Didn't we baby?"
Under Marita's beautiful brown skin she was turning red. She looked at Sean and told him with her eyes that she was going to kill him dead. He understood and laughed.
"What you shame for Mo?" Auntie asked, when Marita did not answer Sean. "Y'all married and ain't a thang wrong with having good relations. Count yourself blessed that you got a man who loves you and wants you to enjoy being in his bed."
"I want her to enjoy EVERY minute Auntie. I want her to enjoy it so much that she never wants to leave it."
"You're a blessed woman, Mo. A BLESSED woman!" Auntie said, shaking her head.
Marita was about ready to die of embarrassment. The first thing she would do when she got home was kill Sean. Then she would have her baby and live out the rest of her days until she met him in heaven.
The topic of conversation eventually turned to Auntie's Remedies, the name Marita came up with for her and Auntie's herbicide business. They discussed expanding the warehouse and looking for equipment they would need and hiring workers. Sean though that some of his workers may be interested in working for them during the winter months.
After dinner and dessert, Sean and Marita left and headed home.
"I can't believe you said those things in front of my aunt" Marita said as they rode home.
"WHAT! I didn't bring it up she did" Sean laughed. "Besides" he said as he bumped her leg with his "she's right - 'ain't a thang wrong with having good relations'".
Marita could not help but laugh at Sean quoting her aunt. And she admitted to herself that she too agreed with Auntie - ain't a thang wrong with it. Not one thang!
*************************
The family, including Aunt Eleanor, gathered around the Logan table to enjoy Sunday supper and one another. Conversation was lively. Sean, Jeremy and Ned were talking about Jeremy's carriage business and how it was progressing. Clay and Lexy were talking about Clay's next race and the new foals. Isaac and Aunt Eleanor were talking about her leaky roof she needed Isaac fix for her. Marita and Alice were talking about furniture Alice had seen in a book and showed to Marita, wondering if she would like it for her house.
"Vivian and I want to get married next month" Clay informed everyone when there was a lull in conversation.
"Will Vivian be able to put together a wedding in a month?" Alice asked.
"We're not having a big formal wedding. We want to get married here. Just something small with the family."
Everyone was surprised that Vivian had agreed to that.
"Does she need any help planning it?" Alice said.
"You have to ask her" Clay said, not really caring about the planning. He just wanted to marry her.
"Will you be moving into her house?" Jeremy asked.
"No. We're gonna move into Sean and Marita's cabin."
"Vivian's gonna live in a CABIN!" Lexy almost shouted.
"Lexy" Ned warned her.
"Yeah, Lexy. She is" Clay said. "I'm just as surprised as you are. At first, she didn't want to but she changed her mind."
"Well, congratulations son. We'll do whatever we can to help" Ned said.
"Thanks Pa."
Everyone said their congratulations and was happy for Clay and Vivian.
Marita was especially happy for Vivian. She and Vivian had begun to talk whenever they were both at the house. Vivian began to share more and more of herself with Marita and Marita began to see that Vivian was really a kind hearted person and would make a great friend. She smiled as she thought of her living in a cabin.
Sean wondered how in the world Clay convinced Vivian to have no engagement party, have a 'small' ceremony, and live in a cabin. Then he realized that Vivian must really love Clay if she was willing to give up all those 'high society' things. He was happy for his brother.
After questions and conversation died down about Clay and Vivian's upcoming wedding, Sean spoke.
"I guess it's a good time to make my announcement" Sean said with a smile and the family turned their eyes on him.
"What is it son?" Ned asked when Sean simply smiled at Marita.
"Marita is pregnant" he said as he continued to stare at Marita. "We're gonna have a baby" he turned and scanned the faces of the family.
"WHAT!" Alice said.
"We're gonna have a baby" Sean smiled proudly.
"OH! Marita" Alice said as she got up out of her seat and ran over to her. "I can't believe it!" she hugged her neck.
Marita laughed as she hugged Alice's arms.
"So, that's why you and Sean were so happy the other day" Lexy smiled. "A baby! That means I'm gonna be an aunt!"
"When did this happen? I mean when is the baby due?" Clay asked.
"It probably happened when Marita went back home" Lexy said, referring to their separation three months ago.
Everyone turned and looked at Lexy with surprise on their faces. They all wondered if she knew how babies were made. They were all afraid to ask her, so they simply did not respond to her remark. All except Jeremy.
"Do you know how babies are made Lexy?" he asked.
"Yeah" she said.
A looked of surprise crossed everyone's face as they continued to stare, open mouthed at Lexy.
"Who told you how babies are made?"
"Nobody told me. It's just like horse breeding Jeremy. The horse mounts the mare and then a year later a foal is born." Lexy said nonchalantly as she continued to eat. "I can put two and two together, you know."
There was a moment of silence before Aunt Eleanor began to chuckle.
"You surely can put two and two together Lexy."
Lexy smiled at Aunt Eleanor.
"Well" Ned said trying to change the focus of conversation, "This is surely good news. Isaac, I guess we're really getting old. We're about to be grandfathers" he laughed.
"I guess we are" Isaac said, looking at his baby girl. He could not believe she would be having her own baby.
Ned and Isaac knew this day would come. They were both concerned about their grandchild, a child of obvious mixed race. But for now they each decided to enjoy the good news.
"I think this calls for some music. Alice, honey, would you mind playing for us."
"Sure!" she hugged Marita again and headed for the great room.
One by one the family followed. Alice played while everyone hugged and kissed the mother-to-be and hugged and shook hands with the father-to-be.
"I can't believe it Marita" Isaac said as he held her by the arms. "You're going to have a baby" he said in such an awed voice. Tears formed as he pulled Marita into his arms. "I wish your mother was here" he said in her ear.
"Me too Pa Pa" Marita whispered back as she started to cry.
After several minutes of embracing, Marita and Isaac separated and smiled at one another. Ned hugged her next.
"Congratulations, Marita" he said as he squeezed her tight. "I know you're going to make a terrific mother."
"Thanks, Mr. Logan."
"Are you ever going to call me Ned? I mean, first you marry my son and now you are going to give me my first grandchild."
Marita just smiled like she always did whenever he asked her to call him 'Ned'.
"Congratulations, son" Isaac had turned to Sean and shook his hand.
"Thanks, Isaac"
Lexy, Clay and Jeremy all hugged and congratulated Marita and Sean as the family enjoyed the news of baby and danced to the sound of the organ. It was a joyous time for the Logan and Peters family. There would be another one to love in a few more months.
To Be Continued..............................
