Sean and Marita lay on the bed facing each other with Sean-Michael in between them. Sean had burped him and he had quickly fallen back to sleep. Sean then gently laid him in the center of the bed before getting up to undress and put on his pajama bottoms and climbing back in bed.
"I'm looking at him" Sean said as he rubbed the baby's leg. "But I still can't believe he's finally here."
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Marita smiled as she rubbed the other leg.
Both of them stared at their baby for the next few minutes before looking at one another. They smiled and held each other's gaze for long minutes as they said, without words, how much they loved each other. The loved they had for one another and their baby was almost tangible.
"You know I'm gonna have to spend the rest of my life thanking you for him" Sean said with a smile, breaking the silence.
"You'd better" Marita teased. "After all I went through to give him to you."
"I would have done anything to trade places with you" he said with great sincerity, thinking of her painful labor.
"I know you would honey. Maybe you can have our next baby" Marita said, causing them both to laughed. "But on second, thought" she said when they had quieted down. "I don't think men are strong enough to have babies."
They went back and forth about the strength of men vs. the strength of women. Marita expressed to Sean that men only think they are stronger but in reality women are much stronger. They continued to joke and talk until Marita drifted off the sleep. Sean stayed awake awhile just staring at Marita and Sean-Michael and thanking GOD for allowing them into his life. He promised GOD that he would strive everyday day to be a better husband and father. He would live to serve the LORD and serve his family. He would love them unconditionally, even into eternity. When his eyes got heavy, he got up and carried Sean-Michael over to his crib, which he had gone home and gotten.
After settling Sean-Michael down, Sean walked back over to the bed. He had to wake Marita to get her under the covers, then he got in bed, snuggled next to her and fell asleep.
At 3am, Marita woke to an insistent cry. As she slowly opened her eyes, she knew she was not at home. Where was she and who was that crying? Then Marita remembered. She was in Sean's old room and that was her baby crying. Her baby. She was still in awe of the fact that she and Sean had created a new life. She reached over to the nightstand and lit the lamp.
Sean lay on his stomach with his head turned toward Marita. He had a peaceful look on his face and Marita knew he would not be waking up anytime soon, no matter how loud the baby cried.
Marita threw the covers off, got out of bed and walked slowly over to baby crib. When Marita looked into the crib, Sean-Michael was lying on his stomach, squirming. Marita pulled the blanket off of him, gently turned him over, picked him up and snuggled him in her arms. Sean-Michael immediately quieted when he was nestled in his mother's arms.
"Hey there" Marita said quietly as she ran her finger down the baby's cheek. "Why are you making a fuss?" she smiled at him as she turned and walked back over to the bed. "Are you hungry?"
Sean-Michael stared at his mother with a serene look on his face. After Marita climbed back into bed, she unbuttoned her nightgown and positioned him to suckle but Sean-Michael kept his lips closed.
"So you're not hungry" she said as she held him slightly away from her breast and buttoned her nightgown. "And you don't need a new cloth" she said as she felt inside his wetcloth. "So what are you doing up in the middle of the night, huh?"
Sean-Michael continued to stare at his mother, then grinned at her as if he understood what she was saying.
"Are you laughing at mama?" Marita laughed when she saw his grin.
Sean-Michael continued to grin and mother and son continued to stare at each other. As Marita looked at her little creation she laughed as she thought about all the changes she had gone through in the last nine months and the fact that this tiny human being was the culprit. As she thought about all her bad moments and her painful labor, she looked into his little face and knew she would go through it all again just to hold him in her arms. After 10 minutes of gazing into each other's eyes, Marita spoke.
"As you can see Sean-Michael, your father is a dead sleeper. Nothing wakes him" she said as she turned to look at her zombie of a husband. "So don't expect to see him" she turned back to look at her son. "When you wake up in the middle of the night. But I want you to always remember that he loves you very much and you can always depend on him. He's going to be a wonderful father."
Marita spend the next few minutes expounding on Sean's good qualities before she started yawning. Sean-Michael was wide-awake and did not look like he was getting sleepy.
"Mama's getting sleepy again. What about you?"
Marita laughed as she looked at his expression and swore that it said "I'm not sleepy at all!"
"So, you're not sleepy, huh?" Marita smiled as she bent to kiss him on the nose.
Mother and son went back to staring at each other. Marita was captivated by Sean-Michael and Sean-Michael was captivated by Marita. The bond between them that had been created during the nine months Marita carried him seemed to grow even stronger as they gazed at each other in the quiet minutes they shared. Marita felt a well of thanksgiving spring up in her heart and she prayed to her LORD for her child.
"LORD, I want to thank you for Sean-Michael. He is already a source of joy for me. I know in whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that YOU are able to keep all that I commit to YOU. I commit him" Marita prayed as she looked at her son. "To YOU and trust that YOU will keep him. That YOU will lead him. That YOU will protect him. That YOU will prosper him. That YOU will satisfy him with long life.
"Thank you again, LORD, for every promise you have given me concerning him" Marita prayed as she ran her finger down Sean-Michael's cheek. "And I promise to teach him about YOU and your perfect way."
Then Marita began to sing to him.
"Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but He is strong. Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me. For the bible tells me so."
Marita continued singing and talking to Sean-Michael, telling him of the great love the LORD GOD had for him. Eventually, Sean-Michael drifted off to sleep and Marita put him back in his crib. When she made it back to bed, she fell asleep almost instantly.
********************
When Sean stirred, he knew he was not home. He opened his eyes to find Marita sleeping beside him. He may not be at home but he was with Marita and that was all the home he needed. He smiled as he watched her peaceful slumber. He thought she grew more beautiful as the years passed. And now she was the mother of his child and he saw another side of her that he instantly fell in love with. He recalled watching her holding and feeding their son and a feeling of pure love overwhelmed him as if he were watching her now being a nurturing mother to his son.
Sean then turned his eyes over to the crib that held his son. His son. He too was still in awe of the fact the he and Marita had created a new life. He said a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, then had his devotion before getting out of bed. He was surprised that Marita had not woken up yet because she had fallen asleep before he did the night before. He wondered if her labor had depleted all of her energy.
Sean walked quietly over to the crib and peeked inside. Sean-Michael was sound asleep and Sean was a little disappointed. He wanted to see Sean-Michael before he left but he would have to wait until he came home for lunch. He went over to the basin and left the room to get warm water. When he returned with a full basin, he washed his face and dressed. He kissed a still sleeping Marita on the cheek then walked over to his sleeping son and bent to kiss him goodbye. He left the bedroom and went downstairs to find the family at the breakfast table.
"Morning" he smiled at everyone as he walked over to the smorgasbord to prepared his plate.
"Morning Sean" everyone replied in the mist of their conversations.
"How's my grandson" Ned said proudly when Sean had sat down.
"He's still sleeping."
"Is Marita up?" Lexy asked.
"No, she's still sleep too."
"Did the baby keep her up?" Alice asked.
"No, she went to sleep before I did." Sean said, not realizing that Sean-Michael had woken up and kept Marita up for a couple of hours. "When she does wake up, would you mind taking her some breakfast? Aunt Eleanor said she wasn't allowed to get out of bed today."
"Sure" Alice said.
The family continued conversation until everyone was finished eating and ready to start their day. Clay and Vivian left first with Clay going to the track and Vivian going into town. She had come to an agreement with William that she would oversee the bank business if he gave her part ownership. William was in a bind and he had no choice but to agree.
As Sean left Ned's, Sean had a big smile on his face. The world was a beautiful place. He was married to his best friend, the woman of his dreams. He had struck out on his own and was establishing his own business empire. And now, he had a son. Life could not get any sweeter for him.
Another reason for Sean happiness today was that Sean-Michael's birth had coincided with the completion Sean's first supply of cigars. Sean had left the warehouse yesterday with the supply almost complete. He did not go back into town after Sean-Michael was born but stay near the house. Later in the evening, George Glover, his warehouse supervisor, had come by to let him know that they had completed the supply. Sean was ecstatic about the news and told George he would be back at the warehouse tomorrow. Now Sean had two reasons to celebrate with his workers - the birth of his son and the completion of their very first supply of cigars.
Jeremy left with Sean to go to the warehouse. He would on occasion help Sean whenever Sean was shorthanded in return for Sean and Marita investing in his carriage business. Sean and Jeremy mounted their horses and headed into town.
"How's your Ma doing?" Sean asked as they rode.
"I got a letter from her last week. She's doing much better. I've saved just enough to start building a house for her. When I'm done, I'm gonna send for her."
"That sounds good Jeremy."
"I was hoping she might be able to work for Marita. I know she likes flowers and stuff like that and I wanted her to have something to do once she gets here."
"I'm sure Marita would be glad to have her help. I'll mention it to her."
"OK, thanks."
When they made it to the warehouse, Sean entered with a smile.
"Well, everyone" he said to his workers. "Today is a day to celebrate. My son was born yesterday!" he said excitedly.
The workers said their congratulations.
"And I want to thank each of you for all the hard work you have done and for completing our very first supply of cigars! And to celebrate my son's birth, I'd like to give each of you a cigar" he said as he walked over to a crate and pried it open. "And" he said, on the spur of the moment, as he reached in to take the first cigar. "You all can have the rest of the day off. Go home, be with your families, enjoy the day" he said as he started passing out the cigars.
His workers thanked him as they shook his hand and filed out of the warehouse for a day off.
"What are you gonna do the rest of the day?" he asked Jeremy when the warehouse was deserted.
"I may go see Kate."
Sean smiled. Jeremy had met Kate O'Hara a year ago and they seemed to be getting more serious.
"Alright, then. I'm going by the Jockey Club, then going back home."
"OK, I'll see you later" Jeremy said as he left.
Sean found a paper sack and stuffed it with cigars. He planned on passing them out to the members of the Jockey Club to let them taste his sweet cigars and hopefully gain some customers in the process. When he walked out of the warehouse, Sean was still on an emotional high from the birth of his son. His smile was bright and his 'hello' was extra cheerful. He was so ecstatic that he started handing out cigars to everyone he passed on the street and saying, "It's a boy!"
Most of the townspeople knew who he was and said a genuine 'congratulations'. There were a few who accepted the cigars and smiled a counterfeit smile. As soon as Sean walked away, they threw the cigars away in disgust at the fact that he could be SO happy about having a child with a colored woman.
Sean's happiness was untouchable by anyone on this day. Even if he had seen them throwing his cigars away, he would not have cared. When he finally made it to the Jockey Club, he had given away 1/2 his cigars. It did not take Sean long to pass out a cigar to every one in the club, including the butlers. The men lit up and were pleasantly surprised at the superior taste of Sean's cigars. Sean mingled for another hour, getting several orders from the members.
When Sean left the Club, he stopped by the warehouse to jot down the orders he had gotten, then he headed home.
*********************
As the minutes passed, Lexy became anxious to visit Marita and Sean-Michael. It was after 9:00 and Marita was not a late sleeper. Lexy decided to go upstairs to check and see if she was awake but just lying in bed. She knocked lightly on the door but did not get an answer. Lexy quietly opened the door and stuck her head inside. Marita was still sleeping but Lexy was eager to see Sean-Michael so she tiptoed inside and over to the crib. Lexy peeked inside to see Sean-Michael sucking on his fist. His eyes were closed but he was squirming around trying to wake up. Lexy stood watching him until he finally opened his little eyes.
"Morning Sean-Michael" she whispered as she touched his cheek.
Sean-Michael started whimpering and Lexy quickly drew back her hand.
"Shh" she said, thinking she had done something to make him cry.
Sean-Michael's whimpering began to grow in volume.
"Don't cry" Lexy said, not knowing what to do. She was afraid to pick him up because Marita had not shown her how to hold him yet. "What's the matter?"
"He's probably hungry" Marita said from the bed.
Lexy turned to see Marita getting out of bed.
"Oh" Lexy said, relieved. "I thought I did something to make him cry."
Marita laughed as she made her way over to the crib. She picked up her son, who stopped crying the moment he was in his mother's arms, and walked back over to the bed. Lexy followed and sat next to Marita.
"He's so little" Lexy observed.
Marita laughed as she thought about her labor. He did not feel little when he was coming into the world.
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in" Marita called.
"Hi Marita" Alice said as she came into the room.
"Good morning Alice."
"Sean 'instructed' me to check on you and bring you breakfast. Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, I'm starving, but I'm gonna feed Sean-Michael first."
"OK. Come on Lexy" Alice said. "Let's go and let Marita feed Sean-Michael, then we'll come back with her breakfast."
Alice and Lexy left Marita and when they returned with her breakfast, she was burping Sean-Michael.
"Lexy are you ready to learn how to hold Sean-Michael?" Marita asked when she was finished burping him.
"Yeah" she said with excitement as she hurried over to the bed and sat next to Marita.
"OK" Marita said. "You have to support his head and neck" she said, showing Lexy how to do that with her hand as she took him off her shoulder.
"OK" Lexy said as she looked at the baby with an awed smiled on her face. She got her arms in a cradle position, ready to receive Sean-Michael.
Marita stood up and walked to stand in front of Lexy and gently placed the baby in her arms.
"Ah!" Lexy sighed as she held her first baby.
Marita smiled as she sat back down on the bed. Alice had brought the tray to the opposite side of the bed and set it down in the middle of the bed before walking over to Lexy and sitting next to her. Marita climbed back in bed and pulled the tray over her legs and began to eat as the aunts admired their first nephew.
"How's Jeffery?" Marita asked Alice as she ate.
Alice looked up from her nephew with a smile on her face.
"He's going to ask Pa for my hand" she said excitingly.
"What!"
Alice nodded her head.
"When did this happen?! When did he ask you?"
"Day before yesterday."
"When is he gonna ask your Pa?"
"I told him he should take advantage of Sean-Michael being born and ask as soon as possible, since Pa is so happy."
Marita laughed. Dr. Jeffery Fawnsworth had come back to Lexington a year and a half ago and immediately started calling on Alice. They had been courting ever since and this time Lexy was happy for Alice. Dr. Fawnsworth was not the man she wanted to marry. He was not her type.
"Well, I'm sure your Pa will say 'yes'. He seems to like Jeffery."
"I know, but I'm still nervous."
"I really don't think you have anything to worry about."
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in" Marita called.
The door opened and Ned stuck his head inside. "Good morning. I came to see my grandson."
"Come on in, Mr. Logan."
Ned smiled as he walked over to the bed where Lexy was holding Sean-Michael.
He beamed as he looked on with pride at his first grandchild. He longed for Libby at that moment. He wished he could share their first grandchild with her. And he knew just what Libby would have said. 'He's looks just like Sean did'. Ned smiled, thinking Sean-Michael looked like a wrinkled up little thing.
"Well, hello there" Ned said as he sat next to Lexy. "Are you going to let grandpa hold you?"
"I just got him Pa!" Lexy said, then held Sean-Michael a little closer.
"Well, Marita, it looks like you won't have to look far for a babysitter" Ned laughed.
"I think you're right" Marita looked at Lexy, who had not taken her eyes off Sean-Michael since he was placed in her arms.
"Alice, honey, Jeffery is downstairs" Ned said as he continued looking at the baby.
Alice looked at Marita and smiled. 'I hope he's come to ask', she said with her smiling eyes. Marita smiled back, understanding what Alice had just said.
"I'll talk to you later, Marita" Alice said as she got up off the bed and hurried to the door.
"Well, Sean-Michael, grandpa's got to get back to work. Maybe when you're Aunt Lexy isn't around, I'll get a chance to hold you."
"Pa!" Lexy wined. "You can hold him" she insisted. "Later."
Ned and Marita laughed.
"Alright Lexy!" Ned said in an exaggerated voice. "Marita, Isaac said he would be by to see you later this afternoon" he said as he got up off the bed.
"OK"
"I'll see you ladies later."
"Bye Pa" Lexy said.
After Ned left, Marita spoke to Lexy.
"Lexy, you don't have to hold him. You can put him down on the bed if you want to."
"Oh, I don't mind" Lexy said. "He's going back to sleep" she said as his eyes started drooping.
Lexy held Sean-Michael for another 10 minutes after he had fallen to sleep before she decided to put him in his crib. Marita walked over to the crib with her and watched as she carefully laid him down. Lexy was a natural at handling Sean-Michael.
"I'll take your tray down if you want me too" Lexy said as they walked back over to the bed.
"Thanks Lexy. Could you bring me my books? They're in the study on your Pa's desk."
"OK" Lexy said, then left.
It was near noon when Aunt Eleanor made her way to the Sean's old bedroom. She found Marita sitting up in bed doing her books.
"Hi Auntie" Marita smiled when Aunt Eleanor opened the door.
"Hey baby. How you feeling?" she said as she peeked in on Sean-Michael.
"OK. I'm just a little tired."
"Have you eaten?" Auntie asked as she walked over to the bed.
"Yes"
"I don't want you skipping any meals. You need to build your strength back up. And you need to get plenty of rest."
Marita had not known a day of hard labor in all her life and Aunt Eleanor knew she was not as rugged as some of the other women she had been around whom had babies. Aunt Eleanor would hover and make sure Marita did not try to do too much too soon. When Auntie informed Marita that she needed to stay inside for at least 4 weeks, Marita thought Auntie had lost her mind.
"I can't stay here 4 weeks!"
"Yes you can."
"Auntie, I want to go home!"
"You will. In 4 weeks."
"Auntie!" Marita whined, then rolled her eyes.
"Mo, you can roll yo eyes all you want. I said 4 weeks and that's the end of that."
"I'm gonna go CRAZY!" she murmured.
"No you won't. You'll be just fine. Have Sean bring you some of those romance books you like to read. And I'll bring you all the orders we got in the last week so you can enter 'em in the books. You'll have plenty to keep you busy."
"Can't I do this at home?"
"You don't need to be going outside yet. Your pours are open and it'll be too easy for you to catch something. You don't need to be sick with a new baby."
Marita sat back with a huff, crossing her arms over her chest and frowning.
"Yo frowns don't move me, chile. They may work on your Pa and that husband of yours but you wastin' 'em on me" Aunt Eleanor informed her.
Just then there was a knock at the door and Isaac entered.
"Hey baby girl. How you feeling" he said as he walked over to give her a kiss on the forehead.
"She's mad cause she got to stay inside for 4 weeks" Auntie said before Marita could answer.
"I'm fine Pa Pa" she pouted.
"Listen to El baby girl. She knows what's best for you" he said after he kissed her then turned to walk over to the crib. After peeking in on his grandson, Isaac turned back to Marita. "I've got to get to the stables. I'll come back later this evening."
"OK Pa Pa" Marita said as Isaac opened the door and left.
Marita and Aunt Eleanor were discussing their business when Sean-Michael started crying. Aunt Eleanor got up to get him and brought him over to Marita. She reached out for him and brought him to her breast. He continued to fuss until Marita opened her gown and gave him her nipple. He suckled hungrily as mother and great aunt looked on. After he finished, Marita burped him. When she settled him in the cradle of her arms, Sean walked in the door.
"Hey" he smiled.
"Hey" Marita smiled back.
"Hey Aunt Eleanor"
"How you doin' Pa Pa" she smiled.
"Couldn't be better" he smiled back as he walked over to the bed and sat next to Marita. "Hey" he said to Sean-Michael, then touched his balled fist with his forefinger.
"Alright, Mo, Auntie'll be back tomorrow to check on you" she said as she walked to the door. "Sean, she can't go outside for the next 4 weeks, you hear?"
"Yes ma'am" Sean said, not looking up from the baby.
"Bye Auntie" Marita said in a sulking voice because her aunt had not forgotten the imprisonment she was imposing on Marita.
Auntie waved goodbye and left the new family alone.
"We finished our first supply of cigars and I got some orders already" Sean informed Marita while he continued to stare into eyes that matched his.
"Already?" Marita was surprised.
"Um hum. I handed some out at the Jockey Club and some of the members put in orders."
They continued to talk about their businesses for the next few minutes, then Sean went downstairs to get lunch for them. When he returned, Marita lay Sean-Michael on the bed while they ate. When they finished, Sean put the tray on the floor and picked up Sean-Michael, who was still awake.
"You feel like you need a new cloth" Sean said as he held Sean-Michael's bottom.
"They're over on the dresser" Marita said as she reached out for Sean-Michael.
Sean handed him to her and got up to get a new cloth. Marita changed him and handed him back to Sean. Marita and Sean-Michael both fell asleep on Sean after awhile, so he left them and went to find Clay. Sean found him in the stables tending to the horses.
"You been to see my son yet?" the proud Pa Pa asked.
"No" Clay laughed. "Viv and I will probably stop by to see him when she gets back from town. How's Marita doing?"
"She's fine. She's sleep now."
"How's your head?" Clay said, then burst out laughing.
"My head is fine" Sean said, then grinned.
"I still can't believe you fainted!" Clay said, still laughing.
"Yeah, well I just hope I'm around when you have your first. Then we'll see who'll be laughing."
The brothers stayed in the stables laughing and talking and cleaning the stables until mid afternoon when Vivian arrived. She tooted up her nose at the stench of the horse manure and told Clay that she was going inside to see Marita and the baby and asked him to bath before he came inside. Clay laughed at her and grabbed her by the waist, causing her to scream with horror that he was getting his stink on her. Clay continued to laugh as he gave her a wet kiss on the cheek. When he let her go, he grinned at her, winked his eye and said 'yes ma'am' to her command to bath before coming inside.
Sean watched the two with amusement and was happy for his brother. It looked as if Clay was as lucky as Sean was. He was deeply and passionately in love with his wife.
Vivian and Marita visited for an hour as Vivian told Marita of her numerous attempts at cooking. Vivian told Marita that she did not think she would ever be able to cook a meal. Marita simply encouraged her and told her that if she continued to try, she would eventually succeed.
Lexy had come in during their visit to check on Sean-Michael and decided he needed his Aunt when he started whimpering. Marita watched as Lexy carefully lifted him out of the crib. He stopped whimpering when Lexy held him and Marita guessed he was not hungry yet. Lexy sat in the rocking chair Ned had brought in earlier while Marita and Vivian continued their visit. When Vivian got up to leave, Lexy was still rocking Sean-Michael, who was beginning to get fussy because he was now hungry. Marita fed him, burped him and gave him back to Lexy. Sean came in just as Sean-Michael fell asleep in Lexy's arms.
"Shh!" Lexy whispered loudly at Sean. "Sean-Michael just fell asleep."
Sean laughed to himself as he saw his little sister being a mother hen to his son.
"Sorry" Sean whispered back, then looked over to Marita. He then realized that he had not kissed her sweet lips today. He decided to remedy that right away. He tiptoed over to the bed, sat down and leaned into Marita. "I haven't gotten a kiss today."
"Really?"
Sean nodded his head. "And that's not good."
Marita leaned close to him and gave him a peck on the lips.
"What was that?" Sean asked.
"A kiss."
"No it wasn't"
"Sean don't start" Marita said, recognizing he wanted a deep kiss. "Your sister" she said in a hushed tone.
"Lexy isn't paying any attention to us. She's too busy keeping guard over the baby" he said as he moved in to take her lips.
Sean opened her lips with his and plunged his tongue into her mouth. He swept through her mouth, tasting its sweetness. As the kiss deepened, he pressed into her as he pulled her closer. Marita pulled away, remembering that Lexy was in the room, but Sean pulled her back and would not release her from the kiss.
A knock at the door brought Sean back. He loosened his grip on Marita as he wished they were at home, where they would not get interrupted.
"Come in" Marita called out as she wiped the moisture of the kiss from her lips.
Alice came in, almost running toward the bed.
"Marita!" she exclaimed.
"SHH!! Alice! Sean-Michael is asleep!" Lexy whispered.
"Marita!" she said in a lower, but just as excited voice. "Marita! Marita! Marita!" she had made it to the bed. "He said 'yes'" she gleamed with joy.
Marita's mouth dropped into an oval shape as her excitement for Alice surfaced. "I knew he would say 'yes'!" Marita exclaimed as Alice bent down to hug her.
"Who said 'yes'?" Sean asked but was ignored by the women.
"Sean, let me sit down" Alice said as she practically sat on his lap. "OH! Marita I'm SO excited and happy!"
"Alice, this is wonderful. Have you set a date?"
"Not yet."
"Who said 'yes'?" Sean asked again.
"Pa said 'yes' to Dr. Fawnsworth" Lexy told him as they carried on their conversation while Marita and Alice carried on theirs.
"For what?" Sean was perplexed. He did not know how serious Alice and Jeffery were.
"He asked if he could marry Alice"
When Sean was able to enter their conversation, he asked "Are you sure Alice?"
"Sure about what?" she turned toward him.
"That Jeffery is who you want to marry?"
Sean was being a protective older brother now and wanted to be assured that Alice was sure.
"Of course I'm sure Sean" she said then turned back to Marita. "Marita, are you coming down for dinner? Jeffery is coming."
"No" Sean answered. "Aunt Eleanor said she had to stay in bed today."
"OK. Well I'd better go see about dinner and change" Alice said as she got up. "I'll talk to you later Marita" she said as she opened the door and left.
Shortly after Alice left, Lexy put Sean-Michael in his crib and left. Sean then questioned Marita about Jeffery Fawnsworth. He had only met him in passing and never got to know him. Marita told him that Dr. Fawnsworth was a nice gentlemen and that Alice seemed to be in love. Sean grunted at Alice 'being in love'. He remembered the last time she thought she was in love. Marita told him that she was a grown woman now and she was not that 18 year old who was infatuated with Tom Stanton. Sean still had his doubts and would be sure to get to know Dr. Fawnsworth better.
After they finished discussing Alice and Dr. Fawnsworth, Sean told Marita about Jeremy wanting to know if his mother might be able to work for her. Marita was happy that Jeremy was making provisions for his mother and told Sean that she would definitely have work for her. They continued to talk until a knock came at the door.
"Come in" Sean called out.
"Alice sent me to tell you that dinner was ready" Clay said as he walked inside the room.
"Alright. I'll go get us a tray" Sean told Marita before he got off the bed.
Clay had walked over to peek in on Sean-Michael.
"He's still sleep, huh?"
"Yeah" Marita said. "Lexy put him to sleep about an hour ago."
"That's all Lexy seemed to do when she was a baby. Eat and sleep" he laughed, remembering his sister being the size of Sean-Michael.
"She did, didn't she" Marita laughed.
Clay looked at his nephew for a few more seconds before telling Marita goodnight and leaving for the dinner table. Sean returned with a tray full of food and he and Marita had a pleasant dinner. After they finished, Sean took the tray back downstairs. When he came back, he changed into his pajama bottoms and he and Marita snuggled together on the bed. They talked and teased each other until Sean-Michael woke for his feeding. After Marita fed him, Sean burped him and they admired their baby until he fell asleep. Marita fell asleep about an hour after Sean-Michael did and Sean read until his eyes started drooping. He then put his book on the nightstand and snuggled up next to Marita and fell asleep.
To Be Continued...............
"I'm looking at him" Sean said as he rubbed the baby's leg. "But I still can't believe he's finally here."
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Marita smiled as she rubbed the other leg.
Both of them stared at their baby for the next few minutes before looking at one another. They smiled and held each other's gaze for long minutes as they said, without words, how much they loved each other. The loved they had for one another and their baby was almost tangible.
"You know I'm gonna have to spend the rest of my life thanking you for him" Sean said with a smile, breaking the silence.
"You'd better" Marita teased. "After all I went through to give him to you."
"I would have done anything to trade places with you" he said with great sincerity, thinking of her painful labor.
"I know you would honey. Maybe you can have our next baby" Marita said, causing them both to laughed. "But on second, thought" she said when they had quieted down. "I don't think men are strong enough to have babies."
They went back and forth about the strength of men vs. the strength of women. Marita expressed to Sean that men only think they are stronger but in reality women are much stronger. They continued to joke and talk until Marita drifted off the sleep. Sean stayed awake awhile just staring at Marita and Sean-Michael and thanking GOD for allowing them into his life. He promised GOD that he would strive everyday day to be a better husband and father. He would live to serve the LORD and serve his family. He would love them unconditionally, even into eternity. When his eyes got heavy, he got up and carried Sean-Michael over to his crib, which he had gone home and gotten.
After settling Sean-Michael down, Sean walked back over to the bed. He had to wake Marita to get her under the covers, then he got in bed, snuggled next to her and fell asleep.
At 3am, Marita woke to an insistent cry. As she slowly opened her eyes, she knew she was not at home. Where was she and who was that crying? Then Marita remembered. She was in Sean's old room and that was her baby crying. Her baby. She was still in awe of the fact that she and Sean had created a new life. She reached over to the nightstand and lit the lamp.
Sean lay on his stomach with his head turned toward Marita. He had a peaceful look on his face and Marita knew he would not be waking up anytime soon, no matter how loud the baby cried.
Marita threw the covers off, got out of bed and walked slowly over to baby crib. When Marita looked into the crib, Sean-Michael was lying on his stomach, squirming. Marita pulled the blanket off of him, gently turned him over, picked him up and snuggled him in her arms. Sean-Michael immediately quieted when he was nestled in his mother's arms.
"Hey there" Marita said quietly as she ran her finger down the baby's cheek. "Why are you making a fuss?" she smiled at him as she turned and walked back over to the bed. "Are you hungry?"
Sean-Michael stared at his mother with a serene look on his face. After Marita climbed back into bed, she unbuttoned her nightgown and positioned him to suckle but Sean-Michael kept his lips closed.
"So you're not hungry" she said as she held him slightly away from her breast and buttoned her nightgown. "And you don't need a new cloth" she said as she felt inside his wetcloth. "So what are you doing up in the middle of the night, huh?"
Sean-Michael continued to stare at his mother, then grinned at her as if he understood what she was saying.
"Are you laughing at mama?" Marita laughed when she saw his grin.
Sean-Michael continued to grin and mother and son continued to stare at each other. As Marita looked at her little creation she laughed as she thought about all the changes she had gone through in the last nine months and the fact that this tiny human being was the culprit. As she thought about all her bad moments and her painful labor, she looked into his little face and knew she would go through it all again just to hold him in her arms. After 10 minutes of gazing into each other's eyes, Marita spoke.
"As you can see Sean-Michael, your father is a dead sleeper. Nothing wakes him" she said as she turned to look at her zombie of a husband. "So don't expect to see him" she turned back to look at her son. "When you wake up in the middle of the night. But I want you to always remember that he loves you very much and you can always depend on him. He's going to be a wonderful father."
Marita spend the next few minutes expounding on Sean's good qualities before she started yawning. Sean-Michael was wide-awake and did not look like he was getting sleepy.
"Mama's getting sleepy again. What about you?"
Marita laughed as she looked at his expression and swore that it said "I'm not sleepy at all!"
"So, you're not sleepy, huh?" Marita smiled as she bent to kiss him on the nose.
Mother and son went back to staring at each other. Marita was captivated by Sean-Michael and Sean-Michael was captivated by Marita. The bond between them that had been created during the nine months Marita carried him seemed to grow even stronger as they gazed at each other in the quiet minutes they shared. Marita felt a well of thanksgiving spring up in her heart and she prayed to her LORD for her child.
"LORD, I want to thank you for Sean-Michael. He is already a source of joy for me. I know in whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that YOU are able to keep all that I commit to YOU. I commit him" Marita prayed as she looked at her son. "To YOU and trust that YOU will keep him. That YOU will lead him. That YOU will protect him. That YOU will prosper him. That YOU will satisfy him with long life.
"Thank you again, LORD, for every promise you have given me concerning him" Marita prayed as she ran her finger down Sean-Michael's cheek. "And I promise to teach him about YOU and your perfect way."
Then Marita began to sing to him.
"Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but He is strong. Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me. For the bible tells me so."
Marita continued singing and talking to Sean-Michael, telling him of the great love the LORD GOD had for him. Eventually, Sean-Michael drifted off to sleep and Marita put him back in his crib. When she made it back to bed, she fell asleep almost instantly.
********************
When Sean stirred, he knew he was not home. He opened his eyes to find Marita sleeping beside him. He may not be at home but he was with Marita and that was all the home he needed. He smiled as he watched her peaceful slumber. He thought she grew more beautiful as the years passed. And now she was the mother of his child and he saw another side of her that he instantly fell in love with. He recalled watching her holding and feeding their son and a feeling of pure love overwhelmed him as if he were watching her now being a nurturing mother to his son.
Sean then turned his eyes over to the crib that held his son. His son. He too was still in awe of the fact the he and Marita had created a new life. He said a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, then had his devotion before getting out of bed. He was surprised that Marita had not woken up yet because she had fallen asleep before he did the night before. He wondered if her labor had depleted all of her energy.
Sean walked quietly over to the crib and peeked inside. Sean-Michael was sound asleep and Sean was a little disappointed. He wanted to see Sean-Michael before he left but he would have to wait until he came home for lunch. He went over to the basin and left the room to get warm water. When he returned with a full basin, he washed his face and dressed. He kissed a still sleeping Marita on the cheek then walked over to his sleeping son and bent to kiss him goodbye. He left the bedroom and went downstairs to find the family at the breakfast table.
"Morning" he smiled at everyone as he walked over to the smorgasbord to prepared his plate.
"Morning Sean" everyone replied in the mist of their conversations.
"How's my grandson" Ned said proudly when Sean had sat down.
"He's still sleeping."
"Is Marita up?" Lexy asked.
"No, she's still sleep too."
"Did the baby keep her up?" Alice asked.
"No, she went to sleep before I did." Sean said, not realizing that Sean-Michael had woken up and kept Marita up for a couple of hours. "When she does wake up, would you mind taking her some breakfast? Aunt Eleanor said she wasn't allowed to get out of bed today."
"Sure" Alice said.
The family continued conversation until everyone was finished eating and ready to start their day. Clay and Vivian left first with Clay going to the track and Vivian going into town. She had come to an agreement with William that she would oversee the bank business if he gave her part ownership. William was in a bind and he had no choice but to agree.
As Sean left Ned's, Sean had a big smile on his face. The world was a beautiful place. He was married to his best friend, the woman of his dreams. He had struck out on his own and was establishing his own business empire. And now, he had a son. Life could not get any sweeter for him.
Another reason for Sean happiness today was that Sean-Michael's birth had coincided with the completion Sean's first supply of cigars. Sean had left the warehouse yesterday with the supply almost complete. He did not go back into town after Sean-Michael was born but stay near the house. Later in the evening, George Glover, his warehouse supervisor, had come by to let him know that they had completed the supply. Sean was ecstatic about the news and told George he would be back at the warehouse tomorrow. Now Sean had two reasons to celebrate with his workers - the birth of his son and the completion of their very first supply of cigars.
Jeremy left with Sean to go to the warehouse. He would on occasion help Sean whenever Sean was shorthanded in return for Sean and Marita investing in his carriage business. Sean and Jeremy mounted their horses and headed into town.
"How's your Ma doing?" Sean asked as they rode.
"I got a letter from her last week. She's doing much better. I've saved just enough to start building a house for her. When I'm done, I'm gonna send for her."
"That sounds good Jeremy."
"I was hoping she might be able to work for Marita. I know she likes flowers and stuff like that and I wanted her to have something to do once she gets here."
"I'm sure Marita would be glad to have her help. I'll mention it to her."
"OK, thanks."
When they made it to the warehouse, Sean entered with a smile.
"Well, everyone" he said to his workers. "Today is a day to celebrate. My son was born yesterday!" he said excitedly.
The workers said their congratulations.
"And I want to thank each of you for all the hard work you have done and for completing our very first supply of cigars! And to celebrate my son's birth, I'd like to give each of you a cigar" he said as he walked over to a crate and pried it open. "And" he said, on the spur of the moment, as he reached in to take the first cigar. "You all can have the rest of the day off. Go home, be with your families, enjoy the day" he said as he started passing out the cigars.
His workers thanked him as they shook his hand and filed out of the warehouse for a day off.
"What are you gonna do the rest of the day?" he asked Jeremy when the warehouse was deserted.
"I may go see Kate."
Sean smiled. Jeremy had met Kate O'Hara a year ago and they seemed to be getting more serious.
"Alright, then. I'm going by the Jockey Club, then going back home."
"OK, I'll see you later" Jeremy said as he left.
Sean found a paper sack and stuffed it with cigars. He planned on passing them out to the members of the Jockey Club to let them taste his sweet cigars and hopefully gain some customers in the process. When he walked out of the warehouse, Sean was still on an emotional high from the birth of his son. His smile was bright and his 'hello' was extra cheerful. He was so ecstatic that he started handing out cigars to everyone he passed on the street and saying, "It's a boy!"
Most of the townspeople knew who he was and said a genuine 'congratulations'. There were a few who accepted the cigars and smiled a counterfeit smile. As soon as Sean walked away, they threw the cigars away in disgust at the fact that he could be SO happy about having a child with a colored woman.
Sean's happiness was untouchable by anyone on this day. Even if he had seen them throwing his cigars away, he would not have cared. When he finally made it to the Jockey Club, he had given away 1/2 his cigars. It did not take Sean long to pass out a cigar to every one in the club, including the butlers. The men lit up and were pleasantly surprised at the superior taste of Sean's cigars. Sean mingled for another hour, getting several orders from the members.
When Sean left the Club, he stopped by the warehouse to jot down the orders he had gotten, then he headed home.
*********************
As the minutes passed, Lexy became anxious to visit Marita and Sean-Michael. It was after 9:00 and Marita was not a late sleeper. Lexy decided to go upstairs to check and see if she was awake but just lying in bed. She knocked lightly on the door but did not get an answer. Lexy quietly opened the door and stuck her head inside. Marita was still sleeping but Lexy was eager to see Sean-Michael so she tiptoed inside and over to the crib. Lexy peeked inside to see Sean-Michael sucking on his fist. His eyes were closed but he was squirming around trying to wake up. Lexy stood watching him until he finally opened his little eyes.
"Morning Sean-Michael" she whispered as she touched his cheek.
Sean-Michael started whimpering and Lexy quickly drew back her hand.
"Shh" she said, thinking she had done something to make him cry.
Sean-Michael's whimpering began to grow in volume.
"Don't cry" Lexy said, not knowing what to do. She was afraid to pick him up because Marita had not shown her how to hold him yet. "What's the matter?"
"He's probably hungry" Marita said from the bed.
Lexy turned to see Marita getting out of bed.
"Oh" Lexy said, relieved. "I thought I did something to make him cry."
Marita laughed as she made her way over to the crib. She picked up her son, who stopped crying the moment he was in his mother's arms, and walked back over to the bed. Lexy followed and sat next to Marita.
"He's so little" Lexy observed.
Marita laughed as she thought about her labor. He did not feel little when he was coming into the world.
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in" Marita called.
"Hi Marita" Alice said as she came into the room.
"Good morning Alice."
"Sean 'instructed' me to check on you and bring you breakfast. Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, I'm starving, but I'm gonna feed Sean-Michael first."
"OK. Come on Lexy" Alice said. "Let's go and let Marita feed Sean-Michael, then we'll come back with her breakfast."
Alice and Lexy left Marita and when they returned with her breakfast, she was burping Sean-Michael.
"Lexy are you ready to learn how to hold Sean-Michael?" Marita asked when she was finished burping him.
"Yeah" she said with excitement as she hurried over to the bed and sat next to Marita.
"OK" Marita said. "You have to support his head and neck" she said, showing Lexy how to do that with her hand as she took him off her shoulder.
"OK" Lexy said as she looked at the baby with an awed smiled on her face. She got her arms in a cradle position, ready to receive Sean-Michael.
Marita stood up and walked to stand in front of Lexy and gently placed the baby in her arms.
"Ah!" Lexy sighed as she held her first baby.
Marita smiled as she sat back down on the bed. Alice had brought the tray to the opposite side of the bed and set it down in the middle of the bed before walking over to Lexy and sitting next to her. Marita climbed back in bed and pulled the tray over her legs and began to eat as the aunts admired their first nephew.
"How's Jeffery?" Marita asked Alice as she ate.
Alice looked up from her nephew with a smile on her face.
"He's going to ask Pa for my hand" she said excitingly.
"What!"
Alice nodded her head.
"When did this happen?! When did he ask you?"
"Day before yesterday."
"When is he gonna ask your Pa?"
"I told him he should take advantage of Sean-Michael being born and ask as soon as possible, since Pa is so happy."
Marita laughed. Dr. Jeffery Fawnsworth had come back to Lexington a year and a half ago and immediately started calling on Alice. They had been courting ever since and this time Lexy was happy for Alice. Dr. Fawnsworth was not the man she wanted to marry. He was not her type.
"Well, I'm sure your Pa will say 'yes'. He seems to like Jeffery."
"I know, but I'm still nervous."
"I really don't think you have anything to worry about."
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in" Marita called.
The door opened and Ned stuck his head inside. "Good morning. I came to see my grandson."
"Come on in, Mr. Logan."
Ned smiled as he walked over to the bed where Lexy was holding Sean-Michael.
He beamed as he looked on with pride at his first grandchild. He longed for Libby at that moment. He wished he could share their first grandchild with her. And he knew just what Libby would have said. 'He's looks just like Sean did'. Ned smiled, thinking Sean-Michael looked like a wrinkled up little thing.
"Well, hello there" Ned said as he sat next to Lexy. "Are you going to let grandpa hold you?"
"I just got him Pa!" Lexy said, then held Sean-Michael a little closer.
"Well, Marita, it looks like you won't have to look far for a babysitter" Ned laughed.
"I think you're right" Marita looked at Lexy, who had not taken her eyes off Sean-Michael since he was placed in her arms.
"Alice, honey, Jeffery is downstairs" Ned said as he continued looking at the baby.
Alice looked at Marita and smiled. 'I hope he's come to ask', she said with her smiling eyes. Marita smiled back, understanding what Alice had just said.
"I'll talk to you later, Marita" Alice said as she got up off the bed and hurried to the door.
"Well, Sean-Michael, grandpa's got to get back to work. Maybe when you're Aunt Lexy isn't around, I'll get a chance to hold you."
"Pa!" Lexy wined. "You can hold him" she insisted. "Later."
Ned and Marita laughed.
"Alright Lexy!" Ned said in an exaggerated voice. "Marita, Isaac said he would be by to see you later this afternoon" he said as he got up off the bed.
"OK"
"I'll see you ladies later."
"Bye Pa" Lexy said.
After Ned left, Marita spoke to Lexy.
"Lexy, you don't have to hold him. You can put him down on the bed if you want to."
"Oh, I don't mind" Lexy said. "He's going back to sleep" she said as his eyes started drooping.
Lexy held Sean-Michael for another 10 minutes after he had fallen to sleep before she decided to put him in his crib. Marita walked over to the crib with her and watched as she carefully laid him down. Lexy was a natural at handling Sean-Michael.
"I'll take your tray down if you want me too" Lexy said as they walked back over to the bed.
"Thanks Lexy. Could you bring me my books? They're in the study on your Pa's desk."
"OK" Lexy said, then left.
It was near noon when Aunt Eleanor made her way to the Sean's old bedroom. She found Marita sitting up in bed doing her books.
"Hi Auntie" Marita smiled when Aunt Eleanor opened the door.
"Hey baby. How you feeling?" she said as she peeked in on Sean-Michael.
"OK. I'm just a little tired."
"Have you eaten?" Auntie asked as she walked over to the bed.
"Yes"
"I don't want you skipping any meals. You need to build your strength back up. And you need to get plenty of rest."
Marita had not known a day of hard labor in all her life and Aunt Eleanor knew she was not as rugged as some of the other women she had been around whom had babies. Aunt Eleanor would hover and make sure Marita did not try to do too much too soon. When Auntie informed Marita that she needed to stay inside for at least 4 weeks, Marita thought Auntie had lost her mind.
"I can't stay here 4 weeks!"
"Yes you can."
"Auntie, I want to go home!"
"You will. In 4 weeks."
"Auntie!" Marita whined, then rolled her eyes.
"Mo, you can roll yo eyes all you want. I said 4 weeks and that's the end of that."
"I'm gonna go CRAZY!" she murmured.
"No you won't. You'll be just fine. Have Sean bring you some of those romance books you like to read. And I'll bring you all the orders we got in the last week so you can enter 'em in the books. You'll have plenty to keep you busy."
"Can't I do this at home?"
"You don't need to be going outside yet. Your pours are open and it'll be too easy for you to catch something. You don't need to be sick with a new baby."
Marita sat back with a huff, crossing her arms over her chest and frowning.
"Yo frowns don't move me, chile. They may work on your Pa and that husband of yours but you wastin' 'em on me" Aunt Eleanor informed her.
Just then there was a knock at the door and Isaac entered.
"Hey baby girl. How you feeling" he said as he walked over to give her a kiss on the forehead.
"She's mad cause she got to stay inside for 4 weeks" Auntie said before Marita could answer.
"I'm fine Pa Pa" she pouted.
"Listen to El baby girl. She knows what's best for you" he said after he kissed her then turned to walk over to the crib. After peeking in on his grandson, Isaac turned back to Marita. "I've got to get to the stables. I'll come back later this evening."
"OK Pa Pa" Marita said as Isaac opened the door and left.
Marita and Aunt Eleanor were discussing their business when Sean-Michael started crying. Aunt Eleanor got up to get him and brought him over to Marita. She reached out for him and brought him to her breast. He continued to fuss until Marita opened her gown and gave him her nipple. He suckled hungrily as mother and great aunt looked on. After he finished, Marita burped him. When she settled him in the cradle of her arms, Sean walked in the door.
"Hey" he smiled.
"Hey" Marita smiled back.
"Hey Aunt Eleanor"
"How you doin' Pa Pa" she smiled.
"Couldn't be better" he smiled back as he walked over to the bed and sat next to Marita. "Hey" he said to Sean-Michael, then touched his balled fist with his forefinger.
"Alright, Mo, Auntie'll be back tomorrow to check on you" she said as she walked to the door. "Sean, she can't go outside for the next 4 weeks, you hear?"
"Yes ma'am" Sean said, not looking up from the baby.
"Bye Auntie" Marita said in a sulking voice because her aunt had not forgotten the imprisonment she was imposing on Marita.
Auntie waved goodbye and left the new family alone.
"We finished our first supply of cigars and I got some orders already" Sean informed Marita while he continued to stare into eyes that matched his.
"Already?" Marita was surprised.
"Um hum. I handed some out at the Jockey Club and some of the members put in orders."
They continued to talk about their businesses for the next few minutes, then Sean went downstairs to get lunch for them. When he returned, Marita lay Sean-Michael on the bed while they ate. When they finished, Sean put the tray on the floor and picked up Sean-Michael, who was still awake.
"You feel like you need a new cloth" Sean said as he held Sean-Michael's bottom.
"They're over on the dresser" Marita said as she reached out for Sean-Michael.
Sean handed him to her and got up to get a new cloth. Marita changed him and handed him back to Sean. Marita and Sean-Michael both fell asleep on Sean after awhile, so he left them and went to find Clay. Sean found him in the stables tending to the horses.
"You been to see my son yet?" the proud Pa Pa asked.
"No" Clay laughed. "Viv and I will probably stop by to see him when she gets back from town. How's Marita doing?"
"She's fine. She's sleep now."
"How's your head?" Clay said, then burst out laughing.
"My head is fine" Sean said, then grinned.
"I still can't believe you fainted!" Clay said, still laughing.
"Yeah, well I just hope I'm around when you have your first. Then we'll see who'll be laughing."
The brothers stayed in the stables laughing and talking and cleaning the stables until mid afternoon when Vivian arrived. She tooted up her nose at the stench of the horse manure and told Clay that she was going inside to see Marita and the baby and asked him to bath before he came inside. Clay laughed at her and grabbed her by the waist, causing her to scream with horror that he was getting his stink on her. Clay continued to laugh as he gave her a wet kiss on the cheek. When he let her go, he grinned at her, winked his eye and said 'yes ma'am' to her command to bath before coming inside.
Sean watched the two with amusement and was happy for his brother. It looked as if Clay was as lucky as Sean was. He was deeply and passionately in love with his wife.
Vivian and Marita visited for an hour as Vivian told Marita of her numerous attempts at cooking. Vivian told Marita that she did not think she would ever be able to cook a meal. Marita simply encouraged her and told her that if she continued to try, she would eventually succeed.
Lexy had come in during their visit to check on Sean-Michael and decided he needed his Aunt when he started whimpering. Marita watched as Lexy carefully lifted him out of the crib. He stopped whimpering when Lexy held him and Marita guessed he was not hungry yet. Lexy sat in the rocking chair Ned had brought in earlier while Marita and Vivian continued their visit. When Vivian got up to leave, Lexy was still rocking Sean-Michael, who was beginning to get fussy because he was now hungry. Marita fed him, burped him and gave him back to Lexy. Sean came in just as Sean-Michael fell asleep in Lexy's arms.
"Shh!" Lexy whispered loudly at Sean. "Sean-Michael just fell asleep."
Sean laughed to himself as he saw his little sister being a mother hen to his son.
"Sorry" Sean whispered back, then looked over to Marita. He then realized that he had not kissed her sweet lips today. He decided to remedy that right away. He tiptoed over to the bed, sat down and leaned into Marita. "I haven't gotten a kiss today."
"Really?"
Sean nodded his head. "And that's not good."
Marita leaned close to him and gave him a peck on the lips.
"What was that?" Sean asked.
"A kiss."
"No it wasn't"
"Sean don't start" Marita said, recognizing he wanted a deep kiss. "Your sister" she said in a hushed tone.
"Lexy isn't paying any attention to us. She's too busy keeping guard over the baby" he said as he moved in to take her lips.
Sean opened her lips with his and plunged his tongue into her mouth. He swept through her mouth, tasting its sweetness. As the kiss deepened, he pressed into her as he pulled her closer. Marita pulled away, remembering that Lexy was in the room, but Sean pulled her back and would not release her from the kiss.
A knock at the door brought Sean back. He loosened his grip on Marita as he wished they were at home, where they would not get interrupted.
"Come in" Marita called out as she wiped the moisture of the kiss from her lips.
Alice came in, almost running toward the bed.
"Marita!" she exclaimed.
"SHH!! Alice! Sean-Michael is asleep!" Lexy whispered.
"Marita!" she said in a lower, but just as excited voice. "Marita! Marita! Marita!" she had made it to the bed. "He said 'yes'" she gleamed with joy.
Marita's mouth dropped into an oval shape as her excitement for Alice surfaced. "I knew he would say 'yes'!" Marita exclaimed as Alice bent down to hug her.
"Who said 'yes'?" Sean asked but was ignored by the women.
"Sean, let me sit down" Alice said as she practically sat on his lap. "OH! Marita I'm SO excited and happy!"
"Alice, this is wonderful. Have you set a date?"
"Not yet."
"Who said 'yes'?" Sean asked again.
"Pa said 'yes' to Dr. Fawnsworth" Lexy told him as they carried on their conversation while Marita and Alice carried on theirs.
"For what?" Sean was perplexed. He did not know how serious Alice and Jeffery were.
"He asked if he could marry Alice"
When Sean was able to enter their conversation, he asked "Are you sure Alice?"
"Sure about what?" she turned toward him.
"That Jeffery is who you want to marry?"
Sean was being a protective older brother now and wanted to be assured that Alice was sure.
"Of course I'm sure Sean" she said then turned back to Marita. "Marita, are you coming down for dinner? Jeffery is coming."
"No" Sean answered. "Aunt Eleanor said she had to stay in bed today."
"OK. Well I'd better go see about dinner and change" Alice said as she got up. "I'll talk to you later Marita" she said as she opened the door and left.
Shortly after Alice left, Lexy put Sean-Michael in his crib and left. Sean then questioned Marita about Jeffery Fawnsworth. He had only met him in passing and never got to know him. Marita told him that Dr. Fawnsworth was a nice gentlemen and that Alice seemed to be in love. Sean grunted at Alice 'being in love'. He remembered the last time she thought she was in love. Marita told him that she was a grown woman now and she was not that 18 year old who was infatuated with Tom Stanton. Sean still had his doubts and would be sure to get to know Dr. Fawnsworth better.
After they finished discussing Alice and Dr. Fawnsworth, Sean told Marita about Jeremy wanting to know if his mother might be able to work for her. Marita was happy that Jeremy was making provisions for his mother and told Sean that she would definitely have work for her. They continued to talk until a knock came at the door.
"Come in" Sean called out.
"Alice sent me to tell you that dinner was ready" Clay said as he walked inside the room.
"Alright. I'll go get us a tray" Sean told Marita before he got off the bed.
Clay had walked over to peek in on Sean-Michael.
"He's still sleep, huh?"
"Yeah" Marita said. "Lexy put him to sleep about an hour ago."
"That's all Lexy seemed to do when she was a baby. Eat and sleep" he laughed, remembering his sister being the size of Sean-Michael.
"She did, didn't she" Marita laughed.
Clay looked at his nephew for a few more seconds before telling Marita goodnight and leaving for the dinner table. Sean returned with a tray full of food and he and Marita had a pleasant dinner. After they finished, Sean took the tray back downstairs. When he came back, he changed into his pajama bottoms and he and Marita snuggled together on the bed. They talked and teased each other until Sean-Michael woke for his feeding. After Marita fed him, Sean burped him and they admired their baby until he fell asleep. Marita fell asleep about an hour after Sean-Michael did and Sean read until his eyes started drooping. He then put his book on the nightstand and snuggled up next to Marita and fell asleep.
To Be Continued...............
