On a rainy Saturday, the day before Thanksgiving, in the late afternoon, Ingrid knitted while Johan slept and Matthew read a law book. A knock on the door startled them both.
"I'll get it." Said Matthew.
"Hello Matthew!" said Elizabeth, pulling him into a hug.
"Hello Grandma."
"How are you?"
"Oh, I'm fine."
"That's good."
"Hello Mrs. Quinn." Said Ingrid, rising from her chair.
"Hello Ingrid!" She hugged her. "When I got the letter about the baby, I was so happy! How are you doing?"
"I'm doing very good."
"Good. Anything other, and I would have to be ashamed of my grandson for treating you that way."
"Excuse my manners. Come on in."
"Thank you."
"What
brings you out here Grandma?" Matthew asked.
"I just wanted
to see my family. Is there anything wrong with that?"
"No, it's just that you usually write or send a wire."
"I thought it would be a good idea for the whole family to be together for Thanksgiving. Is there something wrong with that too?"
"There's nothing wrong with any of it. I was just surprised, that's all."
Ingrid decided to play peacemaker. Not many people argued with a pregnant woman.
"Mrs. Quinn, would you like something to drink?"
"Yes, some tea, please."
Ingrid quickly and quietly made the tea and listened as Matthew smoothly shifted the topic from her unannounced arrival to the ranch.
"Here's your tea, Mrs. Quinn."
"Thank you, Ingrid. Please, sit down. You look very tired."
"If you insist, Mrs. Quinn. I'm fine." She took a seat on the loveseat next to Matthew.
"I was going to go see Michaela and Sully. Would you two care to come with?"
"We'd love to." Answered Ingrid. She was not about to let Matthew say no.
"I'll hitch up the wagon." Said Matthew.
"So, Ingrid, when is your baby due?"
"Dr. Mike said around the 15th of March."
"That's wonderful. You'll have your baby in the spring then."
"I'm beginning to wonder though. I'm only six and a half months along and I'm bigger than I was with Johan."
"Different pregnancies vary. The biological father might make a difference too."
"I don't think that's it. When I became pregnant, Hans was nearly twice the size of Matthew. I guess I'll just talk to Dr. Mike about it."
"Maybe you're having twins."
"Maybe."
"The wagon's ready."
"Thank you, Matthew."
Ingrid held Johan's hand and helped him walk to the door.
"Mama."
She smiled. "Two words in only a few days!" She picked him up, and gave him a kiss. "My baby's growing up."
"He
is. You and Matthew are wonderful parents."
"Thank you."
They reached the awaiting wagon. Matthew helped Ingrid onto the seat and handed her Johan, then helped his grandmother into the back. He jumped up into the front next to Ingrid, picked up the brown leather reins and drove to Mike and Sully's homestead. He helped Ingrid and his Grandmother down, then proceeded to the barn to put away the wagon. By the time he was back, Elizabeth had started a conversation.
"Emma, what do you what to do with your life?"
"I want to open my own dress shop. I love to sew."
"That's wonderful! Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Colorado Springs has a seamstress."
"No, we don't, ma'am. But that's all gonna change."
"Well, I'm glad." She paused. "Where's Colleen?"
"She ran into town with Brian to get a few things, Mother. I'm sure they'll be back soon." Said Michaela.
Brian looked over Loren's candy selection. Colleen was talking to Andrew; he might as well keep busy.
"Colleen, I wanted to ask you something. Do you mind if I talked to you alone for a moment?"
"No, not at all Andrew."
He smiled and led her to the meadow.
"Andrew, why are you being so secretive?"
"Colleen, I love you."
"I love you too."
"I was hoping you'd remember, but in case you don't, this is where you taught me to ride. You taught me more than that, though. In that same lesson, you taught to overcome what I was afraid of." They walked as he spoke. "Colleen, you have taught me so much in the time that I've been here. I was wondering if…you'd teach me how to be a husband and, maybe one day, a father."
She looked up and realized where they were. They were in a daisy patch. She loved daisies. She concentrated on not crying.
Andrew smiled and got down on one knee. "Colleen, will you marry me?"
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes!" He got up, twirled her around and kissed her. She was his! He was hers! People didn't feel joy like this unless they had the love of another. Colleen realized this, leaned in and kissed him passionately.
"I'll be yours forever, Andrew."