January 9

Of course, the next day would dawn bright and clear. Rosemary knew just as the crimson clouds gave way to the rise of the sun, it was time for her new day, her new start. It would have to begin today. Ever since their wedding, two years ago, she felt the itch of guilt and shame of not sharing her heart completely with her husband. It had started out as just a little itch, but now had turned into a full blown gall, a storm of her own making. Each time Lee would whisper in her ear his undying devotion or show her his love for her was committed and unwavering—she would feel nauseous with shame. How could she have pledged her complete love to him without telling him about her past? Oh, she was sure there were things she didn't know of his past, but nothing like this. Nothing like the big secret that still, two years later, caused a gulf between them. The worst part was, it was a gulf only visible to her. She imagined perhaps Lee felt it at times, but mostly it was only realized by her. She alone was responsible for gap between them. It was time for her new start, her new day. She must tell Lee of her past, her secret immediately. How could she keep such a significant part of herself from the man who loved her more than life itself? She hoped, no, prayed, that he'd understand. It was understandable that he might feel hurt that she never confided in him. Sure, there was even a chance that he'd be mad, but she'd just have to take that chance. It was something she needed to tell him, if not for the sole reason that he was her loving husband, but also because of the fact that she needed full disclosure. With this little bundle of joy arriving soon, she needed to be completely honest. To be known for all she was. Whether Lee would accept that or not was up to him. It was out of her hands. She could only hope Lee could accept her news. It would break her heart if he were to turn away from her. He wouldn't, would he? She lifted a perfectly manicured nail to her lips and bit on the edge of it. Suddenly, she felt Lee's arms encircle her from behind as he reached down to plant a kiss on the back of her neck.

"Oh, Lee. I didn't know you were awake already."

"Mm-hmm." He continued to nuzzle her neck.

"Lee, there is something important I must talk to you about." She tried to gather all her resolve starting from the bottom of her feet all the way to the tip top of her head, for it would take that much courage to go through with this shedding of a secret so painful.

"Really?" His voice sounded surprisingly excited. "Me, too."

"What?" She felt confused. Did he have something to talk with her about as well?

He gently turned her from the window. She looked into his eyes and sure enough, saw deep blue sparkles of excitement there. Why, he looked like a boy on Christmas morning!

"Okay, you first." She conceded. She would rather cut off an arm than cause disappointment to flood those radiant blue eyes.

Lee took a deep breath. Was he nervous?

"Okay, well…Today is the day." He announced with those gorgeous dimples flaring.

Her stomach dropped to the floor.

"For what?" Her heart was pounding, a flush crept up her neck and face. Obviously he felt it was a perfect day for something new too, just in an obviously different directions than she was inclined. Why did she feel so hot? So nervous?

"Today—" Lee paused for dramatic effect and rose his eyebrows, "Rosemary Coulter, you will finally know what your surprise is."

Her mouth formed an O. Why, she couldn't even formulate words. This was the morning? Today? He picked today for her surprise? She took a moment to swallow the secret that was on the tip of her tongue. There was only one or two things that could squelter the desire that burned in her heart to be honest with her husband, and well, this was one of them. She'd just bite her tongue for a bit longer, for what would be the harm in that? The time would come to be completely honest about her past, but obviously that moment was not now.

Lee shifted, awaiting her response.

The excitement bubbled up out of her, but was he jesting? Why today of all days? Was it true that her surprise awaited her?

"Oh Lee! You better not be teasing me! You know how long I have waited, toiled, pained for this surprise…"

Lee chuckled. "I'm not teasing, Rosie."

She jumped into his arms.

"Oh you wonderful, wonderful husband!" She couldn't help but pepper his face with a million kisses. He started to laugh and she backed away, questions popping into her head.

"When? Where? How?" The questions spilled out her mouth.

"One question at a time." He gently reached up to push her hair from her face. His blue eyes reflected the excitement glittering in her own.

"Okay, my first question: When?"

"Just as soon as we eat breakfast. Are you ready, Mrs. Coulter?" He offered her his hand. His smile was contagious. Yes, today she would trade her secret for this happiness. There would be another day to deal with the past. But not today. Today was the day for her surprise. The surprise she'd been waiting for with bated breath. She reached out and accepted his hand.

"Why I thought you'd never ask, Mr. Coulter."