January 30
The next morning dawned bright, and Rosemary awoke early to prepare a special breakfast for her Hunny-Bunny. She snickered as she slipped on her slippers in the upstairs bedroom. Lee surely hated the nickname she had given him on their honeymoon and had retaliated with calling her 'Squiget'. But last night, whispering those awful nicknames gave her a measure of comfort before slipping into a deep peaceful sleep. Her 'Hunny-Bunny' was back and she couldn't be more thrilled. Her world was being restored into proper order once again. Oh sure, there was still the ever looming problem of Harriet and her arrival, but Rosemary was content to let the issue rest until later tonight or perhaps even tomorrow. With it being a Saturday, they had the entire day off together and she was looking forward to it, and she sure wasn't going to throw a wrench in their plans… yet the hours were counting down til February hit and with it, Harriet's arrival. But enough of those thoughts for now. She was going to the kitchen to prepare French toast with a side of cream and blueberries. It was Lee's favorite breakfast and she honestly couldn't remember the last time they indulged in it. Well, she would remedy that today. She gingerly walked down the stairs and there before her Lee was already sitting on the crisp white settee, a pipe in his mouth. He only saved his pipe for the moments he truly wanted to savor—obviously this morning was one of those times.
"Good morning, bright eyes." He said removing the pipe from his mouth and tipping it towards her.
My, how debonair he looked sitting in his plaid robe, pipe held high. She went to his side and swept a tender kiss on his lips. He pulled her into his lap.
"Now that's an excellent way to welcome a fella back home." His low voice rumbled, causing a stirring in her belly.
She kissed him again fully and deeply. "That and your favorite— French toast."
"Oh that sounds heavenly. Good thing it is a day off or else I'd be tempted to call in to the office. A day inside, with you, sounds superb." He shot a charming smile her way, dimples and all.
"Why, Mr. Coulter, that sounds like a perfect plan." She gave him another kiss and after lingering a moment, stood up and went to the kitchen where she started to whisk together the cream and eggs to dip yesterday's bread in. She'd heat the skillet and brown the bread on both sides and top with their favorite- fresh whipped cream and a few of blueberries she had canned last summer.
Just as the oil on the skillet started to crackle, a knock came at the door. She couldn't see who it was from her vantage point, but allowed Lee the privilege. It was probably just Bill or Hickam finishing up business from yesterday.
"Uh… Rosie, we have a guest." Lee's voice beckoned her from the front of the parlor.
She lowered the flame on the stovetop and walked to the front door, a flash of red meeting her eyes. Why, it was—
"Jack! You are back, and early at that."
"Yes, Rosemary. I heard you had quite an eventful day over here. You're okay?"
She held her hands out as if showcasing that indeed, she was fine and well.
"Yes, perfect as a peach now that this one is home." She snuggled close to Lee's side.
"Good. Good to hear." Jack rubbed the whiskers on his chin.
"Thank you for coming to check in on us." Lee held out his hand in thanks.
Jack looked over his shoulder, leaving Lee's hand in midair.
"Well, my visit was partly for that and partly for this—" he gestured to the front door, which was still opened and in stepped a woman, clad in an elegant red dress typical of the East, her countenance both regal and fair.
"Harriet?" Rosemary croaked out the words as her jaw dropped.
The woman smiled demurely. "Come now, is that anyway to greet your mother?"