February 2

8:10 a.m.

The next morning, Rosemary slowly blinked her eyes open against the bright rays of sunshine peeking into the room, surprised that she actually felt quite rested. She had figured she would sleep quite fitfully due to the unending thoughts swirling in her head concerning the day ahead. But after examining the winter night sky and lifting her voice, along with Lee, in praise of the Creator—her heart felt a calm and peace beyond anything she had experienced before, and sure enough, she had slept peacefully. She stretched and sat up in bed. Regardless of today's outcome, God would be with her. She was never alone. And if she could just take this big and very necessary step, it would finally free her from the hindrance of her past and she'd walk into the fullness of the new life God prepared for her: including this little baby.

She rested her hand on the little mound at her middle and smiled.

"Good morning, Darling." She rubbed her belly gently and was surprised when a kick met her hand. "Oh!" She laughed and then patted her belly again. "Your father says you are going to be a girl, but my, with a kick like that, I can't help but imagine a strong boy. Is that what you are? A boy?"

She awaited an answer in form of a kick, but none came. Instead, Lee's voice called out to her from downstairs.

"Rosie? Are you up, Love?"

She pulled herself out of bed and began to straighten the covers. "Just now."

"Okay, good. I don't want to rush you, but I'll be leaving within the hour to pickup Harriet."

"That's the plan!" She called down the stairs before walking over to her vanity and sitting down.

"Do you want an omelet?" This time Lee's voice was much closer as he peered from the doorway into the room.

"Yes, please, but easy on the onions. I don't think they agree with the baby." She made a face in the mirror.

Lee laughed and approached her from behind, his eyes meeting hers in the reflection as she pulled out her various makeup and cosmetic products.

He placed a light kiss on the top of her head. "I'm glad you are willing to work through this. It will be good for us, and good for the baby to put this behind you. I'm proud of you."

He gave her a light squeeze on the shoulder.

Rosemary clapped her hand over his and smiled. "I couldn't have asked for a more supportive companion. I appreciate you being here for me, Lee."

"You betcha." He winked. "I'll see you downstairs in five."

She looked at her reflection. My, her face needed some work. "Better make that ten."

Lee nodded and walked downstairs to prepare breakfast.

She grabbed her jar of face cream and began to apply it, especially under her eyes, followed by the application of her foundation powder. A woman who was going into one of the largest encounters of her life had to appear confident, and makeup… well it definitely gave her a confidence like none other. Perhaps it was due to all her days on the stage. But Lee, he was teaching her that true confidence came from a trust… a deep down trust not only of each other but ultimately of the Father. But good lipstick, and a good outfit couldn't hurt either.

After applying a light coat of vaseline to her lashes, a dusting of rouge on her cheeks and a layer of cherry red lipstick, she moved on to styling her hair and picking out the right outfit for the day. With her favorite clothing becoming smaller by the day, she did not have much of a selection, but at least she had just let out the waist of her favorite red skirt.

After pulling on the ensemble and fastening her brown velvet button boots, which were becoming more and more impossible to bend over and tend to, she straightened and met her reflection in the mirror.

"Ready or not, here I come." She pursed her cherry red lips, took a deep breath, and exited the room. As she descended the stairs the smell of breakfast wafted up in the air, and her stomach rumbled.

"Madam, your breakfast awaits." Lee swept his arm towards the table, which was perfectly set, complete with large, steaming cups of coffee. Just what she needed. She gave him a grateful smile and allowed him to lead her to the table where he paused and held the chair out for her. "Just for the record…I have every confidence that things will work out today. And, just as a reminder, I will be here for you no matter what."

She settled into the chair and he gave her a gentle kiss on the back of her neck, the tender spot he knew she liked.

She turned and looked into his crisp blue eyes. "I sure got the world when I got you, Lee Coulter."

He grinned and took his own seat. "That's exactly how I feel about you, Squiget," he tossed her a flirtatious smile at the mention of her wacky nickname. "Now, let's say grace… not just over our food but over today's meetup."

He grasped her hand and bowed his head reverently. She did the same.

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today and ask for your blessing on this meeting. God, you have been there with Rosemary from the start and have known all that she has endured, all the questions, hurts and pains. You also know Harriet, and what has gone on in her life. Please allow them peace today and reconciliation if at all possible. Also, God, give Rosemary the strength to do your will… to forgive. Help her know she is not alone."

After uttering 'amen' they dug into their vegetable omelets, complete with a side of bacon. She was surprised to find she had a hearty appetite and finished every last bite.

After the meal was done and the dishes had been cleared, she looked up to see Lee pulling on his coat and securing his scarf around his neck. "It's nearly nine. I'd better collect Harriet now."

"Okay." She squeaked, the word riding up and down on her nerves.

He reached out and cupped her elbows with his large hands, his face just inches from hers. "Rosie, it will all work out fine. You will feel better getting through this. It may not feel pleasant but it is going to allow a wonderful healing for your heart."

She nodded and accepted his warm embrace. "You are right." She rose up on her toes and placed a kiss lightly on his cheek. "Be safe."

The minute Lee exited and the door clicked closed, she wrung her hands. This business of facing her past— why it was nerve-wracking to say the least. In earlier days, she wouldn't think twice about burying her head in the sand or even just walking away from it all. But now, even though it was downright uncomfortable, she knew what she had to do: confront the past, forgive, and move on.

She shifted towards the sink of dirty dishes. What a bother dirty dishes were, but today, today she could give thanks for them— for it gave her something to do as she waited for her impending encounter with Harriet. She dipped her hands in the sudsy water and washed the grime away from each dish and utensil before drying them by hand and placing them back in their proper spot. Keeping her hands busy did seem to make the time go quicker.

After finishing the last dish, she pressed her hands to her back and took a deep breath, her eyes landing on Catherine's beautiful teapot up the top kitchen shelf. It hadn't been used more than a handful of times since coming out West, but perhaps today would be a perfect occasion? Yes, she would set up a tea. No doubt when Lee returned with Harriet her nerves would be too shot to make a tea or offer any semblance of manners, but if she prepared it now and had it all set out, perhaps it would add a soothing factor to their meeting. It would make it less of a confrontation and more of a conversation over a spot of tea. At least she hoped so.

She brought a stool over and once she was steady upon it, reached up for the expensive teapot along with its matching teacups, one by one, and set them carefully on the counter below. After rinsing the set out to rid it of dust, she made a strong brew of her favorite blackberry tea and left it simmering on the stove. Pulling out her fancy lace doilies, another of Catherine's things she'd kept after her death, she set them up on the table under two tea cups with saucers. Lee would probably prefer to sit in the living room, still within earshot of the conversation in case he needed to be of assistance at some point, but not right in the middle of it all. Taking the last of the croissants Abigail delivered yesterday, she set them out on small plates with dabs of jam and butter. Sure, she may not be able to eat such a thing, especially after such a large breakfast, but perhaps Harriet would appreciate her efforts. She scowled. What was she thinking? The woman didn't deserve such a nice and welcoming party. She was tempted to scoop the whole lot of it up and dispose of it when she heard the approach of the Model T, followed by both doors creaking open and then slamming shut.

She went to the window and peered out but already there were footsteps at the door. Her pulse skipped a beat as she opened the door wide.

"Do come in."