April 10

8:50 a.m.

"I am still not convinced you should be driving all the way to Edmonton." Lee was downright serious, all the way from the partial frown to the handsome plaid business suit he was wearing. He stood in the parlor of their new home, the keys to the Model T dangling from his fingers.

Rosemary reached forward and grabbed the keys before he had a chance to change his mind. "I will be safe. The ladies will be with me, and I will call you just as soon as I reach Edmonton."

"I still don't know why you won't just let me pick up the item." He groused again, as he had done off and on this past week.

"Because, they wish for it to be more than just a gift… but an outing for us gals."

Lee rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, concern flaring in his eyes.

She batted her eyes. "It may be the last chance we have, just the four of us, before the babies arrive."

"Four of you? Rosie, you know the car can't hold more than three, especially with all the gift and all the packages I imagine you returning with."

"Oops." She covered her lips a moment too late, the secret already escaping. But what did he want her to do? Leave one of her best friends behind?

Lee gave her a look and then walked past her into the kitchen of their new home. She followed him. He walked into their small pantry, banging around quite a bit more than necessary.

"What are you looking for?" She was almost tempted to laugh, how out of sorts he was today.

Instead of answering, Lee emerged from the pantry, an old red tin in hand. "Why do we still have this around?"

"What is it?" She hadn't remembered seeing the old tin before.

Lee opened the lid and smelled inside, his face souring. "Bill's special criminal blend coffee. The one he used to catch half the bandit gang."

She laughed, remembering in fact the good laugh they had over the potent stuff. "Maybe you ought to return it."

"Maybe I will." He put it down on the shelf and searched for a new can of coffee. "Don't we have any more coffee around here?"

She leaned into the new, and very large pantry and pointed to a silver tin on the shelf right in front of him. "Right here, dear."

Lee grabbed it, muttering a bit to himself as he opened it and measured out the amount he needed for a brew this morning.

"I'd better finish gathering my things." She took a step towards the parlor. Lee didn't say a single thing… not even a grunt! Instead he continued to tinker with the can and his measurements, as if the blasted thing could soothe his fears. Perhaps he wasn't meaning to ruin her fun. He truly was concerned. Well, she wouldn't want to leave him wrestling with his concerns all day. With one quick step, she was behind him, wrapping her arms around his chest.

"What—" He stopped pouring the grinds and turned around. "What's this?"

"You look as if you desperately need a hug."

"That desperate?" He smirked, put the utensils on the counter, and wrapped his arms around her.

"Beyond desperate." She leaned forward and placed a light kiss on his lips.

He kissed her back, the scent of him overpowering her for a few delightful moments.

"You know, I'm not trying to be a spoil sport." He said into her hair. "It's just that… well, with you getting closer to delivery every day, I worry…"

She backed up, a hand at her hip. "Lee Coulter, I have more than two months to go. I am not anywhere near delivery."

He gave her a sheepish look. "Okay, okay, so maybe I am being a bit over protective—"

She raised an eyebrow.

"Or a lot over protective. It's just that I care for you." His eyes softened as he stroked her face.

"Well if you care for me, you will notice I am much overdue for a visit with friends. And if they want to take me to Edmonton for a day out, I'd like to go."

A laugh escaped his lips. "Hey! I should have thought of this earlier. I'll just take you girls in the wagon. You can laugh and chat the whole time while I am your chauffeur."

She gave him a look.

"Okay, okay," he backed down, "it was worth a try."

She suddenly felt glum. "Besides time with my friends, I need to get away. Before this—" she placed her hands on her belly, "you'd allow me to travel all over tarnation. Now, here, I've been stuck in Hope Valley for day upon day." She suddenly realized how ungrateful that sounded. "I mean it is a perfect place to call home, but a girl has got to get out and have some adventure sometime, especially before the birth of our babies. Then there will be absolutely no escaping." She could already feel the walls bearing down on her.

He put his hand on her arm. "You're right. This is exactly what you need today. Go out and have the most wonderful of times. Even pick up a few more items for the house, or your wardrobe. Anything you need. Just remember… to give me that call once you reach Edmonton, okay?"

"Okay."

He leaned forward and gave her a kiss that made her knees buckle.

Nine even dongs came from the dining room clock.

She gasped. "Oh dear, I'm late! And I still need to grab a few items."

Lee gave her arm a squeeze. "Can a guy catch a ride into town?"

"Only if there is completely no lollygagging whatsoever." She called over her shoulder as she went to gather a few items, including her beaded handbag and favorite hat. Today was going to be a wonderful day filled with adventure, pizzaz, friends and freedom!