It had been a month since Wendla and Melchior's wedding. Things could not have been better for the little family - Ada was growing fast and learning so much. Melchior had even started teaching her how to read small words. He had expressed to Wendla his desire to officially teach Ada at home in a year as opposed to sending her to school where she would be "indoctrinated and have her curiosity repressed." Wendla was skeptical - when would he have the time? He worked as a bookkeeper in a local shop. Melchior had assured Wendla that Ada would only need a few hours for lessons a day and he could do it after work. This would also give her plenty of time to play and explore. Wendla still wasn't convinced it was the best option: she wanted Ada to be able to socialize with other students, but the couple did have plenty of time to discuss it further. For now, Ada simply enjoyed the occasional phonics lesson with her father.

One morning, Wendla woke up feeling rather ill - Melchior was worried. Georg and his family had recently fallen quite ill with influenza. At first, Wendla was worried too - she did not want to get Melchior or Ada sick. However, she soon realized that this was exactly how she felt when she was expecting Ada. Excited and surprised, she didn't want to say anything to Melchior until she confirmed her suspicions. The next day, after Melchior went to work, Wendla took Ada to stay with Mama for a couple hours then headed for the doctor.

After a short walk, Wendla arrived at the doctor's home where he also practiced medicine. The sign on his door said "Come in" which meant patients didn't have to knock before entering. Wendla pushed open the door and the attached bell rang.

Dr. Gruber turned from his desk. "Good morning, Frau Gabor," he greeted.

"Hello," Wendla replied. While she was excited at the prospect of having another child - she was also a little nervous. It had been four years since she'd had a baby. Could she really do that again - and love that child as much as Ada?

"Have a seat," Dr. Gruber said, gesturing to some nearby chairs. Wendla complied. "What can I do for you today?"

"Well, I...I think I may be with child again," Wendla looked down.

Dr. Gruber looked intrigued. "Oh?"

Wendla nodded.

Dr. Gruber asked Wendla questions regarding her last menstrual cycle and about the last time she and Melchior had had intercourse. Blushing, Wendla answered all of his questions.

"Well, the timing certainly adds up," Dr. Gruber confirmed. "Why don't you lie down here," he led Wendla to the lounging chair in the corner of the room. Wendla lied down and Dr. Gruber performed a full examination.

When the examination had concluded, Dr. Gruber took off his spectacles.

"Yes, Wendla, you are expecting a baby," he said after a moment's pause.

A wave of emotions rushed over Wendla at that moment: excitement, fear, and the anticipation of telling her family. Quickly, she composed herself and thanked the doctor.

After leaving Dr. Gruber's home, Wendla quickly went to Mama's house to retrieve Ada. Wendla could've burst trying not to tell Mama or Ada the news. She was going to tell them eventually of course, but she knew that Melchior needed to be the first person to know.

"Mama, slow down!" Ada cried on the walk home.

Wendla stopped. Her excitement must've caused her to walk faster - too fast for poor Ada.

"Sorry, dear," she slowed down.

"That's okay," Ada smiled up at her mother briefly, then her face changed to one of concern. "Are you alright, Mama? What did the doctor say?"

Wendla took a breath. "The doctor said I'm just fine, and I should be feeling better soon," she smiled at her daughter who seemed relieved at this answer.

That night, after Ada had gone to bed, Wendla could no longer wait. She put down her sewing and went over to Melchior who was sitting in his armchair reading a book. She sat herself on his left knee.

Melchior looked up and smiled. He rubbed her back for a few moments. "How are you, love?" he asked.

Wendla smiled back. "I'm fine…Melchi?"

"Yes?"

"I went to the doctor this morning while you were at the store. Ada stayed with Mama. I would've brought it up sooner but by the time you got home Ada was up from her nap and I wanted you to hear it first.

Melchior looked inquisitively at his wife. "Is something the matter?"

"Oh, no," Wendla started to tear up. "Melchi…Melchi I'm going to have another baby!" Now the tears were falling freely.

Melchior froze for a moment. Then, he found his own eyes brimming with tears.

"Wendla, that's wonderful!" He pulled her in for a kiss.

For what seemed like hours, the couple just sat there - Melchior in his armchair and Wendla in his lap and leaned against his chest. Eventually, the couple gave in to fatigue and went up to bed. Tomorrow, they would tell Ada that she was going to be a big sister.