"Go away, Israel!" Jemima Boone was trying to sleep, but her little brother had other plans.
"Mima!" He insisted. "C'mon, they're here!" She opened her eyes.
"They are?"
"Just walked into the fort. I was on the wall watchin'" He said.
She climbed out of bed and glanced over at her tiny cousin who was still asleep. "Shh!" She said to Israel. She dressed quickly and entered the main area of the cabin just into time to see her brother climb into their father's arms. Jemima felt suddenly and oddly shy. She didn't know what to say. Her Ma looked pale and small.
"You want some tea, Rebecca?" Cincinatus was asking. Her mother shook her head. Cincinatus studied her for a moment and then Jemima was surprised to see him kiss her Ma right on the forehead. "Katie Grace is back here." He said patting her shoulder. "I expect she's still sleeping. Little things wore out. She had some bruises, nothing too terrible, a lump on the head and pretty nice gash on her leg too, but she'll be alright." Rebecca followed him into the back room.
"Come on over here, Jemima." Her Pa commanded. He set Israel down and pulled her into an embrace. "Good morning, girl." he said kissing her. "Did Israel behave?"
"Yes, Pa." She said. "Is Ma alright?" Jemima felt afraid and glancing at her little brother, she guessed he felt the same.
"Well, now, your Ma's had a bit of a shock, and she's mighty sad." He looked at his children. "But they don't come stronger than your Ma."
"What should we do?" Israel asked.
"Nothing to be done, son." His father answered.
"Except pray." Mima said.
"Except pray. You're right, sweet girl." He said winking at her. He patted Israel's head and walked into the back room.
Becky was sitting on the edge of the bed. She held the hand of her niece who was still asleep. After a few minutes the small girl stirred and opened her eyes. "Ma?" She asked startled. "Ma?" She sat up and rubbed her eyes looking carefully at Becky. "You aren't Ma." Her green eyes filled with tears. She covered her face with her hands.
Rebecca moved closer to her and putting her arm around her, she said softly, "No, I'm your Aunt Rebecca. I just look a little bit like your Ma, that's all. She is, " She hesitated, "was, my sister."
Katie Grace peered at her aunt through her fingers. She slowly put her hands down and studied Rebecca carefully. Rebecca pulled her into her lap and patting her back she said, "Of course, your Ma was the prettier one - everyone always said so." Katie relaxed then, wrapping her small arms around Rebecca. "Is it safe now?" She whispered.
"Yes. Beidh gach rud ceart go leor." Rebecca said resting her cheek against her head. Her own red hair spilled over and mixed with the little girl's light red-blond locks.
Daniel met Rebecca's eyes, and he smiled sadly at her. "I've got some work to do darlin'." He didn't want to be too specific about the task before him. "You all stay here. Grace will keep Rose as long as you need. I'll be back later." She nodded, understanding. He left them in each other's arms.