Part V – Four Weddings and a Grandchild
October 1882 – July 1883
Chapter 20
David
March came in like a lamb and out like a lion. Easter came and went, and Nick and Scotty still had a ranch to run. Scotty's days of morning sickness passed and she worked just as hard as ever. Audra and Clarke had ended up spending a whole month in New York City, finally having to return so Clarke could attend to the business of the factory.
Leah was still fatigued and Scotty spent many hours helping her with her daily chores. She was saddened by her friend's condition, but Leah kept smiling. She was excited about the approaching birth of her child.
Mai and Eugene announced that they would soon be getting married as well, but had decided to wait until later in the year, August or September. They had also decided on a small wedding. In the meantime Eugene had purchase a lot of land on the edge of town and was in the process of having a small house built for them.
Every thing seemed to be moving along smoothly for the Barkleys. Marriages had taken place, and babies were due. Now Audra and Clarke were also expecting their first.
April and May passed, and June as Leah's due date approached. July the Fourth was a pleasant celebration that Leah chose to sit out, which turned out to be a good thing, for two days later she went into labor. It was early labor and the baby didn't come until two more days.
Leah had chosen the name David Heath for their son, but she was not well. Exhaustion from a rather long labor and the months previous had taken their toll. Neither doctor could offer words of encouragement. So the joyous arrival of the first Barkley grandchild was overshadowed with sorrow.
(To be continued)
With Part VI. (1892-1893) A new schoolteacher has arrived in Stockton, but can she gain control over the "unruly" Barkley children? Will Jarrod be able to overcome his prejudice towards her and will she be able to accept some of the families she must deal with. Will the Barkleys be able to apprehend a man who committed a terrible crime? And will they all be able to enjoy a trip to the Chicago World's Fair?