Chapter 64 – Isabella's First Birthday (Eleven – Twelve Months)

"What can I do for you, Minnie, Cooper? Would you like to come in?" inquires Rosemary.

Minnie answers, "Yes, please. We didn't catch you at a bad time. Did we?"

"No, not at all. Please come." Minnie and Cooper follow Rosemary inside, and she offers them a seat. As Rosemary sits across from them, she notices Patrick and the money box are no longer there. "Is everything alright, Minnie?"

"I'm sure it will be." Minnie searches the room. "Is Patrick here? I think he needs to be here for this as well."

"Let me run and get him. He is probably in his room." Rosemary smiles and jogs up the stairs. She walks into the kid's room and sees him curled into a ball on his bed. Rosemary sits down beside him.

Patrick glances up at her. "Am I in trouble, Mama?"

"Did you do something that would get you in trouble?" Patrick looks at her guiltily. "Missus Canfield wants to see you. Do you know why?"

"I'm sorry, Mama."

"I know you are. We can discuss after the Canfields leave, but let's see what Missus Canfield says." Patrick gets up and takes Rosemary's hand. "Do you need to bring your money box, bud?" He nods and reluctantly grabs it before they go downstairs and sit on the chair across from Minnie and Cooper. Minnie doesn't speak at first, which causes Rosemary to worry. "Did something happen, Minnie?"

Minnie clasps her hands and purses her lips. "This afternoon, I went to the church to pick up the donation money like I always do on Fridays, but when I got there, the money was gone."

"Oh no," remarks Rosemary.

"Cooper saw me looking frantic and asked what was wrong. I told him about the missing money, and he mentioned he gave it to Patrick for the orphans."

Rosemary turns to her son. "Patrick, is this true? Is that where you got all the money I just found?"

"Yes, ma'am. But it wasn't all from Cooper."

"Where else did you get the money?" Rosemary questions, feeling her blood pressure rise slightly.

"From my friends, Robert, Vincent, Nicholas, Allie, Anna, Opal, Emily, and Harper."

"They all gave you money?"

"Yes, ma'am, for the kids at Lillian and Grace's."

Rosemary is relieved there is not more to the story and that Minnie understands Patrick truly only did this to help the orphans. She grabs the money out of Patrick's box. "How much belongs to the church, Minnie?"

"Cooper said he gave Patrick one hundred." Rosemary counts it out and hands it to Minnie, who gives half back to Rosemary. "It's for a good cause. I'm sure Joseph won't mind. The money is supposed to go to a charity in Benson Hills, but I think they wouldn't mind sharing some with the orphans."

"Thanks, Minnie. Don't worry. I'm sure this won't happen again. Right, Patrick?" Patrick shakes his head emphatically.

Minnie smiles at Patrick and Rosemary. "I'm confident it won't." Minnie stands up. "Let's go, Coop. Your father and sister are waiting for us." She and Cooper say their goodbyes, and Rosemary walks them out.

When the door closes, Rosemary checks on Isabella, who is content with playing in her playpen. She sits on the settee and motions for Patrick to join her. "Patrick, what am I going to do with you? You have the biggest heart, but you can't just take the church's donation money or money from your friends." Rosemary stops him before he speaks. "I know it's for the orphans, but there are proper ways to raise money for them."

"Like how Mama?"

"First, you should have told Papa and me you wanted to do this. We could have helped or been there while you asked your friends. We could have all gone with you to the church to speak with Joseph about donating. Or better yet, we could have made it a fundraiser. You would have gotten a lot more money that way."

Patrick's face lights up. "You're right. I could have."

"Most likely, yes."

"So, am I going to be punished?"

"I need to talk to Papa, but I think we should turn this into something good instead of a punishment. Let's raise lots of money for the orphanage." Rosemary picks up the box. "I want you to go up to your room and write down how much you got from each person. Do you think you can remember?"

"I'll try," Patrick answers, running up the stairs.

"Patrick."

Patrick turns around. "Yes, Mama."

"Come here, bud." Patrick jogs back down into her arms. "I love you."

"I love you too, Mama!"

Rosemary messes with his hair. "Now, go write up my list." Patrick giggles and skips up the stairs.

Lee gets home late that night and finds his wife asleep over the kitchen table. The side of her face is lying on her open notebook, and there are to-do lists scattered all over the table, plus piles of paper. He kisses the top of her head. "Sweetheart, why don't you go upstairs to bed."

Rosemary mumbles something incoherent and lifts her head in a panic. "What time is it?"

Lee pulls out his pocket watch. "It's 11:30 pm. Why?"

"I can't believe I fell asleep. I have so much to do, but first, I must tell you what our son did." Lee slides a chair next to his wife. "You remember how he came with me to interview Lillian and Grace." He nods. "Patrick wanted to know if he could donate some of his money to them, and I said yes. I guess he realized he didn't have much, so he started asking his friends for money to donate. Cooper even gave him the church donation money without speaking to Minnie or Joseph."

"Oh, boy," remarks Lee.

Rosemary pats Lee's leg. "He always means well but doesn't always do the right thing."

"What do you think we should do about it?"

Rosemary smiles. "I have an idea I was hoping to run by you. I think we should turn this into a charity fundraiser for the orphanage. Patrick already has a good start. Minnie gave him some of the money back, and he has what his friends gave him."

"Is he in bed?"

"Yes, both kids are sound asleep in their room." Rosemary hands him a sheet of paper. "I had Patrick write a list of all the money he received."

"Good. I think this is an excellent idea, honey. And we can match what Patrick raises."

Rosemary grins. "I love that idea."

"So why are you up so late?"

Rosemary groans. "I'm working on a few articles for The Valley Voice, the script I told you about, filling in Isabella's baby book, and planning her birthday party. Not to mention taking care of the kids, house, and you, who's been working late all the time, might I add."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart." They both lean in for a quick kiss, and he smacks his lips. "Do I taste chocolate?"

Rosemary wipes her mouth. "You do. I tried a new recipe, homemade mallowmars. Would you like to try one?"

"Mallowmars? I didn't think you liked those."

Rosemary giggles. "I guess I do now."

"I forget. What are they?"

"Cookies made from shortbread and marshmallows, with chocolate on top. They turned out excellent if I do say so myself. Here, try one." Rosemary slides the cookie jar to him.

Lee grabs a mallowmar and pops it into his mouth. "Mmm, you're right. These are so good."

Rosemary yawns. "I know." Lee sneaks another one and tosses it in his mouth, causing Rosemary to laugh. He smirks and shuts her notebook, ordering her to bed. "I can't, Lee."

"You are too busy. I got it. But I must insist you go ahead and come to bed with me. You need your sleep, and I won't take no for an answer." Rosemary crosses her arms. "Don't make me carry you because I will."

Rosemary smirks at her husband, eventually agreeing. They turn off all the lights and head upstairs with Lee's arm wrapped around her shoulder.

Saturday, June 28th, 1919

Rosemary is sitting on the settee with her feet up and a tray in her lap, writing away. Lee comes down the stairs after checking on the kids. "How are they doing?" she asks.

"Patrick is quietly playing in their room, and Isabella is still napping."

"Good." Rosemary taps on the tray. "Thanks for suggesting this. It's so much more comfortable than the kitchen table."

"You're welcome." Lee smiles and takes the tray from her, setting it on the coffee table. He moves her legs and sits down beside her. "We need to talk, sweetheart."

"About what?"

Lee pauses momentarily, unsure how she'll react to what he wants to tell her. "Jesse, Milton, and I heard about this conference in Missoula, and I want to attend."

"Montana?" she asks.

"Yes."

"When and for how long?"

"At least a week, maybe a little bit more. We would have to leave on July 5th."

Rosemary clasps her hands together, sitting up straighter. "Let me make sure I understand this. You want to be gone for a week or more?" Her voice gets a little louder and higher in pitch. "This close to your daughter's first birthday? When you are leaving me with three kids by myself. You remember Hazel, Patrick's best friend, right? She is spending the week with us." Rosemary's voice takes an unnaturally high tone. "You want to do this when your hardworking wife feels overwhelmed with all her responsibilities?"

Before Rosemary can continue, Lee reaches for her hands. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down."

"Slow down? How am I supposed to slow down, Lee Coulter? I'll have even more to do with you gone." Rosemary releases his hands and gets up, walking to the kitchen and stuffing a mallowmar in her mouth. She grabs one more and pads back with a pout.

"Okay."

"Okay, what?" asks Rosemary.

"I won't go. I can see it's not a good time." He stands up.

"Lee, wait." He sits beside her, and she cups her hands with his. "Will it be good for the business?"

"I hope so."

"And you want to go?"

"I would like to go," he responds.

Rosemary thinks a moment. "Promise me one thing."

"Anything for you, my love."

"You have to be back by the tenth, eleventh at the latest. I don't want a repeat of the adoption celebration with you arriving a mere hours before the event."

Lee grins. "I promise." He squeezes her hands. "Are you sure, sweetheart? I realize I'm asking a lot of you, and I know we've never been apart for that long."

"You're right, but it's important to you…to us, so you should go. We will be fine."

"Come here." Lee leans in and kisses his wife. Rosemary pulls back and smiles mischievously, stuffing the other mallowmar into Lee's mouth.

Saturday, July 5th, 1919

Rosemary turns off the light after reading Patrick and Isabella's bedtime story and kisses them goodnight. When she gets to the door, she hears Patrick's sweet voice. "Mama?"

"Yes, bud." Rosemary walks back over and sits down on the bed beside him.

"When Papa returns from his trip, can we go have a picnic? We haven't taken Isabella to our favorite spot yet."

"You're right. I think it's a great idea. Maybe after church next Sunday. Would you like that?"

"Yes, ma'am." Patrick gets more comfortable. "Mama? Did I ever tell you about my dream?"

"What dream?"

"It was before Isabella was born when you and Papa were in Union City, and I stayed with Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Nathan. I dreamt we were at our picnic spot, and I was laughing and running around when I heard a little voice yelling Bubba. I turn around and see you holding a small child. The three of you are waving at me."

"Was the small child Isabella?"

"I'm not sure. I couldn't see. I was too far away."

"Wow, maybe God gave you a glimpse of what was to come. Papa and I had something similar happen to us before we knew about your sister."

Patrick yawns. "Mama?" Rosemary fingers Patrick's curls out of his eyes. "Thank you for letting Hazel stay for the week. I'm so excited to see her tomorrow."

"You're welcome. I like when she visits too." She taps his nose. "It's time for you to sleep, mister." Rosemary kisses him on his forehead. "I love you more than all the stars in the sky."

"I love you to infinity."

Friday, July 11th, 1919

After almost a week away, Lee jogs into the house with a bouquet of flowers and his briefcase. Rosemary and Isabella are playing with blocks on the sitting room floor. They turn, and Isabella squeals in excitement at seeing her papa. She gets up and scampers toward him as fast as her little legs will go. Lee puts his things on the desk and scoops her into his arms, kissing her all over. "Hi, princess! Did you miss me?"

Isabella yells, "Papa," followed by some nonsense.

Rosemary joins her daughter and husband in a one-armed embrace. Lee kisses her, lingering longer than he needs to, savoring her being close again. "Hi, sweetheart. You're glowing again today."

Rosemary eyes Lee lovingly. "She missed you. We all missed you. Six days and four hours are way too long to be apart."

"I agree." Lee slips his free hand into hers. "I have something for you." Rosemary giggles. He leads her to the desk and presents her with a bouquet of red and white roses.

"They're beautiful, Lee. Thank you." Rosemary sets the flowers down and kisses him tenderly.

Lee embraces her again. "How did it go? Did Patrick and Hazel help?" He glances around the room. "Speaking of which, where are they?"

"They are outside playing with Laika in the backyard. They have been a big help. I couldn't have gotten through the week without them." Isabella babbles something and lays her head on Lee's shoulder, struggling to keep her eyes open. "It's time for her nap, sweetheart." Rosemary reaches out for her. "Here, let me."

Lee grins. "Can I? Please? I missed out on our snuggle time."

"If I can tag along with you two," Rosemary answers, stepping away, allowing them to pass.

"Wait, I have something for her too." With one hand, Lee digs into his briefcase and fishes out a small stuffed bear. He gives it to Isabella, and she clutches it under her arms, resting her head on his chest. Lee kisses her cheek and carries her up to her and Patrick's room, where he lays her in her crib. "Have a good nap, princess." Isabella squeezes her new bear and closes her eyes again. "Papa loves you, angel."

Lee and Rosemary watch their daughter briefly and then go downstairs hand-in-hand just as Patrick, Hazel, and Laika step into the kitchen. They see Lee immediately, and Patrick rushes into his arms and doesn't let go. "Papa, you're home! I missed you. I don't want you to be gone that long ever again."

"I missed you too, little man. I'll try not to next time."

Hazel hugs him. "Hi, Mister Coulter."

"Hi, Hazel. I heard you two helped with Isabella while I was gone. Thank you."

Patrick and Hazel smile. "Did you bring me something, Papa?"

"Of course I did." He walks to the desk and pulls two things from his briefcase, hiding them behind his back. "This is for you, buddy." Lee hands Patrick a horse figurine about six inches tall.

Patrick's smile reaches his eyes, and he shows Hazel and Rosemary as he imitates horse sounds. "Thanks, Papa. I love it! The horse looks like Charlie."

"I thought so too. That is why I picked this one out. A local man carved it." Lee ruffles his hair. "I have something for you too, Hazel."

Hazel looks up at him with surprise. "You do?" Lee gives her a pink hand-crocheted drawstring purse. Hazel shyly hugs him. "Thanks, Mister Coulter." Patrick takes her hand and pulls her up the stairs.

"Wait," Lee calls out before the kids get too far up. "We just put your sister down for her nap. Can you play down here?"

"Yes, sir. Do you and Mama want to play with us? Please?"

Rosemary inquires, "What would you like to play?" Hazel glances at Patrick and suggests they play hearts. "Alright, I can play a few games, but then I must return to work." Patrick and Hazel cheer and run to get the cards.

After a few too many games, Rosemary pries herself from the table. "I can't play anymore, kids. I need to bake Isabella's cake, wrap her presents, finish her baby book, write her letter, clean the house, and decorate."

"What can I help you with?" Lee asks.

Rosemary searches the cupboard. "Do you think you can go to the mercantile for me? I need some more sugar and baking powder for the cake."

"I would be happy to. Patrick, Hazel, do you want to tag along?"

"Yes, sir," Patrick and Hazel respond simultaneously.

Lee, Patrick, and Hazel return home to an unhappy Rosemary standing there with her hands on her hips. "Lee Coulter, where have you been? It's been two hours, and I've been waiting on those ingredients."

He kisses her, hoping to calm her down. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I made the mistake of stopping at the office. I started opening the mail and got distracted."

"He did, Mama. We were waiting for him outside the office forever."

"You were working? I thought you said you could devote the entire weekend to our daughter."

"I did say that. Didn't I?" Lee guiltily sticks his hands in his pockets. "I promise no more working until Monday."

Rosemary huffs and grabs the basket. Then she walks into the kitchen and finally notices what Lee bought. She turns around with her hand on her hip, a fake smile, and her best sweet voice. "Could you come here, sweetie?" Lee joins her at the kitchen counter. "What are these?"

Lee reads the labels. "Salt and baking soda."

"Did I ask for salt and baking soda?" questions an exasperated Rosemary.

Lee thinks about it for a moment, and his face falls. He grabs the two items from the basket. "I'll be right back with the correct ones."

Rosemary takes the salt and baking soda from him. "No, Lee. I don't have time for you to mess up again. I'll get them. I have to do everything anyway, so why not this too." She empties the basket, sticks them back inside, and marches out the door in a huff, mumbling about visiting Elizabeth and leaving Lee to deal with it all. Lee, Patrick, and Hazel glance at one another, wondering what caused this reaction.

Rosemary returns home, appearing more frustrated. Lee is sweeping the floor, and the kids are nowhere to be seen. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" inquires Lee.

She puts the basket on the kitchen table, throws up her hands, and pouts. "The day is almost over, and I still need to bake the cake. I'm lucky to have even found all the ingredients. I went to the mercantile and got the sugar, but Ned said someone had taken the last of the baking powder. Elizabeth and Hannah were out, but Clara had some. Then on my way back, I almost tripped and fell in the mud. Thank goodness I caught myself before I hit the ground. Otherwise, that would have been a disaster."

"I'm sorry, honey," Lee remarks, trying to kiss her.

Rosemary blocks him with her hands. "Where are the kids?"

"Patrick and Hazel are playing with Allie and Jack next door, and our daughter is still napping." They hear Isabella starting to cry from upstairs. "She was still napping."

Rosemary insists. "I'll get her…alone." Lee frowns as he watches her saunter up the stairs.

When Rosemary doesn't return ten minutes later, he checks on her. She is rocking Isabella, barely able to keep her eyes open. Lee can tell Rosemary is reaching her breaking point, so he grabs Isabella from her and offers his free hand. Rosemary accepts without hesitation as he leads her into their bedroom. "I know you are exhausted and didn't sleep much while I was gone, so I'm going to insist it's time for you to rest, even if it's only for an hour." Rosemary protests, but as soon as her head hits the pillow, she's asleep.

Rosemary comes downstairs to a welcome sight. Isabella is playing in her playpen. Lee, Patrick, and Hazel are putting up birthday decorations, and she smells something delicious permeating the room. Lee turns around and sees her from the corner of his eye, his face lighting up. She sing-songs, "Hello, my wonderful family! I can't believe I slept so long. What have I missed?"

Isabella shouts, "Mama," and raises her arms. Rosemary lifts her out and kisses both of her round, rosy cheeks.

"Papa, Hazel, and I put up the party decorations. Do you like what we did?"

"Yes, I do, bud. You did a great job!"

Patrick glances at the kitchen. "Papa is baking her cake. It smells yummy." Rosemary looks at her husband, communicating with her eyes.

"I thought I would help you out." Lee saunters over to her, and she welcomes the kiss. "Do you feel better, sweetheart?"

"I do. Thanks for letting me sleep, baking the cake, and decorating."

Lee grins. "I did one more thing, but it's not ready."

"Her letter?"

"Yes."

"You're the best husband ever!" exclaims Rosemary.

"I am." Rosemary and Lee chuckle.

"Mama, I almost forgot. Hazel and I drew some pictures for Isabella for her birthday. When should we give them to her?"

"How about now? I know her birthday is not until tomorrow, but this seems like a good time."

"Yeah! I'll go get them." Patrick skips up the stairs and right back down with some drawings. "Can you hold Isabella while we show them to her?" Rosemary nods, picking Isabella up and sitting on the settee with her on her lap. Patrick sits on one side of Rosemary and Hazel on the other. Patrick hands Hazel her drawing. "You go first."

Hazel shows the drawing to Isabella. It's of her sitting in Patrick's lap while he reads her a book. Isabella squeals, "Bubba."

"Yes, that is you and your Bubba from the other night."

Isabella tries to snatch it, but Rosemary distracts her for a moment. "Hazel, this is so good. I'd be careful with it if I were you. She'll ruin it almost instantly if she gets a hold of it."

"Maybe we can hang them in their room?" suggests Hazel.

"That is a great idea, Hazel. We can do that tonight. So, what did you draw, Patrick?" Patrick shows Isabella and Rosemary his. It's from the night before Lee left for Missoula. Lee was throwing a laughing Isabella into the air. His arms are up, and he is ready to catch her, pure joy written all over his face. Rosemary's heart melts as she stands beside him, watching two of her favorite people. "Patrick, this drawing is amazing. You captured our emotions perfectly." He sets his drawing on the coffee table and hugs his mother and sister, with Hazel joining in.

Saturday, July 12th, 1919

Rosemary and Lee are up early on Isabella's first birthday. Neither one can believe it has been a year since Rosemary gave birth to her. The year went by fast in some ways and slow in others. Slow being the many sleepless nights, but they wouldn't change anything about this past year. Their hearts grew in more ways than one. They count their blessings each morning and go to bed full and thankful each night. Rosemary and Lee sneak into the kid's bedroom to watch their little girl sleep peacefully for a moment and sneak back out without waking her and Hazel up. Patrick is still asleep in their bedroom. They quietly go downstairs and prepare for the busy day. "What can I help with?" asks Lee.

"Let me see my list. Cake, check, presents, check, baby book, check, letter, check, decorations, check, and prepare refreshments, not checked."

"That's it? You finished everything else?" he asks.

"Yes, thanks to you."

Lee chuckles. "So, what time is the party?"

"It's at 2:00 pm."

"Good. That gives us time to relax…together. I've missed you."

Rosemary smiles guiltily. She doesn't want him to know where she is sneaking off to, or at least not yet, so she tells him one of her two destinations. "Actually, Lee, I need to pick up a few things from the mercantile."

"I can do that for you. You stay here."

"I could use a leisurely stroll. Do you mind listening for the kids?"

"Not at all. Take your time. We can spend time together later."

"Thanks, sweetie. I won't be gone long." Rosemary grabs her basket and walks out the front door. Lee pours himself a cup of coffee when Isabella starts crying. He jogs up the stairs and sees Hazel talking to Isabella. She is standing up, holding onto the crib bars, and grinning. When she sees her father, Isabella raises her arms, shouting, "Papa! Up!" Lee picks his daughter up, blowing on her tummy and kissing her all over. "Good morning, angel. It's your birthday today. You are one year old." He turns to Hazel. "Good morning. I'm sorry she woke you up."

"It's okay, Mister Coulter. I don't mind."

Patrick comes in and joins Lee and Hazel at the crib. "Happy birthday, monkey."

"Bubba!" Isabella says, followed by some babble.

"Let's get you changed. Mama has a special outfit for you, but I think it's too early for you to wear, so let me find something else for you."

Patrick inquires, "Where is Mama?"

"She went to the Mercantile." Lee carries her to the closet and selects a purple dress with matching bloomers. He changes her diaper, puts her dress on, and does her hair up into a bow on the top of her head. "Do you think Mama will like how I dressed her, Patrick?"

"I think so. Mama might giggle about what you did with her hair, though."

"What is wrong with her hair?"

"It's sticking straight up," laughs Patrick.

Lee tries to tickle Patrick, but he gets away. "What do you say we go downstairs, and I fix us some breakfast?" Patrick and Hazel nod, and Isabella squeals.

Rosemary returns about an hour later, happy as a lark with a full basket, singing a popular song. "Daddy has a sweetheart, and he's head and heels in love. I have often watched him kiss her while the moon peeped from above. Each day he loves her more and more, and she loves him the same. Daddy has a sweetheart, and Mother is her name."(1)

Patrick and Hazel are playing with Isabella on the floor, and Lee is chopping up the vegetables. "Good morning, Mama, Missus Coulter!" Patrick and Hazel exclaim when they are interrupted by a knock at the door.

"I wonder who that could be," ponders Rosemary.

They watch as Lee opens the door to a nine-month pregnant Elizabeth, who waddles inside. "Do you need any help? I'm so sorry I didn't come over earlier."

Rosemary hugs her best friend tighter than usual. "You don't need to be helping Elizabeth. You need to sit."

"Not if I want this precious baby to come sooner than later."

Rosemary chuckles and pats Elizabeth's belly. "You hear that sweet pea? Your mama wants to meet you very soon. Now sit, Elizabeth. I need to put my groceries away. I just got back from the mercantile."

Elizabeth waddles to the settee and sits down, and Isabella toddles up to her. She struggles but eventually picks the little girl up. "Happy birthday, Isabella. I can't believe you are already one year old." Elizabeth glances down at her very rounded belly, rubbing her unborn child. "I imagine you and this baby will be best friends. What do you think?"

"Baby!" shouts Isabella.

Rosemary surveys the room a few hours later and is happy with everything. She plops on the settee and raises her feet, hoping to relax for a minute. Patrick and Hazel run to the door when there is a knock. It's Hazel's mother, Sarah. Hazel pulls her mother inside and jumps into her arms. "Hi, Mom. I missed you."

"Hi, honey. I missed you too. Did you have a fun week?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Hi, Missus Andrews. Thank you for letting Hazel stay here."

"You're welcome, Patrick. I'm glad you spent more than a few days with one another."

Sarah hugs Rosemary next and then Lee. "I hope it's okay that I'm early. I was hoping to help you, Rosemary."

"Sure, you can help us prepare the snacks and punch. Come and see her cake. I made some purple and pink icing. I used blueberry for the purple and raspberry for the pink. It was easy, and I think her cake turned out adorable."

"Can I say hello to the birthday girl first?"

"Yes, please do." She lifts Isabella from the playpen and hands her to Sarah, who gets Isabella to laugh. Sarah sits her back in the playpen, and Rosemary shows Sarah the cake. Then they get to work on all the last-minute things for the party.

Party Time – 2:00 pm

The guests, Elizabeth, Nathan, Allie, Jack, Clara, five-month-pregnant Faith, four-month-pregnant Hannah, and Nicholas, arrive on time and follow Rosemary's rule of no gifts. She was adamant that Isabella already has everything she needs. Rosemary and Lee greet all the guests and then go upstairs to wake Isabella up from her nap and get her dressed in the outfit Rosemary made for this special occasion. The dress has blue to match her eyes, pink and purple swirls, and her bloomers are the same blue but a solid color. Rosemary combs her short blonde curls and ties a blue bow high on each side. She lifts her into her arms. "You look so pretty, princess. Are you ready for your party?" Rosemary wipes a tear from her eye. "How did you get to be so big? You're not our baby anymore."

Isabella pats Rosemary's face, saying, "Mama," followed by words no one could understand.

Rosemary squeezes her daughter. "I love you, pumpkin. Can you blow Mama and Papa a kiss?" Isabella puts her hand to her mouth, smacks it, and throws her hand out. Rosemary can't help the tears falling now. Lee embraces his two girls, and they hold one another close. Isabella reaches for Lee, so he grabs her while still embracing Rosemary.

Isabella lays her head on her Papa's chest, as she often does when he holds her. Isabella speaks gibberish, surrounded by one of the best words she could say. "Papa!"

"I love you, angel."

They savor a few more minutes for themselves before joining the party. Lee carries their daughter down, followed by a beaming Rosemary. When they get there, everyone wants to hold the birthday girl. Isabella loves the attention at first, but then she wants to be let down. Isabella yells Bubba and toddles over to Patrick and Hazel, who are playing cat's cradle on the floor. Rosemary ensures they are paying attention to Isabella, and then she starts conversing with her friends, still keeping an eye on her daughter.

Hazel entertains Isabella while Patrick runs up to Rosemary. "When can we sing "Happy Birthday" and have cake, Mama?"

Rosemary poses the question to the group. "Who is ready for cake?" They all nod. "Lee, can you get the camera? I want a picture of her first bite."

"Yes, dear."

Rosemary scoops up Isabella and sits her in the highchair with a bib. She grabs the cake from the kitchen counter and brings it to Isabella. Unfortunately, she doesn't see Laika running in front of her until it's too late. Rosemary loses her balance, and the cake topples over. Lee snaps a picture, capturing the exact moment when Rosemary's face fills with horror as she watches the cake falling to the ground, landing face down. Rosemary drops to her knees, sobbing into her hands. Lee whispers to Patrick, "Can you put Laika outside," while he gets on the floor with his distraught wife. Elizabeth motions for them all to give them space, knowing Rosemary needs a moment. Lee grasps his wife's hands and tries to comfort her. "It's alright, sweetheart. She doesn't need a cake. It's not the end of the world."

Rosemary looks at him like he has lost his mind. "Of course, she does. How can we call it her first birthday party if we don't sing "Happy Birthday," blow out her candle, or watch her eat her first piece of cake?" In between sobs, she mumbles so only Lee can hear her. "Why didn't I pay better attention? I should have known better."

"That could have happened to anyone. Don't blame yourself."

Patrick and Hazel come over. "Mama, Hazel and I have an idea."

"What is it, bud?" asks Rosemary.

"Do you remember the cupcakes you made us the other day?" Rosemary nods. "There is one left. Can you use it?"

Rosemary can't help but smile at her son and Hazel. "That is a great idea. Come here, you two." Rosemary brings them in for a group hug, then wipes her tears, embarrassed at her show of emotion. She and Lee scoop up as much of the cake as they can and stand up. Lee dumps the cake in the trashcan and sets the platter in the washbasin. Rosemary finds the cupcake and her leftover icing. She quickly slathers the pink icing on the top and brings it to Isabella with a candle. Everyone returns, and she lights the candle and kneels next to her daughter. Rosemary starts them off, singing "Happy Birthday." They all cheer for Isabella as Rosemary blows out the candle. Isabella has the cutest grin, so Lee snaps a few photos during the singing. Rosemary removes the candle and cuts the cupcake into smaller pieces. Isabella sticks her finger in the icing and brings it to her mouth. Rosemary points to one of the small pieces she cut up for her. Isabella picks it up and sticks it in her mouth. Then she reaches for another piece and gets icing all over her hand. Before Rosemary can grab a napkin, Isabella has it all over her face, hair, and bib.

Lee snaps some photos, and Rosemary chuckles. "You made a mess, sweetie."

Isabella responds with gibberish followed by the word "Bubba." Patrick skips over to the highchair, and Isabella touches his face, smearing icing on his nose and cheek.

"Hmm, the icing is good. Isn't it, monkey?" Patrick dips her hand in the icing, smearing it all over his sister's face. Isabella giggles. Rosemary turns to Lee, ensuring he is capturing these moments on camera, and he is.

After all their friends go home, including Hazel and Sarah, they sit on the settee. Isabella is in Lee's lap, and Patrick sits between his parents. She hands Lee Isabella's book, and he flips through the pages, reliving all of Isabella's firsts. Her first smile, laugh, sitting up by herself, crawling, playing in the snow, sleeping through the night, eating solid food, her first word and what it was, the first time she stood, and lastly, her first-time walking. There is even a page ready for pictures from her birthday party today. Rosemary had written the date and description of each first, adding a photo if she had captured one. Lee turns to the last page, which reads: "To Our Princess on her First Birthday," written in big letters.

"Do you have the letter, my darling?"

Lee pulls it out of his shirt pocket, grinning. "I figured I would need this. Shall we read it to her now?"

"Yes, I've been dying to know what you wrote. I'll let you do the honors."

Lee reads aloud:

Dear Isabella,

We are writing this to you on the eve of your first birthday. You were our biggest surprise and our little miracle. We love you more than we can convey and are glad you joined our family. You are such a happy baby, and you always make us smile. You're intelligent, loving, and have the best personality. You especially love your big brother, Patrick, who loves you too.

Your Mama and I can't wait to learn new things through your eyes and watch you grow into the person you will become. We love you to infinity, the moon and back, and more than all the stars in the sky.

Love, Papa, Mama, and Bubba

Rosemary wipes a tear from her eye. "It's perfect, Lee."

Sunday, July 13th, 1919

After church, the Coulters drive to their spot for the picnic Patrick requested. They eat, and then Patrick goes exploring. They watch him run around, pretending to be an airplane, laughing joyfully. He turns around when he hears Isabella yelling "Bubba" and sees her in Rosemary's arms as they all wave at him.

Patrick hurries back. "Mama, this is like my dream!"

Rosemary pats beside her, and he sits down. "It sure is."

"What dream?" Lee questions. Patrick tells him about the dream and how Rosemary thought it could be a glimpse from God. "I think Mama is right, buddy."

Patrick grins. "Can we play chase?"

"I'm sorry, bud. I'll have to pass this time. But you and Papa can play. I bet your sister will even love you trying to catch her."

Rosemary wakes up to her children's laughter thirty minutes later. She and Lee lean against their tree with her head on his shoulder. Patrick and Isabella are playing patty-cake and giggling.

"How long have I been napping?"

"About half an hour. How are you feeling?"

"Better. I feel like I can relax now. You are home. The party is over, and everything feels right in the world." She takes a deep refreshing breath and suddenly feels a fluttering in her lower abdomen. It's a feeling she instantly recognizes from not too long ago, confirming her suspicions. Rosemary observes her family for a moment while her face lights up. She wipes a tear from her face and rubs Lee's leg excitedly. He looks over and realizes it's something big.

"What is it, my love?"

Rosemary places his hand on her belly, resting hers on his. "We've been blessed with another miracle."

A/N: I hope you have enjoyed the year of firsts as the Coulters learned how to be a family of four and, in the future, five. Now it is on to the three-part epilogue where we jump in time. I hope you follow me to see what is in store for the Coulter family.

(1) Daddy Has A Sweetheart, and Mother Is Her Name (1912 - w: Gene Buck m: Dave Stamper) Public Domain ( . /items/4678)