Mary Beth had been worried since they'd gotten to Horseshoe Overlook. The ride hadn't been too bad and she and Will got some time to talk, with interjections and jokes being made by Hosea and Arthur. They had to fix a wheel that fell off and the ride had been long and a little uncomfortable, but it was peaceful. The issue is once they got to Horseshoe Overlook. It wasn't a bad place, it was nice, warmer than Colter by a lot, and they hadn't run into any trouble so far. The busy work was a lot less demanding than in Colter with its poor conditions as well. The reason she had been worried since they had gotten to the new camp was very personal. When she offered her virginity to Will and she made him finish inside, he had told her they were risking pregnancy. She said she knew the risk and just wanted the time to be special. But the consequences were now coming back at her. Going to a new place made her realize that she was almost two weeks late on her period, and then shortly after that she vagan having stomach issues. She tried to convince herself that the issues began because she believed they would, but that theory went away when the stomach issues became violent. She was throwing up a lot and it became so bad that Miss Grimshaw took her off of duties so she could rest. Will spent time with her frequently and always made sure she was comfortable and okay. They even had a fun time one of the days even though she was afraid she'd throw up on him, but it went well. But now she was really worried. It had been almost three weeks since she was supposed to have her period, and the last time he spent time with her, an hour or so ago, she asked Will to send Abigail to talk to her.
A few minutes later, Abigail entered the tent. Mary Beth asked her to close and tie the flap. She preferred if the conversation weren't overheard.
"When you were pregnant with Jack, at the beginning, what were some symptoms you experienced?
"Well, the first sign was my period was running late and my stomach was bothering me. A little later on I had trouble sleeping without John around, which made it hard because he wasn't around much. Another symptom was I was getting cravings for certain food. Then my stomach started growing a little and I decided it was finally time to see a real doctor. John took me to the doctor in some little town and he confirmed I was pregnant. That was about it. After I knew, the symptoms pretty much stayed the same. Why are you asking? You don't think you're pregnant do you? I thought you were a virgin."
"Thanks for helping me. If you want to know I'll tell you because you talked to me."
"Well I'd like to hear so go ahead."
"I avoided sleeping with any of the guys in the gang and felt pretty good about still being a virgin. Then after Will got back after his father died we'd started flirting. That flirting led to kissing and touching and then eventually we got into a little misunderstanding. I hurt him by accident and to make it up to him, even though he said being honest was enough. I offered him my virginity and told him I was ready. He tried making excuses why weren't ready so I just started on him and we ended up going to the cabin and doing it. When we got here, Horseshoe, I realized that my period was two weeks overdue. A day or so later my stomach started hurting. That's when I suspected."
"Mary Beth, good for you. And Will, you don't think he'll…?
"Sorry if I offend, but no I don't think he'll leave like John did. Do you think I'm pregnant?"
"I think you might be. Could be a coincidence but I doubt it."
"Thank you for your help. I'm going to have to tell Will soon. He might take me to a doctor."
"Good. Good luck, Mary Beth."
"Thank you."
And Abigail walked out.
A few hours later when the Sun started to come down, Will came into the tent.
"Hey, Mary Beth. Is there anything I can do to help you out?"
"Will, we need to talk."
"I don't think anything good has ever come from that phrase. I should probably leave now and then we can't have whatever this talk is about." He got up to leave but she hurt herself getting up to stop him.
"Please, Will, this is important." There was a tear in her eye.
"Okay, I'll listen."
"I think I'm pregnant."
"How? The only time I didn't pull out is that night in Colter when…oh that was it. Our first time and you got pregnant."
"Will, I don't know if I am. I need to see the doctor in Valentine. I asked Abigail and she says it sounds like I am, but you can never be sure."
"You talked to Abigail? Before me?"
"Look, Will, I'm sorry. I just wanted an experienced persons take before I told you I think that I am."
"Okay, that's fine. I'm sorry I got worked up this is just frustrating."
"I understand. Do you mind bringing me to Valentine tomorrow morning?"
"I was s'posed to help Dutch with a con but I'll tell him I'm goin' to take a rain check. I'll bring you tomorrow. We can also get supplies while we're there."
"And you can get drunk if the doctor says I'm pregnant," she said quietly.
"Mary Beth, I wouldn't…And I can get drunk if the doctor says you're pregnant," he said, disappointed in himself as he realized that's probably what he'd do.
"Will, it's okay. I understand. I mean would too if not for—this," she said, using her hands to signal towards her stomach.
"It ain't right, though. I get drunk to forget my issues and you just have to stay there and deal with them."
"It's okay, Will. I'll be fine."
He remained silent and pulled her to bed. They undressed their day clothes and laid in the little hay mattress they shared.
