Chapter 89
Like any other typical morning, Abagail was in the kitchen early in the morning preparing for the morning rush. Frank was in the dining area working on the tables to make sure they were ready for the customers who were about to show up. This had become his normal routine. It was his way of helping his wife. Other than fish, he couldn't cook very well. After finishing up the utensils and napkins, he turned to go into the kitchen. He stopped in the entryway of the kitchen. He gasped.
Abagail was leaning forward toward the prep island in the kitchen. She was standing at the corner of it. Both hands were on the edge. Her eyes were closed, and she was standing perfectly still. Something was wrong.
"Hey, are you ok?"
"Yeah." She softly stated.
"Abagail, please look at me." He stated as he began to walk toward her.
"Give me a moment."
Now he was afraid. He rushed to face his wife. He placed his hands on top of hers.
"Abagail." He implored.
"Frank…" She drew out his name in a soft voice. "…please sweetheart…give me moment." She stated slowly as she concentrated on her breathing.
Frank tightened his hold on her hands. It took everything he had inside of him to give her that time. It may have only been a few minutes, but for Frank, it was literally an eternity.
Abagail let out a long, slow breath. Afterwards, she finally opened her eyes slowly. She stared at the top of the counter for a few seconds. Slowly, she raised her gaze to her husband. She instantly saw the panic written on his face. She was going to tell him it was nothing. That she was alright, but after seeing the fear in his eyes, she quickly decided to be honestly open with him.
"I was dizzy for a moment. I was resting as I leaned against the counter. I didn't want to fall."
"What made you dizzy?"
"I'm not sure. I was bent over putting some dough in the oven for biscuits. When I stood up, I just became dizzy." She shrugged her shoulders. "I think I've been working too much lately."
"A few weeks ago, I would have agreed with you, but you have slowed down lately. Hiring help here and at the mayor's office has been good for you."
"Yeah. I think it just all caught up to me." Abagail released her death grip on the edges of the island and stood up. She wavered just a fraction of an inch. She stood tall and pulled her shoulders back. "I'm all good now."
She knew from the look on his face that he didn't believe her for one second.
"I'm good now."
"Abagail…"
"I'm good." She stated as she picked up her bowl and began to stir the ingredients to make some more dough for more biscuits.
Frank only stood there and watched her like a hawk. He never took his eyes off her.
"I think I'll get Nurse Carter."
"No Frank. She's a busy woman with serious illnesses to focus on. I'm just tired and stood up too quickly. Please don't worry her for nothing."
She stopped working on the bowl and turned her full attention to her husband. She placed the bowl down on the counter and walked toward her husband. While she may have walked slowly to him, she didn't stumble. She tip towed and kissed his cheek.
"Now, would you please bring in some wood for the stove?" When he didn't move, she gave him a smile. "Please."
Frank watched her for a moment then he turned to walk toward the back porch.
…
Frank left for the church. He had a few things he needed to get out of the back room. He could go in and out of the back room and not bother Elizabeth or her class. He turned right out of the café and down the steps. Instead of walking down the sidewalk toward the school, he walked across the street. He didn't even knock on the infirmary door. He just walked in.
"Good morning, Pastor Frank. How are you?"
"I'm good Nurse Carter. Do you have a moment?"
"Sure. I'm heading out toward the O'Reilly farm in a couple of hours to check on Mr. O'Reilly. He's been sick for the last couple of days. I just need to check on him. What may I do for you?"
Faith watched Frank walk into the section where her desk was in the open room. He purposefully pulled out the chair and sat down. He placed his right arm on her desk and leaned forward. She couldn't keep from watching him. This was so not like him.
"What's going on Pastor?"
"A couple of hours ago…" Frank spent the next few minutes explaining everything that happened in the kitchen of the café regarding Abagail. She intently listened to every detail of the concerned husband. She could easily see the hurt in Frank's face. Even if she couldn't, she could hear it in his voice.
"She's correct. She has been working very hard with both the café and the mayor's office."
"She hasn't over the last couple of weeks. She had hired some help in both places."
"True. I'll stop by and check on her."
"The thing is…"
"I won't tell her you sent me."
"How did you know?"
"Abagail is a tremendously strong woman."
"And stubborn." Frank finished her statement.
Faith laughed. "You are correct. I won't tell her that part either."
"Thank you, Faith."
I'll head over there in the next few minutes."
…
Grace smiled and sighed as she sat at her kitchen table. She was excited to go and see William. She had missed her weekly visits with her husband. She was saddened she wasn't with her family back in Hope Valley. She fully understood the meaning of a divided heart. Part of it was in a prison and the other half was in a small western town.
Before leaving for her visit with William, she wanted to call Janice at the Next Chance Home. She has also missed that part of her new life. She had a letter waiting for her at home when she arrived late last night. Abby was doing really well at the Harrison Agency. They had two other woman who checked in the last week. Janice assured Grace that the two new women were settling in very well. She knew she would visit the home later that day. She needed to say hello to everyone, but first she had to see her husband.
…
Jack escorted his wife and son to school. This little routine was becoming a favorite part of his day. After negotiating with Abagail, he was going to begin work in a couple of days. The move into the new home was great and everything was basically settled. There were still some pictures and other items that needed to be placed on the wall or around the home, but for the most part, everything was done. That was his argument for going back to work. He was happy when Abagail finally relented.
Jack's mind turned to setting up a place for his and JJ's horse. He also wanted to get one for Elizabeth. He envisioned family rides in the future. He didn't need anything too big as far as a barn and stalls go. The big thing was fencing off a nice sized section for the horses to pasture and just be a horse for a while.
"What are your plans for today?"
"Well, I thought about pushing my luck and coming by the school in about an hour and…"
"Yeah!" JJ shouted.
"Not on either of your lives!" Elizabeth stated. Her mother's and teacher's voice combined into a resounding tone. "There is no way he is missing any more school for a good long while." She had stopped walking and had both hands on her hips. Her stare quickly bounced from both Jack and JJ. Her intense glare only relented when she noticed Jack's little grin beginning to form.
"You're lucky you're cute." She wiggled her index finger at him. "And you, young man, don't even think about getting sick any time soon. You will attend school no matter what." She turned her finger to him. "Understand?"
"Yes ma'am." JJ answered.
"Fine. With that understood, I'm going into the mercantile to pick up some supplies I ordered for school. I'll be right back."
"Yes ma'am." Jack and JJ answered at the same time.
When she walked up the steps and disappeared in the mercantile, JJ turned to his daddy.
"How is that not scary to you? You always said that her scary teacher's face is adorable and gorgeous."
"It is." Jack smiled at the memory of her expression. He really does think it's adorable, and a little sexy.
"How? Why?"
"Well, the first thing you need to remember is that when mommy gets worked up like that, it's because she loves you and cares for you." Jack stated as he sat down on the second step. "The more intense she becomes, the more it just means she loves you."
"I always just figured she thought she was right and wanted to get her way."
"Well…" Jack spoke slowly. He chuckled. "You're not completely wrong but you better never say that to her."
"Just between us."
"Yeah. She just loves us and wants what is best for us. That's why she's so stinking adorable."
JJ nodded his head. He was beginning to understand.
"Now, here's the secret." Jack whispered. Then he looked around to make sure Elizabeth hadn't come out of the mercantile. "You need to watch her finger."
"Her finger?" JJ asked. He was completely captured in this little secret. He didn't think her scary teacher's face was adorable.
"Yeah. Mommy speaks with her hands a lot. Watch her index finger. When her finger turns sideways, that's when she's really upset."
"When her finger turns sideways?"
"Yes. If she points it at you or if it's facing you, you are good. You're not in trouble. She is just loving you the way she knows best. If the finger turns sideways, you are in a lot of trouble. You better run for cover." Jack laughed.
"Got it!" JJ excitedly stated. He was happy to learn this little tidbit about his mommy.
"Now, here is the most important thing to remember."
"What?"
"Don't ever tell mommy you know this or anyone else. This stays just between us."
"Got it." JJ smiled.
"What are you two up too?" Elizabeth asked as she walked to the top of the steps.
Jack and JJ both jumped at her voice. They were surprised she was there. They were also hoping that she hadn't heard what they were talking about.
"Nothing." Jack stated as he quickly turned around to see her walking to the steps. He knew she hadn't heard their conversation.
"Yeah mommy…nothing. Just sitting here talking. You know, guy talk."
Elizabeth looked from her little boy to Jack. She knew something was up. She just didn't know what and they weren't going to share their conversation with her.
"Fine. Come on. We have school soon." She stated as she began to walk down the steps.
…
Faith stepped into the café with her medical bag. This wasn't uncommon for her. Many times, she would stop for breakfast on her way to visit a farm or someone else. The café wasn't too busy this morning. She sat down at a table that gave her a view into the kitchen.
Fatih watched Abagail as she worked. She did look a little tired. She remembered Frank's words that she had slowed down over the last week or two, but that still wasn't a lot of time to recover. Especially since she was still busy over that little bit of time. Her color was a little on the light side. She was pale, more than her normal complexion. She also thought Abagail was moving a little slower than normal. She wiped away sweat from her forehead for the second time. That's when she decided that Frank may be correct to some degree.
"Abagail." Faith stated.
Abagail smiled as she looked up. "Faith. How are you?"
"I'm good. How are you?" She asked with a medical eye. She concentrated on Abagail's face.
"I'm good." She paused when she noticed Faith was intently studying her. "Really, I'm good."
"Abagail, from here I can see that something is off. Have a seat and let me take a look at you."
"What? Why?" Abagail stopped and then turned her full attention to Faith. "Frank stopped by, didn't he?"
Faith nodded her head.
"I told him that I was fine."
"Well, first of all, he was worried about you. He loves you and you know it. He's just concerned."
"I know." Abagail smiled. Then she fixed a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
"Secondly, something is off. I can see it."
"He shouldn't have bothered you this morning. I'm just a little tired."
"You are the most respected person in Hope Valley. That would make Frank the second most respected person in Hope Valley. You two are a powerful couple here. You two are greatly loved."
"Thank you."
"Now, I also know you are stubborn."
Abagail laughed. She couldn't deny that fact.
"As a nurse, I am just as stubborn. I have had to deal with people who are sick and not wanting to see a medical professional."
"My late husband was that way."
"Now that is all understood, please have a seat. I would like to examine you."
"Fine, then you can announce to my precious husband that I am good."
"Now, let's have a seat." Faith stated as she placed her bag on the floor and opened it. Abagail knew that she wasn't gong to win this little argument.
…
"Jack, what are you doing?"
"Good morning, Sam. How are things going?"
"Really well. It hass slowed down for a while. Didn't think that happened in this little sleepy town." Sam laughed. For such a small town, there has been a lot going on.
"I hear you. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be in the office in a couple of days."
"That's great. I was hoping you would come back soon."
"Miss me?"
"Let's just say everyone keeps asking when you're coming back. Especially the farmers on the edge of rounds."
"They like it because I am willing to help."
"You do that a lot?"
"I do. It may make rounds a little longer, but it builds a working relationship. I can't tell you how many times that has helped me later on in a case or something. I have that relationship with him. When they notice something that is off, they are very willing to share it with me."
"So…" Sam stated as he leaned back in his desk chair. "You spend extra time with the individuals, and because of that established relationship, they are more open with you?"
"Correct. Rounds may take longer, but it most definitely pays off later on. Plus, you meet some very interesting people. They really do become good friends."
The two men sat there for an hour. Sam just allowed Jack to talk. He would ask questions along the way. He just took this time to pick Jack's brain about what he did and why he did it. He learned a lot. One major thing was that you uphold the law, but you need to remember that you are working with people. Police work is about people, not just keeping the law.
…
"Gracie." William whispered when he walked into the visitation room at the prison. His frustration of not seeing his wife over the last little while was instantly wiped away with her beautiful smile.
Grace smiled as she wiped away a tear. She had really missed her husband. She stood and he approached. He gave her a gentle kiss. He didn't even look to see if the guard was watching.
"I've missed you." William sighed as he sat down still holding her hand.
"I've missed you." Grace squeezed his hand.
"Tell me everything…did JJ love our gift? Was he excited to see you?"
She smiled at the eagerness of her husband. He really wanted to know everything about the trip. She spent the next twenty minutes sharing everything about the trip, including the smallest details. She frowned when the guard came by and gently tapped the top of the table.
"Five minutes, William." He gently reminded William that his time was quickly coming to an end.
"Thank you." He stated. Then he turned his attention to his wife.
"Gracie, I want to give this to you." He extended an envelope. I wrote this several weeks ago. I was holding onto it for the right time." His voice stopped. He didn't want to get her hopes up, but he also wasn't going to keep anything from her.
"Something may happen, but I don't know yet. Teddy and I talked about it several weeks ago. It's just speculation at this point. I don't want you to get your hopes up only to be crushed. However, I made a promise to not keep anything from you."
"What is it William."
"Teddy convinced me to write you a letter explaining everything since he thought I shouldn't tell you until we know for sure. I still don't know anything. I just don't want to hurt you by getting your hopes up, but I don't want to hold anything back from you. I really didn't know what to do."
Grace looked into his eyes. She saw the William of their youth. The William that was completely open with her. The William that loved her completely. The William that worked with her on every aspect of their life. She didn't see the William of the last few years.
"I understand. I know you weren't keeping anything from me. You were just protecting me."
"I hope you truly believe that."
"I do, William. I honestly do."
"I'm sorry William, Mrs. Thatcher. But it's time."
"Thank you, guard." Grace stated with a smile.
"The letter explains everything. If you don't mind, please just keep this between the two of us. If you have any questions, talk with Teddy."
"Thank you William. I love you."
"I love you, Gracie." He stated as he gave her a gentle kiss in the lips.
…
Grace sat down on the bench just outside of the prison. She was holding the envelope her husband just gave her. She was a little concerned about what it contained. Not because she didn't trust her husband. He has earned that trust. She was just worried about the unknown. She opened the sealed envelope and pulled out two pieces of paper. She slowly opened the paper and began to read the familiar handwriting.
My Dearest Gracie –
Since the dumbest decision of my entire life, I have made a promise to you. I promised I would never hold anything back from you. From the moment the realization of my future, I made the conscious decision to change who I am. Part of that change was to be honest with you. A major part of my downfall was because I kept you at an arms reach on the important decisions.
You are reading this letter because I have broken my promise to you. I broke my promise not to gain something for myself or to hide something from you. But that is exactly what I have done. I have hidden something from you. But I have done that with the purest intent of love. I wanted to protect you. In protecting you, I have kept an important possibility from you.
Teddy just left and told me about a potential turn in my sentencing. I wanted to tell you and I didn't want to tell you. Please let me explain. The news is lifechanging. If it comes through, our lives will change for the best, I truly believe. If it doesn't come true, then I knew you would be crushed. I didn't want your hopes to be built up and then dashed in the cruelest of ways. My intent wasn't to keep something from you. My intent was to protect you. I hope you believe me.
After talking this through with Teddy when he told me the potential news, we both wanted to protect you. So, I decided to write you this letter hoping to explain why I did what I did when you eventually find out.
Teddy just informed me that there is a small possibility that I may be released early.
Grace gasped at the news. Her hand covered her mouth. Her mind went to the possibility of her William coming home much sooner than she could have ever imagined. She continued to read with tears in her eyes.
There is a prison over crowding issue. The government is looking into the possibility of releasing nonviolent criminals. My assistance in my case, along with my teaching young prisoners business issues has earned me some goodwill within the upper levels of the prison system. I may be eligible for early release. This is the good news. Now, the bad news.
Teddy has no idea if this will actually happen or when, if it does happen. This is why I didn't want to tell you. I didn't want to get your hopes up and then have them crushed. Now with all the horrible things I've done to you and our family over the last few months. I know I have crushed your precious heart. I didn't want to do it again if I am not granted early release. Teddy and I are just playing the long waiting game.
Gracie, I promise my intentions were pure in this matter. I didn't want to keep anything from you. I also wanted to protect your heart. I was torn with this. Teddy and I spoke about it at length that day. I have lost a lot of sleep over this decision. So, I'm writing this letter to you in hoping that you understand my heart and my greatest desire.
Gracie, my greatest desire is to love and protect you. I just didn't know the right thing to do with this potential information. Please forgive me for withholding this news from you. I pray you understand my decision.
I love you, Gracie. My heart is all yours. Please forgive me.
Your Loving Husband
William
Grace read the first page a second time trying to digest the information. She completely understood his reasoning for wanting to protect her. She was also excited about his potential future release. After rereading the first page, she turned her attention to the second page.
My Dearest Gracie –
I'm writing this letter to let you know that I couldn't hold back the information any longer. It has been two months since I've first learned the information. I still don't know anything. I just couldn't live with myself any longer keeping this information from you. If our hearts are crushed, then we heal them together. My prayer is that I am home with you soon.
This is really all the information we know. Teddy is ready to answer any questions you may have.
I just couldn't keep this from you any longer. It was tearing me up inside knowing I was keeping this from you. Please forgive me. I will entrust this information to you. If you want to share it with the girls or if you don't, I support your decision
Gracie, I pray you understand my heart in this decision.
Your Loving Husband
William
Grace smiled and cried all at once. She did understand his reasoning. She was also grateful he shared the letters with her. The news was exciting, She was trying her best to tamper her excitement. She looked through her purse and pulled out a pen and a small pad of paper.
My Dearest William –
I perfectly understand. I love you. I will be praying for the outcome we both desire. Let's keep this between us for now.
Your Loving Wife
Gracie
Grace turned and walked back into the prison visitor's office.
"Mrs. Thatcher." The guard spoke with surprise in his voice. He stood up from his desk. "I'm sorry, ma'am. You have already had your visit. I can't…"
"No…no…I understand. I was only hoping you would pass this along to William. She handed the folded piece of paper to the guard.
He didn't even open the paper like he was required to by law and by the rules of the prison. He gave this lady a smile.
"I will take it to him in ten minutes when I make my rounds."
"Thank you."
…
"Abagail, please tell me the symptoms you are having."
Abagail let out a sigh after sitting down and listening to Faith's request.
"Would you like for me to go and get Frank and ask him?" Playfully sassed Faith.
"Please don't do that." Abagail shook her head. "There is no need to turn mean." She laughed. "Fine, I'm really tired, especially early in the morning and late in the evening."
"Is that pretty consistent?"
"For the last two weeks, yes."
"Is Frank correct about you slowing down a little?"
"Yes." She exhaled. "Along with the exhaustion, I get these light headed spells."
"When?"
"When I get tired. Also, when I stand up too quick at times."
"Any other times?"
"Sometimes it just happens."
"I see." Faith took Abagail's right hand. She slid her fingers to the end of Abagail's fingers. She squeezed her fingertips watching to see how long it took for the blood to return. Then she took her left hand and did the same. After that, she checked her heart rate and then she check Abagail's blood pressure.
"Your heart rate is fine. Your blood pressure is a tad low, but nothing too alarming. Do you become dizzy when you stand too quickly?"
"At times but not every when time I stand up quickly."
"Good." Faith sated. She took out her stethoscope and asked Abagail to take a deep breath as she placed the end of the stethoscope to Abagail's upper chest and her back. "Your lungs are clear and your heart sounds very health."
"That's good to hear."
Faith stood back and looked at her complexion. Abagail was a little pale.
"Have you had any sickness?"
"A little over the last two weeks. Nothing too much."
"Any vomiting?"
"Three times over those two weeks."
"Any smells that make you sick?"
"No." Abagail froze for a moment. "Faith!" Abagail gasped. "That's not possible! There is no way I'm pregnant. I'm too old."
"Who said pregnant?"
"Foods that may smell bad…vomiting? Why would you ask me such questions?"
"It's my job, Abagail."
"Ok, but just know that's not possible!"
"Fine. Now, when you get these spells, how long do they normally last?"
"Most of the time they are gone within a minute. Rarely does it last more than a minute."
"When it does, how long was the longest one?"
"About five minutes or so. That only happened once."
"I see." Faith took Abagail's wrist to check her heart rate again. It was still normal. "Abagail, when you get these episodes, do you feel like your heart is racing?"
"No." She shook her head.
Faith pulled up a chair and sat in front of Abagail. "May I see your feet?"
"Sure." Abagail asked a little confused.
Faith checked both of her feet and ankles. They were a little swollen but not too much swelling.
"Any back pain?"
"A little but not too much. Just the joys of getting older."
"Abagail, may I ask you how old you are?"
"I'm forty three."
"And you had one son?"
"Yes. We wanted more but it just didn't happen for us. We just figured it wasn't meant for us to have a large family."
"I see." Faith stated again. She tapped her chin for a few moments. "Let me ask you, are you still having your monthly cycle?"
"Barely."
"What do you mean by barely?"
"My last cycle was last month. It only lasted three days and it was very light."
Faith tried her best to hide her smile, but she was failing.
"Let me take a listen to your tummy."
Faith placed the end of the stethoscope to Abagail's tummy and closed her eyes to listen. She slowly moved the stethoscope over several places on Abagail's tummy. Then she pressed the flat part of her index and middle finger into Abagail's tummy.
"Any pain?"
"No."
"Any pain in your breast?"
"They are a little sore but nothing too bad. I just thought it was from the vomiting that I had. While I haven't vomited much, it was a lot when I did."
"Let me ask you, why do you say it's not possible for you to be pregnant?"
"Faith, I'm forty three years old. I've passed the child bearing time. Plus, I just started menopause. I can't get pregnant."
"Well, you had your last cycle just last month. I don't think your body knows that you are too old to become pregnant."
"Faith, I've already started the change of life. They say a light monthly cycle is the beginning of the change."
"True, but it can also happen for other reasons as well. Are you and Frank intimate?"
Abagail's face turned red. She didn't know why she was embarrassed but she was. She simply nodded.
"Well, you are intimate with your husband and your body knows it can still bare a child even if your brain is telling you that you can't."
"But I…" Abagail paused. She looked down at her lap. Slowly the realization began to take root in Abagail's brain. "Wait…are you…are you telling me I'm pregnant. Faith, that's not possible!" She shrieked.
"Well Abagail." Faith beamed. "It is very possible. From what I can tell, you are about two months pregnant."
Faith gave Abagail a few moments to process everything she just said. She knew this had to be ground shaking news for her.
"Faith…"
"You are not too old. Plus, you are in great physical shape. You have always worked hard. You may be forty three and close to the end of child bearing, but you are not there yet. Abagail, you are pregnant."
"But Faith…I don't have morning sickness. Coffee and eggs don't bother me…" Her voice trailed off again.
Faith reached for Elizabeth's hands. "You know as well as I do that not every woman experience morning sickness and adverse reactions to food. I do think you have experienced a little morning sickness with the limited vomiting. You may be a little older than the normal mother with child, but Abagail…you are an active and healthy woman. If you pay a little more attention to your body, I'm certain you will be just fine. We may just spend a little more time with each other than a younger woman." She patted Abagail's hands. "You stay here. I'll get Frank for you."
Abagail nodded her head. She was still trying to process everything. Without realizing it, her hands cradled her tummy. When her son died in that horrible mine disaster, she thought her time as a mother was over. Where her husband was still alive and they didn't conceive, she just came to the understanding that another child just wasn't meant to be. She didn't even notice Faith left. She was so lost in trying to comprehend everything.
Just a few minutes later, Frank walked into the living area of the café. Just before she left, Faith moved Abagail to the couch just outside of the kitchen area. She informed the help to cover for Abagail.
Frank quickly found his wife just where Faith told him to look. He was so worried when Faith wouldn't tell him anything. She tried to let him know that nothing was wrong, but his husband's heart was running wild with countless scenarios.
"Abagail. Abagail. Are you ok? Faith didn't tell me anything."
"Sweetheart, I think you may need to sit down." She patted the couch beside her.
"Please just tell me."
"Frank, please sit. You will need to sit down."
He looked at her for a moment. Then he took the seat where she patted.
"Abagail, you're scaring me. Please just tell me what's going on."
"According to Faith…I'm pregnant."
Frank blinked rapidly. He heard what Abagail said, but there wasn't any way that was possible. Abagail said so. The words just didn't make sense.
"But…"
"Evidently I was wrong."
They sat silently for a couple of minutes. They were trying to process everything. While Abagail knew the news a little longer than Frank, she still couldn't believe it.
"So…?"
"Yeah…" They stated slowly together.
"I'm going to be a father?" Frank stated very slowly.
"Yes. Are you ok with…"
Frank interrupted her when he jumped up from the couch. "I'm going to be a father! I'm going to be a father!" He took both of her hands and pulled her up. He then picked her up and twirled her around twice repeating the same phrase over and over.
"Oh…I probably shouldn't do that." He sheepishly stated as he sat her down. "I'm sorry."
"It's ok this one time, but let's not do that again."
"Abagail…"
"Frank, I hope you're ok with this?"
"Are you going to be alright?"
"Faith said that I'm healthy. I may have to pay more attention to my body and visit her a little more often, but she thinks I should be just fine. I just need to stay on top of everything."
"Then I am excited!" His voice boomed. He picked her up again and just held her. He was truly excited when he heard his wife should be ok.
"Can we go and tell Elizabeth?"
"Of course. Do I need to hitch up the wagon?"
"To walk to the school?"
"You need to take it easy."
"Maybe so, but not that easy."