“I’m not sure.” Ella leaned back, snuggling into the cushions. “Probably not for a few months. The Irish mothers I worked with in Boston said they usually felt a quickening inside before a doctor could hear the heartbeat with his stethoscope. Those same mothers were the ones who taught me how a woman’s cycle works and how it’s the best early sign of pregnancy.”
“Your mother didn’t teach you?”
Ella snorted. “My mother would never let something so improper cross her lips.” She sighed, rubbing her belly. “I’m grateful our child will grow up in the open air and sunshine of Montana.”
Cody settled an arm over her shoulders. “Free and happy.”
She rested her head against him. “Exactly.”
Miss Hattie showed up half an hour after Cody left to check his cattle Thursday morning. She grinned at Ella, rubbing her hands together. “Ready to surprise that hubby of yours?”
Ella smiled back. “Oh yes. His birthday is on Saturday, and the caramel sauce for the cake tastes better if it sits for a day or two.” She reached for her shawl. It might be the middle of May, but mornings in Harmony Springs had a chill to them. “Thanks for watching the kids. Addie’s up, but the boys are sleeping.”
Hattie cooed at Addie, who sat in a highchair eating pancakes. “Hi there, little lady.” She turned her gaze to Ella. “Would you like to wake the boys to say good mornin’? They might not like it if they come downstairs to find you gone.”
“Good point. I’ll go up.”
The boys’ room was dark and quiet. Ella went to the window and opened the curtains.
Jonah sat up first. He rubbed his eyes and gave her a sleepy grin. “Mama.”
“Good morning, sweet boy.” She sat on the bed.
He crawled into her lap, wrapping his arms around her neck in a hug. She held him close, breathing in his little-boy scent. Isaiah soon popped up with a big yawn. “Mornin’, Mama.”
Mama.Ella sucked in a breath in an effort to keep her composure. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Uh-huh.” He pushed the covers back and joined Jonah on her lap. “Is Papa already at work?”
If her heart raced any faster, it might burst from her chest. “Yes. He told me to give you both a hug for him.”
“‘Kay.” Isaiah hugged her, then slid from the bed. “Is today Miss Hattie’s day?”
“It is. She’s downstairs with your sister.”
“What about the baby?”
Ella’s mouth dropped. “How do you know about the baby?”
“I heard you and Papa talking. C’mon, let’s go see Miss Hattie.” He grabbed her hand.
“Isaiah, wait.”
The child paused. He looked up at her. Ella struggled for words. Jonah joined his brother on the floor. Both boys had heads tilted, eyes questioning. She cleared her throat. “You called us Mama and Papa.”
“Yeah.” Isaiah shrugged. “I don’t wanna be different anymore. ’Specially with the baby coming. It’s a sister, right? Addie needs someone to play with.”
Ella laughed. She scooped her sons into her arms. They shrieked and giggled. She planted a kiss on each little cheek. “I love you, boys.”
“Wuv you, Mama.” Jonah returned her cheek kiss.
Isaiah just grinned and hugged her again. Then he paused. “Are you leavin’ now too?”
“I am. That’s why Miss Hattie is here.”
“You’ll be back soon, right?”
“Of course, sweetie. I have some things to pick up in town, then I’m having lunch with Aunt Cassie. After that, I’ll be home.”
