Isaiah sighed. Jonah stuck out his lower lip. “Stay home, Mama.”
She leaned toward them. “Can you keep a secret?”
They both lit up and nodded.
Ella put a finger over her lips. “I’m getting some things for Papa’s birthday on Saturday. It’s a surprise, so you can’t tell him, okay?”
“We won’t tell.” Isaiah’s eyes widened. “Can we make him something with Miss Hattie?”
“I’m sure you can. Shall we ask her?”
“Yeah!”
The boys raced downstairs. Ella followed at a more sedate pace. Her hand rested over her belly.
She paused at the bottom of the steps. Wonder filled her. To think that she carried a tiny child inside, part of her and part of Cody. Incredible. She rubbed her stomach gently.What will this little one be like?
With one more caress over her unborn baby, she headed for the kitchen to say goodbye to the kids.
At a corner table in Cassie’s café, Ella wiped her lips with a napkin as she finished her meal. “Lunch was delicious, Cassie. Thank you.”
Her sister-in-law smiled. “Glad you liked it. I’ve been recipe testing.”
“The roasted beets were perfect. Cold soup was never my favorite, but this one is tasty.”
“I should make you my cucumber soup sometime. It’s a customer favorite.” Cassie refilled their water glasses.
“I’d like that.”
They chatted a little longer before Ella stood. “I need to get going. Isaiah wanted me to come home sooner rather than later.”
“It’s wonderful that he’s calling you Mama now. I wonder what sparked that change?”
Ella and Cody had agreed to keep news of her pregnancy quiet until a doctor could confirm it. Though she knew deep down she was with child, Ella understood the need for caution. It wouldn’t do to spread the news only to have to announce a false alarm. So she chose the simple answer.
“He said he didn’t want to be different anymore.”
“Good for him.” Cassie smiled. “I’m happy for you all. It’s been wonderful watching your family come together.” Her smile turned mischievous. “Now all we need is a baby to complete it.”
Ella blushed. “Oh, you. We’ll be happy to welcome a baby when God blesses us with one.”Hopefully by the end of this year.She wasn’t sure how she’d feel if she wasn’t truly pregnant. “Until then, we’ll be happy to welcome your little one.”
Cassie put a hand on her small baby bump. A sappy smile tugged her lips. “I can’t wait.”
The women said their goodbyes. Ella loaded her things in the wagon and climbed into the driver seat. Before she could slap the reins, the postmaster exited his building across the street. “Mrs. Brooks! You have a letter.”
A letter? A surge of excitement slid through her. Perhaps her sister had finally written. Mail traveled slowly across the country. Tori might have sent a missive weeks ago and it would only now be finding Ella. Mr. Johnston jogged over to the wagon. He handed her the letter, and she thanked him with a smile. A glance at the direction told her it was indeed from Tori. Eager to read what she had to say, Ella climbed back into the wagon and opened the envelope.
My dear Ella,
I wish this letter bore good tidings, but I’m afraid I write with a warning. I hardly know what to say. Last night, Father and Howard argued terribly in our study. Howard threatened Father with financial and social ruin. I dare not put all the details here. But you need to know that you are in danger. Both of them are determined to get you back. I believe they have someone in Harmony Springs to sabotage your new family. Be careful. I will come myself when I can to explain more. Until then, stay safe and be on your guard.
Love,
Tori
Ella’s gaze flew to the date. Her sister posted it two weeks ago. She must have paid extra to have it mailed express.
A tingling sensation crept down Ella’s spine. What could Father and Howard have argued about? How did it relate to her? She glanced around, uneasy. They might have caught Jacobson, but did it end there?
