“I am sure, my darling. I will be better, for you, for me, and for our child. Our child is not going to come into a world with a careless father. I promise you.”
Elaina smiled softly as she turned around, “That’s all I want, my love.”
She kissed him softly and they stood, warm in each other's arms, while the storm raged on outside.
*
Elaina felt the moment James got out of bed because she was suddenly enveloped by cold. She instantly missed his warmth. Her eyelids fluttered as she murmured,
“James?”
He leaned over her and kissed her forehead. “Sleep, darling. Don’t worry about me.”
“Where are you going to? The mine? No, that’s not right. It’s Sunday,” she asked softly, trying to fight sleep. She struggled to open her eyes and through the open window across the cot, she could see that the morning was still young. She blinked and struggled up, “It’s still early, James.”
“I know that my dear, that is why I need you to sleep. I will be back soon. Just rest, my darling.”
“Are you sure? Should I heat up some porridge for you? I can...” she started but he placed gentle hands on her shoulders.
“Do not worry about me, my dear. I will be back soon, before noon.”
“Okay,” she said reluctantly, “Still, be careful out there. The storm has finally passed over but we can never be too careful.”
“Yes, my darling. I hear you.” He gave her a quick hug and hurried off.
Elaina sighed as she watched him leave. Under her breath, she said, “Please be safe out there, James. Please take care ofyourself.”
A knock at the door later that morning pulled Elaina from the bread she was baking. She looked out the window and smiled when she saw the person on the other side.
“Elaina!” Leila Woods, her dearest friend cheered, throwing her arms around her.
“Hello, Leila. Come right in,” Elaina responded excitedly.
“Well, you my friend are looking absolutely gorgeous. Perks of being in love, huh?”
Elaina chuckled nervously, “I guess you could say that.”
“Where is James, your dear husband?” Leila inquired as she settled on a wooden barrel that had one end sawed and lined with chicken feathers to create a soft cushion for a seat.
“He… he went…. Uh… out,” Elaina stammered. She chuckled quickly, hoping her friend would not notice her hesitation.
“That is so sweet. I bet he is going to return bearing gifts for you, just like during courtship. Remember? There was not a day that went by that he did not go to your grandmother’s bearing wild berries and fruits.”
“Yes...” Elaina said with a slow nod, remembering the past. Her smile faltered as she remembered her dearly departed grandmother. She had been a good and kind woman and she was the one who brought her up, after the accident that claimed her parents’ lives.
“Oh, I am so sorry, Elaina. I did not mean to remind you of your sweet granny, bless her soul,” Leila gasped as her hand flew to her mouth. The other hand grabbed her friend’s sympathetically.
Elaina forced a smile, “It’s fine, Leila. I still miss her dearly but that does not mean I will not talk about her. This way, I can keep her memory alive. It just feels unfair, there are so many parts of my life she won’t get to see.”
“I know, like when you have your babies, right?” Leila smiled sympathetically.
Elaina nodded slowly. She had not told Leila that she was pregnant yet. She and James had both decided that they would wait a little longer before spreading the news.
“So, how is James’ work at the mine? Does he like it?”
Elaina smiled widely, “Oh yes. He has been getting along quite well with everyone there. And it seems they really love him. Thank you so much, my friend. If it was not for your invite that day, I don’t think he would be where he is now, Leila.”
“Oh that’s nonsense. You don’t have to thank me, Elaina. What are friends for? I just hope he isn’t feeling too stressed these days what with the recent happening.”
