Tracie Peterson - Dawns Prelude

Frowning, Lydia considered her options. To continue ties with the business would mean having to deal with Marston and Mitchell in some capacity. Or would it? She drew a deep breath and glanced out at the activity going on around her. What if she completely removed Marston and Mitchell from the business? Robinson was telling her that at this point everything belonged to her. What if she simply had Robinson dismiss them from any business dealings with the manufacturing company?

That would make them hate her more than they already did, but what of it? She honestly didn't care about their opinion. What she cared about was offering a fair and just life for her child.

"You seem deep in thought. I hope the news isn't had," Zerelda said as she joined Lydia. She carried a basket that was now heaped with goods from the bakery and held them up like some kind of prize bestowed upon her. "We will certainly eat well for lunch. We have fresh bread and some wonderful pastries."

Lydia nodded and tucked the letter back into the envelope. She said nothing but picked up the pace to follow Zerelda. Clouds were moving in, and in all likelihood it would be raining soon. Sitka often received more rain in a few days than Lydia had seen Kansas City welcome in weeks.

"So is the letter good news or had? I presume it's from your lawyer, since you said no one else knows of your being here."

"It is from Mr. Robinson. He says the courts have ruled in my favor."

"That's wonderful news," Zerelda said, smiling. You surely have nothing to fear anymore."

"I wouldn't say that. Mr. Robinson also says that Marston and Mitchell have appealed the decision. He wants to know how I want to handle things, as he hasn't yet moved on the distribution of properties that I left for him to see to."

"But why? Didn't you tell him exactly what you wanted to do?" Zerelda shook her head. "Won't the delay just cause further animosity between you and your dead husband's children?"

Lydia blurted out the news she'd been longing to share with Zerelda. "I'm going to have a baby"

"Well, I must admit I had wondered. I thought maybe you were already going through the change, since you hadn't had your monthly cycles since coming here. And while I've seen it happen before, you're much too young."

"It honestly didn't dawn on me until of late. I realized I'd missed my cycles for some time. I was almost too scared to believe it might be true."

Zerelda stopped and looked at her niece. "Then you are happy about this child?"

Lydia drew a deep breath. °I am." She turned to meet her aunt's intense brown eyes. "I've always wanted a child of my own. As you know, it's not my first time to carry a baby."

"Are you feeling movement?"

Lydia nodded and grinned. "Like butterfly wings fluttering inside me."

Zerelda shook her head in wonder. "I suppose that is something I shall never know, except through you. Are you feeling well?"

"I am. Now that I've recovered from my trip here, I honestly can say I've never felt better. I believe Sitka agrees with me."

"Good. Then this is a blessing. Children are a gift from God, you know. The Bible says so, and I believe it to he true."

Lydia didn't want the moment spoiled with reminders of God. She shrugged. "Well, I'm thinking there is much to be done before the babe arrives."

"And when will that be?"

"I can't be sure, but I think sometime around Christmas."

Zerelda started walking again and Lydia could see that her aunt was thinking over the logistics of the baby's arrival. No doubt Zerelda was focused on the medical aspects. There was a military hospital in Sitka with medical doctors, but given that Zerelda was a nurse, Lydia had figured to have her assist with the delivery.

"We have time to make things quite nice," Zerelda finally said. "We might want to consider adding on to the cabin, however. With Mr. Saberhagen selling the property before he leaves for Germany, we might have to move altogether."

"Would you ladies care for a ride home?"

Lydia looked over her shoulder to find Kjell reining back on his black draft horses. He grinned down at them. "It would be a tight fit, but I think we can squeeze three on the bench."

"That would be just fine," Zerelda said, not giving Lydia a chance to comment one way or another. She handed up her basket to Kjell, then climbed into the wagon as effortlessly as a younger woman. Lydia so admired her aunt. Many women of her age were already old worn from the duties of life. But not Zerelda.

Kjell reached down to Lydia as she carefully positioned her foot for the climb. She allowed him to take hold of her and nearly gasped as he hoisted her as effortlessly as a sack of flour. He unhanded her and took his seat between her and Zerelda.

"I'd say I'm getting the better end of this deal," he said, snapping the reins lightly The horses stepped into action, and the wagon lurched forward. "I get to ride with a beautiful lady on each side. Not many men around here can boast that."

"Just for that," Zerelda said with a grin, "I think I'll invite you to lunch with us. Would that be acceptable to you, Liddie?"

Lydia nodded. "I believe the ride home alone deserves some reward." The fact of the matter was, she enjoyed Kjell's company. He was gradually putting her at ease with his calming charm and sensitive understanding. Zerelda had been right when it came to him. Kjell Lindquist was unlike any other man Lydia had ever known.

"I'm sure you've heard by now that Dr. and Mrs. Ensign are planning to throw another ball," Kjell declared. "When they found out Lydia had missed the first one because of her illness after arriving, they were adamant that they should have another to welcome her to Sitka."

"I hadn't heard," Zerelda replied, looking past Kjell to Lydia.

"Neither had I."

"Good, since I am the first to share such happenings, I will expect you both to attend with me."

Zerelda laughed. "I'm much too old for a ball, and Lydia is-" She fell silent as Lydia 's eyes widened.

Kjell didn't seem to even notice. "Nonsense, Zee. You're one of the only eligible women available. You have to come. The date is set for two weeks from today."

A light rain began to fall as they approached the turn for the Saberhagen property. "Looks like your timing is perfect," Zerelda said as Kjell hurried the horses to the cabin. "Come along inside and we can further discuss this party."

Zerclda hopped down from the wagon and reached back up for her basket. "You two get a move on before the rain comes down in earnest."

Kjcll moved from the seat, leaving Lydia feeling strangely alone for the moment. She had liked the warmth of his body next to hers. Much more than she wanted to admit.

Lydia moved to the edge of the wagon and started to step down when Kjcll surprised her and took hold of her waist and lowered her to the ground. "I see Zee's food has put a bit of flesh on your bones," he commented as they sought the shelter of the porch.

Lydia stiffened. "Are you calling me fleshy,"

He laughed. "You came here skin and hones. You needed a little thickening up, and I'm glad to see you're doing so much better."

She felt her face grow hot. If only he knew the real reason for her extra weight. Lydia wondered what Kjell would say if she told him of the baby. She looked at him a moment longer, then smiled. "Aunt Zerelda is a good cook. I must say, she's teaching me a great deal."

That doesn't surprise me." Kjell ushered her through the open door. "Hmm, smells like stew."

Zerelda nodded. "I put it on when we walked to town this morning. I figured it would be just about ready when we returned." She pulled on an apron and motioned to Lydia. "Would you set the table? Kjell, how about bringing in some wood?"

"You betcha, Zee." He bounded back out the door before Lydia had a chance to even reply.