“Excuse us, please.”
Glenn watches them go and the teasing nature of the room changes. “How’s Anika doing, Mom?”
Daisy pulls the second sheet of cookies from the oven and sighs. “Dr. Parker said she needs to rest, eat and heal. The true problem is keeping her from cleaning and chores. I've told her we have help, but she is used to doing that herself to earn her keep. I offered to hire a nanny to help care for the boys, but she wouldn't hear of it. You, of all people, know how hard it is to let your body heal.”
Glenn rubs his arm absently, thinking of the gunshot wound that brought him home from the war after serving two years. He was lucky that it only winged him. Many weren't so blessed. For a moment he is back on the battlefield, and he can smell the metallic scent of death. Daisy touches his shoulder gently and reaches for the baby. She takes him with a sigh of contentment.
“I remember, Mama. It reminds me daily, but Anika will have to learn that she doesn't have the final say in everything. I will have a talk with her. I'm sure she will agree to assistance a few days a week, to let her heal. We will make sure she doesn't overdo it. I will be busy during the next few weeks with picking. Dr. Parker will be here tomorrow evening to go over the contract. I believe we are all in agreement that Anika and Delaney should stay. In fact, I asked him to make one change, and I hope Anika agrees. I had him list her as the Nanny.” He turns to his father to grab coffee and cookies. “Speaking of picking, how many pickers will we have this year?” Father and son drift to the front porch to talk business while Savannah stays to visit with her Mother.
“Nanny?” Daisy thinks about this change and can barely contain her smile. “I like it. It will give her a better standing in the community, and it gives all of us a sense of security.”
“Do you think she’ll agree to it?” Savannah nibbles on a cookie.
“I think she is a smart young woman. She has become attached to the boys already. It will make it easier on all of us.”
“I imagine it is uncomfortable having a stranger living in your home and taking care of your sons.” Savannah sits at a small table and shifts the baby to her shoulder.
“It isn’t, actually. Every time I look at her, I see a miracle and Delaney is a delight. Savannah, we were so close to losing them all,” she explains huskily.
“Oh, Mama. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to help, but I’m home now. I’m staying for good.”
Daisy gasps and reaches out a hand to clasp her daughters tightly. “Truly?”
“Truly.” She smiles and presses a small kiss to the baby’s head. “I’ve seen enough death and destruction. I want to see life now. To watch them grow and spend time with my family.”
“That is the best news, Savannah. What about your photography?”
“I've spent the past four years taking pictures of Soldiers, wounded or dead. Even families rebuilding after the war and I've seen things that have changed me.” Her eyes seek her mothers.
“I can only thank you and Dad for allowing me the gift of this time. It has made my walk with the Lord that much stronger. When Glenn is ready, I will show him some of the images.”
Daisy sighs, “He’s angry, Savannah. Angry at Sue and her Mother, God rest her soul. Angry at God and even more so at himself. I’m not sure what it will take to help him get over that.”
Savannah smiles, “I’ve learned Mom, that God’s plans are not possible to discern. The best way to fight a battle is on our knees in prayer.”
“Now my youngest is quoting Bible verses. Thank you. I needed to hear that. We should put these two to bed, and get you settled. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.”
“Why busy?” Savannah asks as she follows her Mother upstairs.
“Tomorrow, Mrs. Flannagan is coming to help dress, Anika and Delaney. You’re just in time to help with that.” Daisy grins as Savannah laughs.
“Poor Anika, she won’t know what hit her.”
“I want her to enjoy the experience. I’m hoping once they are all strong enough, she will join us at church. Her husband didn’t leave her with much and its one small way I can repay her for… everything.”
Savannah nods thinking of her own trunks. “I'd love to help. I may have some dresses that could be altered to fit her until the new ones are ready. Delaney will need dresses as well. This will be fun, and we will make sure they are taken care of.” Daisy tucks the boys into their beds and smiles down at them.
“God has blessed us. We may have lost Sue, but he gifted us with Anika and Delaney. We will make them feel cherished.”
“That’s your specialty, Mama.”
Chapter 8
Delaney dances around her mother in excitement. “I get a new dress too, Mama?”
“Daisy, this isn’t necessary.” Anika tries for the third time to change her mind. Daisy set up her prized sewing machine in the small bedroom across from the Master. “We shouldn’t be in here.” They are currently standing in the Master bedroom as it is the largest of the rooms and has the most windows. Daisy ignores Anika and places a step stool on the wood floor.
“Of course, it is. Winter is coming, and this wee lass has outgrown that frock, to be sure.” Mrs. Flannagan’s Irish accent is strong and Delaney giggles.
“You talk funny. What’s a frock?” Delaney announces while
