Dr. Parker and wife, Clara are waiting in the sitting room for her along with Daisy, Savannah, Mrs. Flannagan, and Martha. Delaney is spinning around in her new dress, showing off in excitement.
“Oh, Mama! Watch my ruffles! They spin with me!” Anika laughs at the delight coming off, her daughter in waves.
“Delaney, you look beautiful!”
Dr. Parker and Clara stand to greet her. Anika hugs Clara who is holding Quinton. “It’s lovely to see you both.”
Allen fusses a bit as Dr. Parker hands Allen to Daisy. “You look well, Anika. How are you feeling?”
“Better, thank you.”
Glenn and his Father walk into the room and Delaney runs straight to the elder Allen. “Mr. Allen, look what Miss Martha made for me!”
“Excuse me, do I know you?” Delaney giggles and spins for him as he continues teasing her.
Glenn smiles at Delaney, but his smile fades when he looks at Anika. His eyes skim her figure from head to toe and Anika raises an eyebrow as if daring him.
Martha watches with a cold eye, quietly assessing the family.
Clara turns to Martha, “Would you like to hold the baby?”
“Oh, no, thank you.” Martha turns, walking to the fireplace.
“Glenn, I’m sorry for your loss.” Mrs. Flannagan rises to take his hand and squeezes them tight.
“Thank you. Will you stay for supper? I'd like to thank you and Miss Martha for coming today.” Glenn smiles at Martha who seems to be talking to Clara.
“Well, we’d love ta have a home cooked meal.”
Daisy hands baby Allen to Anika, “I’ll check on dinner. Tea is ready ladies, please help yourself.”
“Anika why don’t ya let me hold the little dumpling, you should eat something,” Mrs. Flannagan teases her.
Anika laughs and shifts the baby to her arms, “Thank you. I am hungry all the time.”
“That's excellent news, Anika. Just take care that you are drinking enough water, fluids are vital right now,” Dr. Parker insists.
“I will, Dr. Parker.”
Clara joins her and pours tea while insisting that Anika put two biscuits with jam on her plate. Delaney happily munches on hers. Anika makes a plate for Martha and walks over to offer it to her while she talks to Glenn.
“Martha would you care for a plate?”
“Oh, no thank you. I need to watch my figure, some of us can’t afford to eat so much.”
Anika’s smile falters as she remembers all the times, Saul called her fat, sow, heifer, etc. It started off harmless teasing but turned into much worse.
“When you are the lifeline for two other lives you can afford to eat as much as your body demands. In fact, I insist on it. I want my sons to grow big and strong,” Glenn retorts.
Allen laughs, “As if any grandson of mine would have a choice.”
Martha is speechless. She glares at Anika who blushes and walks away to join her daughter. Sitting down they eat and enjoy tea, while everyone talks.
Dr. Parker waits for Anika to finish eating before bringing up the subject of the contract.
“Glenn, why don't we go over the contract, while we wait for supper?” Dr. Parker asks.
“We will watch the boys for you,” Clara offers.
“Ladies, excuse us for a few moments.” Allen shows Dr. Parker to the library, and Glenn walks over and stops in front of Anika.
“Delaney, can I borrow your Mama for a few minutes?” Delaney looks at her Mother and back at Glenn.
“Yes, Mr. Glenn, but you gotta promise to keep her safe.”
“I cross my heart, Delaney.” He offers his hand to Anika, and she remembers his midnight promise.
Anika grips his hand and is not surprised by the strength she feels. It is warm, sturdy and comforting just like the man. “Thank you.” Glenn tucks her hand in the crook of his arm and guides her from the room.
“Such familiarity,” Martha snaps. “For an employee, I mean.”
Savannah glares at her brothers’ retreating back. They will have a serious talk later, but for the moment, this needs to be dealt with. Jealousy and envy are dangerous, and Martha has had her eye on her brother for quite some time.
“Anika is more than an employee. She is a gift. They simply have found each other in similar circumstances, having both lost their spouses,” Savannah says quietly.
“Delaney, I have a surprise for you.” Clara takes Delaney to look at a doll she brought for her to play with.
“The lass has been through a great deal of trauma, Martha. We will add them to the prayer chain. They need to be lifted up. Glenn seems changed to me.” Mrs. Flannagan notes.
“He's angry and hurt. Glenn will need time to heal, and I pray that his walk with the Lord will not be damaged,” Savannah murmurs, laying the baby in a wooden cradle.
“It looks like what he needs is a distraction. Perhaps you’ve all forgotten that we aren’t meant to be alone. He needs a young, healthy, wife,” Martha snaps.
“Martha! Now is hardly the time for this discussion,” Mrs. Flannagan hisses at her.
“Really, if not now, when? I’m only saying what everyone else is saying. He’s a War hero and should be treated as such.”
Savannah is disgusted with this young woman. She has no idea what they faced in the War. Her beauty is only skin deep. “You just tell them to mind their own business, Martha. What he needs is time to heal, not to be set upon by every desperate girl, trying to secure
