boy sweat. It was all he could do, not to laugh outright in the boy’s face. He stood like a foreboding statue; his expression blank as he waited for Drake to get to the point. He thought at one point that Drake might give up and walk away, but the young man finally got it out.

“Are you prepared to take good care of my daughter?”

“Yes. Yes sir. Yes, I am. Yes.” Drake stammered, bright red filling his face.

“Will you ever strike or beat my Ida?”

“God no. No sir!” Drake looked so affronted that Henry did laugh. Satisfied he had harassed the young man enough, Henry gave Drake his consent, shaking the younger man’s hand.

After the spring planting, another wedding was performed. Theo once again officiated over it, knowing that the local pastor would refuse. The idiot said that his children were tainted bastards and Theo had been hard pressed not to wring the bastard’s scrawny neck.

Theo became choked up as he read the bible. Having to stop and clear his throat, his voice thick with emotion. Drake was scrubbed up and in a stiff-necked shirt. Sweat was pouring down his face and Theo thought his son might faint. He could see Drake in his mind’s eye, small and sweet. Sitting in front of him on the horse as they rode the fields. He thought his heart would break with joy. How had time passed so swiftly, that his baby was now a man?

Mary cried openly, Ida was so lovely and tall. She looked like an ebon statute, elegant and regal. Ida wore the wedding dress that Mary had worn, it fit her perfectly. Ida smiled confidently, rarely rattled, Mary knew she would lead Drake the high life. It would never be dull between the two of them. Drake was drawn to Ida’s fiery temperament like a moth to a flame.

Mary Beth and Victor sat hand in hand, Mary Beth already pregnant. Mary was excited over her first grandchild and was helping Mary Beth with making the clothes for the baby. Mary’s heart swelled; her small family was growing. Her children had chosen well in their mates and she knew Ida would live in this house with her children. Lil Theo was last, but he was still young. He had started noticing girls, but had shown no interest in anyone in particular.

They had come so far over the years, Mary felt truly blessed. She had been born in bondage and her children and grandchildren would grow up free, with choices. The farm was thriving well, Drake had taken most of the responsibility on his shoulders. Tall Tom was training Lil Theo and George, Ben’s son, to take over the reins in a few years. Tom had crippling arthritis and had to ride in a wagon, he could no longer sit a horse.

Sue had taken over with doctoring the farm’s inhabitants. Since Liza’s passing, she had taken over with a natural talent. Theo had sent off for an old medical reference book and had given it to Sue. She poured over the ancient tomb, and with her knowledge of herbs and roots did very well in her healing art.

Ida and Drake danced long into the night, both giddy and happy. Mary lay within Henry’s arms, listening to the music up at the main house. She and Henry had left, tired from a long day of celebration. Lil Theo had wanted to stay there to celebrate into the night. Mary had been too tired to deny him. It was good to be alone with her husband. Henry rubbed her generous bottom, enjoying the feel of it.

It was rare that they had any time alone, but now with their two oldest married off, the cabin seemed a bit lonely. Mary knew she was being silly, but the cabin always seemed to be the hub of activity. Soon she would have a grandchild.  Come fall they would welcome the precious babe. It wouldn’t be long before Ida would have children and soon her home would be full again. She smiled, drifting off to sleep, Henry’s hand resting on her hip.

Willy, Thomas and Teddy went to town on a hot summer evening. It was Saturday night and there was a dance at the Providence Episcopal Church. The church often held dances to give the young people a chance to meet and enjoy themselves. The church had been built after the war and its congregation grew yearly. It was the only black church in the area that many could reach in a reasonable amount of time.

The three young men went regularly, hoping to meet eligible young women. Willy had met a mouse of a girl and was falling head over heels for her. Thomas and Teddy enjoyed their bachelor status, dancing with many of the young women. It had been an enjoyable evening and they were walking home in the sultry evening. Their laughter carried over the night air. Teddy teased his younger brother, Willy, about the young lady he was courting. Willy took the jibs with easy laughter; he knew they were jealous that he had met someone. He teased them back and they laughed and shoved Willy between them. Willy ran ahead gathering up dirt clods and lobbed them at the two. Thomas and Teddy took off chasing him down the dark road.

They neared the fork in the road that led to the Anderson farm. Before them were eight hooded men on horses, sitting silently in the dark. The three young men had walked right into them before they were aware of the group’s presence. Too late they were trapped between the horses. Willy shot under the nearest horse and Teddy followed. Thomas ran off in the opposite direction, each man heading for the woods.

One of the hooded men shouted and they split, two men going after Willy, three took off after Teddy and the other three after Thomas.

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