Trust Me

Chapter 29

The days flew by. As the newly reunited family took up residence in the country home that Margaret's husband rarely used. All items that belonged to the man were disposed of ceremoniously in a large fire that each woman gleefully fueled. It wasn't long before the cold house was turned into a cozy home.

Ranalla fell in love with Randall. He was a delightful child who discovered a close friend in his new sister. As his mother had said, he was very intelligent. Nothing escaped his notice, though he was wise enough to not always comment.

He was tall for his age with bright green eyes and a mop of brown hair that always seemed to need a cut. Margaret would cut it only to find it needed it again a few days later. It matched his ever changing face that reflected every emotion he felt. A turned up lip or an arched eyebrow revealed a lot about the young man.

Brother and sister found themselves spending every waking hour together. Even when Ranalla helped her mother at the bookstore, Randall was close by. Ranalla was pleased to see that he possessed a love books. He devoured each and every book he read.

The days passed by. Each one was new and exciting for the new family as well as sad. Ranalla never stopped thinking of Vince. She woke up each morning and hoped to find him nearby only to find emptiness. She longed to see him again. Whether he was alive or dead was still not answered. She had no idea if he was in her future. That was partially answered a few weeks after being reunited with her family.

Another morning dawned with sadness for Ranalla. Making her way to the kitchen, she felt her stomach roll. A sip of baking soda water eased the queasiness. She knew she should not have eaten that crab salad last night. It just didn't smell right. Looking out the window at the horse they had bought for Randall, Ranalla reflected on her future.

She was so happy to have her mother back and a new brother to get to know. Life was sure to not be boring. It was just going to be void in one section.

A noise made her turn around to find her mother standing in the doorway. She motioned to the glass in Ranalla's hand. "Upset stomach?"

"Yep. Couldn't find anything else to take."

"Good. You don't need to take anything too strong."

Ranalla shrugged and took another sip.

"Ranalla, do you know what you are going to do?"

She shrugged again. "Help you with the business. What else can I do?"

Margaret laughed and shook her head. "I think we are talking of two different things."

Her daughter shook her head. "What do you mean?"

"Dear, you're going to have a baby."