The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Thirty-Four

Anna sat with her hand over her growing bump, watching Abe and Aaron as they bowled.

Months had passed and February was just around the corner. Although she was happy with how her pregnancy was progressing, she was beginning to feel terribly cooped up. Abe had been picking up all the extra work he could to pay for the baby, and Ma barely let her do anything on the farm. She was just about allowed to do house work, and even then, she felt like Ma was spying on her. Anna knew it was out of love, but it was irksome.

Abe promised her he was resolved to talk to his Momma. He knew that after the camp, and Hans, Anna took great issue with her freedom being restricted. So, when Abe had suggested an evening out with Aaron, she had jumped at the chance. They had just gone to the bowling alley in the next town over, but it was nice to be somewhere different.

Aaron was far better than Abe at bowling. Anna found Abe's looks of frustration highly amusing.

Her husband leant into her; an eyebrow cocked. "You laughin' at me?" he asked, kissing her nose lightly.

"Yes... should I not?"

"Reckon you can do better?" he challenged, handing her the ball.

"Perhaps," she said, then looking at Aaron, "if I'm taught by someone who knows what they're doing."

"Oh ouch," teased Abe, all three of them smiling as Abe helped Anna to her feet. "I'll get another round in. You want a root beer, baby?"

"Yes please," she smiled, kissing him tenderly as his hand instinctively found her stomach.

His fingers spread over her bump, Abe unable to fight the smile that spread over his face.

"Get a room," teased Aaron, both of them grinning at him before Abe disappeared to the bar.

Aaron began helping Anna with her technique, but she had never bowled before, and she wasn't very good. He laughed as she huffed and sat back down.

"He's so excited for the baby, you know," said Aaron, Anna's cheeks turning pink. "Never shuts up about it."

"Yes, sorry, that must get tiresome."

"Don't be ridiculous!" cried Aaron. "It's so nice! You two are so great together. He's such a great guy and deserves a wife as lovely as you."

"Oh Aaron, that's so sweet. Thank you!" They smiled warmly at one another. "How is your grandmother, I meant to ask."

"She's wonderful, thank you," said Aaron, sitting beside her for a moment. "Always askin' after you, though."

"I'd love to visit her again soon," sighed Anna, "but Ma is keeping me under house arrest."

"Well maybe I could drive her down to spend the day with you?" he asked, then backtracked. "Sorry, that was so rude-"

"No, no, no!" said Anna quickly, taking his hand. "I would love to spend the day with her. It would be so nice. Perhaps she could help me with more recipes?"

He squeezed her hand gratefully. "Thank you, Anna."

Abe returned with the drinks. "She gonna be the next world champ?" he teased.

Anna's eyes narrowed at him.

Abe joined in laughing at her. "Ain't so easy, is it?"

"No," she acquiesced. "You win."

He wiggled his eyebrows at her, then went to take another turn when he noticed Aaron looking at something. "Y'all right?" he asked him.

"We have company," sighed Aaron, all three of them looking to the doors.