Today's Battles Are Tomorrow's Triumphs: The Jacob Noah "Jake" Ingalls Story

A Night of Fears and Hopes

(Present day) Charles said, "I'll take my ribs being busted any day if it means that you and our children are protected." "Charles Ingalls, what am I going to do with you," cried Caroline, embracing her husband. Charles titled Caroline's head up, looked into her eyes, and said, "Caroline." "Hmmm," she replied. "Your pupils look normal," said Charles. Hannah, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Baby Grace smiled. Caroline said, "Maybe the danger's passed. How long has it been since I fell?" "About six hours," answered Charles. Caroline said, relieved, "I believe the danger has passed then. I feel fine— no nausea, dizziness, or anything." Charles smiled. "Well, we must be getting on to bed. Good night, Pa. Good night, Ma," said Hannah, kissing her parents on the cheek. "Good night, Honey," replied Charles. Caroline replied, "Good night, Dear." Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Baby Grace, too, said their goodnights to Charles and Caroline and placed kisses upon their cheeks. Hannah and Laura tucked Carrie and Baby Grace into their beds and headed to bed. Charles then escorted his wife to bed. As they laid in bed, Caroline said, "Charles?" "Yes, Darling," Charles replied. "Which do you want— a boy or a girl," asked Caroline. Charles said, kissing Caroline passionately, "I don't care as long as the baby's healthy and as long as you're healthy." Caroline smiled, turned over, and went to bed.

Up in the loft, Hannah was awakened by the sound of Laura sobbing. Hannah, careful not to disturb Mary's sleep, eased out of bed and hurriedly went to comfort Laura. "Laura," whispered Hannah, "what's the matter?" Laura sobbed, "Oh, Hannah. I'm scared— I'm scared that something bad is gonna happen to Ma and the baby." Hannah took Laura into her embrace, stroked Laura's golden brown locks, and replied, "Don't go thinking like that, you hear. What would Ma say if she knew you were thinking such things?" "She'd say, "Everything's gonna be alright, Dear," Laura replied, quoting her mother. Hannah said, placing a kiss upon Laura's cheek, "Exactly. Now, you get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning. I love you, Laura." "I love you, Hannah," said Laura, placing a kiss upon Hannah's cheek.