The Hope of Eden

A Gift

1921
Lynchburg, Virginia

The next morning, Carmen was antsy for the first time in a long time.

He had a special surprise for Rosalie and had managed to keep it hidden when he got home from the general store.

If he didn't have a plan to give it to her, he would've shown her immediately.

He had to use self-control.

And Eden.

The darling woman.

Before she went to bed, he gave her some plain chicken with Nurse Rosalie's help.

She ate it well and drifted off to sleep within minutes.

He couldn't deny it.

Eden was remarkably precious.

So lovely, so beautiful, and yet so in need of attentive care.

Such care he didn't mind giving.

Still, there was a tear in his mind.

While he wasn't trying to do anything with her, he wondered if it was right to have feelings for her as she lived under his roof.

Did it count as sin in God's eyes?

He hoped not.

There was no guilt or conviction in his heart about this, but he still wondered.

Shaking his head, he carefully carried the surprise in a handbasket and walked to Eden and Rosalie's room.

The door was cracked and he could hear Rosalie raving to her mother.

"And then it was good! We were happy happy happy! I shouted to Jesus and He said, this is My way, Rosalie. I cried and then I woke up!"

He chuckled and knocked on the door.

"Mr. Carmen!" Rosalie cheered but didn't move from her spot beside Eden. "I had a most wonderfully dream! Oh, it was beautiful!" She kissed Eden's cheek and squealed.

Eden smiled softly as she stroked Rosalie's hair. "Good morning, Dr. Slater,"

His heart lept.

She looked refreshed, so lovely, so beautiful.

He liked this look on her.

"Good morning, Eden, Rose." He nodded slightly. "As promised, after breakfast I will bring you outside. But," He paused to build anticipation.

Rosalie leaned in, her dark green eyes sparkling with wonder. "But what?"

He chuckled and lifted the basket. "I have something for you," He motioned for her to come and she did.

She clutched her hands together, rocking on her heels as she waited. "Is it candy? Is it another bear? I loveeee my Carmen bear! Is it a toy?"

He shook his head at every question and opened the basket.

Rosalie gasped. "No," She whispered, shaking her head as her hands shook. "Mr. Carmennnn," She shook her head. "I-it's for me?"

Tears blurred her view, but she blinked them away.

"A-a kitty for me?"

Eden gasped lightly.

"Yes, Rose. She has been with me since the evening, waiting to meet her new friend, sweet little Rose," Carmen said with joy, lifting the kitten from the basket. "Will you hold her?"

Rosalie's lips trembled as she nodded. "Oh, Mr. Carmen! Thank you! I love you!" She threw herself in his arms and squeezed him tightly. "I ever never dreamed of having a kitty, but I'm so so thankful."