Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Four

Christmas Day

Christmas morning arrived at the Henderson Estate. The sun shone brightly on the newly fallen snow, giving the grounds a pristine look of winter. The fires were stoked, and the servants set the dining room table for Christmas dinner.

Garrett and Pauline Henderson arrived at ten o'clock. Everyone was dressed in their Christmas finest, with each one wearing their new jewelry. Geneva greeted her brother and her sister-in-law at the door. They were both relieved to see Geneva looking so radiant in her new green satin Christmas dress.

Amos took the wraps as Gerald showed them into the parlor to visit while they waited to be served Christmas dinner. Garrett was extra attentive to Pauline as she sat down. She had put on some weight since Gerald and Talia had last seen her. Geneva and Talia exchanged glances of surprise as they admired Pauline's new gown.

"Sister, you gave us a fright last month when you did not travel to York," said Garrett. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel wonderful," said Geneva. "I was way overtired from our unfortunate experience after the long weekend party at the Huntveldt's. Please accept my apologies again for not entertaining that weekend."

"Oh, we understand completely," said Pauline. "I am thrilled to see you looking so radiant, Geneva."

Geneva smiled at Talia and Gerald. She wondered if the time was right to tell Garrett and Pauline. She knew her brother and her sister-in-law had tried for so many years to have a child. Geneva decided to wait for the right time in the next two days.

Then, her brother Garrett stood up and walked over to his wife's chair and asked for everyone's attention.

"Pauline and I have some wonderful news we would like to share with you. Pauline and I are expecting our first child in April."

Everyone burst out with applause and immediately came to their feet to congratulate them both. Gerald shook hands with Garrett, and Geneva and Talia embraced Pauline. Then Geneva, with tears in her eyes, hugged her brother and told him how happy she was for them both.

Garrett told them about their new nursery, and Pauline described the new sewing projects she had been working on this past month.

"Garrett made me go see a doctor," said Pauline. "I wasn't sick, but I cried all the time over the silliest things. Garrett was worried, and I agreed to talk to our doctor."

"When he shook my hand and told me congratulations, you are going to be a father, I about fell over in shock," said Garrett.

"Well, old man, you may need to sit down for this next bit of news," said Gerald.

Garrett sat down on the loveseat next to his sister with worry on his face.

"Geneva and I are expecting a baby in July," said Gerald.

"What?" asked Garrett, stunned by the news. "Is this true, sister?"

"Yes, it is," said Geneva. "I am with child."

"Oh, Geneva, I am so happy for you," said Pauline as she hugged her sister-in-law.

It stunned Garrett as he stood. Then he shook Gerald's hand and hugged his sister with so much love in his heart.

Garrett and Pauline looked at Talia for her reaction

"Don't look at me," said Talia. "I am not even engaged yet."