Wili

John was nervous. He was so preoccupied that he almost missed his corner; so preoccupied that the horse, confused by lack of direction, stopped in the middle of the street. John was not even aware that they had stopped until someone yelled at him. What would she be like after almost sixteen years? John was sure that he knew her soul, but did he know her mind? Did she?

Sadie had taken the girls to visit her friend, Ginny Bartlett. Colonel Chester and Dickie were giving Johnny a tour of the military installations in the Denver area. The situation was complicated. John knew that he was still deeply in love with the Dora he remembered. He wanted her to be emotionally and spiritually his wife as she was still legally his wife. But the decision had to be hers. John's mother had written several times that Dora had confided in her that she was still very much in love with John.

For thirteen years, Dora had been perplexed by her dilemma. There was no question that she loved Isaac. He was a gentle, good, wise man. He loved Johnny as if he were the child of his own loins. It was a good marriage. Isaac was a constant presence, a steady, providing presence. But there was also another presence. Not physical as was Isaac but for Dora, just as real.

Dora agonized at her inability to let John go. Isaac had found her crying several times and he knew the source of her anguish. She felt so guilty. She pleaded with Isaac to forgive her. She did love Isaac but John's memory and the love they had shared was constantly with her as if it were a specter. Isaac would hold her and tell her that he understood; that he could feel her love for him and that she should not punish herself. Even the Amish had known that John was a good man. Isaac always said that he completely understood why she would still love him.

That should have made her feel better but it did not. Isaac was so kind, so loving, so understanding and she did love him. He should not have to share a place in her heart with another. He should not have to but he did. John was there too and he would not leave.

After Sadie had told Dora that John was alive, she needed time to think, to decide what she should do. The twins had to be part of the decision - Marty too for that matter. Those girls had just lost their father. They needed time to grieve properly but she also had Johnny to consider. And - she had herself to consider. Which was the more important: her's and Johnny's need to go to John or the girl's adjustment period?

Dora eventually realized that the twins were old enough to help with that decision. After a week she told them that Johnny's father was still alive, that she still loved him and wanted to go to him. The girls had loved their daddy but they had seen something in their mama: a kind of joy they hadn't seen since their daddy's death. Their mama had not been morose and she had laughed and joked some but she had not been the happy jovial mama they had always known until she told them why they were going to Denver. They were smart girls and behind the joy, they still saw a hesitation in their mama.

They understood Johnny's happiness and excitement and they wanted to feel the same way but it was all so sudden. In some ways, it seemed fair. Their daddy had been Johnny's daddy. Johnny had called him daddy (until he got to be about thirteen - then he called him Dad.) and you could tell that he loved him. Now maybe Johnny's daddy would be their daddy. But, could they love him? It all just seemed so soon. How can you just stop loving one daddy and start loving another? They didn't understand then that their mother had lived thirteen years loving both.

Marty had not been told and the older children were told not to tell her. Dora wanted to do that when the time was right. Marty was having the hardest time dealing with the loss of her daddy. Marty also seemed to be the most Pennsylvania Dutch of all the children. She was a pleasant, loving child, really quite beautiful, but one never had to wonder what she was feeling. Her pique was never expressed in angry outbursts but rather with terse words - not rude but easily understood. In typical Pennsylvania Dutch manner, Marty's feelings were exposed and had to be dealt with delicately. She was a lot like Grandma Reid: loving, kind, good but demonstrative.

"Ginny Bartlett's" house was huge. John had bought it from the army officer he replaced. Colonel Isaiah Brookfield was being transferred back to Washington. Actually, he was being brought back to Washington to be cashiered. He was a sort of desk George Armstrong Custer - arrogant and pompous - and had been placed in a command position because his father-in-law, a senator, defeated in the last election, had had influence on military affairs. Brookfield's wife was equally pompous and needed to demonstrate her importance with an ostentatious house.

The first floor had all the accouterments of pretentiousness. The second floor had six bedrooms, each with a fireplace. The house was enormous. It was a well-built house and was surprisingly easy to keep warm in cold Denver winters. The soon to be civilian Colonel Isaiah Brookfield, begged John to buy it. He had more ego than money and was willing to sell for much less than it had cost him to have it built. It was much more house than John needed but it was a good financial deal that he couldn't pass up.

The Martins and Reids had lived well in Pennsylvania but not ostentatiously. The girls were somewhat struck with the grandeur of the house and Sadie resolved to have a word with her son regarding his excesses.

Ginny had not been told who was going to visit. John had just told her that some old friends of his would be staying for a few nights and that she should prepare two rooms for them. He would be busy most of the afternoon but would be home in time for supper. John had only told her to make enough. There would be some big appetites among the guests. He had seen the now maturing Dickie Chester eat. He assumed that Johnny also wreaked havoc on anything comestible. John remembered how well his mother and Mrs. Bartlett had related in Washington and Georgia and knew that Ginny would be pleased and John enjoyed the idea of surprising her. He also knew that four children trapped in a hotel room would be almost cruel.

The greeting was typical of that amorphous time in women between middle age and elderly. One never knew when a woman passed fifty what she would become. Some went directly to elderly - some senescent and peevish but more grandmotherly and saccharine. Ginny and Sadie, however, remained vital and attentive. Each carried her advancing years well and were, really, quite attractive women.

They did the obligatory rituals of their genus: elated shrieks, hugs, "It's so good to see yous.", "What a surprise." and so forth, while the twins stood in open-mouthed amazement. The high ceilings, the ornate chandelier, the spiral staircase, the huge fireplace, the furniture, the wallpaper - all gave the sense of a European palace.

Sadie made another mental note to speak to John. She was annoyed at his pretentiousness.

Sadie introduced the girls who demurely and silently nodded recognition. It was all too much - too much for all but Marty. "You must be very rich."

"Marty! Where are your manners? You know better that that!"

"But, Grandma, look at...."

"That's enough, Marty. Say hello to Mrs. Bartlett."

"Hello, Mrs. Bartlett."

"Hello, sweetie. This is some house, isn't it? It's not mine. It belongs to General Reid. I'm his housekeeper and I watch Declan when the General is working."

"Who is Declan?"

"He's the General's son."

"Where is he? How old is he?"

"Declan is eleven. He's out somewhere playing with his friends. He will be home soon for dinner."

"My grandma's last name is Reid. Grandma, do you know General Reid?"

"I've heard of him. Now be a little lady and don't ask so many questions."

Ginny looked at Sadie. "Is it all right with you if Marty goes outside?"

And then to Marty, "Declan has a swing you might like, Marty."

Marty bounded outside. "Ginny, this is Katherine and Sarah Martin, my granddaughters. Where can we put our things?"

Ginny again threw her arms around Sadie. "Oh! It's you. The General told me to get two rooms ready but did not tell me who was coming. I'm so glad it's you. I so much enjoyed our time in Washington and Georgia."

"That John! He's such a tease."

John's orderly carried the suitcases to the designated rooms. The twins would have one room and Marty would sleep with her grandma. Although Ginny did not know it at the time, Johnny would share Declan's room.

When the unpacking was done, the twins brought their embroidery down and joined their grandmother and Mrs. Bartlett in the solarium. They wanted to go out and play with Marty but they felt the need to be young ladies just now. They didn't know Mrs. Bartlett and didn't want her thinking that they were babies. Actually, they were at the age at which they themselves never knew exactly what they were. In the 1870s twelve year old girls were still little girls but there were faint biological and emotional tugs toward something other than childhood. They didn't know just what yet. They also wanted to hear what Grandma was going to tell Mrs. Bartlett.

John had arranged for a somewhat secluded table in the hotel dining room. He had also arranged with this mother to meet Dora in the hotel lobby. By the time he got to the hotel, he needed more time to compose himself. John had been a calm, decisive military leader. He was not calm and decisive now. This was a matter of the heart, not the head. Since he had ridden off to the second Bull Run and left Dora and Johnny, he had never understood his heart. He could face cannon fire or an angry Chump Sherman - which actually was worse than the cannons - calmly and decisively. His training and his intelligence made that almost instinctive. But there was no training in matters of the heart, particularly matters as complicated as this. He did another circle around the town square to buck up his courage.

Dora was as beautiful as he remembered. Time had been good to her. Her smile was as radiant as ever. Only her eyes betrayed her. John saw the joy and the wit and the tenderness still there but he also saw sadness and tentativeness.

John desperately wanted to take her into his arms but he had vowed that she make that decision. She did. She rushed to him and then he held her. For sixteen years his arms had ached for this. She did not offer a kiss but John was satisfied. He was again holding his Dora. John Reid was a staunch and stalwart man of maturity and position, but his eyes moistened, and he was not ashamed.

"My, you look dignified in that uniform, General Reid."

"And you're as beautiful as ever."

"Still the same sweet talker, I see."

"Just impeccably honest."

They broke their embrace. Dora stepped back and took John's hand and looked deep into his eyes. "John, what shall we do?"

"I have a table reserved. Let's talk there."

John had ordered the meal when he'd made the reservation. It was served as soon as they were seated. He had also asked that once the meal was served, they not be disturbed.

They ate in silence for several minutes before John spoke. "Dora, I'm sure Mother told you that I have never stopped loving you. She has told me that you have never stopped loving me. I have checked with lawyers. We are still legally married. I want our marriage to be more than just legality. The fact that you are here, I assume, means that you want that also. But I understand that it may take some time. I want you to take all the time you need. I will not press you but I will always be here for you. I will give advice only when asked. The only thing I ask now is that you be fully aware that I deeply love you and that love includes not wanting to further complicate what, I am sure, is a very confusing time for you."

"You have not changed, John. I wondered if you would have. I could have made that speech for you. I knew what you would say so I have not concerned myself with that. It's propriety and my daughters that concern me. As you have found out, Johnny is thrilled and wants us to be a family now. But he is also a wise boy. He understands his sisters' confusion and mine. I could never stop loving you but I also loved Isaac. He needs to be honored and shown proper respect. You are right, I need time, time for the girls to adjust to this and time to consider how much time is proper to honor Isaac.

"I am satisfied that you are the same man that I have loved for twenty-two years. I, too, want to be a family again but I must respect Isaac and my daughters. I'm relieved that you have arranged for me to stay in the hotel. I could not stay away from you if we were in the same house. Thank you also for understanding that the children need more freedom than a hotel offers."

"Dora, I will be honored it we can refer to the girls as our daughters.

"Would you be comfortable spending days in my house and nights in the hotel?"

"Some days, yes, but some days I may want to be alone to think."

"I understand."

Dora laughed. "You used to annoy me, you know, with your constant understanding. I'm Pennsylvania Dutch. There were times I needed a good argument."

"Dora, you have to remember that I lived those first twenty-one years with Sadie Reid. I don't consider myself brilliant but I'm smart enough to have learned when to argue with a Pennsylvania Dutch woman."

John smirked. "If you think, you'll remember that I usually got my way without the argument."

"Yes, I do remember. Are you still that devious?"

"I'd prefer to call it diplomatic."

"John, I think now is the time for that kiss."

If others in the dining room noticed that amorous embrace and ardent kiss, they were discrete enough not to give indication.

John needed to get back to his office. The stable boy brought his carriage around and John glowed. Dora sat beside him. It was the way it should be. The "if" was answered. Only the "when" remained. John drove to his house, helped Dora from the carriage and escorted her to the door. Dora had agreed to take supper with the family. They parted with another kiss.

Sadie introduced Dora to Ginny and looked quizzically at Dora's face. Dora was radiant. The nod she gave Sadie was not necessary. That radiance said all there was to be said.

The twins had apparently decided after they had eaten dinner that they had been young ladies long enough. They went outside to play with Marty. Ginny Bartlett was mildly upset with Declan. He hadn't come home for lunch. She wasn't worried. Declan had made great strides toward civilization but he was eleven and his time awareness was governed by his stomach, not clocks. He would get home, be mildly reprimanded for his tardiness, throw a mini fit but by the time he'd taken two swallows of milk, have forgotten all about it.

Sadie had told Ginny the story. Ginny was elated. She had grown to love John as a son and had known that he carried a deeply buried burden but had no indication what it might be. John had never made his burden her burden and Declan seemed to have made it lighter but had not completely removed it. It was always in his eyes. Only Wili Fox seemed to understand so it must have had something to do with loss. Ginny, of course, knew about Paddy but she knew there had to be more than that. Ginny silently wept, both for John's years of anguish and, now for the elimination of its source.

Both Sadie and Ginny wanted details. Dora would say only that John was, indeed, the John she had loved all these years. They would be a family again. When depended on propriety and the girls. The older women were about to press for more information when a disturbance of potentially volatile proportions erupted in the back yard. Declan had seen the intrusion into his domain. He had galloped his horse into the yard demanding to know who those girls thought they were playing on his swing. The latent escalation lay in the commixture of Irish impetuousness and Pennsylvania Dutch stubbornness. By the time the ladies got out there, Marty and Declan were nose to nose in less that civil debate on the issue.

Dora in her typical jocularity said, "Maybe I better rethink this."

The custodians of the combatants separated and cajoled into silence their respective charges. It was only the vocalizations that were silenced. The humors were still quite vexed.

After a few moments the mildly chastened miscreants began to plead their cause.

"That's my swing!"

"Mrs. Bartlett said I could swing."

"Declan!" Sadie's presence and that tone in her voice sent a shiver up the boy's spine. His grandma was not one to be trifled with. What was she doing here and who were these girls and that other lady?"

"Declan, Marty, I expect my grandchildren to get along. Just as you are my grandson, Sarah and Katherine and Martha are my granddaughters. Family doesn't fight with each other."

"Grandma, do I have to have him in my family?"

"Well, Marty, help me think through this. You are both my grandchildren. I love you both. It will be a very difficult job for me to decide which one of you to get rid of."

"That's easy, Grandma. Him."

"Well, I don't know. I've spent seven years with you. I've spent very little time with Declan. I think I'll get rid of you and have a new little one."

"No, Grandma!" Marty ran and hugged her grandma. Marty wasn't dumb. She knew that her grandma would never get rid of her but she also understood that she was being told that she'd better learn to get along with this "thing" which had bounced so rudely into her life. Although the speech had not been directed at him, Declan understood that too.

Declan did not do his mini fit thing. His grandma was there and he still hadn't quite figured her out. It had been several months since anyone: his teacher, his Pa or Mrs. Bartlett had warmed his bottom and he wanted to keep it that way. He had the sense that his grandma was disposed to such activity if sufficiently provoked.

The twins and Declan were soon congenial and enjoying one another's company. An uneasy truce, maintained only by the specter of Grandma and Mrs. Bartlett, existed between Marty and Declan but it was a good afternoon - an afternoon that for Declan brightened considerably when Johnny came home.

There probably never has been a prepubescent who has not worshiped any older teenager who paid him positive attention. Johnny came up behind Declan, scooped the boy into his arms and swung him around. Declan was startled but when he saw who it was, he saw something in Johnny that was - well - like his Pa. This boy even looked like his Pa. Declan had no idea who this big, strong assailant was but he saw acceptance. He saw fun. He saw - did he really see it? Did he see love?

Both John and Dickie Chester had filled Johnny in on Declan. Johnny loved the idea of having a brother. Johnny already loved the boy from John's description but Johnny was ecstatic when he got the "boy" point of view from Dickie. Johnny loved the spunkiness in his sister, Marty, and from Dickie's tales, he now had a brother, not only the brother he'd always wanted but a male, redheaded replica of Marty. He chuckled inside when he thought of life with the two of them. He knew they'd end up loving each other but that that love would contain sparks as well as affection.

Declan put his arms around Johnny's neck and pulled himself up so that they were face to face. "Who are you?"

Marty intercepted the question. "That's my brother, Johnny."

"I didn't ask you."

"Well, he's my brother."

The twins' and Johnny's laughter annoyed Marty. "Don't laugh at me!"

"Well, don't be such a grouch." Sarah suggested.

"I'm not a grouch. He was being selfish with his swing. I can be selfish with my brother."

Johnny tickled Declan and stood him on the ground. "Have you two been into it already?"

"It's going to be a fun life, I'll tell you." Katie's comment startled Johnny. Had she decided already? Lord, he hoped so.

"Declan, my name's Johnny Reid...."

"How do you know my name?"

"Dickie Chester told me."

"He don't like Dickie no more. He likes Rick now."

"Well, his daddy calls him Dickie."

"Ya, but, he don't like it no more."

Declan took on a puzzled look. "My Pa's name is John Reid. Do you know him?"

"Yes, I do. We're related."

Declan grinned. "Then you and me are related. My name is Declan Reid."

"Yep, you're stuck with me."

"Do you know Wili Fox? Wili and Dickie - - uh - - I mean Rick and you are my best friends."

Marty jumped in. "You can't have Johnny for a best friend. We live in Strasburg."

"Yes I can. Wili lives in the village and he's one of my best friends."

"Marty, you settle down. Johnny, when did you get here?"

"Just now, Mama. Where's Da - John?"

"He'll be here for supper."

"What time?"

"About six Mrs. Bartlett said."

"What time is it now?"

Dora called into the house. "Mama, what time is it?"

Sadie called back, "Two o'clock."

"Da... uh - John said I could ride that chestnut. Want to go for a ride, Declan."

One would have thought Johnny had just offered to take Declan to heaven. The boy's grin and enthusiastic leap onto his horse were the answers.

"You better be careful, Red, you'll break your face."

Johnny was almost as enthusiastic. He was going riding with his brother.

Marty was not amused. "Why can't I go too?"

"Give me a break, Marty. I've spent twelve years with nothing but you girls. I need a little time with the boys. We are going over and get Dickie. Talk about the good life. Three hours with no sisters."

"Mama, Johnny's teasing me."

"Now, that's enough, Marty. Another word out of you and you'll get spanked."

Marty was always expressive but usually not so peevish. She may have been overly tired from the trip or restless from being cooped up in a hotel room all of yesterday. Whatever the reason, Dora was not going to put up with it any more. Actually, Dora discovered Marty needed a good nap more than a spanking. The little girl climbed into her mama's lap and slept for two hours. She woke up a much happier girl.

Even at seventeen, Johnny Reid could not help it. Tears filled his eyes as they sat at the supper table: his father at the head of the table, his mother at the foot, his sisters and brother, yes, his brother and his grandma and Ginny. He had his family. Everyone he loved. He missed Isaac, of course, but he had already grieved him and the tears were tears of joy, or maybe of fulfillment. He hadn't known Ginny Bartlett that long but it wasn't hard to tell she loved his Dad so he had to love her. Johnny didn't sob but it took a while before he ventured a word. He was afraid that if he did talk, he would bawl like a baby.

Johnny was not the only one who felt strong emotion. Emotion hung heavy in that room and stifled conversation for several minutes. But Johnny was of the type that could only muse briefly. "Grandma, I may just have to fire you as my chef. Mrs. Bartlett cooks a mean roast of beef."

"I'm not worried. As soon as you smell my dried green beans and ham or dried corn, your Pennsylvania Dutch taste buds will pull you to my table like you were hitched to a four horse team."

"I'll just develop Colorado taste buds."

John grinned, "Won't work, son. I've been here ten years and just the mention of dried beans and ham makes me want to run to the station and buy a ticket to Strasburg."

Declan was alarmed. "I'm your son!"

John hadn't realized what he'd said. He glanced around the table to see the reaction of the girls. The twins were smiling and Marty seemed not to have noticed."

"Yes, you are my son but some people have more than one son. Look at Mrs. Martin. She has three daughters. A man could have more than one son."

"If Johnny really was your son, would he be my brother?"

"Yes he would."

"Then I wish he was your son."

"Hey, Red, Marty's my sister. If you got me, you'd have to take her too."

"That's OK. She's been kinda nice since we got back from our ride."

Sarah said, "What about us?"

"You're OK too. You're always nice."

"Boy, Red, do you have some things to learn about girls."

Katie stuck out her tongue at Johnny.

Dora reprimanded Katie then with a twinkle in her eye, said, "John, maybe we ought to rethink this."

Marty looked at her mama. "Rethink what?"

"Don't interrupt your mama, Dear. She was talking to General Reid."

"Grandma, everybody seems to have secrets around here.

"What's a General?"

Declan was quick to answer. "A General is the boss of all the soldiers. My Pa is boss of all the armies from the Mississippi to the Pacific."

Marty was duly impressed. "Wow! Is that why everybody has secrets because the army might get you?"

The meal was finished and John snatched Marty from her chair and began to tickle her. "The army won't get you but this General will."

Marty giggled and soon had her arms around John's neck. Declan blanched. His Pa was hugging that girl the way he hugged him. Johnny noticed.

"Don't worry, Red. He still loves you. He'll get tired of her soon."

"Don't be too sure, Johnny. Marty's a sweetheart.

"Declan, when your friends call you, Red, you get angry. Why don't you get angry at Johnny?"

"When my friends call me Red they are teasing me. When Johnny calls me Red, it feels like when you call me your little Irish treasure."

John and Dora glanced at each other and smiled.

John's comment about Marty got him a hard hug. "Do you have a wife?"

"Well, yes I do?"

Marty's face fell. "I wish it was my mama."

The twins looked at each other, and then at Dora, and as is often the manner of twins, said in unison, "So do we."

Johnny whooped and Dora warned him, "Don't say another word!"

"Is it all right with you if I'm silently happy?"

"I am, so I guess you can be."

Johnny pulled Declan onto his lap and hugged him so tightly that John said, "Careful Johnny. Irish treasures are hard to come by and that one just cannot be replaced."

"Well, Mama won't let me talk. I have to do something or I'll explode."

John smiled. "Dora, you and I need to talk."

"Later, John," Dora looked at the twins. "Come on, girls. We need to help clean up."

Ginny started to protest but she was gently nudged by Sadie who whispered, "They need to talk."

Dora and the girls walked through the kitchen to the back yard. Before Dora could say anything, Sarah said, "Mama, he's so nice. You can tell he already loves us."

"Grandma's been sending him pictures since Johnny was five and you were babies. She's told me that he's loved you since he first knew about you."

"How could he love us when our daddy kind of took you away from him?"

"Katie, he never blamed your daddy. It was all just a terrible mistake. Grandma said that he said in his letters that he thanked God that your daddy was there taking care of Johnny and me. Since he still loved me, he loved you. But, then, he's a very compassionate man. He probably even felt that your daddy was kind of a brother."

"Are you sad that you and daddy got married?"

"Sarah, what a question. I loved your daddy and if we hadn't gotten married I wouldn't have you two and Marty."

"Sometimes, I think we could get along without Marty."

"Katie, what an awful thing to say!"

"I was just kidding, I guess, but she can be such a pest."

"How could you love daddy and General Reid too?"

"I just did. Your daddy was a good, good man but so is John. Your daddy knew that I wept for John sometimes and he always told me that he understood. Even though he's no longer living, I still love your daddy and John. The only difference is that John is here now and your daddy isn't."

The girls took turns asking questions. It really made no difference who asked the question. They were both thinking the same things. "So, you can love two people - I mean men - like two husbands or two daddies - at the same time?"

"I didn't know I had two husbands but, yes. I loved your daddy and John for thirteen years."

"So, if you and General Reid get married - well, you know what I mean - we can still love our daddy?"

"Of course you can. I love John and I still very much love your daddy."

"Do we just start living with General Reid?"

"That's up to you and to Marty. John has to talk to Declan too. If everybody agrees, John and I need to decide what to do. I feel like we ought to have some kind of ceremony to reaffirm our vows."

"What are vows?"

"The promises we made to each other when we were married.

"Do you think it's too soon? Do we need to wait longer to honor your daddy?"

"Mama, Daddy would want you to be happy. Katie and I know that you really love General Reid. Daddy would want you to be married."

"Yes, he would but I don't think I can call General Reid Daddy yet. I think I'll call him Pa like Declan does."

"Me too."

Dora gathered the girls in her arms. All three shed a few tears and none knew if they were tears of joy or nostalgia.

Back in the house, Dora whispered to John and took Marty up to the bedrooms. John indicated to Johnny that he should stay where he was and took Declan to the front porch. John sat on the porch swing and took Declan onto his lap. "I've got a story I want to tell you. Do you remember where I was when I found Paddy?"

"Ya, in jail."

"Well, not really jail. It was a prisoner of war camp. When the Rebs captured me, the army thought I was dead. I had a wife and son in Pennsylvania and the army told them I was dead. Aft...."

"You mean Johnny's my brother? And Mrs. Martin, is she your... your wife?"

"Yes. How do you feel about that?"

"Oh, wow, Johnny's my brother!"

Declan jumped off his pa's lap and ran into the house. "Johnny, you're my brother."

He jumped into Johnny's arms and some serious hugging was going on.

Katie asked, "What about us?"

Declan looked at Johnny. "Are they my brothers?"

"No, they're your sisters."

"Wow, I got sisters!"

Declan moved in the direction of the girls then stopped and looked at Johnny. "Do you hug sisters? Are sisters different than girls?"

No self-respecting eleven-year-old would be caught hugging girls. But when assured that sisters were more than just girls - more hugging.

John was pleased. Declan had come a long way. He was secure enough in John's love that he could share his pa now.

Dora came down the steps all smiles and nodded to John. John took her into his arms and kissed her passionately.