Abe had not been having a great week.

Elli seemed a little perkier after their chat, but still had not followed through at school. He knew he couldn't rush her, but he also couldn't stand the idea that the little shits were hurting her. He'd already resigned himself to the fact that if she came home with any kind of a bruise, he'd never be able to stop Anna ripping them apart. And he wasn't sure he'd want to.

Anna had been so quiet again this week. More so than usual. He'd hoped they were passed the worst of it, but something was bugging her. He was sure it was Elli's problem, but he thought Anna would have talked to him about that. Perhaps he would try bringing it up over dinner.

He was so tired. He wanted to be back on the farm today, but Aaron had found him some extra construction work in town. The store next door to theirs had a bad leak in the roof, and Abe was fixing it for them. He could never say no to extra money. At least Anna had popped in to see him when she and Ma had gone to town. Seeing her always brightened his spirits.

As he stepped in their side door, he looked around him curiously. The kitchen was worse than the pigpen. But something smelled amazing.

"Anna baby?" he called.

A rush of footsteps brought her down stairs. "No!" she said, immediately running and covering his eyes. "You're not supposed to be back yet!"

"Nice to see you too," he grinned, prising her hands away. "Baby, did you find one of my old grenades?"

"Oh, it's not that bad," she hushed, gathering up bowls. "I thought I had more time to clean it."

"What's the mess in aid of?" he asked, tugging his jacket off. "I mean, it smells damn good in here..."

"I have made you a special dinner," she said proudly, Abe now noticing that she had flour in her hair. "And I did it all by myself!"

"Oh darlin'!" he said, coming over to her. "I'm so proud of you!"

"I know it won't be as good as Ma's cooking," she began, but he wound his arms around her.

"I believe you'll be amazing at anything you set your mind to," he grinned, kissing her deeply. She let herself get carried away, her arms winding around his neck. "Where's Elli?"

"She's with your Momma," she murmured. "I needed you to myself this evening."

"Good plan," he breathed, kissing her, and pulling her closer.

Backing her towards the archway, his hands pulled at her clothes. He kissed her neck, falling to his knees as his hands slid slowly up her legs. His grin was devilish as he kissed her thighs and pulled one of her legs over his shoulder.

Anna was lost in him, her fingers running through his sandy hair. She gasped as his mouth moved higher, Abe's hands biting into her eagerly.

He stood up, kissing her ardently as he held her against him. "God, I have been thinkin' about you all day," he murmured, as she bit his ear.

"You have?" she said playfully.

"Oh yeah," he said throatily, then glanced around him. "Kinda wanna have you right here..." He picked her up and put her on the counter top, standing between her legs.

"But dinner!" she managed as his tongue teased her neck.

"Baby, I want you so bad-"

"Oh no!" she protested, stopping him so he looked at her innocently. "I have not spent all afternoon preparing dinner so that you can ruin it!"

"Oh, come on," he teased, "quick one now... then we can really celebrate after dinner?" She narrowed her eyes at him. He laughed, stepping back and consenting to simply kiss her nose. "Fine, I'll wait."

"Sit down," she said, shooing him to the table. She cleared the last of the mixing bowls away to the sink, fetching him a beer and placing it in front of him as she kissed his cheek. He sighed contentedly, grinning as he watched her gather the prepared food for the meal.

"This is just the best," he murmured, settling back in his chair. "What's that you got there?" he asked curiously as she unwrapped a tea towel from around her creation.

"Sptzle dough," she said, Abe's brow furrowing. "I wanted to make you some German food," she said quietly. "Mrs Balsiger helped me with the recipe... she even leant me her maker."

His eyes grew warm, his face covered in a big dopey grin.

"You don't know what it is, do you?" she teased as he rose from his seat.

"Does it matter?" he asked, winding his arms around her waist. "I'm sure I'm gonna love it."

"It's almost like pasta..." she said, trying to think of a way to describe it. "I've made rouladen to go with it."

"Is that what I can smell?"

"They cut the beef specially for me," she grinned.

"Show me how you make this German pasta thingy then," he said, keeping his arms around her.

They enjoyed finishing it off together, Abe fascinated by the spätzle maker. But Anna had made so much, that it took 6 batches to cook all of it in their giant pot. She promised she would try frying it the next morning with ham and an egg, just like Helga used to for her and Karl when she was small. They sat down at the table, Anna dishing up the rouladen beside it along with a cucumber salad. That was always her favourite when she was small, and she was determined to share it with her husband. He tucked in, not at all apprehensive like he usually was with Anna's cooking ventures.

"Oh baby," he said, looking at her with his big brown eyes. "This is amazing." Her face lit up.

"You mean it?"

"Of course I do!" he said, taking her hand. "Baby, this is so special. But what's the occasion?" She set down her fork, her face sobering suddenly. "What's wrong?" he asked, shifting his chair closer to her. She rubbed his hand with her thumb, her eyes filling with tears.

"This is so silly," she managed, sniffing a little. "This should be such a happy occasion... but I'm nervous."

"Baby, don't keep me in suspense! What's goin' on?"

She looked straight at him. "I'm pregnant," she whispered.

His heart thudded in his chest. He understood. He squeezed her hand, drawing it to his lips and kissing it.

"This is good news," he said quietly.

"I'm frightened," she cut across, the tears spilling down her cheeks. "I know I said I wasn't, but I am. We've lost two babies, Abe. Two. And my Reina-"

"This time will be different."

"But it's so soon after our last one-"

"How far along are you?"

"It's hard to say," she sighed. "But I would guess a couple of months. I had no period last month, but I kept waiting, just in case. It hasn't come again this month; I should have been on last week. And I've been throwing up in the morning."

"Baby, is this why you've been so quiet recently?"

Anna nodded, her mouth pulled down at the corners.

Abe gritted his teeth. He wanted to be happy. He wanted to run around outside and tell anyone who would listen that he was going to be a daddy. But this didn't guarantee it. And he was so worried about Anna. She couldn't take the heartbreak again.

He pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her cheek. "I wish you hadn't troubled yourself so much today," he whispered. "You gotta take it easy."

"I wanted to feel like a wife," she protested. "God knows I fail at it in so many other ways."

"Whatcha talkin' about?!" he said, pulling her face to look at him. "Don't you ever say that. You are perfect in every way!"

"Then why are we so sad that I'm pregnant again?"

"Not sad," he promised, "just... concerned. But this time is gonna be different! I can feel it! We didn't plan this... somehow, the sucker still got through despite our best efforts. Maybe this is meant to be!"

"What if it isn't?"

"You have to stay positive, baby. I know how hard that is, what with everything you've been through." His hands rested on her stomach, Anna's fingers lacing with his. "But I've gotta believe this time is different! We're different! We're settled now... we're in our own home, we have our own life. We're not in the middle of a war or wondering what life is gonna throw at us."

"We're happy," she smiled.

"Exactly," he replied, his nose burying into her neck. "You can even cook now, I mean, imagine that?!"

"Such a rude pig," she cursed, Abe laughing.

"Like I don't know what that means by now!" he said in German, Anna properly smiling at him. He was getting so good. "Look, from now on, you ain't gonna be doin' nothin' strenuous. Only light work for you. I'm sure Momma and Elli won't mind lendin' a hand."

"Abe, I'll go mad if I'm stuck doing nothing all day."

"Not nothing, just very little. You put too much on your own shoulders. Think of the little'n in there," he said, rubbing her belly. "We'll book a visit to Doctor Burke as soon as we can-"

"Abe, that's so early! I can only be just over two months gone."

"I don't give a shit! After everything that has happened, I need to know you're okay." She huffed.

"You really think this time will be different?" she asked, her nose brushing his.

"I really do," he promised. She cuddled into him, Abe cradling her so that he could hold her close.

"I hope you're right," she sighed, both of them enjoying the quiet acceptance of this next adventure.

***

Abe was pacing around the Doctor's office. He always paced when he was nervous.

Anna sat patiently, waiting for Doctor Burke to arrive. She knew that it was too early for them to be seeing him, but Abe wanted her to go to check-ups as regularly as possible. She had at least made him wait a couple of weeks. She was only just beginning to show, but Abe had still insisted. They hadn't told anyone else yet, not even Elli. Sooner or later, they'd have no choice in the matter. Finally Doctor Burke appeared, a warm smile painted on his face.

"Mr and Mrs Coleman," he said, shaking Abe's outstretched hand.

"Hi Doc," returned Abe, immediately sitting beside Anna as Burke took his seat behind his desk.

"So, I hear it's happy news?" said Burke, Anna smiling at him. "I'm mighty pleased for you. Especially after before."

"But that's why we're here, Doc," insisted Abe. "You know the history... all of it."

Anna had chosen to explain everything to Doctor Burke when she had gone with Elli for a check-up earlier in the year. She wanted his advice on the likelihood of a pregnancy. He'd only been able to reiterate what every other Doctor had said before him. But he had hope and had told her to be patient.

"I just want to check that they're doin' all right."

"Of course you do," said Burke. "You've always been such a caring young man, Abraham. It doesn't surprise me how much you're worrying about your family." Abe would only let Anna see Doctor Burke. There were two Doctors at the surgery, but Abe had been going to Burke his entire life. It was Burke that helped deliver Abe when he first started out as a Doctor. Abe only wanted the best for his Anna. "Let's take a look, shall we?" he continued, inviting Anna to sit on the bed in the corner.

He began his checks, Abe watching every single thing he did very closely. He wanted to know why he was measuring her belly... what the stethoscope was for... wasn't she supposed to be vomiting all the time? Burke was patient through it all, reassuring him at every turn. Anna appreciated it so much. She felt far more at ease that someone else was calming Abe down.

"Your baby is healthy as far as I can see," he assured them, Abe letting out a sigh of relief and burying his nose in Anna's hair. "You are further along in this pregnancy than you were in your last two, and you're not far away from your second trimester. That is a really good sign. I think we are past the point of early pregnancy loss."

"So, this isn't like the other two?" ventured Anna.

"No, Mrs Coleman. I can't see any worrying signs. This seems like a perfectly normal pregnancy." Anna smiled, kissing Abe's hand in delight. "But I do agree with your husband. Given what you have suffered, regular check-ups would be a good idea. And no strenuous work on the farm."

"Fine," muttered Anna, Burke smiling at her.

"You're a tough one," he reassured her, Anna glancing at him, "but that doesn't mean you can do more than the average person. Lots of rest, Mrs Coleman. Let Abraham take care of you. And Ma too."

"They always do," said Anna.

"I don't doubt that," sighed Burke. "But you also don't seem to like needing help." Anna tried not to scowl, Abe rubbing her shoulders.

"We got this, baby," he murmured, kissing her head, "it's gonna be just fine."

"I'll see you at the end of December," said Burke, scribbling down some notes for her and passing them to her. "Take care now, both of you."

"We will," grinned Abe. "Thanks Doc."

Abe treated Anna to a late lunch, both of them talking excitedly about the future. It was the first time Anna had felt truly reassured that they were on the right track. This time really did feel different. Not just the physical elements, but deep down in her heart. She was truly settled and happy. Every time she looked at Abe her smile just grew, her heart hammering in her chest. He barely noticed, chatting away to her about something to do with the pigs that morning.

They had been in Missouri about a year now, and every day their life seemed to get better, even if not everyone had come to accept her presence in the community. It was a world away from what she had imagined her life to be. She had always thought she'd be an Egyptologist, studying in Egypt. She had wanted to be the curator of the Cairo museum.

Perhaps that's where she would be if things had gone differently. Hans had always supported that avenue. They had talked about it a lot over their time together, planning her studies at University around having a family.

It was odd. Perhaps she should feel sadness for this lost life... a certain level of unfulfillment. Yet, she didn't. What was truly important to her, was her family, and she had those right here in this tiny town in the middle of nowhere. She had Elli, she had Abe, and she also had Ma, who she appreciated more with each passing day. And very soon, they should have another little one to love and cherish.

Abe finally noticed her dreamy expression and stopped. "Whatcha thinking about baby?" he asked, putting his arm around her as she snuggled in close to him.

"You, and how wonderful you are," she said, Abe chuckling and kissing her head.

"Is this just 'cause I bought you lunch?" he joked, Anna giggling.

"I just feel so close to you right now, in this moment."

"As I do you," he murmured. "You looking forward to tellin' the others?"

"Yes," she breathed dreamily. "Particularly Elli."

"How about we go get her from school?" he asked, looking at the clock on the wall. "She finishes soon."

"She'd love that!" said Anna, Abe helping her up as they settled the bill, and made their way back to the truck.

They were soon parked up at the school, both of them chatting until they saw the children begin pouring out of the front door. They both got out, standing where Elli would definitely see them. Abe had his arms around Anna, keeping her warm in the chilly, late November air. The school was tiny, very few students there at all. Anna noticed that most of the children and their parents all stared at her as they passed. Some of the parents she recognised from around town. A couple gave them a polite nod. Most gave them a wide birth. Anna sighed.

"It's all right baby," murmured Abe, kissing her cheek. "Pay 'em no mind."

"If they're like this with me, it must be terrible for Elli," she said glumly. Abe didn't respond, his arms simply squeezing her tighter. Then, they spotted her.

Elli was walking out, her coat pulled tight around her, and her arms crossed in front of her protectively. She was looking straight at the ground, trying her best to ignore the three boys swarming her as she walked out.

"Hey Nazi," Travis called to her, "is that your whore sister?"

Elli looked at them, her brow furrowed, then glanced up at the gates. She could see Anna and Abe there, both of them waving at her. Elli stopped in her tracks, just staring as she saw Anna's hand lower slowly.

"I asked you a question!" said Travis again, giving her a nudge.

Elli watched Anna; she had sussed out what was happening. Abe seemed to be holding her back, whispering something in her ear. Then he looked at Elli and gave an encouraging smile. Elli smiled back.

"Are you deaf as well as dumb?"

Before he could say anything else, Elli spun around and punched him straight in the nose. Travis fell back, Elli taking no time at all to jump on top of him and start spanking him like a naughty child.

On sight of it, both Abe and Anna ran over, Abe keeping Anna back before he prised Elli off him. "Hey El, I think he's got the point," said Abe, hoisting her up and steadying her. She was breathing heavily, glaring at Travis as the other two boys helped him to his feet. His nose was a little bloody, but he looked more embarrassed than anything.

Anna checked on Elli, grinning at her. "That's my girl," she whispered, Elli grinning at her proudly. Travis looked at Elli, then to Abe.

"Something you wanna say there, fella?" asked Abe, his voice stern. He just looked away to a woman who was charging over to all of them. Anna's expression shifted, and she kept her arm around Elli as Abe looked at her too.

"Did your daughter just attack my son?!" shrieked the woman, pulling her son into her to inspect him.

"She sure did," said Abe, winking at Elli, "and it was a doozie."

"What are you teaching your child?" she spat.

"I might ask you the same question!" said Anna, her voice gritty. The woman's eyes widened.

Then she looked at Abe properly, realisation dawning on him. "You're Benny's sister," he said.

"Yes I am," said the woman. "And you're the one with the German wife."

"What of it?" asked Anna, glaring at her.

The woman now seemed sheepish. "I don't want any trouble," she began but Anna laughed huffily.

"Oh, but you already have it," she said, turning her piercing gaze on her. "If your son calls my sister a Nazi again, it is you and I that shall be having it out, understand?"

"Benny said you were a piece of work," murmured the woman.

"If Benny has anythin' else to say about my family," boomed Abe, Travis and his mother wincing, "then he'd better come say it to me personally. Not get his nephew to do the dirty work." The woman looked at Abe, then Anna. She turned to her son.

"You're to stay away from her, you hear?"

"Yes Mom," he said, Elli smiling smugly at him. His mother took his hand and led him away hurriedly.

"Best pass on my regards to your brother," called Abe with a grin, then turning back to Elli. He scooped her up, Elli laughing as he hugged her with pride. "I knew you could do it, darlin'," he said kissing her cheek before he put her on the ground, and back into Anna's embrace.

"We're so proud of you for standing up for yourself," agreed Anna. "But no fighting unless necessary, yes?"

"I promise," said Elli, the three of them walking towards the truck now. "Why are you here?" she asked suddenly. "I always get the bus home." Anna and Abe looked at one another with a smile, then at her.

"You tell her, baby," said Abe, his arm around his wife. Elli looked up inquisitively as Anna beamed down at her.

"I'm pregnant," she said, Elli gasping.

"Really?!" she cried.

"I'm about three months along," she said.

"You are?!"

"And the Doc says they're both doin' just fine," assured Abe. Elli threw her arms around Anna, Abe enclosing them both in his embrace. "Today really is a damn' fine day," breathed Abe.