Armstrong made it home just before the storm hit.  That was one prayer answered today.  We had a wonderful dinner, and the storm brought us all together in the parlor.

Ever since our little talk, Claudine seems happier.  More content I guess.  Patrick is probably one of the most intellegent men I know.  He gave me the power to say what needed to be said.

Claudine sat in front of the piano and played, while Mae sang us some Christmas Carols.  I was sitting here hoping I'll just be able to get up when it's bedtime.  My feet are swollen, my belly is actually full, and it doesn't help that the babies are dancing to this music.  I ran my hand up and down my belly as I listened. 

My pride at this point is nearly gone, since I can't make it to the portable pot in my room.  Even Patrick had to help me once into the guest quarters. 

"Shhh!" Patrick told everyone to be quiet.  "I hear hooves. At least four horses.  Men, grab your firearms." 

"Patrick, no.  Get to the cellar, and take Mae and Bub with you."  I ordered.  "Eugene, Wilford, and Armstrong, grab your arms and blow out that lamp."

I heard the horses stop, and Claudine walks over and steps in front of me. Does she actually think she is going to protect me?  What is she thinking?  Her dress could wrinkle.  I mentally rolled my eyes.

Pairs of boots stomped toward the front door, and there was a knock.

"You guys stay back.  I'll get it."  Armstrong said while holding his revolver.

"Can I help you?" I heard Armstrong ask.

"Yes, we are looking for Mrs. Westlake.  Colonel Westlake's wife?" 

Colonel?

My heart pounded.

"May I ask what this is concerning?"

"Well, umm, Mr. Westlake said we could have a warm bed through Christmas."

"Who is it, Armstrong?" I asked.

"Union soldiers."  He yelled back.

"Take their firearms and allow them in, it's cold out there."  I yelled.

They stepped in and came into view.  I tried to push myself up.  "Oh, ma'am, that's not necessary.  Please, don't get up.  He informed us you are nearing delivery." 

"Where is my husband?"  I asked.

"He's right..."

"Naomi?  Armstrong, where's my wife?" 

My heart skipped a beat and he came into view. He didn't notice the woman in front of me, but dashed over and fell to his knees.

"Naomi."  He whispered, as he traced my face and leaned in to give me a deep and needing kiss.

He pulled back.  "Looks like I made it in time.  My god, you're even more beautiful." 

He layed his hand on my stomach.  "Wow, you are so beautiful and you look miserable."  Everyone laughed.

"I'm much better now."  I said, and he tilted his head and looked straight through me.  "I love you so much."  He kissed me and my belly, not even caring that everyone is watching.

He looked up at me with a tear in his eye.  "I missed you so bad." 

I started to cry.  "I missed you, but how is this possible?"  I felt his bearded face and just sobbed.

"It's okay.  Don't cry, you'll make me cry in front of my men."  He wiped my tears away with his thumb.

"General McClellan needed word sent to Rutherford about some rebel forces nearby.  He sent us and granted us a few weeks leave for Christmas. I hope you don't mind a few extra at Christmas dinner."

Between my sobs I answered him.  "Of course not." 

He leaned up and hugged me.  "You look look so beautiful pregnant with my children."  He reminded me.

I wiped tears away when he went to stand.  "Let's go retire."  He said.

Everyone chuckled because my husband usually has one thing on his mind, and it's well known.  "We should get your guests settled.  Armstrong will you get the others, and tell the girls to start drawing baths?"

I went to get up, but stopped.  "Oliver, you've failed to acknowledge our other guest."  I nodded toward Claudine, and he turned his head.

"Claudine?  What..why are you here?"  He asked.

"I'm sorry to intrude, but I had nowhere else to go. My husband passed in the spring, and you said I could always come to you." 

"My wife has provided your shelter and nutrition?" 

She nodded.

"I married a saint."  He looked at me with a smile.  "Could we please retire now?" 

He helped me up and just shook his head with a smile.  "I can't believe this."  He laughed.

"It's not funny.  You did this to me." 

He stopped and looked at everyone.  "Guilty as charged."  He said, and everyone laughed once again.

The others walked in and I told them to help our guests settle in, then told all of them that after their baths and shaves, they will eat a warm meal.

He pulled me up and walked slowly with me, as I once again waddled up the steps.

He shut the door behind us.  "Who's the man in my clothes?" 

I took a deep breath not knowing where to start.

"I'll tell you while you're bathing.  It's not a story you will favor." 

I went to help him, but he pointed at our bed.  "Rest, I can bathe myself." 

He gathered up a mirror and shaving supplies, before stripping off his clothes and stepping into the tub.

He layed back and shut his eyes.  I noticed his nose was still red from the bitter cold.

"Who is he?"

"He's the man who saved mine and your children's lives."  He opened his eyes and looked at me with concern.

"How?"  He doesn't look happy.

"One day I was in the barn, when I was approached by Thomas Vest and his scar faced friend."

"Wait, they were arrested."  He said.

"They escaped and...I want you to remember, I'm here and I'm safe before I say anything more.  Promise to sit and listen."

His face turned pale, but he nodded.

"Vest tried to assault me.  He made it as far as to sink his fingers inside me when Patrick showed up."

His nostrils flared and his breathing changed.  He tried to stay calm.

"Then what?"

"Patrick was orphaned as a child, then sold into endentured servitude.  His contract was not honored and was held as a servant.  His employer enlisted him, then at Cheat Mountain he ran.  Never shot at any union soldiers, but was shot at by his own men.  He killed one, then traveled north to join the Union forces.

That day in the barn, he injured both those men and tied them up.  He had been shot at Cheat Creek, and I noticed he was favoring one leg.  I called for Dr. Sams and he amputated his one leg, then Bub carved him a new one. He has been valuable to our safety and works very hard.  He has been granted sanctuary and had filed for citizenship.  Although he denies it, I feel I'm in his debt.  Claudine showed up the same day, and I gave her shelter." 

"We both owe him, but why let the men live?  They deserve death." 

"He didn't want to kill them in front of me."

"I'll kill Thomas Vest if it's the last thing I do!"

He is seething with anger and hatred. 

Somehow we managed to fall asleep. I actually slept much better than I have in months.

"Good Morning."  I whispered in Oliver's ear.  He opened his eyes and loked at me, then closed them again.  "Good morning, beautiful." 

I layed my head on his chest.  "I'm so happy you're home." 

"As am I."  He kissed the top of my head. 

"I love you." 

"I love you more."

"She isn't mulatto is she?"  He stopped rubbing my arm.  It's been eating at me for months, and I know I took him off guard.

"What?"

"Claudine.  You didn't send her to Canada because she's mulatto." 

He sighed.

"Do we really need to discuss her?"

"Yes"

"She is mulatto, and she's also the daughter of the biggest plantation owner in Virginia.  He got one of his mulatto slaves pregnant, and tried to raise her as his and his wife's daughter.  She got the education, she was spoiled, and defenseless when she found out. 

She was driven out of their home and sent away penniless.  My father found her while traveling in Virginia for business and brought her here.  This was her home for years."

"Why send her to Canada?" 

"Because her father has a lot of enemies here in the North.  Vest found out, so my father made me send her away to marry another sympathizer."  He said, and I felt my emotions grow.

"You only married me to throw Vest off her trail."  I started crying.

"No, that's untrue.  We were arranged years ago." 

"You stopped putting it off."  I pushed my way off the bed with a lot of effort.

"We've been through this, Naomi.  Come on, its Christmas Eve and we are together."

I stared at him because he's right.  We have, but it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.  He wasn't honest about why she left.

"She's not been on my mind since our wedding day.  I started to forget to write her, Naomi.  True love doesn't just disappear.  It's not like I would forget the woman I truly love because she's out of my sight.  I ache for you day after day.  Being away from you is killing me slowly.  Please don't put this stress on yourself."

"Why didn't you tell me the real reason you sent her away?" 

"Because it didn't matter, and I didn't want you involved."

"Something isn't right, Oliver.  She showed up at the same moment as Vest. That woman is not mulatto."

"She showed up with Vest?"

"Yes, literally the exact moment.  As soon as Patrick knocked out scar face, she was standing there, and when she saw me, and Patrick took down Vest, she turned white.  You didn't tell her we got married?" 
 
"I told her before she left for Canada."  He looked at me in confusion.

"Has any of her story been verified with her father?  Do you have any proof she is who she says she is?"

"No, she wouldn't, Naomi. She lived here for years."  He said.

"Patrick made me send for Rutherford, so he certainly isn't involved, but I think there is much more to the story."  I sat on the bed.

"Just forget everything you just said. It's not possible."  He said.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me today."  Maybe I'm just emotional again.