"March 15, 1862

My Love,

I miss you incredibly today.  Our children are growing so quickly. I am afraid you will miss so many milestones.  Ollie looked so much like his father when he woke this morning. 

His hair has darkened, and those big blue eyes have lightened.  He smiled at me before he opened his eyes, then closed them again, but his little smile never faded.

Elizabeth is still fare with brown eyes like myself, but her smile also reminds me of you.  They are a daily reminder of why your absence is so very important at this time.  I do not want our children to live in a world where freedom can only be granted to a few. 

Your letter found us all in good health.  We haven't heard much about Lee's Campaign in Maryland since your last letter.  Will you be going to Maryland?

Your uncles are planning a fine planting season and say it will be a mild summer.  More rebel troops have been spotted near the North in Kentucky.  Too close to the Ohio's banks for my comfort. 

A few days ago, a few Union soldiers made a visit to our home looking for deserters.  Are many deserting the Union?  This only confirms my fears of losing this horrible war.

I hope you, my courageous father, and brothers are in good heath and staying warm during these cold nights.

My darling, our bed is so cold and lonely without you.  I am not ashamed to say I have thoughts of you at night. My body suffers as much as my heart in your absence.  I need you my love, I need you to come home.  Please do not volunteer for more when your time in the Army is over.

Armstrong is growing impatient with your request. You have kept him from the war, but he is restless.  He speaks of children fighting while he lives with such luxuries, and I am not sure he will hold off much longer. 

Two weeks ago, a rebel deserter crossed the banks and visited Elsworth and Mary Coopers farm.  They fed him and provided his necessities before he surrendered in Corydon.  I hope these men can be trusted, as the Union is accepting them into the Army. 

Our letters are becoming fewer and fewer.  Your children keep me very busy, as your son has your appetite.  He will grow to be a strong man like his father.  Dr. Sams says they are both healthy and strong, despite their small birth weights.  Ollie has developed the cutest rolls on his legs.  His cheeks have filled out and he is a bit chunky.  Our daughter is petite, but strong.  Much smaller than her brother, but feisty and demanding.  Ollie is far more patient at feeding time.

I must go and tend to our children, but please write soon.  Your letters mean so much to me.

Love always,

Naomi"

I folded up the letter and waxed it shut, before giving it to Armstrong to mail out.  I haven't been to town for many months, and won't be going until my babies are older. 

I spend my days feeding the twins, and while they nap, I escape outdoors.  Today will be one of those days.  I layed the babies down, and Mae will sit with them until my return. 

Now that Armstrong is my guardian, which still angers me, he insists I always take either Patrick or Bub with me for everything I do outside.  I have only 2 hours until the twins next feeding, so I begged Patrick to move quickly.

"Bub has the horses ready, and I don't have long."  I said.

"I understand that Mrs. Westlake, but I also have a job to complete."  He countered.

"I beg of you to move quickly."  I batted my eye lashes, and he grinned.

"A lady should never beg."  He set his quill down and stood.  "We cannot go as far as Tuesday.  I've been given strict instructions." 

I grabbed his coat and helped him into it quickly, then pulled his hand and ran.  "I can feel the spring coming soon!"  I twirled around and Patrick laughed.

"You're also going to take a fall."  He laughed.

"Freedom is amazing, Patrick.  We must cherish every moment now that winter is over."  I clapped my hands together.

"You should take my sister for a ride later this afternoon.  She loves a ride, but watch her closely, she only rides side saddle." I found myself giggling internally.  "I prefer to ride astride."  I said with my handsome husband weighing heavily on my mind.

I am in no way a well mannered woman.  My husband has introduced me to things my mind never could have imagined. 

Maybe I am due for Sunday services since we missed so many this winter, then again, I fear I may burn when I cross the threshold.  My mother would fall over into her grave if she knew the way my mind works. 

Patrick helped me onto my horse, although I do not need help.  He jumped onto his and tried to instruct me, but I kicked my horse and we took off.  The cool wind ran through my hair, and today I feel better than any day I've had for many days. 

I slowed when I got to the tree line, and Patrick grabbed my reins.  He held his fingers up to tell me to be quiet and pointed down the hill.  He jumped off his horse and put his hand on his revolver. 

He mouthed "Five men."  And pointed down the hill, so I slipped off my horse and quietly moved closer, peeking from behind a tree. 

Patrick had a serious face as we watched the men ride closer.  My heartbeat sped up when I saw the statue of the largest man, and I whispered.  "Daddy?" 

Patrick whipped his head around and looked at me.  "Daddy!" 

I jumped back on my horse and took off with Patrick on my heels.

My father sped up, and as soon as I got close enough, I jumped off my horse just as my father did, and he pulled me into his strong arms.

"Daddy!  How did you get here?"  I pulled back and looked at the other men.  Only one was a stranger.

"Louis!"  My brother jumped down and pulled me into his bear hug.

"Jeremiah?"  I could barely tell with his beard.  He jumped off his horse and swung me around.  "I missed you kid." 

"What about me?"  I turned and saw my brother Asa, and he also bear hugged me.  "All of you!  Is my husband near?" 

They all looked at each other then shook their heads.  Father spoke up.  "I'm sorry sweetheart.  He was given a different assignment and couldn't come this time.  He was sent to Boston to meet with his father.  The senior Westlake is now heading up his own Regiment.  It's not clear if he will be joining his forces."

"Boston?  So much further away."  I was so disappointed, but hopefully that keeps him away from Lee and his advances.

"Let's get you all warmed up and some food in those bellies.  Oh, this is Patrick." 

My dad walked over and shook his hand.  "I've heard you're a fine young man and I owe you all my respect for saving my daughter and grandchildren."

Patrick only nodded, then we all mounted and rode to the house.  "Who taught my daughter to ride astride in such a way?"  I blushed, and Jeremiah chuckled.  How did he know our secret?

"I always have father." 

This time Louis chuckled, and father gave him a stern look.

"I'm ready to see these grandchildren Mr. Westlake constantly speaks about." 

"They're sleeping at the moment, but Mae is with them."  I told him.

I had baths drawn, and again handed out my husbands clothing before settling down to feed my children.  Once I was done, Mae helped me bring them downstairs to meet their grandfather, uncles, and their mother's closest friend from back home.

"I'm guessing you were sent with messages for Indianapolis and Corydon?" I asked.

"Yes, and after that, we were given a few days leave."  Daddy answered. 

The strangers name is Joshua Newcomb from a small town near North Vernon, Indiana.  He is a very young man near my age.  I can't help but notice that he is also very handsome.

"How old are they now?"  Dad asks as he holds Elizabeth and Asa holds Ollie.

"Almost three months."  I answered. 

"They're certainly healthy."  Dad says as he studies Ollie's chubby little legs while he lays in Asa's arms.

Asa hands Ollie to Louis.  "I can't believe our wild little sister is a mother."  Asa says just as daddy turned to Mae.

Father tightly hugs Mae, and she was close to tears.  "I missed you so, daddy."  She says. 

They walked off and had some quiet time together.