"September 1, 1864

Dearest Naomi,

I've not heard from you since I left for the war. My letters go unanswered, then I heard my cousin took you to visit his mothers family.

I hope this letter finds you in good health and in better spirits. I've learned many things since I've been with the Union Army, and I must say I have a better understanding of your husband. I do hope you have forgiven him and yourself.

With that being said, I cannot say I regret our time together. You've always known my deep love for you, and I do understand that love is not returned. That doesn't stop me from missing you every single day.

Please do write soon.

With Sincerest Love,

Armstrong Westlake, Esq."

"I cannot believe he had the nerve to write you!" Oliver said as he grabbed the letter.

"His deep love for you?" He scoffed. "At least he knows you're not in love with him."

"I care for him, but not love him." I'm sitting in a chair uncomfortably and about to burst into tears.

"I know, but why send a letter all the way to England? He knows you're my wife. He's crossing a line!"

"Oliver, please stop." I started to cry. He looked at me like he's pissed, but his eyes softened. "I'm sorry, it's not your fault." He kneeled beside me.

"Its okay, but I'm not feeling so well." I was still crying. Always so emotional when I'm pregnant.

"Let me up to bed. This child is coming sooner than later." He chuckled.

"Sooner! Ouch." I bent over in pain.

"What's wrong?" He held on to me.

"Its time Oliver." I grunted out as the contraction hurt. I know it's not as intense as it will be, so I better get to bed.

"Now?" He sounded panicked.

"Yes! Now help me to bed." I said.

It wasn't two minutes later when the pain hit again. "Oliver!" I screamed. "Get me to bed, quickly!" He picked me up and carried me upstairs.

"Get this dress off me and hand me my old shimmy. No! Not that one, the old one! Fine, I'll get it myself!" I snapped as the pain increased. "Go get Claire, Now!"

He ran out of the room like a scared child. As soon as I lifted my dress I could feel the warm water trickle down my leg. "Oh, just great!" I screamed out when another one hit. "Oliver!" I screamed, and as soon as it passed, I put on the shimmy and walked to my bed.

I barely got in when another one started. "Oliver!" He ran into the room. "This baby is coming fast." I screamed in pain. "Something is wrong!"

I breathed through it. "Where's Claire?"

"She's finding Collette to sit with the children. "Another one!" I screamed as my baby tore me to pieces.

"Oliver, I need you to look and see if you can feel the baby's head. He looked at me and his face turned white. "NOW!'

He jumped and lifted my shimmy. "Oh fuck!"

"You don't get to say that word!" I snapped.

I started pushing, and my husband held out his hands and closed his eyes. "Dammit! You have to pay attention!" I screamed. "Its happening too fast." I cried.

"You've been having pain all day." He said.

"Shut up! You don't get to speak! Ahhh!" I screamed, and Claire finally came in and she yelled at Oliver to leave. I've never seen him move so fast.

I pushed and pushed while Claire coached, and finally delivered my baby boy. She cleaned us both up after everything was delivered, and wrapped baby Ethan in a blanket and handed him to me. "You can get Oliver now."

"Sir, you have a son." She opened the door and he timidly approached. "Its okay, Oliver. You're not in trouble anymore." He looked relieved.

"Ethan Asa Westlake." I smiled at him as I handed him our son. "You did great." He said, and I agree. I'll take a fast labor anyday over my last two.

He climbed into bed with me and gave Claire weird stares as she kept peeking up my gown.

"Oliver, I almost bled to death with Rose, and shes just making sure it isn't happening again. Did anyone send for the doctor?"

"Yes, but it all happened so quick. I'm not sure what he will do now."

"I need examined after what happened with Rose and he will check Ethan too."

"Wait, you're saying you're not out of the woods?"

"Not yet, but Ethan seems healthy. He's big and strong."

"He's tiny." Oliver said.

"Yes, because he's a baby, but he's not that little. Believe me." I gave an exhausted giggle, but Ethan started crying so I decided to feed him.

"He's so perfect. Thank you." Oliver kissed my cheek and layed in bed with us, even through the exam. I was given a clean bill of health and told to rest.

I'm still upset about Armstrong's letter, but I have to put this first. I do miss the man and care for him, but just like he said, I'm not in love with him.

Oliver took Ethan and layed him down before getting the kids so they can see their little brother.

I hear from Mae often, and she has a young son named Patrick. She said he does not look mulatto, which I find sad. She shouldn't feel happy about that, because mulatto people are beautiful and can have the opportunities others have if we keep fighting. He should never be raised to be ashamed of his ancestors, but I'm not his mother, so I keep my opinion to myself.

Oliver says every parent just wants the best for their children. Anything that helps them be successful is just a natural instinct.

Maybe he is right, but I'm proud of my mulatto sister and nephew.

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