The joy of moving into a new home was still fresh on Lucile & Josephine's moods. Though it was much farther from town than either of them would have liked, they were accustomed to such isolation.
With distance came the gift of privacy, a precious commodity for the secret relationship they shared.
This house was destined to be the perfect sanctuary for raising their child, being so high up on the ridge protected them from prying eyes.
As Josephine's pregnancy teetered on the brink of the infant's arrival, both she and Lucile had been running themselves ragged, consumed by the frantic need to make everything ready for the new life about to enter their world.
The nursery was a bit of an organized mess, lacking fancy wallpaper or neatly decorated shelves filled with toys. Instead, it held a small, hand-woven bassinet that Lucile had lovingly put together, lined with a few comfortably plush blankets.
It wasn't much, but she had one just like it when she was a baby. If her mama thought it was good enough for her, surely it would suit her future nephew just fine.
Now it was only a waiting game, which is precisely why they decided to take a day to enjoy themselves and have a break from chores before the real work of taking care of a newborn began.
Given Josephine's condition and the swiftly dropping temperatures, a long walk was out of the question. However, a short stroll in the crisp, cool air would do them both some good.
It wasn't the most impressive date, but for just the two of them, it was perfect.
"What is it?" Josephine laughed,
"You'll see! Just a little farther, around this tree," Lucile replied.
Josephine gasped at the sight of an old gazebo, hidden in the shadows of a towering tree strewn with fallen leaves.
"Look!, a little secret just yards from our house! It was all covered in overgrown brush, but I managed to clear it for us," Lucile beamed.
" I was thinking of moving a table out here, maybe we could have some tea and it can keep us shaded in the heat. "
" Oh, The baby and I would love that Lucie! ", Lucile laughed " You and the baby can have the perfect spot to relax! "
After a brief pause, Lucile continued, "I know we don't like to think the past, but do you remember the gazebo we had back at home? The one we used to hang out under in Henford?"
"Of course I do… but this is our home now. We shouldn't dwell on what we left behind. It still hurts too much."
"I know… But I'm not sad," Lucile said softly.
She gently clasped Josephine's hands, bringing them to her lips and placing a tender kiss on her fingers.
"I love you, and whoever this baby turns out to be. I want you to know I'm going to be there for both of you, no matter what."
Josephine gently caressed Lucile's shoulder, her hand moving up and down in a soothing motion.
"Lucie, you don't have anything to prove. You're going to be a wonderful mother."
"Everything that's happened leading up to me being with you?… I wouldn't have it any other way."
Lucie struggled to hold back tears. It was hard not to feel regrets; they had lost everything, and the world seemed constantly against their very existence. The path ahead would undoubtedly bring more hardships. But together? Together, everything felt possible.
Quickly stifling a few sniffles, Lucile fumbled with one of her skirt pockets. "One more thing..." she said, her voice trembling.
Josephine gasped, her hand flying to her chest, as Lucile procured a small ring and gently took Josephine's hand, sliding it onto her finger.
"When did you—?" Josephine stammered, her eyes wide with surprise.
"While we were pawning off the silver," Lucile replied softly. "I saw how heartbroken you were parting with most of your nice jewelry. "
"I wanted to get you something special… I know it's not much, but—" Lucile's voice wavered.
Josephine silenced her with a tender embrace, wrapping her arms around Lucile's shoulders.
"Shush now… It's perfect."
