A thick shroud of grief hung over the house for months and then Rosa, realizing that she was neglecting her duties as a wife and a mother, called upon her reserves of energy and came back to her family. Rosa’s doubts about her ability to ever bear another child stayed with her and brought sadness to her eyes even as she rallied to take charge of her home once more.
Joshua’s doubts also lingered and it made him skittish about being intimate with Rosa again. It was not that he did not desire her…for the good Lord knew that he did…but he was afraid of losing her, afraid that she might die in childbirth as other women he’d known had.
One late night when the house was still…and the children and Mrs. Lopez were sound asleep in their rooms…Joshua and Rosa, both unable to sleep, found the words to talk about their fears. They talked softly, their bodies nuzzling slowly close together, and when they were done talking they kissed…passionately instead of perfunctorily as they had for so many months…and then, shy as newlyweds, they made love.
Some months later, Rosa was pregnant again, her heart filled with both hope and dread. But this time the baby came to term and was a strapping boy, healthy as horse and the spitting image of his very relieved and proud father. They named the new boy Ethan…for no reason other than it seemed to fit the child…and threw a big party to celebrate his arrival.
The town continued to grow and thrive as more people from the East found their way there and decided to stay instead of going further west. As a result, Joshua’s business also continued to grow until he was one of the most successful businessmen in the county. The pace, however, began to wear on him as he spent more and more time away from home trying to keep up with the jobs coming into the shop.
Rosa’s days continued to be full as well as she delivered two more children…Sarah and Rose…in the next three years. Mrs. Lopez stayed with the family until after Sarah’s birth but she had to leave when one of her sons got married and sent for her. Rosa decided that she could take care of her home without help so she rebuffed Joshua’s suggestion that they find another housekeeper to help her.
Though their days were long, Joshua and Rosa were happy because they had their home, they had their healthy, happy children, and they had each other. It was, all things considered, a good life.
* * * * *
Joshua wandered back onto the porch to smoke. His belly was full of Rosa’s delicious beef stew and despite the weariness in his bones, he felt good. He sat down on the top step and lit his pipe. Joshua puffed on his pipe, allowing the aromatic smoke to slowly escape from his lips as he savored it.
Rosa, having washed the dishes Joshua used, slipped out onto the porch. “Beautiful night,” she said idly, stifling a yawn. She let her hand linger on her husband’s shoulder and she stepped down and sat on the second step between Joshua’s legs. Rosa rested her head on Joshua’s thigh and looked up at the stars.
Joshua stroked his wife’s hair. “Very beautiful,” he said. He paused and set his pipe down on the edge of the porch. “You know…sometimes I get so tired that I don’t take time to appreciate all that I have.” He swallowed hard and took a deep breath. “I love you, wife,” he said, somewhat self-consciously, “I hope you always believe that.”
Rosa allowed herself a small smile. “Of course, I do, Joshua,” she replied softly. “I believe that and I am proud to be your wife.”
Joshua stroked Rosa’s face. “We have a good life, Rosa,” he said.
Rosa smiled again. “Hopefully there’s room for one more in that life, husband,” she said coyly, her hand lingering on her stomach. She looked up into his eyes.
Joshua frowned quizzically and then he smiled broadly. “Well, hopefully it will be a boy this time…John and Ethan and me are a little bit outnumbered right now…”
Rosa stood up and Joshua pulled her down to sit on his lap. Rosa snuggled against her husband’s chest and closed her eyes. Joshua picked up his pipe and puffed on it gently as he rocked his wife in his arms.
Joshua finished his pipe and emptied the ashes on the ground. Carefully, he lifted Rosa, who had fallen into a peaceful sleep, and carried her into the house and on to their bed.
- for Jennifer -
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