Love Everlasting Read Online Free PDF Page A

they will attempt to create life without the benefit of a mother or father.”
    For several moments no one said anything. Abrianna found herself quite mixed in her thoughts. Lenore had always been such a dear friend, and while marriage kept her rather busy in the running of her household, she always made time to visit with Abrianna. A baby would no doubt change things once again.
    â€œKolbein and I are so very happy,” Lenore continued. “We plan to tell my parents over dinner this evening.”
    â€œNo doubt they will rejoice with you,” Aunt Miriam said. She looked to the other women. “We shall have to put forth efforts to help Lenore make a complete wardrobe for the little one.”
    â€œOne can never have too many diapers,” Aunt Selma threw in.“At one time, I thought two dozen to be more than sufficient.” She shook her head in a most serious manner. “But I was sadly mistaken, and I would not want you to be likewise.”
    Lenore nodded. “Thank you for telling me. I will make certain to have more than two dozen.”
    â€œAnd blankets,” Aunt Miriam added. “In this damp climate it’s important to have plenty of blankets.”
    â€œOh, and I will crochet the most delightful booties.” Aunt Poisie all but danced out of her chair, nearly stepping on one of the cats. She bustled about the room in animated delight. “This is like having Christmas in August. I will make you a dozen pair in all colors. That way no matter whether it’s a boy or girl, you will have an adequate number.”
    Abrianna listened in fascinated silence. She looked at her friend with new eyes, wondering how it could be that Lenore could be so changed and yet the same. She was radiant. That much was certain. Abrianna had credited it to nothing more than the afternoon warmth, but now it was quite clear that the babe she carried was the reason.
    Then a thought came to mind. Would she and Wade have children right away? Lenore and Kolbein had not been married a year, and already they were expecting their first child. The thought seemed quite daunting to Abrianna. Marriage would surely be change enough, and while Wade hadn’t formally asked for her hand, she knew it was assumed they would wed. Would he want children right away? Oh, but there were so many unanswered questions. When the excitement finally died down and her aunts removed themselves to give the younger women time to visit alone, Abrianna couldn’t help but ask a question.
    â€œAre you . . . and Kolbein . . . well, are you surprised that this has happened so soon after marrying?”
    Lenore laughed and shook her head. “We’ve wanted it since our wedding night.” She put her hand momentarily to her mouth and lowered her voice. “I suppose that sounds rather scandalous.”
    â€œAre you at all afraid?”
    â€œAfraid? Of what?” Lenore seemed genuine in her confusion.
    â€œOf the change. Of everything that will be different with a baby to care for. It will no longer be just you and Kolbein. Now there will be a baby to take up your time.”
    â€œI see that as a most wonderful blessing.” She gazed toward the ceiling, and Abrianna did likewise, wondering if there was a spider. But Lenore just sighed and closed her eyes. “I hope it’s a boy. I hope he looks just like Kolbein.”
    â€œMustache and all?” Abrianna teased. She still couldn’t quite grasp the excitement of her friend and chewed her lip to refrain from further comment.
    Lenore lowered her head and opened her eyes. “Honestly, Abrianna, you do say the silliest things sometimes. But enough about my news. Let us talk about you and Wade. Have you set a date for your wedding? You know I shall be deeply wounded if I am not chosen to stand up with you.”
    Abrianna slouched back in the chair, thankful that Aunt Miriam was gone. “I don’t know what to tell you.