Caleb smiled down at Leah from the cherry tree. “Ready for another basket?”
Leah shielded her eyes from the April sun and looked up at her husband. “Send it down, and I’ll add it to the others.”
A basket tied to a rope descended from the branches. Leah untied the knot and set the basket on the ground. “That’s two bushels of cherries from this one tree.”
“And more to come,” Caleb said, climbing down the ladder. “It’s been a good year for cherries.” A bee flew lazily around Caleb’s head; he swatted it away.
“Don’t hurt my bee,” Leah scolded, reaching for his hand. “Thee wouldn’t have so many cherries if my bees hadn’t done their job.”
“Not to mention the honey I enjoy every morning on Delia’s biscuits.” Caleb laid a hand on Leah’s rounded abdomen. “How’s my son today?”
Leah covered his hand with hers. “Thy daughter is doing quite well. She’s pushing against my ribs with the strength of an ox.”
Caleb kissed her forehead. “No daughter would be so strong. It must be a boy.”
Leah wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her head on his chest. “Thee doesn’t really care if it’s a girl, does thee?”
Caleb pulled her closer. “Of course not. But think of poor Stephen. Two sisters to boss him around hardly seems fair.” The baby pushed against Leah’s ribs with such force that Caleb felt it. “I see what you mean about the little ox,” he said. “Stay in your warm cocoon, little one,” he said to Leah’s stomach. “It’s not yet time to greet the world.”
Leah ran her hand through her husband’s dark hair. “I love thee.”
Caleb straightened and held Leah’s face in his calloused hands. “And I love you.” He kissed her brow. “I will love you until my dying day.” He kissed her cheek. “And I will kiss you until all my kisses have been used up.” He kissed her lips.
Leah’s heart soared as she sent up another prayer of gratitude, her fourth one that day. The Lord had made her wait, preparing her to be a wife and mother, but at last, the secret desires of her heart had been fulfilled.