“Thank you, Graham,” she said, smiling. “I hope our difficult past won’t stop you from being friends with Aaron.”
He laughed, a genuine, hearty sound. “It would take a team of three-hundred oxen to tear Aaron and me apart. In fact, I hope we will all be close friends.”
Judith felt a weight lift from her shoulders. “That would be wonderful.”
With a nod, Graham took his leave, and she watched him go, feeling a sense of closure.
She then joined Rosy, who was seated at a nearby table, a slice of cake already in front of her.
“Would you like to share?” Rosy asked, her eyes twinkling.
Judith smiled and took a fork. “Of course. Though I must admit, I could go for something savory too.”
Rosy laughed. “And maybe something else sweet afterward. I always thought other ladies were exaggerating when they told tales about being with child, but now I know they were right.”
Judith nodded, savoring a bite of cake. “It’s true. The cravings are real and constant!”
The two friends fell silent, enjoying the cake and each other’s company.
“It’s wonderful, isn’t it?” Rosy asked softly. “Knowing our children will grow up together.”
Judith’s heart swelled at her words. “Yes, it is. I couldn’t ask for more. I feel so blessed.”
Rosy reached over and squeezed her friend’s hand. “We’re both so happy, Judith. It’s everything we dreamed of.”
Judith nodded, her eyes misting slightly. “It is. And to think, just a year ago, everything seemed so different.”
Before they could delve further into their conversation, Oliver approached them with a gentle smile. “Judith, may I have a moment of your time?”
Judith looked at Rosy, who nodded encouragingly. “Of course, Oliver,” she replied, standing up.
As Judith followed Oliver to a quieter corner of the room, she glanced back at Rosy, who gave her an understanding smile. She wondered what her brother wanted to discuss.
They found a quiet corner, away from the chatter and the clinking of cutlery.
“Judith, I just wanted to thank you for everything. I couldn’t have made it through these past months without you,” Oliver said softly.
Judith smiled, touched by his words. “We’re family, Oliver. We stick together.”
Oliver’s expression grew wistful. “I just wish our parents could be here to see this. To see us.”
Judith nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I wish that too, every day. But I believe they’re watching over us, proud of what we’ve become.”
They stood in silence for a moment, both lost in memories of their parents. Then, Matilda joined them, her face filled with warmth and affection.
“What are you two talking about?” she asked, slipping an arm around Judith’s waist.
“Just wishing Mama and Papa were here,” Judith sighed.
Matilda nodded, her eyes softening. “They would be so proud of all of us. And we must keep their spirits alive by being there for each other.”
Just then, John ran up to them, his face flushed with excitement. “What are you all talking about? Can I join?”
“We were just talking about how Mama and Papa would want us to always be together as a family,” Oliver explained.
John pressed his lips together. “I miss them,” he admitted.
Judith crouched down to his eye level, taking his hands in hers. “We all do. But we’ll always have each other, and we’ll always be there for one another.”
