Dear Jamie,

Thank you for the postcard you sent last month, I appreciated it very much. I never knew there were such tall buildings here in the states. And you said that you took a trolley to work? I sure hope to get a chance to ride one of those. Might not be a tank but sure is a wonder. Los Angeles is such a big place. Far bigger than little Marietta. 

I went to Dr. Patterman last week. Told me everything was looking fine. Only a few more weeks, he says. In a few more weeks, I'll be able to see my toes, my feet and my forgotten friend. 

Everyone keeps fussing over me. Marlon and Ruel won't let me lift a hand basket and pops only encourages it. They almost gave me away right in front of Pappy if it wasn't for Laura. I try to keep active despite them. I can't sit still. Never been one to do so. Took those basking weaving lessons from my pop to good use. Made a few baskets and then used them to help feed the chickens. Lilly May nearly tore the basket from my hand before momma told her it was alright. They are too frightened.

Jamie, I know you are working hard for both of us. But I can't help but miss you. I don't want his first moments on this earth spent without both his parents. I know there are many children born during and after the war with only one parent. And yes, I'm calling him and he. Serves you right after signing the last letter 'For my sweet little gal.'.   

With Love

Ronsel

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Ronsel tugged on the oversized overalls. It's mid-afternoon and Ronsel had just woken up from his nap. He hadn't wanted to take it. But after yawning one to many times while helping lay the seed, his mother sent him inside to get some rest.

"You ain't gonna be getting any rest once that baby makes its way." She had warned.

Ronsel clipped the front shut. The overalls he borrowed from Old Ennis from down the way became the only thing he could wear that didn't scream 'baby on the way'. His hands fell to the large mound that made his balance fallter daily. Ronsel's hands traced the curve of it, pressing firmly on the cloth allowing the shape to show. The baby kicks to the touch.

"Getting tight in there aren't you little man?" Ronsel smiled. He looked around the small home to find not a single person nearby. Ronsel was sure his pops mentioned stopping by the church later. Didn't think he would have taken everyone.

The car pulls to a stop outside the home. Ronsel walked out to the door. A small smile graced his lips seeing that it was Laura. The pregnant man took a few steps out and down the poarch to meet the woman. She had a sweet smile on her face.

"Howdy, Miz McAllan." Ronsel greeted.

Laura sighs with a light hearted tone. "All these months and it's still Miss McAllan? We are practically  family Ronsel." 

"Don't let your dear Pappy hear that. Might pass away right there." Ronsel laughed. 

Laura joined in on the laugh. "I shouldn't laugh…" She managed to say. Laura reached into her purse and pulled out a letter. Ronsel eagerly took the letter from her hand. 

"Thank you again Laura. I know it's a big hassle to get the letter and bring it all the way out here." Ronsel said. "Just not able to do that long walk into town anymore."

Laura waved a hand. "No hassle at all. Just helping out where I can." Her eyes fell to his abdomen, her hand reached and cupped the side of it. "How's my little niece doing in there?"

Ronsel rolled his eyes. "You too?"

Laura laughed. "It's just a guess. Speak something long enough, it becomes the truth."

"Well, I think he is a boy." Ronsel stated. Laura just nodded.

"I gotta head home now. Amanda Leigh ripped her doll and somehow that means I have to get thread to fix it. She is a very lucky girl that I needed an excuse to bring this." She gestured to the letter.

"Alright Laura. See you soon." Ronsel sends off. Laura climbed back into her car. She beeped her horn twice before driving down the dirt road.

Ronsel walked back inside and sat at the dining table. In a quick motion he slid open the top and retrieved the contents. As usual, Jamie sent some money to him. He pushed it to the back of the envelope and slipped out the note.

Dear Ronsel,

These newbie pilots are a thing of work. They follow me around like a group of ducks and then disobey my direct orders when I take my eyes off of them. I tell you, our little darling will never bring home a pilot. Not on my watch. Our little girl needs someone sensible. 

Finalized the last payment for the house I mentioned. It's in the southern side which is just a two hour drive from the flight school. A long drive but it's worth it for us. Open yard with space to add on and expand. Could even set up a little us room if we wanted to. 

I miss you in so many ways. I miss the lost moments we could have shared together. That's why, I'm boarding the first train to Mississippi the week of the 6th. By the time I arrive I wouldn't know what to do with you. I know what you are thinking. I am cutting it close. But there was just one last arrangement that needed to be settled. 

Can't wait to hold you in my arms

Love

Jamie.

Ronsel lets the paper fall to the table. An unmistakable smile took over his face.

He's coming back.

The front door opened and the sound of voices became noticable. The rest of his family were chatting away amoungst eachother as they made their way in. Florence was first to take notice of her son.

"You've must of slept quite fine for that big grin on your face." Florence smiled. Her hand resting gently on his shoulder. 

"You see the paper in his hand? That smile ain't from a sleep." Hap supllied.

"It from Jamie~" Ruel teased.

"Hey! Don't tease your brother." Florence responded.

"What did Jamie say? Sent another postcard?" Lilly May questioned.

Ronsel shook his head. "Jamie's coming back. He's leavin' on the first train next week so he should hear by the week's end."

"That great to hear son!" Hap congratulated.

Lilly May pouted. "That means you are leavin us soon ain't it."

Ronsel pulls his sister's hands and brings her around to face him. "Lilly…you know I ain't got no choice."

"Doesn't make it right."

"But I'll visit. Whenever I can. I can't keep my little boy away from his a'nty." 

Lilly May cracks a small smile. "You mean little girl."

"Nuh uh! It's a boy." Marlon butted in.

"I know its a girl." Lilly May retourted.

"How you know?" Ruel said. "See! Can't answer."

Florence raised a hand and stunted the bickering. "We settle this quickly. It's going to be a  boy."

The two younger boys give a sound of victory. Ronsel looked at his momma. 

"How you so sure momma?"

"You carrying high and round. That's a boy sign anytime." Take it from a midwife to have it right.

Ronsel chuckled. His boy…

Their boy…

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Ronsel throws a handful of chicken feed at the hungry chickens in the pen. His brothers and father were plowing the fields while his momma and sister were preparing breakfast. Everyone had an early start today - this included Ronsel. The young omega has been restless. He thinks it's the nerves trying to get the better of him. Jamie should be here in three day's time and the waiting was unbearable.

All heads snapped up hearing the vibrate of an approaching truck. Henry stepped out. He looked tired. Hands covered in dirt while his left arm was bandaged. Hap stopped his plough and leaned against it. 

"Mornin' Mister McAllan.  Is everything alright sir?", Hap greeted.

Henry shook his head. "Not so good. Got my arm caught by the galvanize and could use an extra pair of hands hauling some equipment into the shed."

"Me and my boy Marlon can get that done-"

Henry shook his head. "No offense Hap, but that boy is all arms and no muscle." The man's eyes draw over to Ronsel. "Ronsel can work just fine."

"But sir, Ronsel's not well today."

Henry waved it off. "He'll do just fine. Not gonna take too long." Henry didn't further the discussion and hopped back into his truck. 

Hap gave Ronsel a knowing look. He placed down the hoe and made his way to the truck. Ronsel turned, taking the basket of feed and placing it on the porch. Florence was there. She drew his eyes to her. 

"Don't let him see you sit." She warned.

 Ronsel nodded. He turned and approached the truck. Henry wasn't looking back, focused on his bandage. Hap helped Ronsel climb over into the truck bed. 

"Risky buisness…he gonna know." Ronsel said. It was so obvious as he sat.

"He ain't gonna." Hap reassured.

When they arrived, Henry showed them the equipment. They made work moving the smaller of pieces first. Henry merely supervised. 

"Henry…I thought you said you were moving these things." Laura said. She initially walked out here to tell Henry that breakfast was ready. Her heart nearly dropped seeing Ronsel out there lifting in his condition. She had to quickly compose herself not to give up her distress to her husband. She prayed that Pappy stayed in town.

"You know my arms all banged up. Needed the help." Henry replied.

"Why not ask his other boys. I'm sure they would of came."

"They ain't got no strength in them yet. Besides, that boy looks like he could use the extra movement." 

Laura shook her head. Henry was all book sense and not a drop of common. 

Hap and Ronsel were moving the very last of the equipment. It was large empty gas tank. As they were moving, a sharp wrapping pain snapped in Ronsel. The tank hits the ground and missed their toes. Didn't stop Ronsel's face from contorting into pain. Henry's head snapped to the commotion. Hap pointed Ronsel over with a look to go off to the outside of the shed. Laura quikly side stepped over there too while Hap kept Henry busy.

Ronsel had his back to the wood and had kneeled on his knees. His breathing was heavy and eyes squeezed shut. Laura came to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey…Ronsel. Tell me. Is it the baby?" 

Ronsel nodded his head.

"Have you felt this pain before? If yes, how recently?"

"I…couple of days ago. Feels the same." He gritts.

Laura lets out a small relieved sound. "Good news, it's not labor. Probably false ones."

"Yeah..Momma mentioned them."

Ronsel hadn't opened his eyes. Laura rubbed his shoulder. 

"Ronsel…talk to me. Is it the pain?"

Ronsel shook his head.

"Ronsel…"

The man opened his eyes and let out a tired breath. "He's not gonna be here is he?" He turned his head to her. "Jamie."

"Don't say that."

"It the truth ain't it." Ronsel tried to stand up. Laura hooked his shoulder and did her best to help the man to his feet. Once straight, there was a noticeable change in his stance. Legs placed in a space apart. Ronsel takes a breath. "Can breathe again."

Laura smiled. "Baby must have dropped down."

"Still think I'm wrong?"

Laura held his arm. "Even if he is not here for the birth, he will be here for everything else. I know it, you know it and sure as he knows it."

Ronsel slowly nodded to that. Once they reared back to the two men, Laura made sure to give a good distance between them. Though, she did manage to whisper a quick, "Limp."

"Henry, you need to take Ronsel back so Florence can take a look at him." Laura explained. "Looked like the tank got him when it fell."

Henry looked from his wife to Ronsel who indeed was limping. Henry sighed. "Alright. Works done anyway." 

As they climbed into the truck, Ronsel glanced back at Laura. She lifted her hand and waved. Ronsel returned the gesture.