Lawless Love

Chapter Thirteen

Sarah and Jake entered the store and were caught off guard by Liza and Alice. "Oh my God, Sarah! Jake! You're here and you brought the baby!" Liza squealed. She hugged her friend carefully as she didn't want to take a chance of hurting the baby. Alice pushed past Liza to hug Sarah too. "Hi you two! I wanted you to be the first in town to meet the baby." Sarah took Matty out of his sling and the women gasped. 

"He's perfect! Look at those little hands! He's got your nose and Jake's eyes!" Sarah beamed with pride. Jake side-stepped so the women could get closer and so he didn't get stepped on. "Mama! You gotta come here and see the baby!" Anne came from the backroom and slowly made her way over. "Well, hello Jake. Sarah. I see you brought someone new with you." Sarah stepped away from her friends to show Anne the baby.

"Anne, this is Matthew Johnathan Redman. We named him after my father and Jake's father." Anne took the baby from Sarah and looked him over. There was no denying who the baby belonged to. "Fine lookin' boy you two. Seems healthy too. Got your eyes Jake." Matthew started to fuss. Sarah instinctively reached for him. "Don't be holdin' him every time he makes a noise. That's how they get spoiled." Anne lectured. 

"It's hard not to. He's so small and helpless." Sarah replied. Anne gave him back and he immediately calmed down. "You're gonna do just fine with him." Anne said and turned and walked away to continue with her work. "Don't listen to Mama. I never do." Liza laughed, making Sarah giggle. "How are you feeling, Liza? Have you told Will yet?" Sarah asked quietly. Liza nodded. "What did he say? How did he react?" 

"I thought he was gonna pass out, but he didn't. Then he grabbed me and spun me around." All three women laughed and then hugged. "I'm so happy for you! You're going to be a great mother." Liza looked at her friends. "Do you really think so? I don't know the first thing about babies to be honest." Sarah smiled and hugged her again. "I didn't either but you learn fast as soon as they arrive." Sarah admitted.

"You're the best, Sarah! Do you think I can come out and practice with Little Matthew?" Sarah nodded without hesitation. "Of course! You're more than welcome." Sarah didn't realize Jake was standing there when she said it. "Are trying to get rid of our son already? He hasn't been here a month." Jake laughed at the shock on Sarah's face. "I would never! How dare you accuse me of such things?" Sarah held Matthew close. 

"Calm down, Duchess. I was just trying to be funny." Sarah scowled at him and hit his arm. "That's not funny, Jake. You can't joke about things like that." she reprimanded. Jake pulled her into him and whispered in her ear. "I'm sorry, Sarah. I didn't mean to upset you. I never thought for a second you would give our son up. Please forgive me." He kissed her ear and she smiled. "You're lucky I love you." She kissed him and he let go. 

"I hate to break up this moment between you ladies, but we need to check that coach to see if you're friend's on it." Sarah blushed. She had completely forgotten the main reason they had come to town. She turned to her friends and gave them each a quick hug. "Feel free to come out any time you two. We'll have tea and cookies." Sarah turned, followed by Jake and the dogs, and headed out the door.

Sarah was starting to shake with excitement. Jake put a protective arm around her and Lafitte took his position in front of her while Rouser walked beside her. As they approached the post office, Sarah saw a familiar face standing there. She quickened her pace, almost leaving Jake and the dogs behind. Little Matthew started to move and fuss in his sling, indicating he was awake and wanting attention. Sarah stopped and took him out of his sling. "There, there, Matty." she said, bouncing him lightly. Once he was calm, she took off down the street. 

"Lucilla?" Oh, please be her. It looks like her. The woman turned and smiled widely. It's her!  Sarah ran over and hugged her friend. "Oh my, God! You're here! I've missed you so." Sarah cried. Lucilla kissed Sarah on the cheek. "I've missed you, too! This must be Jake." She said looking past Sarah. Sarah turned to Jake as he put his arm around her once again. "Yes. Lucilla, this is my husband, Jake. Jake, this is my best friend, Lucilla." Lucilla offered her hand and Jake kissed it lightly. "Pleasure to meet you, Lucilla." Both women looked at each other and grinned. "Pleasure is all mine, Jake."

Jake had never kissed a woman's hand before but this woman had been raised the same way Sarah had and he assumed she would be expecting something of the sort. Sarah looked at him, dumfounded. He's definitely full of surprises. I never thought I would live to see the day Jake Redman showed charm willingly.  Lucilla looked at the baby in Sarah's arms. "Is this your baby?" Sarah nodded proudly.

"Well, Little Matty had other plans and came early." Sarah nuzzled her son as her friend fawned over him. "He's adorable! Yes you are. What did you name him?" Lucilla asked, reaching for his outstretched hands. "Matthew Johnathan Redman. He's named after my father and Jake's father." 

 Lucilla looked down at the dogs and gave them each a scratch on the head. "You must be Lafitte! You're a handsome boy." Lafitte licked her hand making her laugh. "Who are you? You look like Lafitte, only smaller." Rouser barked at her and jumped up. Jake was quick to knock him down. "Sorry about that. We're still working on manners with this one." Lucilla straightened her skirt. "No harm done. What's his name?" Lucilla scratched him again but this time he didn't offer to jump. "His name is Rouser, which is fitting." Sarah replied.

Jake cleared his throat and both women looked at him. "Where are your things?" Lucilla pointed at the two large suitcases that were being unloaded from the coach. "Those two, right there. That's it." Jake walked over and grabbed them with little effort. Lucilla was clearly impressed with his strength. "Thank you, Mr. Redman." Jake nodded and headed for the wagon. The women and dogs followed.