Lawless Love

Chapter Two

As they rode into town, Sarah started feeling nauseous and held her stomach. Oh god, what now? What is going on? It's too early for him to come. Lafitte was sitting in front of her and noticed the change and he started panting to alert Jake. Jake looked at her and she had her eyes closed, holding her stomach. He stopped the horses. He put a hand on her back and started rubbing.

He was concerned for her. "Sarah, what's wrong?" Sarah opened her eyes and saw the panic in his face that matched the concern in his voice. "I feel sick. It must be the bouncing." she whispered. "I think our baby doesn't care for the eggs." She said jokingly, trying to make him calm down a little. He put a hand on her belly and started rubbing it to calm the baby and ease her stomach.

She smiled at him. "Are you going to be okay the rest of the way?" She was thankful for him and she loved him. She put a hand on his. "I will be fine. I would really like to go to town. I miss my friends and Lucilla propably has written. I love you, my dear husband." She kissed him softly. "Do you think you will be okay?" She nodded and Jake snapped the reins. 

They made it to town without another incident. Sarah started getting excited again. Jake slowed the horses and stopped them in front of the general store. He climbed down, walked to the horses and tied them to the hitching post. Sarah waited for him to come to her to help her down. She knew better than to try it herself. She loved him but he had become very protective of her and wouldn't let her do anything that might get her hurt. She rolled her eyes before he got to her. Jake offered his hand and she took it. 

They walked down the street toward the store, followed closely by Lafitte. Liza met them at the door. "Good morning Sarah!" She hugged her tight. She turned to Jake. "Good morning Jake."she said quietly. She blushed and Sarah smiled. Jake seemed to have that affect on a lot of women. They found Alice stocking shelves, checking inventory. "Good morning, Alice!" She turned from her work and gave her a hug. "Sarah!" she squealed excitedly. She gave her a gentle hug. "Mr. Redman." Jake tipped his hat and walked away so they could talk.

"How do you like your new job?" Sarah had rescued her from the horrible, abusive owner of the Silver Star Saloon and convincted Mr. Cody to give her a job. She looked down and blushed. "It's a lot better than working for Carlotta. They treat me good and pay me good too." Sarah smiled at the young woman. The three of them had become fast friends and Sarah was thankful to have someone close to her age to talk to. 

"How is Will doing?" Sarah asked Liza. Liza grinned and blushed. "Oh, he's just fine. There's something I want to tell you both, but you have to swear to keep it to yourselves." The women huddled together so their friend could tell them her secret. "Well, a few months ago, I noticed some changes in me." Sarah knew what she was talking about because she had gone through with the same changes about seven months ago.

Liza leaned in closer and dropped her voice more so she was sure no one else could hear what she was about to say. "I think I might be expecting." She admitted, putting a hand on her belly. Sarah and Alice tried hard to control their reactions. "Oh my God, Liza! I'm so happy for you!" Sarah whispered excitedly. "I knew something was different with you, Liza!" Alice added. "Now, you can't say anything yet because I want to be sure it'll keep before I tell anyone." The women nodded.

They linked arms and walked through the store, with Lafitte in tow, talking about everything and anything. Liza showed her the new yarn they just got in the other day. "Oh it's so soft! Perfect for baby blankets and outfits." She grabbed a few skeins of blue. She already had plans for it. She wanted to make a blanket and an outfit.

Alice looked at her and then at her feet. "Are you having a boy, Sarah?" She asked quietly. Sarah put a protective hand on her belly. "I don't know for sure but you can call it maternal intuition." She smiled and let out a groan. Liza looked at her concerned. "The baby is moving quite a bit. Do you want to feel him?" They nodded in unison. They carefully placed their hands on her belly and giggled when their hands got kicked.

Satisfied with what she had, they walked to the counter. "Mama can tell you if you want to know. She's guessed right on most everyone in town." Sarah put the yarn down and nodded. "Mama! Can you come here please?" Anne came from the back room. "Good morning Miss Sarah! You are glowing sweetheart!" Sarah blushed. "Liza, what are you hollerin' about?" Liza winced a little. 

"Anne, she hollered because she told me that you can tell me if the baby is a boy or girl." Sarah interjected to save her friend. Anne walked over to Sarah and felt her belly. "What have you been cravin' lately?" Sarah thought about it for a minute. "Well, fruit and vegetables mostly. Oh, and salty things." Anne nodded, thinking about what she was telling her. "It sounds like you're gonna be having a boy darlin'." Sarah started tearing up. She had known in her heart that it was a boy. 

Anne hugged her tightly. "Don't cry, sweetheart. It's bad for the baby and you." Sarah wiped her eyes and laughed. Jake walked up and shook his head. Now she's crying. I hate it when she cries. He put a protective arm around her and she jumped a little. "Are you alright, Duchess?" He was genuinely worried about her. "I'm okay Jake. I swear."she said trying to reassure him.

They paid for the yarn, Sarah hugged the women and they left with his arm still around her. He kissed her temple. "Are you really okay?" They stopped and looked at each other. "Jake, baby, I'm fine. Anne just told me something that made me very happy. Those were happy tears." She hugged him and took a deep, calming breath. Something about his scent calmed her down. He let her go and held her at arm's length. "As long as you're sure." He smiled down at her. "I'm sure Jake." He kissed her and they started walking again.

They walked into the post office to check if any letters had come. They were greeted as they walked through the door. "Mornin' Jake, Miss Sarah." He tipped his hat at the couple. He reached down and scratched Lafitte. He licked his hand but never took his attention away from Sarah.