Free Red Rose by J. C. Hulsey Page A

sickness.”
    “I guess I'm different."
    “Yes, Rose, you are indeed very different. In a very good way different. I’m waiting for you, Rose. I’ll keep waiting until you come to your senses and realize that we belong together.”
    “I don't think that’s going to happen, Chet. I'm sorry.”
    He climbed into his buggy and left. I watched until he was completely out of sight. Why can’t I feel for him now the way I did on the train?

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
    The days hadn’t changed any. They were still long and very tiring. I know Chet told me to take it easy, but there’s no easy when you’re trying to take care of your own place.
    I brought one of the chairs out to the front of the house. I was planning on churning butter today. All of the other chores were going to have to wait. I poured the cream into the churn, put the top on, sat down and began the hour long process. Up and down, up and down.
    As I sit here doing this, I wonder is fresh butter worth all this trouble. Yes, a resounding yes, it is worth the trouble. There's nothing more delicious than fresh butter on home baked bread. Or a dollop on top of that peach pie that I’m going to bake. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
    I have never liked buttermilk, but being a rancher’s wife, you have to learn to like a lot of things that you might not have liked before. Of course, the hog doesn’t care if it’s fresh milk or buttermilk, so I shouldn’t have to force myself to drink it if I don’t want to. Just a couple more pulls and it should be done. I’m glad I baked that bread and pie on Saturday. I’m looking forward to some of this fresh butter on top of a piece of pie. I looked up just as a buggy was turning the bend and headed toward the house. Has it been a month already?
    “Is that what you call taking it easy, like I advised you to do?”
    “Things have to be done around here. They don’t stop just because I’m having a baby. Besides, I feel fine. I suppose you’ll be wanting to examine me?”
    “I think that would be the prudent thing to do. How are you feeling? Any morning sickness yet?”
    “Nope. The only thing I feel is big. How much longer do you think it will be?”
    “I’ll know more after the exam.”
    He picked up his bag and started walking into the house. He turned and asked, “Are you coming?”
    I stood, rubbed my back and went inside. After he examined me he took a brown bottle out of his bag.
    “I want you to take one of these pills each day until after the baby is born.”
    “Why? Is something wrong with the baby?”
    “Well, I would like for you to be bigger, and the baby’s heartbeat isn’t as strong as I would like it to be. I have to insist that you take it easy until after the birth. If you keep pushing yourself, it could hurt the baby. Will you please slow down? I’m going by Mrs. Templeton’s house and ask her to come and stay with you. I’m serious, Rose. You must take it easy. Especially don’t do any heavy lifting, and take a nap during the day.”
    “I’ll try to do what you say, but it’s going to be hard.”
    “I’ll stop by the Jarrod’s and explain all this to the twins. They can do more than they’ve been doing until after you have the baby. I wish you’d come into town so I can watch over you.”
    “You know I can’t do that. I have to stay here. This is my home.”
    “Alright. Mrs. Templeton should be here tomorrow. I would suggest you go inside and get ready for bed.”
    “I can’t go to bed now. I’ve got to take the butter out of the churn. Then I have to take care of the animals, then maybe I can go to bed.”
    “Rose, you haven’t understood a word I’ve said to you. Have you?”
    “Yes, I heard every word, but as I said the world doesn’t stop turning just because I’m having a baby.”
“You take care of that butter. I’ll take care of the animals. I want to see you in bed before I leave here tonight.”
    I took the top off the churn, reached in and lifted out