The Vicky Series: Book 3: Living A Dream

Chapter 3 Part 2

"Hold up." Quin stopped and when Vicky turned he smiled sheepishly. "Hold him for a minute."

Kelley clung stubbornly to Quin's neck.

"Kelley, baby," Vicky cooed as she tugged on the stubborn child, "Mama's shoulder is cold and needs your love to make it warm again."

Kelley peeked shyly from where he had his face buried in Quin's neck.

"Mama?" He leaned over and Vicky hugged him tight welcoming the warmth of his little body and the love he gave as he buried his face in her neck and squeezed tight. "Love mama."

Quin checked both pockets inside his tunic and frowned. Kelley was apparently satisfied he'd given mama enough love because he nearly lunged off Vicky's arm as he reached for Quin.

"Papa. Papa." Kelley called as Vicky struggled to hang on the squirming boy.

"GO! GO!" Ida Rose demanded loudly as she rocked forward and back in the wagon. "GO!"

Quinton patted his pants, checked his boots and nearly dropped his hat. Vicky waited patiently trying to keep Kelley from doing a nose-dive onto the ground while she waited for Quinton to take the boy back. Finally Quin pulled a crinkled letter from his hat. He exchanged the letter for his son. As they began walking again the children settled down.

They were almost at the café. With the children this would be more of a working lunch that a leisure one, but at least she had Quin's help. From the day they were born he helped in every way he could whenever he could. Vicky smiled as she turned over the envelope. It was addressed to Maj. and Mrs. McClintock, Ft. Point, Ca.

"Took it awhile to catch up to us?" Vicky smiled.

"Guess so. Good thing for us the aid for the new post commander recognized my name. He sent it along with the military dispatches. If he had sent it on through regular mail we never have received it. War has wreaked havoc on the mail these days." Vicky paused half a beat to peak at the letter and noticed the seal was broken.

"It's dated April 3!" she shook her head. "That's almost two months ago!"

"I read that much, but then you all came and..." his voice trailed off as they arrived.

They left the wagon outside near the hitching post and Quin opened the door for his two beautiful ladies.

"Why don't we wait until n-a-p and we can read the letter together then?" She offered as they were putting the children on the chairs.

Vicky smiled as their waiter (one of the wives and the mother of four) came out with two aprons. She handed one to Quin and laughed as he held it in his hand and looked at her strangely. She demonstrated how to tie the child to the chair by tucking the apron under their arms and fastening the ties behind the chair. Quin laughed as he tied Kelley and lifted the children (on their chairs) closer so they could reach the table.

The waiter came back with some bread and cheese for the children and bowls of soup for Vicky and the major.

"Did you want anything else today Mrs. McClintock?"

"No Ruth. This is fine. We'll be making this a short trip. N-A-P and all that, you know." Vicky winked and Ruth joined Quin in laughter.

When the meal was finished and the check had been paid, the parents felt nearly as tired as the children.

"I'm eager to see what news the letter brings. Shall we have coffee in the parlor while we read it?" Vicky covered her mouth to hide a yawn.

"I'd like that." He answered as Ida Rose yawned widely. "Do they still like me to rock them to sleep?"