Heart Of Stone

One

It had been nine weeks weeks since the murder of the Allen's and the brutal attack of Jolene Allen. She'd moved in with the McClain's and quickly became part if the family. Mary Ann smiled as she sent Ezra and Jolene to the barn to collect eggs for the day. Jolene practically held onto Ezra for dear life every time she left the house. She was always afraid that the man with scar would come after her again. Ezra let her wrap her arms around his elbow as they walked outside. Mary Ann couldn't help but be proud of her son, most men would've cast her off, but not Ezra. He was the first to comfort her in the middle of night when her nightmares would wake her up screaming and always the first wake her up. She knew he loved her but she knew it be awhile before he could even open up to her, due to mental state. Henry joined Mary Ann at the door as he watched his son walk little Jolene to the barn. He never realized how short Jolene was till she stood beside his son. He smiled and said," I think if she holds arm any tighter it might fall off." Mary Ann giggled as she went back to the stove looking in on the biscuits. She sighed and said," I know. I know it hasn't been long but I was hoping she'd be doing better. She hadn't stepped a foot outside till a few day ago." Henry nodded as he stood behind his and brought her into his arms. Wrapping his arms around her waist. She relaxed back into him and as he said," She'll get there. She wouldn't be where is she is now without Ezra. She's always been a resilient girl. I'll never forget when her mother miscarried that baby. Her father and her brother was on a cattle drive. She was barely ten when she rode into a blizzard to go get help. Her mother wouldn't been alive if it wasn't for her that night. She'll get there." Henry gently swayed his hips bringing him and his wife into a slow dance. Mary Ann smiled as she wrapped hands around his, swaying with him. They were starting to get older but he knew how to make her feel sixteen again. The moment soon came to an end as Ezra came running in with Jolene in his arms. They couple drew apart and quickly helped Ezra put her down in the nearby bedroom. Ezra ran a hand through his hair and said," I don't know what happened. We were gathering eggs and she got dizzy. She started throwing up then she passed out. I didn't know what to do." Henry patted his back and gave him a nod of 'approval' before he headed towards the door. Hey slipped on his boots and said," I'm gonna go get the Doc. Stay with her till I get back." Mary Ann already knew what was wrong. Mary Ann looked to Ezra and said," Honey, it's best you step out. I'm gonna get her in a night gown. Can you keep an eye on the biscuits for me?" Ezra nodded and stepped out shutting the door beside him. Mary Ann stood grabbing a nearby light pink night gown before returning to Jolene. Mary Ann sighed and said," Oh sweet thing, you'll never remember this conversation. But you've been through hell but what you're about to go through is like heaven on earth." Mary Ann blinked back tears and she kissed her forehead before carefully slipping her from her heavy dress.

Ezra paced infront of Jolene's bedroom door as the Doc and his mother took care of Jolene. Henry let out a heavy sigh as he said," Son, sit down before you put a whole in the floor. She'll be just fine, she's in good hands." Ezra sat with his father at the kitchen table. Henry sighed and said," Son, I know you love her but she'll probably need you more than ever now." Ezra just nodded not really understanding as the Doc softly closed the door behind him drawing the boys attention to him. He frowned and said," She'll be okay. I want her on bedrest for the next few days. I'll make a batch of peppermint tea and I'll drop off to you at the the sherriff's office tomorrow. But it'll help the morning sickness." Henry shook his hand and walked him out to his horse. Mary Ann peaked her head out the door and waved her son over. He quickly stood and walked over. Mary Ann frowned and said," I have to tell you something before you see her." Ezra waited with wide eyes as Mary Ann stepped out from behind the door and closed it gently behind her. She sighed and said," She's pregnant." Ezra didn't know how to take the news. Mary Ann took his hand into hers and squeezed. Ezra drew his hand away and walked around her. He slowly entered Jolene's room to find her staring aimlessly out the window, holding her belly. Ezra gently knocked, waiting for an answer. Jolene slowly turned and smiled lightly at her dear friend. Ezra slowly entered and got down on his knees in front of her. Jolene gave him an odd look as he said,"I know this started from a tragedy and I'm ready to be there for you. The both of you." Jolene's eyes watered as she slowly got down on her knees with him. She practically fell into his arms and he gladly held her tight. Ezra kissed her temple and said," I want to marry you to take care of you and the little one. I expect nothing from you in any way." Jolene pulled away lightly and nodded her head. Ezra smiled and brought her in for another tight hug. Henry joined his wife at Jolene's bedroom door and couldn't help but smile as he saw the two hugging in the floor. He wrapped an arm around her hip and whispered," Well now we gotta plan a wedding and build a house." Mary Ann giggled and rolled her eyes as Ezra stood and helped Jolene stand. Ezra blushed lightly and said," The house parts kinda taken care of. I've been cleaning up Grandpa's old place over the hill for past six months. All that's left is to build a barn." Henry nodded his head as Mary Ann came into the room. She gently pushed Ezra out of the room and said," Go on and talk building plans with your father. We have to talk wedding dress." Ezra couldn't help but roll his eyes and him his father were cast out from the bedroom. Marry Ann closed the door as Jolene slowly sat down on the bed and Mary quickly joined her. Mary took Jolene's hand and said," Jolene, what I really wanted to talk to you about was about the baby. When it comes time to bring this child into the world I'll be happy to be there. I didn't have anyone with me when I brought Ezra into this world. I was here alone, Henry was in town at the sherriff's office. No matter what, I'll be holding your hand when this child comes." Jolene's eyes began to water as she pulled Mary into a hug. Mary smiled and gently held her as she felt sobs overwhelm Jolene. Mary rubbed a up and down her back, calming her.