Golden Bird

“Oh, I was content, but there was no joy in my life. I was going through the motions of my ‘perfect’ life, until my illusions crashed down around me.

“Then I met David and he put the joy back in my life. He made me laugh and love again, yet, I held him off. Living with him at the farm, working with Dad at the store, it was everything I had worked so hard to get away from. I was too stubborn to see that I was happy. I thought I wanted excitement, excitement I would never find in Saxon Mills.

“Then I was thrown together with Rashid, a dark and handsome prince from a faraway land, and he treated me like a princess. I got lost in the fantasy, Mom.”

Edith saw the pain as well as the shame in her daughter’s eyes. She hugged her close. “Don’t worry about it, dear. You weren’t responsible.”

Sara drew back. “I don’t excuse my actions, Mom. I knew what I was doing, but now I know the reasons. I’ve learned so much about myself because of the terrible, fantastic thing that happened to me, and ... and for that I am grateful.”

“I’m so glad, dear, but what about the baby? You said you found out something about the baby.”

Sara’s face brightened at the word. “That’s the best part of all. It’s David’s baby, Momma. Both Dr. Fielding and I miscalculated. It’s David’s baby, David’s and mine.”

Edith was skocked into silence. How often had she wished that were true? She could hardly believe it.

Sara went to the hall closet and got her coat. “I’ve got to go to him now. I’ve got to see David.”

“Yes, of course,” agreed Edith as she helped Sara don her heavy winter jacket. “Good luck,” she whispered as her daughter pulled out of the driveway.

David jerked awake when he heard the pounding on the door. He had been reading the paper in his favorite chair in front of the fireplace and must have dozed off. Wondering who could be calling at this hour, he went to answer the door and was surprised to see Sara standing on the threshold.