Second Harvest

A sleepy voice interrupted their moment of intimacy. "Maw, Billy wet the bed again."

"Just have him sleep with you, Abe."

"But he's cold and wet Maw."

"Don't make a fuss dear. Give him some dry clothes, and you two can sleep in the same bed. I'll deal with it later."

Abe stood motionless, processing her instructions in his sleepy brain.

"I love you, Abraham Johansson. I'll be there in a minute and check on you two."

"Okay Maw," Abe softly whined.

"Do you need to take care of the boys?"

"No, this has been going on far too long. The secret is to not make a fuss. It'll pass with time. Olof's mother told me her son had the same problem. Olof wet the bed until he was fourteen. His father would beat Olof senseless. Which I don't think helped, and it's probably why Olof waited until he was fourteen before he figured things out. I'm praying Billy will learn much faster without the punishment. It's got to be embarrassing for him. Why make it worse? Besides, they'll be asleep when I go check on them anyway."

Roy nodded and smiled at Sara.

"What?"

"Oh nothing; you're very smart and a great mother. They're lucky to have you."

"Why Roy Folsom, what a sweet thing to say. Thank you very much."

After finishing their coffee, Sara removed Billy's wet bed sheets and clothes. She then washed and hung them out to dry. Once the boys awoke, the family breakfast consisted of eggs, toast, and bacon. Roy was savoring every second of this dream when suddenly, he jumped to his feet.

"Oh my, I forgot about the filly. I need to leave now!"

"What did you say, Roy?"

"The filly, she'll be starving. I didn't leave enough food for her. I never intended to stay this long."

Roy hastily packed his things and loaded Molly. He was about to head home when Sara showed up fully dressed in her usual attire of men's jeans and shirt.

"Are you sure you need to leave? She's gone a day without food before."

With an expression of concern, Roy looked into Sara's eyes. "I'm very sorry, but I do have to go. When the filly was living here, she always had her mother to provide milk if she missed a meal."

Sara looked worried. "Oh, you're right Roy. I don't know what I was thinking. Will I see you again?"

Roy mounted Molly and frowned at Sara. He was searching for the right words to say. "I sure hope so. Thank you for everything, I enjoyed myself."

As Roy galloped away, Sara stood watching Roy until he completely disappeared, and she was not able to see his dust trail anymore. As she turned to walk back to the house, she spotted Billy and Abe, who were standing on the porch and studying her every move. Abe was grinning from ear-to-ear. Sara ran fast toward the two boys.