Snow on Magnolias

by Hattie Mae

  “Oh, Susan, you should see him. He’s just like she described him. Tall, handsome and such wonderful eyes, a shadow of that handsome picture that Aunt Odelia still has.” Rose could feel the lump blocking her throat. “He didn’t know. He didn’t know that she was still waiting for him. He was heartsick to think he had put her through so much hurt. Her Wilson still loves her, he’s never stopped.”

  “What did Odelia say?” Susan asked.

  “I haven’t told her. He asked me to wait. And I decided to give him a chance to make it right in his own time. I can’t believe that I have that right to tell Aunt Odelia what I know without the knowledge of the whole story. She needs to know all the details. You know?” Rose stood and poured them each a cup of herb tea.

  “Yesterday was such a strange day. So full of hope, but also so full of questions.”

  Susan searched Rose’s eyes. “I’m so glad you came, Rose. You have so much to give this family. Did anything else happen yesterday? Between you and Sam? Don’t worry I can keep secrets to myself.

  Rose’s voice trembled. Could she trust Susan? Could she trust anyone with her feelings? Rose looked at Susan’s face that was searching for answers.

  “He kissed me. Me, Susan.”

  “I knew it. I knew he had feelings for you. You can see it all over his face when he looks at you.”

  “Stop,” Rose interrupted. “You’re wrong. After the kiss he told me it was a big mistake. So you see, whatever feelings you see on his face are not for me.” Rose brushed her hair from her face. “Please don’t say anything about this to anyone. I really have to run. I promised Aunt Odelia I would help her, and I am running late.”

  “Thank you for coming, and do me a favor. Don’t sell Sam’s motives short. He has some demons to work through. He just might surprise you.”

  Rose kissed Susan on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She patted Susan’s swelled belly, “I can’t wait to see this little one. What do you have, three weeks left?”

  “Can’t come quick enough for me. Why don’t you bring your new book tomorrow and read to me? Remember don’t be so hard on Sam. He would be very upset if he thought he caused you any distress.”

  Rose’s brisk steps kept time with her mind. Thoughts flew through her head, if she could just let things go, but that was not in her make up.

  CHAPTER NINE

  “Rose, is this another sunshine day?” Lizzy skipped along side of Rose as they headed for Susan’s house.

  “If you want it to be, it can. Lizzy, you can choose every day to be a sunshine day if you want. Bea how can you read and walk at the same time?”

  Was that a giggle that actually came out of Bea? Maybe she was edging into the girl’s world. She decided right then that she would always make an effort to be a part of their life even if Sam didn’t want her as part of his.

  After getting the girls settled at a table on the front porch with books and paper to draw or write, she turned her attention to the woman that had become so important to her. “You look tired Susan, do you feel all right?”

  “I feel great. The baby moved so much last night, I didn’t get much sleep. Thank you again for agreeing to sit with me today. I will be so happy when I don’t need a babysitter.”

  “What would you like for lunch? I’ll get started.” A crash stopped Rose’s conversation. Susan dropped her teacup, and a look of pain darkened her face.

  “Susan, what’s wrong? Are you all right? Please be all right.”

  Panting, Susan regained her poise. “Good Lord, I think I’m in labor, and my water just broke.” Panic covered her face. “Please send the girls after Lewis.”

  Rose could almost feel the pain as it raked Susan’s body again. Her face contorted with the discomfort. “Labor? You can’t be in labor. Not yet, you have three more weeks.”

  “Hurry, Rose, send the girls. The pains are very close together. Is Odelia at home, or any of the men?” Fear now washed over Susan’s face. “Do you know where Lewis is working today? Oh God, here comes another one. Hurry, Rose, please hurry, I need him.”

  Think, Rose. “Hold my hand, and don’t worry, everything is going to be fine.”

  Rose kept her eyes on Susan’s face pinched in pain, her lips turning white as she pressed them together. For what seemed like forever they held onto each other, and then as fast as the pain came, it faded.

  “Aunt Odelia went to town for more supplies. I heard Sam say that he and Preston would be in the west field today. Lewis is all the way across the property with the twins working the cattle. Sam’s closer so I’ll send for him. Bea, Lizzy, come here, hurry.”

  The girls came running and stumbled into the room, Susan’s pain apparent as she clutched the pillow she was hugging. Beads of sweat covered her forehead as she gasped for a breath.

  “What’s wrong, Aunt Susan?” Bea’s voice quivered with fear, and her hands trembled.

  “The baby is coming. I want the two of you to run and get you dad. Tell him to hurry and send for Uncle Lewis. I’ve already called the doctor and the ambulance is on the way. Hurry girls, and please be careful.” Rose hugged both of them, and watched as they ran down the road. Bea held onto Lizzy’s hand and had to keep slowing down so she didn’t fall.

  Please hurry Sam. I need you. Rose held onto the doorframe.

  “Help me.” Susan’s frail voice tore through Rose.

  “I’m here. What do you want me to do?”

  “I don’t think this little one can wait until the doctor gets here. You are the only one that can help me. Tell me you can do this, Rose. Tell me you won’t let anything happen to me or the baby.”

  Rose stared into her friends pleading eyes. I can do this. I have to do this.

  “Don’t worry, I did a lot of research on childbirth for one of my books. You and the baby are in good hands.” Now if she could just convince herself. “Stay calm. I’m going to get some towels and alcohol I’ll be right back.”

  Please let me do this right. Rose prayed.

  Rose held onto the cell phone as she dialed the doctor’s number again. An answering machine picked up. The doctor was away on an emergency. I pray that we’re that emergency.

  Susan clenched the sheet that Rose covered her with and let out a moan as pain after pain raked across her. “Deep breaths, Susan, and just think this is the day a new Leblanc is about to enter this world. Think you can handle that?”

  Susan laid her head back and closed her eyes. “I knew it would hurt but not this bad.”

  “I know, sweetie, just hang in there. It’ll be over soon.

  “Oh, God, here comes another one,” she yelled.

  “We can do this, Susan.” Rose said as she checked her progress. “There’s the head. I see the head. A small head covered with dark curls, just like the mama’s.”

  Susan was getting weak. Her eyes were closed and her hands were shaking.

  Rose had to rush things along. “Push, sweetie, push. I’ve got the baby.”

  “What are you doing? Wait for the doctor.” Sam’s voice was a higher pitch than usual, and he was out of breath.

  Rose turned slightly to see him walking to the bed. “You stop right there, Sam Leblanc. Don’t come any closer. You’re covered in dirt and germs.” She turned back to the job at hand. “Just stand over there and keep quiet. One more time, okay Hon? One more push.”

  The baby slid out into her hands. “It’s a girl, Susan. A beautiful tiny little girl.” She laid the small wrinkled baby on Susan’s body and started to clean the mucus out of its nose and mouth. A small cry grew louder followed by the sound of four men as they ran into the room. The wail of a siren could be heard in the distance.

  Lewis headed for his wife but was stopped by Sam. “Rose said we couldn’t get close as dirty as we are. Neither Susan nor the baby needs an infection.” Rose could hear the happiness in Sam’s voice as he talked to his oldest brother. “Congratulations, big brother, you’re a dad now, and I’m here to tell you there is nothing like it.”


  She lifted her head and looked at the five large men standing with their hats in their hands not bothering to wipe the tears that streaked their dirty faces. Rose had never known men so in touch with their manhood that they were not afraid to show their emotions, tears and all.

  “Lewis, run jump in the shower, and you can ride with your family in the ambulance,” Rose said as she stood and washed her hands in the pan of water. A lone curl fell free and eased across her face, she had never been so weary.

  After the doctor cut the cord and examined Susan, Lewis came running in, hair still wet, shoes untied, and a grin as big as the sky on his face. He went to Susan and wiped the damp strands of hair off her forehead.

  “Everyone is fine,” Susan said as she touched Lewis’s hand. “Thanks to this little lady. Had she not been here, I don’t think we would be celebrating right now.”

  All eyes were once again on Rose, her face reddened. “Thanks, but all the glory goes to Susan, she did all the work.”

  All four uncles, Rose, Bea, Lizzy and Aunt Odelia stood on the porch and watched as the ambulance took the happy little family away.

  “Come on girls, ride with us to the house, and we can all get ready to drive to the hospital. Come on, what are we waiting around for? We have a new family member to greet.” Preston motioned for everyone to pile into the pickup.

  “If it’s okay, I would like to walk.” Rose said softly.

  Sam walked the girls to the truck and said something to Preston then walked back to Rose as they drove off. “I’ve decided to walk with you. He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked beside her. “You are a woman full of surprises, Rose. I would never have thought you could deliver a baby. Thank you for jumping in and taking charge. That was a very brave thing to do.”

  Rose felt her lips began to quiver and she stopped by the water’s edge. Her body began to shake and the increasing lump in her chest threatened to close her throat. “I didn’t feel brave. I was so scared. So terribly scared. What if something had gone wrong? What if…”

  “Come here, bebé.”

  Sam gathered her into his arms. His wonderful safe arms. Rose allowed herself to be held. If only time would stop, and she could stay in them forever. She buried her face in his shirt and inhaled his scent. How could someone’s scent bring such a physical reaction? Her head lay on his chest close to his heart, she could not only hear it but she also felt the beat. Was it beating for her? This is where she belonged if only he felt the same. What she would give to be a part of that little baby’s life. But he had never even thought of that. Rose pulled away and steadied herself.

  “I’m fine now. Let’s go see that baby and find out what they named her.”

  Sam’s saddened eyes turned away from Rose. “It’s okay to take some time for yourself. You were under a lot of pressure.” They walked the rest of the way in silence.

  “You know I am very proud of you, Rose. My family will never forget what you did today,” Sam said as he left her at the hospital door.

  Are you Sam? Are you proud of me? Something to make you see me as more than just a mess up? I hope so.

  Rose stood outside the window of the hospital nursery, amazed as the newest LeBlanc family member stretched her tiny arms and wrinkled her little nose. “She’s perfect,” she whispered.

  “Yes she is. Thanks to you. Susan and I will never be able to repay you for your actions today.” Lewis put his big arm around Rose’s waist. “Have you heard her name?”

  “No.” Rose could hardly breathe. Nothing had ever happened to her like this. So many people approving of her at one time was almost overwhelming.

  “T-Sou, which translates to little Penny. She’s our good luck, don’t you agree? Her full name is Penny Rose LeBlanc.”

  “Thank you, Lewis. I don’t think anything ever made me this proud. Do you think it would be all right if I go in and see the little momma for a moment, I know she lost a lot of blood and she must be tired.”

  “She would have my hide if I didn’t make sure she got to visit with you tonight. You know, Rose, even before today she told me on a number of occasions what a good friend you have become to her. Let’s go see if my beautiful little momma is awake.”

  Rose stood inside the door as Lewis eased to his wife’s bed and bent down and ever so gently kissed her.

  “Hey little momma, you got company.” Lewis never took his eyes off of Susan.

  Love seemed to fill the room. Susan lifted her arm weighted down with an I.V. and brushed his dark curls off his forehead and peeked through the crook in his arm.

  “Hey, Florence Nightingale. You still running around, you should be in bed after what you did today. Did you see Penny? Isn’t she the most beautiful baby in the world?” Susan held her hand out to Rose.

  Rose noticed that Lewis had slipped out and they were left alone. “She’s just perfect, Susan. Thanks for naming her after me, I will have to be a very strong role model.”

  “I don’t think you’ll have any problem with that job. I can’t wait to get home with her. I’ve been in that bed so long, but she’s worth every bit of the long wait. The doctor said that I would be strong enough to go home in a couple of days.” Susan stifled a yawn.

  “I promised myself I would not stay too long, so I’m going to go now, but I’ll be back tomorrow. You get some rest, because from what I saw of Miss Penny, she is going to be a handful.”

  Rose stood, but Susan stopped her from leaving. “Rose, I don’t know what to say about today…”

  “Words aren’t necessary. We’ll talk about it for years to come I’m sure. You get some rest.”

  Rose walked out of the room and leaned against the closed door. This is what I want, the marriage, the husband, the baby, but most of all the love that I’ve witnessed today.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The week flew by running between Susan’s house and trying to keep up with Bea and Lizzy. Finally the day arrives to begin the harvest.

  “Come along, Rose. This is a sight to see and one that never ceases to excite me.” Aunt Odelia tugged on Rose’s hand, her face lit in a childlike enthusiasm.

  They stood on the gallery, arms linked, and watched as the combines positioned in a straight line waited for the signal. They stood four across manned by Lewis, Preston, Randy and Sam.

  Rose thought she moaned out loud when Sam climbed up in the seat of the cab. A grin spread across his face so large she thought his lips would split. You could tell by the look on his face this was the moment all the hard work led to. Rose half-expected him to yell out “wagons ho” and lead those monster machines into the valley.

  Sam leaned out his window and with his arm extended waved the other three to follow. The giant machines marched along, securing the rice from its plant. Dust rose in their path, and the smell of earth and plants filled the air.

  “Isn’t that a wonderful sight, Rose? Little grains of rice pay for all of this and provide a living for everyone here. Can you imagine? A little grain of rice.”

  Rose and Odelia worked side-by-side all morning preparing the food they had cooked earlier. They had to transport the food to the outdoor covered eating hall close to the fields. The long building had a tin roof with several ceiling fans cooling the room. Large screen windows spread out across the walls allowing the outdoors to enter the room.

  Bea and Lizzy helped set the long table that was flanked with benches on either side. Ten places were set and waiting for the men and their appetites. A large side table held a pot of steaming gumbo dotted with bits of chicken, sausage, and okra. Another large pot held white fluffy rice, there were bowls of crackers, and a huge container of potato salad kept cool by cracked ice completed the bulk of the noon meal. Four pies cut in healthy slices filled the end of the table. Pitchers of iced tea dripped their moisture onto the long eating table along with jars of pickles and peppers. A bottle of Tabasco hot sauce sat by every place setting.

  The rumble of the machines quickened Rose’s heart. Laught
er grew louder as the workers approached. The outdoor sinks with running water were soon buzzing with activity. Washed and hungry the men sat around the table. Plates passed, food served and the talking became a low murmur.

  “Hey, little Rose, what pie did you bake? I bet it’s the sweetest,” Randy teased.

  “Odelia, who did you think you were cooking for, a bunch of Yankees? I’ve used almost half this bottle of Tabasco, and a baby could still drink it from its bottle.” Preston held his spoonful in the air. He turned to the tall blond man next to him. “Speaking of Yankees, how are you holding up Mansir?”

  “Don’t worry about me, Preston, MaeMae burned the first layer of my tongue off months ago.”

  “Thank goodness you didn’t like the gumbo, Preston, you only ate four bowls.” Odelia teased .

  Rose brought Sam a piece of pie and was met with a wink. “Thank you bebé,” he whispered.

  Mixed signals. Sam was a master at mixed signals. But for today she would glow in his attention.

  The evening meal was much like the noon meal. Hurry in, hurry out. With the combines put away, the tired and happy workers left for their own homes promising to return the next day, while Sam and his brothers returned to the big house.

  Rose didn’t see Sam after he read to the girls. He disappeared into his room for an early night.

  “Well what do you think?” Aunt Odelia patted Rose on her arm.

  “Rice harvest is more exciting than I thought it could be. Everyone working together, pulling for the same result, life couldn’t be much better than that. I think I’ll turn in Aunt Odelia, if you don’t have anything else for me to do, I’m beat.”

  “Get a good night sleep, Rose, we have the same schedule tomorrow. Rest well.”

  After a long hot bath, Rose towel dried her hair and sat on her bed trying to focus on revisions but with little success.

  A soft knock on the French doors broke her concentration. Sam leaned against the frame when she opened the door.