AN HOUR INTO his mounting paperwork, Jamie raised his head when he heard a knock at his open office door. “Hey, Stephen. Thank you for coming.” Jamie stood and made his way to the doctor. “I hope I didn’t pull you away from anything important.”

Dr. Stephen Paxton smiled and shook his head. “Not at all. We’ve been over at the hospital, and things are calm today. Christine wanted an excuse to visit with everyone, anyway. She was disappointed to return home early last night.”

Jamie grinned. “The offer still stands for the two of you to stay. We do have another bedroom which will accommodate you.”

“Thank you. There’s also the Wades’, but I’ll speak with Christine. What did you need? You said in your note that Sophie’s not feeling well.”

“Yes. She’s constantly tired and frequently nauseous.”

Stephen nodded. “I’m happy to check on her. Does she know I’m here?”

Jamie grimaced. “No. She’s been asleep for several hours. She would’ve insisted on seeing Michael with him so close, but I’d feel better if you’d examine her.”

“I understand. I’ll get my bag and meet you in the parlor.”

“Perfect. I’ll wake Sophie.”

Jamie made his way upstairs and walked into his bedroom to find Sophie sitting at her vanity table, brushing out her gloriously long hair. “You’re awake.”

Sophie faced him and smiled. “I am, Captain Obvious.”

He closed the distance between them and kissed her cheek. “How do you feel?”

“Amazing. I just rang for something to eat, in fact.”

Jamie relaxed. “I’m glad.”

“Did you need me, or were you just making sure I didn’t sleep the day way?” she asked as she turned back to the mirror.

“Um... actually, I asked Stephen and Christine to come early.”

“Oh, good. I wish they’d just stay. It’d be so much more fun.” She frowned. “Now that they’re married, I rarely see Christine.”

“We’ll convince them together.”

She smiled at him in the mirror and picked up her brush again. “Sounds good.”

“I, ah, kind of asked Stephen for a favor.”

Sophie set her brush down and faced him again. “Oh, really?”

“Please, just let him make sure nothing’s wrong.”

“I already know there’s nothing wrong.” She raised an eyebrow. “I have a nine-month-old baby who’s into everything and a month-long party I’m hosting. I’m tired.”

“Humor me?”

Sophie sighed. “Fine. When will they be here?”

“They’re here.”

“Of course they are.” Sophie stood and grasped the lapels of Jamie’s jacket. “You know, you’re very lucky you’re cute. Why don’t you bring him up now? That way I can get dressed after the interrog—I mean, examination.”

“Thank you.” Jamie smiled and kissed her before collecting Stephen and Christine. He insisted on sticking around, and Stephen spent several minutes asking Sophie a series of questions, including eating habits of late and changes in appetite.

Before Stephen did a physical exam, he took out his stethoscope. “Let’s just have a listen.”

Instead of laying the diaphragm on her chest, however, he laid it on her belly. Within seconds, he was grinning. He pulled the stethoscope from his ears and handed it to Sophie. “I hear another heartbeat.”

“Really?” Jamie made his way to the bed and watched as Sophie listened.

Her eyes filled with tears. “Want to hear?”

Jamie nodded and waited for Stephen to reposition the diaphragm. A very strong heartbeat sounded, faster than he expected.

“You’re definitely pregnant,” Stephen said.

Christine clapped her hands in excitement. “Congratulations.”

“I don’t understand,” Sophie said. “I haven’t had a period yet.”

“You probably never had the chance to have one,” Stephen said. “I’m guessing you’re past your first trimester, especially since your abdomen is already extended and the heartbeat’s audible.”

“I just thought I couldn’t lose those few extra pounds.”

Stephen chuckled. “Your belly’s too firm for it to be anything other than a growing baby. Make sure you wear a loose corset and you should be fine.”

Sophie gasped. “Oh, no. I had champagne last night and a glass of wine the night everyone arrived.”

“Is that all?” Christine asked.

“Yes.”

“The baby will be fine. Just stick to no alcohol from this point on,” Stephen directed.

“Would this explain why Junior seems hungrier?” Jamie asked. “He’s not getting enough milk?”

“Could be.” Stephen focused back on Sophie. “Your milk production’s probably a little less due to the pregnancy, but there’s no reason why you can’t still feed him.” He packed up his bag. “You can also stop now, if you like. Regular food’s not so processed at this point in time, so it’s healthier than you might think. He’s already eating quite a bit, right?”

Sophie nodded. “Yes. He’s eating pretty much everything we eat.”

“That’s great. I’ll leave the decision up to you. Without the ability to do an ultrasound, I’m guessing you’re past the twelve-week mark, so another six months and you’ll have a newborn.”

Sophie groaned. “No possibility of sleeping in ever again.”

Stephen laughed. “Not for a while, no. Although, you should rest whenever you can, especially if your pregnancy with Junior was any indication as to how this one might go.”

Jamie frowned.

Sophie glanced up at him. “I’m not sick like I was with him, baby. Don’t freak out. I feel great.”

“Our babies will be born close together. I’m so excited.” Christine hugged Sophie.

“Me too,” Sophie admitted. “We have to make sure we spend more time together. I feel as though I never see you.”

“We will,” Christine promised.

Stephen packed up his bag and smiled. “We’ll meet you downstairs when you’re ready.”

The couple left the room and Jamie ran his hands through his hair. “Another baby.”

Sophie giggled. “I can’t believe it.”

“Oh, I can,” he said.

“Yeah, yeah. You have bionic sperm. You big strong man, you.”

Jamie laughed. “I was going to say that my wife can’t abstain, but bionic sperm sounds so much better.”

“Either way, you sound like “the man,” right?”

He wrapped his arms around her. “I suppose you’re right. But, let’s just be clear, here. I am the man.”

“Yes, yes, you are.”

Jamie kissed her and then forced himself to break the kiss. “See? This is the problem. You’re supposed to be dressing for lunch.”

“Yeah, but right now, I’m still half naked, and we don’t have to worry about me getting pregnant.”

“You make a valid point.”

Sophie slipped her hand under the waistband of his trousers. “So do you.”

Jamie guided her back to the bed and made a few other interesting points.

* * *

Mark knocked on the Maddens’ door and was greeted by Emma. She pulled him in for one of her signature bear hugs before he could even remove his hat.

“I’d forgotten how strong you were for a girl,” he said with a laugh.

“That’s because you’re a girly-man...or had you forgotten that as well?”

“Must have. Since you disappeared on me, I’ve had no one to tell me on a daily basis.”

Emma grinned. “Oh, your wonderful sense of humor. I have missed it so.”

“Is that you, Mark?” Hannah called and then poked her head into the foyer.

“In the flesh. How are you?”

With Penny cradled in her arms, Hannah hugged him carefully. “Well, let’s see. Thanks to you, my daughter slept through the night for the first time since she was born. The formula did the trick. So, I’m fantastic and ready to dance. Today I hope?”

Mark shook his head. “I have already been scheduled by Rayne, I’m afraid.”

“Hmm.” Hannah frowned. “I wish there was more of you to go around.”

“I could always teach your husbands to dance.”

Hannah glanced at Emma and then they both burst out laughing.

“Could you imagine your husband in a pair of tights?” Emma said. “Or a cup?”

“Or yours in spandex of any kind?” Hannah lobbed back.

Mark heard footsteps and glanced up to see Gabby’s brother, Theo, walking down the hall toward them with Clayton and Christopher. Clayton and Christopher had bemused expressions on their faces.

“What’s so funny, sweetheart?” Christopher asked Hannah.

“Nothing.” She glanced at Emma and they burst into uncontrollable giggles again.

Penny started to fuss, probably because of being jostled by Hannah and her laughing.  Christopher took their daughter and settled her against his shoulder.

“Mark, you remember Theodore Butler,” Clayton said.

“Yes.” Mark shook his hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You too,” Theo said. “I understand you’ll be walking the grounds with Gabrielle.”

Mark nodded. “It’s such a mild day, I thought we could explore.”

“Gabrielle will be taking her maid as chaperone.”

“Excellent,” Mark said, although he caught Emma’s snarky grin and wanted to roll his eyes. The world of older brothers and chaperones may cramp Mark’s style more than he’d like, but he had been warned by Jessica and tutored by Laughing Crow, so he hoped he was prepared for this strange new world.

“I’ll go get Gabby,” Emma offered. “Be back in a second.”

Emma was only part way up the staircase when Gabrielle appeared, a vision in blue. Her blonde hair had been swept away from her face, and when she smiled, Mark was lost. He didn’t think he’d ever seen a more beautiful woman.

He grinned and silently wished their little audience would leave the foyer so he could ogle Gabby in private. Unfortunately, he knew he’d probably never get the chance to ogle her at all, in private or otherwise, with both Theo and Christopher hanging around. Theo stared at his sister as though looking for something to object to.

Mark realized, a little ashamedly, that he’d more often than not lorded over his sister the same way, seeing her as someone he needed to protect. The exasperated frown Gabby directed toward Theo reminded him of the way Jessica responded to his own overprotective nature.

Gabby descended the staircase and smiled at Mark. “Mr. Battaglia.”

“Miss Butler,” he said as he kissed her fingers. “You look lovely.”

Her cheeks turned pink. “Thank you.”

“Would you still like to join me for a walk?”

Gabby nodded as she glanced at her brother and then behind her. “Evaline will accompany us.”

Mark followed her gaze and saw a small African-American woman wearing a drab, gray dress. “Hello, Evaline,” he said. “It’s nice to meet you.”

The maid’s mouth gaped open and she nodded, but didn’t seem able to respond.

* * *

Gabby tried to keep her shock hidden. Never before had anyone but herself addressed her maid as though she were a person rather than a servant... or a slave.

“I thought we’d stay close to home,” Mark continued. “It’s quite warm out at the moment, but I’d hate to be caught unaware by a sudden blizzard.”

Gabby shivered. The way he looked at her when he said he’d hate to be caught made her wish for it. She took a deep breath.

Gabrielle Butler, he is a man. Like every other man you’ve ever known. Granted, he’s more handsome than any man you’ve ever known, but still, he’s just a man.

“Gabby?”

“Yes,” she said distractedly, still staring at the gorgeous Mr. Battaglia. She’d heard her brother say her name, but not much else.

“Perhaps this isn’t a good idea,” Theo said.

She scowled at him. “It’s a perfectly good idea, brother.”

“Are you ready?” Mark asked.

Gabby nodded and finished her descent. Theo stepped forward to assist her with her outerwear, and Mark gallantly assisted Evaline with hers.

“Behave,” Theo whispered in her ear.

Gabby shot him another look of reproach, but didn’t want to cavil, so left it as a silent rebuke. Mark held the door open and waited for Gabby and Evaline to precede him onto the porch.

Mark was correct. The day was exceptionally mild. Gabby glanced back at Evaline, who smiled and waited for Gabby to lead Mark out of earshot.

Mark held his elbow out to Gabby. “May I?”

She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm.

Mark smiled. “May I ask you a personal question?”

“I suppose it would depend on the question.”

“What do you think of this war?”

Gabby was so shocked by the question, she stumbled.

Mark reacted with lightning speed, wrapping his arm around her waist and steadying her. “I didn’t mean to startle you... again. Are you okay... ah... I mean, are you all right?”

“Yes. I’m fine. Thank you.” Gabby righted herself and faced him. “What is your game, Mr. Battaglia?”

“Mark.” He smiled and held his arm out to her again. “And in answer to your question, I’m not playing a game. I’m genuinely curious about what you think of the war.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“Because I’ve heard you’re smart. I always enjoy speaking with people who are intelligent.”

Gabby wasn’t quite sure what to think. She’d been trapped in a battle of words this way before, only to be made to look the fool in front of her friends. Granted, she’d been much younger and easier to bait, but she’d learned a difficult lesson then. One not easily forgotten.

“Please.” Mark took her hand and slipped it back into his arm. “Tell me.”

It took Gabby several minutes to gather the courage to say anything. She started with something that wouldn’t get her into too much trouble. “I don’t believe the war is just about slavery.”

“I agree.”

“You do?” she asked surprised.

“I do.”

“Why?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I believe slavery is a large part of it, but I believe Lincoln wants to restore the Union, and people have lost sight of that fact.”

“Oh, now we’re getting into a Hamilton discussion.”

Mark smiled. “Yes, I suppose we are.”

“And what do you think of States’ rights?”

“Well, that’s a very good question,” Mark said with a grin. “What do you think?”

Gabby opened her mouth to respond, but shut it again and shook her head.

“Tell me. I truly want to know your opinion.”

“I do believe that citizens of every state have the right to take their property anywhere in the country and not have it taken away. But not when it comes to people. I believe every man, woman, and child should be free, and if a slave is able to escape to a free state, he or she should be given their freedom.”

“And what about secession?” he asked.

“Well, I suppose if we all just packed up our things and moved because we didn’t like something, then we’d be moving a lot, don’t you think? I think that applies to secession. We are part of a great nation, but if those who make the laws allow us to split apart, I believe our country will be weakened.”

“Intriguing.”

“Are you jesting with me, Mr. Battaglia?”

“Not at all. I agree with everything you’ve said.” He laid his hand over hers as they walked. “I wonder what other fascinating secrets you hold.”

She swallowed. “I don’t think my secrets are overly fascinating.”

Mark chuckled. “I disagree.”

“Oh? Why?”

“Well, that’s my secret, now, isn’t it?”

“I suppose it is.”

Mark patted her hand. “I do have a question only you can answer.”

“Another one?” she asked.

“I’ll trust you to tell me if I’m asking too many,” he said. “Because if you don’t, I will have all your secrets before our walk is done.”

“We’ll see.” Gabby laughed. “Ask away.”

“Does everyone call you Gabby?”

She shook her head. “Just my friends and family. Most people call me Gabrielle or Miss Butler.”

“Ah. So, am I allowed to call you Gabrielle?”

“If you’d like.”

“But you’d rather I didn’t?”

“No, it’s not that,” she rushed to say.

“What is it then?”

She licked her lips. How could she tell him she wanted him to call her something far more intimate than Gabby or Gabrielle? She was thinking like a loose woman, and she wasn’t proud of herself. “It’s a secret.”

He gave her the most adorable smile and nodded. “Ah. Then I will look forward to discovering it.”

“Why were you nice to Evaline?”

Mark glanced behind them and then focused back on Gabby. “Why wouldn’t I be nice to Evaline?”

“Because she’s a Negro.”

He stiffened, and Gabby felt as though she’d said something very wrong.

“I’m nice to everyone, Miss Butler. Unless they hurt or threaten my family. Evaline doesn’t seem the type.”

“No. She’s wonderful.” She lowered her voice. “She’s my friend.”

Mark smiled. “Then she’ll be mine as well.”

Gabrielle’s heart raced. Could this man be real? She squeezed her eyes shut briefly before mentally donning her armor. She refused to be hurt again.

Horses approached and Gabby laid her palm against her chest. Quincy and Victoria Butler rode toward them, Victoria on her stunning black stallion, Rocky, and pure delight covering her face.

“Are you afraid?” Mark asked as he stepped in front of her, an act of gallantry Gabby thought was delightfully sweet.

“Not at all. I’m in awe, if you want the truth. He’s such a beautiful creature.”

“Your cousin?” he teased.

“Yes. My very married cousin.” Gabby laughed. “I’d love a horse like that one day.”

“Perhaps you’ll have one.”

She smiled. “Perhaps I will.”

Victoria pulled Rocky to a halt and patted his neck. “Hello, you two. Having fun?”

“We’re telling all our secrets,” Mark said.

“Which is always a great start to any new friendship,” Victoria said.

Gabby felt the heat on her cheeks. She took a chance and looked at Quincy, who smiled and gave her a wink. Quinn was her favorite cousin. He always had been. Whenever she felt stifled by her brother or one of the other Butler men, Quinn would come to her rescue. She knew exactly why Victoria fell in love with him, and she was perfect for him.

“Don’t you have somewhere you need to be, Mark?” Victoria asked.

He looked at his wrist, which struck Gabby as strange, but then pulled out his pocket watch. “Are you heading back to the Fords’?” he asked.

Victoria nodded. “Want me to tell Rayne you’re running late?”

Mark smiled. “Yes, please.”

“No problem. We’ll see you later.”

Before either Mark or Gabby could respond, Victoria had spurred Rocky forward and Quincy was in pursuit.

“Do you know Mrs. Powell well?” Gabby asked.

“Very well. She’s been a friend for almost ten years.”

“I didn’t realize.”

Mark nodded. “Emma and Hannah are also close friends of mine.”

“How did you meet?”

“That’s a secret.”

Gabby smiled. “Then I will look forward to discovering it.”

Mark laughed. “I bet you will.”

“I heard Mrs. Powell sing once. She has a magnificent voice. I was not prepared for such... ah... power, I suppose you could say.”

Mark chuckled. “Yes. She’s used to singing in front of crowds where she must project. She’s had quite a bit of practice.”

“Does she sing in public often?” Gabrielle asked.

“I don’t think she does anymore. Not since marrying Samuel.”

“Oh.” Gabrielle looked up at Mark. “Perhaps we should return to the house. You don’t want to keep Mrs. Powell waiting if you have a previous engagement.”

He sighed. “Perhaps not, but I must admit, I’d rather be here with you.”

“You would?”

He nodded. “Would you sit with me this evening at dinner? I’d love to continue our secrets discovery conversation.”

“I would be delighted to.”

“Excellent.” Mark grinned. “Something to look forward to.”

Gabby bit the inside of her cheek to keep from sighing like a lovesick little girl. Oh, he was charming. So, so charming.

They walked back to the Maddens’ home without speaking, which was a good thing, considering her emotions were erratic. She was attracted to this man far more than she cared to admit.

He delivered her to the front porch, kissed her hand, and waited for her to close the front door before heading back to the Fords’ home. Gabby watched him go from the side window, then she followed Evaline up to her bedroom, where a warm bath awaited her.

“I’ll help you with your clothes, Gabby, then get your evening wear ready.”

Gabrielle nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”

“Are you all right?”

“Hmm?” Gabrielle focused on Evaline, who had a strange expression on her face. “Oh, yes. I’m wonderful.”

“Are you gonna start sighin’ and moonin’ like a schoolgirl now?”

Gabrielle smiled and shook her head. “I hope not, Eva. Truly.”

Evaline raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment as she undressed Gabrielle and helped her into the tub. Once Evaline left the room, Gabby was alone with her thoughts. Every single one of them was consumed by the handsome Mark Battaglia. Oh, if only she didn’t have to leave Harrisburg. The thought of returning home in a few weeks left her with a heavy heart, something she was unaccustomed to.

In an effort to think of nicer things, she closed her eyes and imagined Mark’s kisses, hoping she’d one day find out what they were like.