Day: June 6, 2025

Name Change

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

I am so  glad I didn’t get this opportunity.  When I was a kid, Mother told me a story about a little girl whose parents allowed her to name herself.  She chose Chippy Lee. I thought that was an inspired name and asked if I could be Chippy Lee.  Sadly, Mother denied me.  Not long after, I started school and read a book about Nancy.  Immediately, I wanted to be Nancy, so I could be Fancy Nancy.  Again. I was denied.  Before long, I met a girl named June who had adorable spectacles with red plaid frames and realized I needed to be June.  Once again. I was denied.  I gave up on name changing then until I got married and changed my last name. Somehow, that didn’t have the same flair.  I was fortunate in one way, though.  My maiden name started with an S and my married name with B, so I did move up alphabetically.

Andrew and Molly Part 24

Without a word, Aggie scooped up the little girls and guided a protesting Jamie back to her cabin as the grieving family headed for the dusty road.

“This has gone on long enough,” Molly stated flatly., gesturing for Andrew to follow her into the kitchen. “Time to talk. Rosemarie, take the baby and go to Aggie.”

Andrew sat glumly at the rough kitchen table as Molly made tea and sliced bread, sausage, and cheese. How unlike the times they’d shared a simple meal before his capture. He desperately regretted reproaching her for marrying the master before having a chance to reconcile.

Sarah poured steaming tea and placed a full plate before him. “Time to talk. What are we to do? We loved and needed each other once. Now I am a widow, a mother with children to protect, and a farm to run. I was made to marry our master, though I admit, it was not against my will. Thinking you dead, I feared my fate with no protection. This is a hard place to be a bondswoman with no one to defend me. I truly grieved you, but did what I had to do. Even the reverend insisted I marry Wharton. What are we to do? Now I have children to consider, Jamie is yours by birthright, though Wharton accepted him. The girls are truly Wharton’s.”

Andrew broke in. “We were truly married. I am your one true husband. I’ve never stopped loving you. All I could think of was escaping and getting back. I feared for you every hour I was gone.”

Just then, Rosemarie rushed in. “Make haste! Aggie sent me.! It’s Bartles!”