Eugenia's Embrace

"Childbirth?" Eugenia exclaimed.

Drew continued to look down as he spoke. "You know how frail she was, Eugenia," he said quietly. "She hemorrhaged. Nothing could be done about it. She didn't make it through the night."

"Oh, God," Eugenia said, lowering her head into her hands.

"Go ahead and cry," Drew said. "Get it out of your system."

Eugenia swallowed hard and straightened her back to stare stubbornly in Drew's direction once again. "And you and Jessica Marie? How have you been?"

"We've been barely makin' it," Drew said, coughing nervously.

"And what does that mean?" Eugenia said. "I thought you had made your fortune in gambling."

Drew covered his mouth and cleared his throat. He turned his eyes from Eugenia. "I also lost my fortune by gamblin'," he said hurriedly.

"You what?" Eugenia gasped.

"That's right. I'm flat busted. Barely had enough money to take the train here."

"Oh, Drew," Eugenia groaned. "How could you? Especially since you have Jessica Marie to care for."

"I know. Please don't lecture me."

"What are you planning to do now?"

Drew stood up and carried Jessica Marie over to Eugenia. "Would you like to hold her, Eugenia?"

Eugenia's heart skipped a few beats. "May I?"

Drew handed Jessica Marie to Eugenia and waited.

"Jessica, I'm your Aunt Eugenia," Eugenia cooed, taking Jessica Marie's hand in hers, marveling at it. It was so small, so soft, so cold.

"I thought maybe you might be able to help me and my daughter," Drew said thickly. "You could even raise Jessica Marie as your own if you wish."

"My own?" Eugenia said, feeling a trembling begin at her toes. She watched in disbelief as Drew fell to his knees on the floor in front of her. He took her free hand in his. "Eugenia, you know I've loved only you. Even when Elizabeth and I…"

Eugenia jerked her hand free from his. "Drew, stop it," she snapped angrily. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" she asked in a whisper, quickly glancing down at Jessica Marie.

"I'm askin' you to marry me," Drew continued. "I know you still love me. I see it in your eyes."

Eugenia began to laugh nervously. "Drew, you do beat all," she said. "How do you think you can keep doing this to me? It just isn't going to happen again."

"Do you mean to say you won't marry me?"

"Absolutely not."

"But w

hat about Jessica Marie? What's to become of her?"

Eugenia ran her fingers through the tight curls of Jessica Marie's hair. "She'll live here with us," Eugenia purred.

"Us?" Drew stammered.

"Yes. You and Jessica can live here. Until you find employment. And even then Jessica can stay here if you'll let her."

Drew rose, with his shoulders slouched forward. He sighed heavily. "Thank God you do care enough," he said, going to the fire to rest his arm against the mantle.