Page 58 of Kissing Kin

“Ramon was her second”—Rosie drew a deep breath—“or some speculate he was her first legal husband…” Tapping her nose with her finger, she gave a deep nod.

“You mean—”

“Rumors say she had Mateo’s child out of wedlock.”

“So maybe Ramon wasn’t our great-great-grandfather.” Tilting his head, he half shrugged. “Maybe Mateo was.”

“No, after receiving word of his death, she went into labor. The baby was premature and lived only a few days. Back then, they had no neonatal wards. People just did the best they could.” Her shoulders slumping, Rosie trailed her fingers over the rocker’s decorative trim. “According to family stories, Marianna slept in this chair, rocking the baby night and day until he…expired.”

“How sad.” I bunched my lips. Then the words sank in. “Wait. This rocker?”

“This very one.”

I sucked in my breath. Air vent or no air vent, something’s weird about this chair.

“So, Marianna lost Mateo and then lost his baby?” Luke hooked his thumbs under his arms.

“I didn’t say that.” Rosie shook her head.

“But Mateo died, right?” Shrugging, he spread his arms. “Why else would she marry Ramon?”

“A few weeks before the Rough Riders disbanded, she received a letter of condolence, saying Mateo had died of typhoid fever. She took the news hard and refused to eat.”

“Young, pregnant, and alone—the news must’ve been devastating.” I sympathized across time.

“The details are lost to history”—Rosie pressed her lips together—“but Marianna married Ramon when he returned from the war.”

“So, Marianna did lose Mateo.” Frowning, Luke leaned against the desk.

“No.” Rosie vehemently shook her head.

“But you just said—”

“She received word that he’d been killed. Then six weeks after she married Ramon, she got another letter…from Mateo. He’d been delirious from typhoid fever but had recovered and was coming home.”

“Whoa!” Luke jerked back his head.

“Yeah.” Rosie stifled a sigh. “Imagine Marianna’s dilemma.”

“What thoughts went through Ramon’s head?” Luke stared at the chair. “Did he know Mateo was alive? Did he deliberately marry Marianna under false pretenses, or was he in the dark like everyone else?”

Shrugging, Rosie gazed at the rocker “If only this chair could talk…what would it say?”

“Keep your options open?” Luke chuckled as he echoed his aunt’s earlier words.

“No, wise guy, think of the tales this chair could tell.”

“And you said this was Marianna’s hope chest?” I fingered its smooth wood.

“Yes. As I recall, your great-great-grandfather Ben made it.” Rosie nodded, then glanced at her watch. “But I’m late for work.” Starting for the door, she gestured to the sack. “Hope the tacos are still warm. If not, wrap them in a wet paper towel and reheat them for ten seconds in the microwave.” She hugged Luke, then hugged me.

“Thank you for breakfast.” I gave her a warm squeeze.

“And the family history.” Luke grabbed the sack and opened the door.

I picked up the pup and waved goodbye as we walked to Luke’s. “Your aunt’s such a sweetie.”

“She’s been a second mother since my mom died.”

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