DECEMBER 17, 1861

Gabie stomped her foot in anger. “I stay up. No nap.” With a frown, she watched Caly.

Caly sighed as she remembered Michael being this stubborn at her age. “Gabie please, I need to start to pack up things for when I move into my house.” She saw the fear in the little girls eyes.

“Come here Gabie.” She picked up the little girl and went to the window. As she moved the lace curtain to the side, she said, “See that house on the hill. That's where Buck and I are going to live. We won’t be far.”

Gabie could barely see the house from the window, but she knew Caly loved her. “Promise no leave.”

The older woman smiled. “Right I will still be with you during the day. We won’t be moving to sometime after Christmas.” The little girl nodded. “tay.” She hugged her big sister.