Elizabeth thought that her father was right —Samuel was turning out to be more 'American' than 'English'. Ethan's biggest concern for his son was the fact that the boy might never learn to be a gentle man and might get kicked out of every social gathering in England, and Elizabeth could certainly see that taking place.

“I will find your brother,” Gretchen sighed. “And try to pin him down long enough to get a suit on him.” She waved her hands in the air in surrender and began making her way out of the bedroom door.

True to her words, an hour later, Samuel was standing at the foot of the stairs with everybody as Ellie made her grand entrance down the stairs. Gretchen had managed to get Samuel's curly red hair to slip, and while the six year old looked completely uncomfortable in clothes that didn't have mud stains, he appeared tamed... for now.

Elizabeth's eyes moved from her brother to her father who stood there with a proud smile on his face. It was difficult to see clearly, but a few strands of gray stained Ethan's black hair. He wore an older version of Samuel's black suit design and stood with a hand around Samuel's shoulders in an obvious attempt to keep Samuel from running off again.

Turning to her mother, Elizabeth's gaze lingered on Gretchen a while longer —she adored her mother, she thought as she stood on the stairs. While she knew she most likely was going to fall in love with a man someday, she couldn't help but think her love for Gretchen would always be the greatest; she would always have that bond with Gretchen. Even now, as she stood staring at her mother, she recognized the fear that clouded her mother's eyes —it was the fear of losing her.

Continuing her descent down the stairs, Elizabeth's eyes remained locked with Gretchen's. She reached the foot of the stairs, pausing before Gretchen.

“I love you, Mama,” She whispered, a small smile tugging on the edges of her lips as she stared down at her mother. “You're not about to lose me.”

Gretchen took a step forward then, her hand coming to rest on her cheek. “Did I ever tell you your first word was 'Mama'?”

Her smile broadened as she nodded.

A tear made its way down Gretchen's face. “My breath literally ceased the first time you said that. You were such a tiny baby —nine months.” She giggled. “But the weeks that followed, every time I heard you call me 'Mama', my breath always ceased. Even now Ellie,” She pulled her eyelids shut and took a breath. “My breath ceases.” She opened her eyes as a smile settled on her lips. “I just realized something,” she said, her eyes twinkling.

Confused, she quirked a brow in question.

Gretchen giggled once more and leaned forward. “You will find love in a man and he will eventually be your husband,” Her smile broadened. “But, I'll always be your mama.”