Chapter Five:

"He's kicking around," Elizabeth shared with a chuckle, her hand gently resting on her stomach as she felt the movements of their unborn child.

Mr. Jenkins with a chuckle of his own, reminiscing about a similar experience with his own family.  "I remember when Rose told me to feel the boys kicking," he shared, his words carrying a sense of nostalgia and fond memories of the precious moments.

James took a few refreshing gulps of his drink before placing the glass on the table next to Elizabeth. 

Glancing at the work awaiting his attention, he turned to her and expressed his intention to complete the tasks and tidy up before starting dinner. "I'll just finish and clean up, then start dinner," he informed her.

"Okay, but you don't need to rush. It's a beautiful day," Elizabeth remarked, gesturing to the pleasant weather and the delightful company they shared.

James acknowledging her words with a nod, before turning back to the work that awaited him.

Mr. Jenkins observed James as he resumed his work, then turned his attention back to face Elizabeth, engaging her in conversation. Curious about the impending arrival of the little one, he inquired, "How long till the little one is welcomed into the world?"

Elizabeth, too, watched James as he focused on his tasks before responding to Mr. Jenkins' question. With a smile, she shared the anticipated due date, 

"A month tomorrow he is due," her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and readiness to embrace the next chapter of their lives as parents.

"Not long now, then," Mr. Jenkins remarked with a warm smile. A chuckle escaped him as he reminisced about his own experiences, sharing a glimpse of his past with a touch of humor. 

"I remember when Rose had Michael, he brought a blessing to my life. I don't think he did to Rose," he chuckled, his affectionate teasing highlighting the joy and challenges of parenthood.

Continuing with his anecdote, Mr. Jenkins shared a lighthearted moment from his past. 

"I jest. When Rose was pregnant with Michael, we waited until he was born to find out if he was a boy or girl and when we found out he was a boy, she was thrilled but I think Rose was hoping for a girl," he chuckled again, recalling the anticipation and hope that surrounded the birth of their children. 

"Having two boys and then a third one" he mused, reflecting on the dynamics of their family and the surprises that parenthood often brought.

Rose and Mr. Jenkins had a long and enduring marriage, spanning over 50 years. Marrying young, they embarked on the adventure of parenthood together, welcoming their three sons into the world over the years. 

Their home, the only house they ever lived in, stood next door to Elizabeth and James.

When Elizabeth and James moved into the neighborhood, Rose and Mr. Jenkins extended a warm invitation for dinner on the very same day, marking the beginning of a friendship that would blossom between the two couples. 

Over time, Elizabeth and James had the opportunity to get to know Rose, forming a genuine and affectionate relationship with her.

Tragically, six months after Elizabeth and James moved in, Rose passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

Attending her funeral, Elizabeth and James had the chance to meet Mr. Jenkins' sons, who continued to support and visit their father in the wake of their mother's passing.

"I'm looking forward to the day he is born into the world," Elizabeth shared, her hand gently rubbing her stomach, excitement building as the due date approached. 

The story shared by the elderly man had stirred feelings of joy and eagerness within her, reminding her of the profound moment that awaited them when their little one would finally arrive.

"That day you'll never forget," Mr. Jenkins responded, his own memories of witnessing the birth of his sons flooding back, bringing a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the conversation. 

Picking up his glass to take a drink, he reflected on the profound experience of witnessing a new life entering the world, a moment that held an unparalleled significance and intensity of emotions.

"It's really something witnessing a life being brought into the world," Mr. Jenkins continued, his words resonating with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the miracle of birth

As they conversed, the sun cast a warm glow over the garden, illuminating the faces of the expectant mother and their elderly neighbor, who shared in the excitement and anticipation of the new life that would soon join their community.