Chapter 11

It was months later, in the spring of the following year, when Merv Gaucin got his usual weekly letter from Felicia.

Darling Merv, Guess what. Daddy. You're going to be a grandfather. Isn't that the greatest news? I just found out for sure today, and you're the first to know. Ernesto is having a meeting tonight and isn't home yet. Of course I told him that I thought I was pregnant, and we've already picked out the baby's name, if it's a boy. How does Elon Merv Armijo grab you, sweetheart?

I hope you don't mind taking second place in the name, because you know how much Ernesto looked up to Elon, and he is taking his place in the movement. Now don't fuss at me. I usually go to the meetings, too, and do my share of picketing and everything I can to help my wonderful husband in his very important work. But the doctor's office was crowded and I didn't get home in time to make this one.

Since your articles, and now that Scarboro and Coons are in prison, we Chicanos are really making great strides in this county. We've got a local union started too, and who do you think they elected president? None other than your son-in-law. Nobody would even run against him. That's how much everybody wanted Ernesto to be their leader all the way. Isn't that terrific? And he's getting a salary, too, almost enough for us to live on.

I'm so happy, Merv. You couldn't believe how happy! And speaking of happiness, I'm truly glad to hear that you're getting serious about a woman. You need a wife. Every man does, you know. From what you told me, I think I'm going to like Isobel. I'm looking forward to meeting her. Come see us, and bring her, why don't you? We only have the one bedroom, but the couch we bought at the Salvation Army makes into a bed. You won't recognize this little house the next time you see it. We've scrubbed and painted inside and out.

Ernesto put on a new roof and I've made fancy curtains for all the windows. It's really nice. We're getting a rug for the living room soon. You've got to see the house, Daddy. Come down soon as you can, please.

Ernesto's doing great with his correspondence courses, and I'm doing all right with mine, too. I don't have to help him any more. He's awfully smart, you know? And grateful, too. He said to be sure and thank you again, because we never could have afforded them on our own for a long time and he's really looking forward to getting his high school diploma.

Daddy, don't worry about me or send any more money, okay? Ernesto and I don't have a lot of things, but we love each other, and we're making it. We're both getting some work hoeing weeds in the new cotton and carrot fields, and now that Ernesto is getting a salary from the union we'll get on just fine. We've got big plans for the future, too. Ernesto wants to expand the new union all over this part of the state, and I'm going to help him do it, in every way I can. I know we've got a long hard row to hoe ahead of us, but it's worth it.

I think I'll close for now, darling. Ernesto came in while I was writing this. He's sort of horny. He's kissing me on the neck right now, and feeling me up all over. Oh my, now I know I've got to close. It's almost impossible to concentrate with my sweet husband's tongue in my ear and fingering my pussy.

Love you, Daddy. Take care of yourself and come see us soon.

Kisses, Felicia