Finally Home
Chapter forty
Watching his son, Christopher sighed with relief. Although the boy’s eyes were a bit wide as the Whickerton clan swarmed around him, there was a look of awe upon his face that spoke of finding one’s dreams come true…
…and oneself unable to believe it.
Sebastian’s hand tightened upon Christopher’s, and he looked up for reassurance. “All is well,” Christopher assured his son. “I know they’re a bit loud and wild,” he cast a wicked grin at the Whickertons, “but they mean well.”
Laughter followed, and while Lord and Lady Whickerton as well as their sons-in-law hung back, the sisters had no such qualms. Soon, Sebastian was kneeling on the floor next to Samantha and Harriet, trying to get Biscuit to speak.
Occasionally, the parrot would oblige them, whereas at other times he would lift his head rather haughtily and all but roll his eyes.
“He’s a charming boy, Christopher,” Lady Whickerton told him with a gentle pat of the hand, a warm smile upon her face. “We are very happy to welcome him into our midst.”
“Thank you,” Christopher said, pulling Juliet tighter into his arms as emotions choked his voice. Indeed, those two words did not even begin to convey what he felt. Always had he wanted this for Sebastian—a family proud to call him their own—but feared it would never come to pass.
“So,” Lord Whickerton exclaimed, “when’s the wedding?”
Juliet laughed, a fetching blush coming to her cheeks.
“As soon as possible,” Christopher replied with a chuckle, suddenly impatient to begin this beautiful life he glimpsed upon the horizon.
“I’ll have the banns read as soon as possible,” Lord Whickerton replied with a knowing smile before his gaze moved to his daughter. “You do not know what it means to me,” he glanced at his wife, “to us, to see you so happy.”
Christopher watched Juliet’s eyes dart to Sebastian.
“I think I’m beginning to understand.” Then she sighed and sidled closer to him, taking his hand before drawing him a few steps away from the rest of her family.
“Listen, when Sebastian has settled in, there is…something I need to speak to you about.”
Christopher frowned, for he could see the way Juliet’s teeth dug into her lower lip. She was anxious, and yet the look in her eyes held…hope. What had happened during his absence? “What is it?”
Again, she cast a look in Sebastian’s direction. “I went to speak to your mother.”
Christopher felt his jaw drop. “You did what?” An icy chill traced down his spine. “Why? Why would you…?” He pulled her closer, suddenly concerned. “What did she say? I’m sorry if she was rude to you. You know that my mother has her own opinions.”
Juliet nodded. “I know; however, I thought it best to clear the air before Sebastian arrived.”
Christopher scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I’m grateful you tried,” he whispered, placing a kiss upon her forehead. “Please do not feel bad. My mother is as stubborn as—” The slow smile that curled up the corners of Juliet’s lips gave him pause; yet a hint of sorrow remained in her eyes.
Christopher was confused. Had she broken his mother’s icy exterior or not? Was she glad or disappointed?
“What I need to tell you is not easily said,” Juliet continued, her voice so low that he could barely understand her, especially considering the myriad of voices echoing through the room.
“Perhaps tomorrow we can go outside. I’m sure Harriet will be more than happy to distract the children, and then we can talk. ”
Christopher watched her carefully. “Do I need to worry?” he asked the question lightly, hoping Juliet would simply laugh his concerns away.
She did not. What had she learned from his mother? What had happened? Whatever it was, Christopher doubted that life would ever be the same again once he knew.
Juliet reached up to cup his cheek. “It will not be easy to hear, but it will help you understand, for it’ll answer every question you’ve ever asked yourself.”
Christopher stared at her. “You cannot seriously say something like this and then make me wait until tomorrow,” he exclaimed in a rushed whisper, grasping her left hand and holding it tightly within his own.
“I’m sorry,” Juliet murmured, once more glancing past his shoulder. “I don’t think Sebastian feels comfortable without you yet, and this is something he should not hear.” Sighing, she frowned. “I’m sorry. I suppose I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Reluctantly, Christopher nodded, once more pulling her into his arms. He shifted and looked at his son, who was laughing at something Biscuit had said. Yes, they had finally come home. He could wait a day.
One day was nothing.
Now, he needed to focus on his child.
Fortunately, the rest of the day kept his thoughts well occupied, for it seemed the Whickertons were determined to make up for the years they had spent without Sebastian.
They showed him around their ancestral home, pointing out all the many hiding places the sisters had found and used throughout their lives.
Samantha instructed him how best to slide down the banister in the hall as well as the most opportune moment for sneaking biscuits—for Biscuit or themselves—out of the kitchen.
A stroll before supper led them to the stables and then to the small pond before Samantha and Sebastian disappeared into the nearby grove in search of the perfect tree.
“You’re aware that you’ll have to build them a fort now,” Lord Whickerton asked Christopher, laughing as they watched the two children dart from tree to tree.
Christopher could not say that he minded. It was an adventure he longed for.
Samantha’s father chuckled. “Oh, don’t we all wish we could have had one?” He looked at Christopher. “I’ll help you build it if you like.”
Clasping his future brother-in-law’s shoulder, Christopher nodded. “I’ll appreciate the help.”
Soon, not only Phineas but also Drake and Jack offered their assistance—the last two with a bit of a doubtful expression, though. “Hey, is this a men-only project,” Harriet challenged, “or is everyone invited?”
A wide grin came over Jack’s face as he looked at his wife. “I’ve never known you to need an invitation to do anything.”
Harriet playfully punched him on the shoulder. “Yet an invitation is appreciated,” she told him with a teasingly sweet smile.
Christopher laughed. “Well, then let this be a family project,” he looked down and met Juliet’s eyes, “for Samantha and Sebastian and all of our children yet to be born.”
“Hear! Hear!” Louisa exclaimed; one hand placed gently upon her rounded belly.
Indeed, it was a moment Christopher would never forget.
He breathed in deeply, felt the chilled evening air fill his lungs and let his eyes sweep over the distant horizon, streaks of red and orange and purple lighting up the world.
He saw Sebastian dart in and out of the trees, Samantha close on his heels and laughter spilling from both their mouths.
Harriet and Phineas chased them, pretending to be dragons and other monstrous creatures, making the children shriek with delight.
By the time Sebastian broke away and ran to fling himself into Christopher’s arms, he was panting hard, his face flushed and his eyes aglow in a way that melted Christopher’s heart.
Yes, this was where they were meant to be. This was the family they were meant to have. It had taken them—him!—a long time; yet it had been worth it, every obstacle, every doubt, every moment of despair.
This…was home.