D'Artagnan gazed out from the balcony overlooking the newly rebuilt garrison training ground, taking in all the sounds and smells around him. Horses whinnying in their stables as the stable boys fed them their hay and carrots, Dogs barking in the nearby Paris streets.
He began to think back to all the memories he and his brothers had shared, the missions they'd been on, the hard fought times against Richelieu, Rochefort and most recently Grimaud. Also all the laughter and teasing they'd all shared whether it had, the next time Porthos was going to cheat at cards, how much wine Athos was going to drink this time and which flirty, hourglass figure was going to attract Aramis's eye this time?
He now of course had new things to think about. Aramis, Porthos and now even Athos had all had experience a new baby. How was he going to feel when his and Constance's new arrival came along? There was always that sense of nervous excitement. He couldn't wait to touch, cuddle, hug and embrace their child. Hold them as if he'd never let them go.
But then there was also a sense of worry. Would his child grow up to be as impulsive as he was? Would there ever be times when they'd overestimate things? He knew he was in denial now.
"Hello my handsome hero" said a voice behind him. He turned and saw Constance with a lovable look on her face. She touched the leather on his arm and embraced him. "What you thinking about?" she asked giving him a little wink. "Oh nothing really" he replied "Just..the future."
As they stood there together, they could hear thunder rolling in the distance and feel the first drops of rain begin to fall. D'Artagnan held onto the crucifix around his neck, and sent a silent prayer to God that he would always be a great musketeer, a great captain and eventually, a great father.