A Sailor Home From the Sea

He pulled the sea worn cap from his head, awkwardly clutched it in both hands in front of him, and slowly mounted the steps, not sure whether after all this time he should knock or just open the door and enter. He gave a wry smile and mumbled to himself, "Either way yer bound ta get the same reception. Shoulda been here a month ago. Sure ta be getting those sad brown eyes focused on ya regardless." He took a deep breath, reached out, turned the knob, and stepped into the house, for it had never been able to convince him it was home, only the sea held that place in his heart even though this was where the only woman he had ever loved, and surely by now the babe resided.

"Annie?" he called out as he stuffed his cap in his pocket and entered, "Annie yer Bill'd be here." He stood just inside the doorway looking around; a moment later he caught movement from the corner of his eye and turned.

"Annie." He said with a shy smile.

"Oh Bill." The woman answered and then launched herself into his arms.

They laughed as he spun her around in his arms a few times, then setting her feet back on the floor they stood there, he clinging to her like a man drowning, she like she never intended to ever let him go again.

The cry of a baby broke the spell. Annie smiled, "I suppose I should be introducing you to your son then." She took him by the hand and led him into the bedroom and over to a crib sitting near the window, "I think he favors you Bill."

Hesitantly Bill walked over and looked down at the small bundle looking back. He stood there for several minutes staring, then wiping his hand on the front of his shirt several times started to reach out and then drew back.

"Go on Bill, you can touch him, it's alright." Annie said with an encouraging smile.

Bill looked unsurely from the babe to Annie and back, "I'm not sure I should, 'es an awful wee one, big lumberin ox such as meself might break 'em."

Annie gave a little laugh and picked up the child and put him into the arms of his Father, who took him gingerly, an almost panicked look on his face, "He's sturdier than he looks Bill."

Bill looked doubtfully up at Annie, "You're sure I'll not damage 'im?"

"Bill Turner you hold your son, I'll go make us some tea." Annie said firmly then left the room.

He stood there afraid to hold the babe but afraid to move enough to lay him back in his crib. "This is a fine mess I'm in then little one, good thing the boys back on the Majestic can't see old Bill now. They'd be havin quite a laugh over this they would."

At the sound of Bill's voice the babe let out an answering string of coos and gurgles and even what could be a smile as he waved his little fists in the air and looked up into Bill's eyes, and Bill's heart was captured as firmly as it had been captured by his dear Annie.

Annie stopped in the doorway with the tea tray and quietly watched as Bill, who had moved to the rocking chair, cradled his son in his arms and spoke to him of the sea and the adventures they would have together when he was old enough.

The End

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