From that day forth, things were quite interesting, to say the least. From the drive to exchanging numbers with shaky nerves, to texting and casual calls about anything in the late night, to walks around the city and parks and evenings together over anything that struck their fancy that night. Sharing stories and small secrets with one another to even holding hands in the brisk Canadian days, things just seemed to go so fast from that day. And Matthew couldn't stop smiling about it.

She was like a breath of fresh air that he didn't realize he had lost. So much life and vitality that it kept him on his toes, wondering what would come out of her next as they ventured into the open land he called home. She really marveled him and spending time with her was what he enjoyed most. Hearing her speak about her family, her home country and the people she had helped just gave him such hope and adoration to her that he found himself becoming more smitten with her each day.

And that day was no different, well except the sudden bursting of his front door and Alfred bombarding in.

"Dude, come on, it's just a few hours. It's important." the man whined.

"Al, I have plans."

"Please Mattie, look at that face." he said holding up Liberty, "How can you say no to it."

"It's not the fact I'm saying no, it's the fact it's so sudden."

"Alfred." he heard Amber warn, "Outside with Libby for a moment."

Grumbling out the door, he watched as his niece smiled at him and ask her father what he was doing just for Amber's hand to land on his shoulder.

"Look Mattie. I know you have plans, but this is serious." she stated, "It involves the reservations between here and the US, and possibly Genesis as well. I wouldn't ask you for this if it wasn't serious."

Oh, well, in that case, it was a bit different, "Alright, maybe I can switch things up a bit."

Before he could do or say anything, he felt Amber's fingers wrap around his neck, pulling him to face her as her blues sharpened at him, "There's someone isn't there?"

How in the world? "Maybe."

Amber smiled widely at him, "Aw Mattie, that's great really."

"Thanks, hun."

"Well, why not tell her you have an unexpected visitor to bring along and just need to change somethings up for her." Amber smiled, "Most women love kids Mattie, it'll be a plus in her book."

Well, she wasn't wrong in that case and he knew Marissa loved kids, "Ok, I'll tell her that."

"Thanks, Matthew." she kissed his cheek as she went to the door, "Oh and I won't tell Alfie about her either until you are ready."

"You are a godsend you know that?" he smiled at her.

"So I'm told." she gave a small wink and left him in the room as Liberty bounced in.

A shout from Alfred was his cue that he and Amber were leaving as the tot gripped onto his leg. Well, there went that idea for the day. Quickly pulling his phone out, he sent a quick message to Marissa of his little visitor and what they could possibly do.

"A Maddie?" he heard her call out.

"Yes, Libby?"

"What we do 'day?" those sparkling blues tore at him as a mix of emotions overcame him.

"Well, I'm not sure yet. Uncle Mattie was going to have a friend around for a little bit and go around town but I don't know what now-"

He was cut short as sharp knocks came to the door. Was she really that early? Making his way over, the strawberry blonde waves caught his eye as she seemed to be bouncing outside his door. Opening the wooden piece, there was Marissa looking like a child in a candy store. Her eyes lit to life with excitement as a cheshire grin was plastered on her face.

"Hello Mattie." she said, nearly giddy.

"You seem quite happy." as he took her hand and removed her coat.

"Aren't I always." she beamed, "Plus you said you had a visitor. And the only little visitor you've told me about is your niece, so where is she?"

"A Maddie?" he heard Liberty called out as she rounded the corner, seeing Marissa, "Ooh, pwetty lady."

The squeal that left Marissa eased his worries as she dropped down to her knees, "Oh, aren't you just darling!"

Of course, Libby wasn't far from excitement either, "Can you pway with us?"

"Of course, I'd love to play with you and Mattie." Marissa smiled as she lifted her up, "What's yer name?"

"I'm Liberty."

"Well, it's nice to meet ya Liberty. I'm Marissa."

"You sound funny, like un Ally."

"Who?"

"Oh, Allister." Matthew intervened, half afraid of what the child would spill, "One of my family members from Europe."

"Oh, the Scotsman, right? Ya spoke about him before, how he likes Nova Scotia better than most of the Northern Americas."

"That's Allister."

"Yep!" Libby added in.

"Alright there petit aigle, why don't you go get the box I have for you and we can decide what to do first."

"I want outside!"

"Outside, already, but Miss Marissa just got here."

"Pwease Maddie." she gave that damn puppy face to him, "Daddy don't like cold, you do."

"That is true."

"Oh why not Matthew, a little fresh air does wonders to all that are in it." she leaned closer to him, "It tires wee ones out, that's for sure."

Oh, now he really couldn't say no, "Alright, grab your mittens and hat."

With a light whoop, the tot ran off for her things, leaving Matthew with Marissa for just a brief second, "Thank you, Marissa."

"Don't mention it. I told ya before I love kids, been wanting to see the little one ya speak of." she replied, "Besides, it ain't a lie about cold air and children. Play her out for a bit and she'll be napping for a good while before mam and da come to get her."

"That's if they do tonight."

"Oh?"

Matthew sighed, knowing she would have to know what he and Alfred do to a point, "You know I'm part of the government right?"

"Aye, I do."

"And so is Alfred and my sister-in-law Amber. Well, Libby was dropped off in a hurry due to issues with the reservations and government meetings with the US."

Marissa nodded, "I'm guessing it's about that group that is becoming a nuisance?"

All Matthew could do was nod at her. It wasn't hard to figure out, but it wasn't something he wanted to drag her in either.

"Hey." he felt her hand on his shoulder, his eyes finally meeting hers, "Thank you for telling me. I'm glad you trust me like that."

"I don't want you to think I'm hiding from you."

"And I'm thankful for that. You are more truthful than most people today. Which, in my book, is a good plus on you." she smiled as she placed a soft his on his cheek.

Dear lord, he knew he was a blushing mess but that was the greatest thing he ever experienced with her. Her giggles caught his ears, evidence of his embarrassment on him as she went to help Liberty ready for the outside.

As his fingers traced the spot she kissed, his heart and mind were a fighting mess. He wasn't truthful to her, not by a long shot. And that was starting to kill him. He hated the fact he hid the knowledge of his true identity and being, the fact that he was older than seemed and, well, immortal to boot. He just couldn't drag her in that world.

Sage came to his nose as the gentle caress of his mother's hand graced his cheek. Of course, when the time was short, she would want to talk. Slinking away to the kitchen, he leaned against the shelf and relaxed his mind, and there he found her.

"My boy. As quiet as you are, you are almost just as stubborn as your brother. Marissa is here for reasons my child, let her into this world slowly. I will help her the rest of the way. Be strong, and things will be guided into place."

The familiar scent left him as he felt tears prick his eyes once more. He felt weak at times when he felt himself buckle after speaking with her, but there were times it was just too much on him. He missed her. Deeply. And every time she would talk to him or vice versa, it brought tears to him. Yet as he collected himself, her voice rang in his head. Marissa was there for reasons, the question was, what reasons?

A happy giggle and motherly laugh caught him as the two came into the kitchen, "A Maddie, all weady."

"Matthew?" he heard Marissa question, "You alright?"

He looked up at her, seeing the concern in her starlit blues, "Yea just thinking. You set to go outside, Libby?"

"Yes!" she ran for the door as Marissa came up to him.

"Matthew, what's the matter, ya got tears on ya." she pushed.

Matthew gave her a small smile, "Just thinking how you remind me of my mother."

"Oh, I'm sorry darling, I didn't mean to-"

"I know, it was just the moment that caught me." he said taking her hand in his, "Alright, let's get going before it's too late out."

"I told ya she'd tire out." Marissa smiled as the tot's head laid in her lap, "Fresh air does wonders."

"That it does." she heard him reply, "Waiting for her foot to land somewhere."

Marissa chuckled at him as she saw the toddler's heels laying against his lower half, "Then move them, goofy."

Carefully as possible, he moved her little legs to cross over his and protect his family jewels, causing a small giggle from her as Liberty stirred slightly in her sleep. This was what any doctor would prescribe to melt troubles away. Good friends, happy homes, and a child full of wonder and awe, something she wanted her grandfather to experience once more.

"Would it be wrong of me to ask if she could visit me place one day?" she asked Matthew.

"I don't see why not." Matthew replied, "They don't mind her being here and I could probably place it as wanted alone time for them."

"No other sitters huh?"

"No, just me unless family from across the ocean visits. Then I won't see here for she'll be tangled up with all of them."

Marissa laughed, "Big family then?"

"Oh, yea. Quite big."

"What countries if ya don't mind me asking?"

"Well, Allister is from Scotland and the twins Carine and Connor, well they're a bit tougher for neither one is sure where they were born. Conner says Wales while Carine says Ireland, but you can't reason with them." Matthew explained as he continued, "Then we have Logan who is from New Zealand and Jett from Australia, and Arthur is from England. Those are the family we see right off."

"Wow, ya got a brood there. Can't imagine the holidays."

"They're hectic at times but with Juliet and Amber, it's calmed down."

Marissa laughed, "Let it be known that a woman can put a man in his place."

"Oh, you have no idea." Matthew chuckled. "Since Liberty was born and the girls came in, they all calmed down with them around. I think it was a breath of ease for Carine."

"Yer family seems quite homey." she awed over his words of them, wondering the love behind it.

"We are. If one is in trouble, we're not far behind to help them up."

"A good, strong family then."

"Are you ok?"

Marissa's head snapped in his direction, seeing the concern lay in those sweet violet eyes. Was she that obvious that her family bothered her? Was what Sage saying about her true?

"Aye, I am. Just thinking."

"Alright, I have a question for you."

"Bring it on." she smirked at him, gaining a small chuckle from him.

"Hardest case you've ever had to deal with in your profession. I know laws stop you from saying things as name and more but just the basic background and time is what I'm angling for."

Well, that was unexpected. She had multiple cases that would've worked in this matter but one came to mind that she knew would work best.

"Well, it was a bit back but the girl came from a messed up home. Luckily, she barely remembered any of it with a conscious mind. Very few things stuck out to her and when it did, she'd ask what was happening and it was explained lightly not to frighten her but for her to understand that bad things were done. According to papers, it took nearly two years for her family to gain custody of her. So many accusations and reports yet not much was done until it was almost too late. Found her parents trying to sell her in the markets for extra drugs and more, when it didn't work, they took it out on her. Scars were explained and moments, where times were fuzzy, helped to get her through the days. It was a lot of work I'll say." Marissa spoke of the child, "I'll tell ya, she had a head on her shoulders. Knew what she wanted to do with life and to repay the people that helped her through it all. Then her grandmother fell ill. She pulled herself back and saw the woman that helped raise her, deteriorate into nothing of the woman before. Finally found out it was Alzheimer's. And that is a bitch."

"Marissa?" she heard Matthew's voice call to her.

"Yes Mattie?"

"Why do I have a feeling that the girl is you?"

Bollocks, he was smarter than she thought, "Why do ya think that?"

His hand gently rested on her cheek as his thumb wiped away small tears she didn't realize were falling, "Either the child really meant a lot or you are reliving memories."

She couldn't help but lean her head against his hand, that deep woodsy smell coming from his skin, "Yer right. It was me."

Looking back into those eyes, she saw a small, caring smile as he nodded for her to continue. "It's true Matthew. I don't remember my parents much. Here and there I'd get pieces but that was all. I'd always touch my scars and marks, asking my nan and granda what they were. Of course, they were slightly honest, not wanting to frighten me with the whole truth but enough for me to understand, always something bad. That they took me away from the bad things. Finally, when I was about ten or so they broke down and told me the full truth. Me mam and da were in the world of drugs and heavy alcohol, taking their rage out on me as a babe. Either smacking me around or putting their cigarettes out on me, name it they probably did it. Took me grandparents almost two years to gain me and when they did they made sure they'd never have me see them again.

"It was harsh. I always looked down at myself. Everyone around me had parents and well, I was alone. I was picked on due to the scars that were visible and of course my weight. I was the chubby girl in school as they would say. Me granda always got mad when I told them what they said, but never in front of me. He would just smile along with me nan and say that I was made to be this way and smile about it. I was stronger than most of them in other ways besides my body, I had my brain. They'd always pull a magazine with some sort of skinny model way too thin to be breathing and ask me if I thought she looked healthy. I always replied no. Not that it was forced, but the fact was you could see every bone on her and to the world that was beauty. Didn't help that I went in his old pictures of the war as well. He went to a camp one day, liberated it from the Nazis and the pictures he had...well I'll let you go from there. But that's how it was in my home. Until nan got sick."

Marissa paused slightly as she smoothed out Liberty's hair, letting out a heavy sigh, "She would randomly forget things, things she never did before. Got confused easily and lost as well. I can remember him arguing with the doctors that they were wrong about his Katheleen. That she was just fine but the facts were there before him. The more days went by, the more it was evident, right to the point we had to place her in a home. It was Alzheimer's. We went to visit one day, nothing out of the ordinary, just our usual lunch and walk with her. Walked in to see her looking out the window, of course, granda couldn't stop himself to kiss her head like usual as whisper the nickname he gave her. When she turned around I knew it wasn't like before, her face was just twisted with fear and anger and confusion. 'Who the hell are you?' Nurses came into calm her down and finally, it seemed that she was coming back around to remember bits and pieces, but for him, the damage was done as it was before him."

"Never in me life did I ever see the man cry. I heard from nan that he did when he learned what his only son did to his granddaughter and the fact that he even had a grandchild, but it was something I never expected nor wanted to witness. That night was quiet at the table. Not a word said or motion for anything. He went to their room and opened up their wedding trunk and pulled out her things, one being the dress she married him in. It was there that I watched him break down and cry. That his sweet Katheleen was no more the woman he remembered. After that day I was determined to do whatever I could to help them both out, no matter the cost. Two years, she was in that place and just getting worse and worse as I was trying to get myself farther in all my studies and away from it all to help them both. I missed it by a day. The day I learned that my final grade was going to set me off for everything I wanted was the day I ran into the room and saw my granda clutching my nan's hand, crying as the nurse gave a sympathetic pat on his back. I was right there, but not enough.

"Soon after that, he started to have breathing problems and his sugar was spiking out of control. I knew he had diabetes when I was younger, can still to this day here nan giving him an ear full when he ate that shortbread one year, but it was worse. Then came the diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, it might as well have been a death sentence for the destruction behind it. But as we see today, the two of us are here in Canada, still healthy and kicking with all our issues."

"Oh wow Marissa, I'm sorry you had to go through all that."

"Oh nonsense." she stated, "I think it's good that I speak about it. I know people think I use my past as a clutch towards things but in reality, I just rather people realize what they have in front of them before it's-"

"It's too late." he finished for her.

"Right." she glanced over at him, "Seems like you know as well."

"I do." he sighed, "Our mother, Al's and mine. We were so focused on other things and what people said that we lost sight of her and what she taught us. Now we regret never getting the chance to give her what she truly needed. Her boys."

"Oh, Mattie." Marissa pulled him closer, "If what ya said about yer mother to me earlier is true, then she is damn well proud of you both."

"Thank you."

A sleepy yawn caught their ears as Liberty rubbed her eyes, greeting them with a bubbly smile, "Uh-oh, I nap."

"That ya did."

"A good one at that."

Her big toothy grin struck Marissa's heart as she awed over her, "I hungy."

"You're hungry child." Marissa tapped her nose, "What do ya want to eat?"

"Pancake!"

"Pancakes? It's past noon, who makes pancakes in the middle of the day?"

"A Maddie!"

"Hey now, don't rat me out like that." he smiled at her as he tickled her belly.

"Ya know what, my granda had food over at my place. Would ya like to have a real Scottish dish?"

"Ew 'agis." Liberty's nose scrunched up.

"Oh no darling, he won't make that. If I know him it's something you'll like very well along with yer mam and da too. Gotta have a healthy girl."

"Okie." she darted off their laps as she ran to gather her things up.

Marissa felt a peck grace her cheek as Matthew kissed her, "You are amazing, you know that?"

She couldn't help but blush at the man as he smiled down at her. As his smile rested in her heart, she saw her dreams fly by, each woman awed with the same man, the very one that seemed to be in front of her. A part of her was saying she was stark-raven mad, while the other told her to hand onto him for dear life. And hang on was what she was going to do.

"Not the first time I've heard that."