Chapter 7
Charles sat on the bed with his forearms resting on his knees. Anxiety seemed to twist around his throat and swell within the confines of his chest as he awaited her return. Still, even after the recent apparent amelioration of their renewing relationship, the fear of her somehow leaving and deciding not to return still lay heavy and burdening within him. The sight of her coming through the door with little Charles in her arms, therefore, made for a great relief. She flashed him a small yet lovely smile that gripped his heart in a startlingly different way than the worry had.
"I think he missed you," Elsie said as she sat down beside Charles and carefully placed their son into his open arms.
Charles had the sudden urge to hold both of them together in his arms but was certain it was still too early for such an advance, or even the mere suggestion of it, toward her. She did not miss the tiredness in Charles' eyes and in his movements as he smiled at the baby and gently held him against his chest where he seemed to belong. Even little Charles released a great yawn as he rested his chubby cheek against his father's shoulder.
"It looks like someone is ready for his nap," Elsie laughed softly.
"As am I," Charles replied, giving a yawn that matched his son's.
She smiled at him before she slipped off the bed to her feet.
"You two go ahead and get in bed. I just need to check with Helen that everything is running smoothly without me."
"You will come back, won't you?" he asked, giving her a weak half smile.
The tone of his voice was teasing, but part of him was relieved to finally speak the fear that had been gnawing at him for so long.
Elsie turned back on her heel to face him again.
"Why wouldn't I?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.
He shrugged, uncertain of how to explain.
She paused for a moment as she began to understand his fear. When she spoke, she did so adamantly, making certain that he did not doubt her meaning; she had no intention of leaving him now.
"I'm not going anywhere.
To be continued
