Later in the afternoon, Roxton, Ned, Challenger and Finn had taken the boys out hunting. Abby had wanted to go, not to be left out, but her mother reminded her how much she hated hunting. Which, she did... just didn't want to be left behind.
Roxton looked over at Ned, an amused expression on his face, several times as they walked through the jungle.
"Oh, what?" Ned asked, confused.
"Nothing, nothing..." Roxton shrugged, a smirk still on his face. "Just find it amusing is all, for all your bluster about us being hovery, the little mini-fit you throw about your daughter dressing like a girl."
"Your daughter is not wearing a dress like that." Ned reminded a bit sourly. "She's wearing a cute little sundress- that reaches her calves."
Roxton shrugged. "Not from here, and... well, still a baby."
"Exactly, so's Abby." Ned shot back. "I don't want boys... noticing..."
"She's nine, they won't." Roxton assured. "Besides, who does she even see?"
"Can I ask you boys something?" Finn asked softly, deciding to interrupt before Ned had a chance to answer.
"Sure, Finn." Ned nodded.
"I was thinking... about what you said, Ned, about getting pregnant but not having to marry..."
Ned nodded.
"I'm wondering how I'd even go about that."
"Finn, you're a big girl by now, I think if you don't know it, it's too late to tell you." Roxton said, slightly flustered.
Finn rolled her eyes. "Not that part, silly. I mean... choosing. How do I choose, and how can I be sure he won't want to be a part later?"
'Well, that's not something you can be sure about." Ned told her. "Unless he just doesn't know."
Finn looked thoughtful. "But, how can I choose, if I'm not looking for love?"
"Well, that's not an easy task, m'dear; you're going to be looking for physical traits, I would assume, personality, talents, intelligence, ahem, ah... access..." George said, getting flustered himself towards the end of the conversation.
"Shouldn't you talk to the girls about this, Finn?" Ned asked.
"No." Finn said, shaking her head. "Vee told me it was sad not to choose for love, and I think even Marguerite has gotten soppy and sentimental since marrying Roxton and popping out all those kids."
"She'd be annoyed at that description." Roxton said with a grin.
Finn grinned back. "I know... but, I think Challenger has the right idea, actually... too bad I can't get traits from all of you boys." she said. "I mean, Challenger's wicked brilliant, Roxton's all strong and manly... and Ned's got the sensitive writer's soul. Though, you bothhelped make some gorgeous kids."
"I, ah, think you can thank my wife for that bit." Roxton smiled. "All three of mine look like their Mum made over, which is what I wanted. You know, perhaps yours will look like you?"
Finn nodded. "Maybe..."
Tommy, suddenly beside his father, reminded him that he, Avery and Morgan were still there. "Too bad you can't adopt a Zanga baby, Auntie Finn."
Everyone looked at him, startled.
"Tommy, this is grownup talk..." Ned chuffed.
"Well, maybe, but I was just thinking about how those five Zanga villagers died a few weeks ago during that storm, and two of 'em were in the middle of having babies. And, now the babies don't have mommies."
"Yes, but I'm sure they have daddies?" Ned reminded.
Tommy shrugged. "I dunno. I'm not sure."
"Well-" Ned began, but then he heard a frantic shout from Morgan, about four feet ahead...