A/N: Good evening everyone :D How's summer going? Over here it's been super busy, but good :) Hope you're all having a good week, and that you enjoy this new chapter.
Stardust related: I know I'm soooooo late to post the Epilogue but don't you despair. It's not forgotten, just delayed (lots delayed).
Thank you all for your patience and support xXx
Disclaimer: Same as chapter 1-10.
My darling John,
I can't find the right words, and I doubt I ever will, to describe the love and joy that this letter carries all the way to you.
Our child was born, John, last night, and I can't begin to tell you how much light the little one has brought to my life. Our lives.
Oh my love, you have to come home soon, to meet our baby, our son. We have a son, John, a little boy. He has made me fall in love with you all over again, and the love I feel for him...is something I can't even put into words. But you'll know, when you come back to us and look at him and see half of you in his eyes, his chin, and his cheeks. He's a big boy, little dark hair, long fingers and toes, a frown on his brow ever since the minute he was born. It reminds me of you, and you know why. Your mother says he looks exactly like you when you're born and I believe her every word.
He's perfect, John. Perfect. He hasn't cried much, eats so well, loves to be in my arms, to be rocked and sung to. He's a bit of a fussy sleeper though, but that I can manage that.
If only you were here to witness this miracle. I prayed so much for you to come home in time and I can't help but feel a bit disappointed that you're not here. But I know that you can't, I know there's something stronger keeping you away from us, and I know as soon as you're able to join our family you will do so. And we will wait. We're waiting, my love.
I'm going to name him Samuel, a name I know you carry in your heart, and I do hope he'll be as a great man as your father was. And of course, he'll have your name too. Samuel John, after two wonderful men.
Now, he sleeps as I write. His soft breathing makes me feel so much closer to you. I understand now, what everyone kept telling me. A child is no replacement but it helps. Helps to overcome, helps to try to find happiness among darkness again. Knowing that without you, our baby wouldn't be here, and that makes my heart settle in my chest. And knowing that he's here with me, makes me believe in your return even more. A miracle with another miracle, isn't that what your mother says? Hope. Above all else, a child is hope.
We're waiting, my love. Mother, Samuel and I.
We're waiting for your love and care, for your stories and your teachings, for us to grow old as our son grows bigger. For our family to grow together.
With all our love,
Anna and Samuel Bates.
xxx
'What's the matter, darling?' She whispered to her son as the baby began to fuss on small the basket she used to carry him around; a second without him was something unthinkable to her, not when the other half of her was away, so far, so...unknown.
The night outside brought a freezing mist, but the cold wouldn't stop her from performing her routine;day and night, looking out of the living room window, a shawl around her shoulders, the small lamp on, the fire still going strong. That street corner. If only she focused hard enough, maybe it would come true.
'You can't be hungry already, can you?'
She picked the little babe up and rocked him gently against her chest, telling him how much he meant to her. In that very moment, the newborn boy looked up to his mother, his eyes fixed, his expression a serious one.
'You do look like your daddy with all those frowns.' She giggled softly, running a gentle hand along his head. 'We'll have him home soon, my Samuel. I promise you.'
And with her soothing words, the boy closed his eyes into a sigh. He wouldn't cry again so soon. And neither would his father round that street corner...not just yet.
Thank you for reading :)
