"Yes."

Uncas watched as Alice rose unsteadily to her feet at his answer.

His tone spewed with self-disgust as he finally admitted what had been eating away at him for the past three years. Alice stumbled towards him and he met her halfway, yanking her flush against him. With one arm around her waist, he used his other hand to tilt her chin up so that he could look straight into her eyes.

"I waited for you. My father told me you left but I still waited." Uncas rasped, his velvety baritone sounded like it was being scraped over sandpaper. There was so much fury, yet so much harsh despair in his words that Alice couldn't say a word, and just stood quaking in his embrace, absorbing all his disdain...and pain. His eyes. So much pain in them that Alice felt bile creep up her throat. She had underestimated how much Uncas had loved her then. The only reason why he hurt so horribly now because he had loved her till his last fighting breath, literally, three years ago. Alice had unilaterally destroyed that love.

"Would it have killed you to write a letter? A note?" He continued ruthlessly, ignoring her stricken expression. "I couldn't! I knew if I did, you would respond and I would be on the next steamer back to America! I would come running back to your arms!" Alice burst out, wiping away her tears furiously. Uncas took a step back from her, his arms dropping to his sides, his anger diffused. There was a simmering silence before he enunciated flatly, "Will it be that awful? To come back to my arms?" The poignant sweetness of the question undid Alice. She closed the gap between them and divulged solemnly, "I spent three years dreaming every night of being in your arms, going to sleep in your arms, waking up in your arms."

Uncas felt the his heart twist and squeeze tight at her candid, soul-searing confession. He still didn't know what had kept her from coming back to him earlier - he was certain her brief marriage wasn't the main reason. But then again, it wasn't something he could sweep under the carpet without a care. He wasn't going to just let her waltz back in his life without an explanation. He needed a reason to forgive her for banishing his existence from her life these past three years. He needed to forgive her to consider anything else.

It dawned on Uncas that deep inside, he was afraid. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to forgive her no matter how much he wanted to. He was afraid she could not provide a worthy enough reason for him to forgive her, to take her back if that was what she wished, to mend the broken bridge between them. He simply couldn't, no matter how much reconciled they were on a physical level. Their connection three years ago had been much more than that. As if she read his mind, she lifted one hand to stroke his jaw and whispered despondently, "I'm not asking you to forgive me. I'm asking you to let me make it up to you. As much as I can while I'm able to." While she was still here, was the unfinished, unspoken statement that hovered between them.

Uncas decided in that moment to throw caution to the wind. One couldn't break again a heart already shattered. He challenged coolly, "Make it up to me then." He was daring her to ensnare his heart again, she knew. He couldn't forgive her because she had given him no reason or cause to at this instance, but he was willing to explore a truce with her, which was enough for Alice. She guided his arms to bracket her waist," If I do, will you let me sleep and wake up in your arms?" Before Uncas could recover from that the bittersweet yearning that laced every syllable of her request, she rose on her tiptoes and endeavoured to rob him of his breath by kissing him as if there was no tomorrow. Maybe Alice really felt there was no tomorrow for them.

This time, she led the seduction with that endearing slight awkwardness of hers that Uncas had found irresistible three years ago. He wasn't faring much better now. He felt his iron-clad control slipping as she stroked and caressed him with adulterated delight - she was doing it different tonight. Tonight, she was aiming to re-capture a tiny bit of his heart if she could. She moved sensually atop him, anchored one hand at his nape and demanded quietly, " Look at me." Uncas resisted, turning his head aside even as he grasped her tighter against him with a low, tortured groan that turned her insides to mush.

He still intended to shut her out of his mind and heart, even if he had no qualms with surrendering physically to her. Refusing to give up, Alice angled his head towards her again and clung to his defiant gaze. "Look at me, darling." She pleaded, her fingers twining into his hair. Alice felt his whole body tauten like a bow at her hushed endearment. The only other person she ever called 'darling' was their daughter who inherited his exotic colouring. Alice felt a chill envelop her as she compared how similar their satiny ebony strands felt as Uncas' hair glided over her arm. Her beautiful baby.

Uncas glanced up sharply at Alice as a shudder ran through her - it definitely wasn't caused by pleasure. Her eyes were becoming distant and haunted again... she seemed to be hurtling into one of her nightmares..."No." he ordered as he brought her head down to his and kissed her fiercely, surrounding her with his scalding strength. He wanted to chase away all things that caused her hurt and turmoil. She choked, "I can't...I can't..." Uncas pulled back to look deeply into her eyes, "I missed you." Alice's lips parted in surprise as her eyes began to glimmer with tears. A pair of teardrops rolled down her cheeks and Uncas kissed them away, " I missed you so damn much." Alice tried to smile but more tears fell freely instead, and Uncas kept patiently kissing and licking them away until Alice felt the vestiges of her nightmare slip away. As they began to move together in perfect rhythm, straining towards each other in need, Alice murmured in defeat, "You always know what to do..."

Some time later, Alice felt the bed depress as Uncas got up from the bed. He wasn't staying tonight either. She waited for him to exit the room before throwing off the blanket. As per her standard procedure every night, she stripped the sheets and spread them on the ground. Flopping down and pulling the blanket up to her chin, she buried her face into the pillow. The door creaked open the next second and she heard Uncas' voice above her, "What are you doing?" Alice rolled over to her back and peered at him in the darkness, " Getting ready to sleep."

Without another word, Uncas hoisted her up and planted her in the middle of the bed. He tossed the sheets and blanket after her and hopped onto the bed. Alice was too stunned to react and could only gape at him dumbly as he lay down, pulling her next to him. Her back to his front, he wrapped his arms loosely around her and cooed comfortingly," Sleep." Alice wrangled her head around to look at him, suspicion nagging at her. "You said you dreamt of sleeping and waking up in my arms." he replied to the unspoken question he read in her doubtful expression. He rested his forehead on hers and added, "I dreamt of the same thing too." Alice bit her lip to stop it from wobbling and a ghost of a smile flitted across his harsh features. He tucked her more snugly against him and closed his eyes. Within minutes, they both were asleep.

Alice woke up the next morning with her face pressed into the groove of Uncas' throat. He had stayed with her the entire night. She inhaled his wonderful scent and slowly traced his nose and lips. " I dreamt of the same thing too." Had he really? He had married and from what she heard from Cora, it had been an amicable marriage even if it wasn't a terribly loving one. Was it possible to be with one person and yearn for another? Alice flushed guiltily at her train of thought. It was possible...

Evan walked over to where Alice was, his steps hesitant. They were in the Aunt Maura's garden - it had been one week since the birth of the baby. Alice was recovering well physically and was startlingly composed mentally and emotionally. Too composed, Evan felt. He sat down next to her on the bench, not knowing where to start. He had insisted on seeing the baby when it was born and to say he was astounded was an understatement. "Her father was Indian, Mohican to be exact." Alice offered shortly. Evan nodded, " I guessed as much." After a slight pause, he said, " She was beautiful, Alice." His tone was regretful and sincere.

Alice turned to look at Evan, expecting to see disgust and horror written all over his face. But all she saw was compassion and sympathy. "I lied to you. Why aren't you angry?" Evan sighed, " I admit I was taken back when I first saw her but in the end, a precious life was lost. Nothing else matters." "Thank you." Alice voiced gratefully, then she went on calmly, "I understand if you would like a divorce..." "Alice, I did not marry you because of the baby. I married you because I have affection for you." Evan stated firmly, reaching out to grasp her hand. Alice smiled weakly. But I married you because of the baby, her mind and heart revolted.

For the next few months, Evan and Alice tried their best to resume their normal lives. Unfortunately, rumours started to spread within the community about Alice's baby being a half-breed. Evan was furious and started an investigation and soon found out how the rumours started. The physician who attended to Alice had a little too much to drink at an evening soiree and had blurted out to the other guests about how he had delivered a "brown-skinned baby". It wasn't hard to guess he was referring to Alice. Evan had been adamant about suing the physician but Alice persuaded him not to. "He is telling the truth, " she had pointed out.

One night, Alice stared fondly at Evan, sleeping on the bed next to her. He wanted children and though Alice wasn't against the idea, she was reminded of her inadequacy every time she looked at him. He was such an honourable man and his reputation was being tarnished because of her. But in the deepest recesses of her heart, she admitted she just wanted to be alone. She had envisioned leading a quiet life with her daughter in the country but now that dream was shattered. She sometimes felt some critical part of her had died along with her baby. She just did not care about anything anymore.

Alice fingered the pendant that lay against her skin. Uncas. With their daughter's death, they had lost the last, remaining connection between them. Alice closed her eyes tiredly - she couldn't stay with Evan any longer. It wasn't fair to him that Alice wasn't giving her all to him when he was doing so much for her. The next day, she had a long, serious discussion with Evan. He had protested at first but when he realised Alice had made up her mind, he had no choice but to succumb because he respected her, respected her wishes. " I don't deserve a man like you." Alice said. Evan regarded her kindly, "You left your heart in the Colonies, did you not?" They filed for divorce soon enough and Alice moved back to London.

Back to the present, Alice scrutinised Uncas as he slept, her hands skimming over his shoulders and chest. She had to tell him about the baby. Alice resolved to tell him in a few days - she selfishly wanted to enjoy this spurt of happiness for a little while longer. Just a few more days. She brushed back his hair and his eyes fluttered open. "Good morning." she greeted brightly. He rubbed her bare arm in response and leaned in to drop a brief kiss on her nose. Alice sighed in contentment. She would never tire of such a lovely morning ritual.

The following days passed blissfully as Alice and Uncas maintained their truce. They still led their own lives in the day but spent the evenings snuggled up in front of the hearth before heading to the bedroom after. Uncas continued to sleep through the night with Alice in bed. Both were extremely introverted so while they did chat a little about what happened during the day, they were mostly satisfied just enjoying each other's company in silence. They read together and Uncas embarked on teaching Alice how to whittle ornaments from wood. Their families noticed the improvement in their relationship and were glad. Cora and Nathaniel teased them, but Chingachcook, while happy that they were getting along better, remained thoughtful. He did not know where this relationship was heading in the long-term but his son and the English girl seemed fine with living day to day. But not for long, the elder man predicted. They wanted each other too much to settle for something paltry - they just didn't know it yet.

"Let's have supper here tonight. I'll cook something." Alice suggested as Uncas readied himself for a day of hunting. He nodded in agreement then inquired, "When are you going to Albany?" Alice decided it was time to visit Aunt Maura again and she was going to persuade, coerce the elder lady to spend some time in the wilderness. Chingachcook had offered to move back to his cabin so that Aunt Maura could put up with Cora. Cora expressed Aunt Maura would probably enjoy having Byron around and it would be lovely for the toddler to interact with his spritely grandaunt. Uncas had asked Chingachcook to stay at his cabin but the elder had declined with a well-meaning answer of "Too crowded." Alice had blushed furiously at that while Uncas had just eyed his father in exasperated bemusement.

Alice crinkled her nose, " In two days, maybe?" "I'll go with you. Nathaniel and Cora would need to prepare for your aunt's arrival." Uncas replied as he swung his rifle over his shoulder. With that, he left from the cabin. Alice gazed at his departing back, her fingers twisting worriedly in her skirts. She was planning to tell him about the baby tonight over supper. She wasn't certain whether he would want to accompany her to Albany after that.

Uncas stomped mud off his moccasins and stepped into his cabin. He had returned earlier than expected and it was still a couple of hours until supper. Alice was absent - probably helping Cora to clean up the cabin in the event their aunt visited. His eyes scanned the spotless cabin, Alice's scent lingering in the air. The past week had been...wonderful. He eagerly looked forward to spending time with Alice every evening and just the sight of her reading in front of the hearth threw him off-balance, in a welcomed way. Things were still unsettled between them though both seem unwilling to broach the taboo subject at this moment. Uncas knew Alice was as wary and aware as him that they had to have an in-depth talk one day... but he simply didn't have to heart to be the one who proposed such. She was so relaxed and happy these days...and his heart tripped every time she flashed him her signature shy smile.

I should wash up before she gets back, Uncas mused. He jogged to the bedroom to retrieve a set of clean clothes. Rummaging through the chest, he was digging for a shirt that he favoured when his elbow accidentally hit the small bowl Alice kept by the bed on the stand and it went flying. The contents of the bowl clattered to the floor. Alice had forgotten to wear her jewellery this morning. Uncas picked up a ring that she claimed belong to her mother, two bracelets and her ever-present necklace. His curiosity was piqued by the necklace since he had never seen the pendant before - she wore it so deep into her bodice all the time and she always took it off before they went to bed.

The pendant was formed in the shape of a heart and that were inscriptions carved into it in cursive script. Frowning, he took a closer look. He read what was inscribed and his heart plummeted. He read it again in disbelief, his hand trembling, his face white. He crushed the chain in his fist. Alice.

Alice noticed the opened door of the cabin immediately - Uncas had returned earlier than expected. Smiling, she walked a little faster He was probably ravenous from his hunt. She found him sitting in front of the hearth. " When did you get back?" she asked cheerfully as she crossed the floor towards him. He didn't reply and rose to his feet. He turned around and Alice faltered. His eyes were burning with accusation and his mouth and jaw was strained. His complexion was pale under his tan.

"What's wrong?" she squeaked, unable to read him further.

"Where is she?" he demanded hoarsely, his fists clenched.

"Who?" Alice responded, confused and shaken by the hurt and fury she saw in his eyes.

" Sarah."

Alice froze, her head swimming as her breath came in rapid, terrified intervals.

He unfurled one of his fists and her pendant dangled harmlessly from his hand.

"Sarah Chenoa Uncas." he pronounced each syllable clearly in a dangerous tone, reciting what was engraved on the pendant, along with a date. A date he had no problem calculating and linking to himself.

Alice could only gaze at him in mute misery and guilt.

"Where is my daughter, Alice?"