Adam stood in the large, airy main room of his new hut. It had three rooms. The main living/kitchen room and two bedrooms. One bedroom was slightly larger than the other. Adam decided the larger room would go to the children. The hut was also fully furnished.
All the wood was rich teak. A large dining table sat under a large window. Six bamboo and wicker chairs surrounded the table. The woven wicker chair seats and backs had been made from bamboo strips. Adam thought they were better than any mass manufactured furniture from the big city. It was a beautiful suite.
In the living area, there two large teak wood chairs, covered in blue material and stuffed with a combination of wool and goose down. Adam couldn't believe how comfortable it was. There was also a sofa of the same style under another large window. Adam knew the chair by the other window would be his "spot." Small bamboo tables of different sizes were placed around the room, including a low long table in front of the couch. Fat lamps sat around and would light the hut at night. There were also teak wood shelves here and there on the walls.
In the larger bedroom there was the usual large window. There were two small beds, one in each corner of the window wall. The beds were made of bamboo and the goose feather mattresses were supported by a tightly tied rope frame. Goose down pillows and quilts would insure area comfortable, warm, cozy sleep. A teak wood chest sat at the foot of each bed for whatever storage was needed. A large teak wood wardrobe was against the wall opposite the window. A small table sat next to each bed with a fat lamp to stave off the darkness.
Adam's slightly smaller room was set up almost the same as the other. The exception was the bed. It was made to easily hold at least two people and was much longer. It also sat directly under the window. Adam knew he could lie there at night and look at the stars.
In the kitchen there was a cook stove, made of stone and fueled by wood. It also had a dutch over for baking. Adam hoped he could at least cook well enough to keep his children fed. There was also a sink, with a pump that was connected to the fresh water that came from the underground river. Adam thought that somewhere along the way, the Samoan's had learned and adopted western ways. However, he wasn't sure, maybe they had learned on their own.
Adam found bowls of all shapes and sizes, as well as plates, platters and drinking cups, all made of the same monkeypod wood in a cupboard next to the sink. There were also some metal pots and some made of what looked to be some kind of clay. Adam had a lot of questions, but, he had plenty of time to ask them.
"Yoohoo! Anyone home?" Shawn's voice called out.
Adam had been in the children's bedroom. He came out to greet Shawn. "Hello, Shawn. Do come in. I can't get over how much like a house this is. It is hardly what I thought of when I heard the word hut."
Shawn set down the boxes he'd carried in. "I was surprised too. I guess it goes to show, cultures can learn from one another. The sink system and the indoor cooking stove came from us, well Hunter. Not every hut in the village is like this, some are just that, huts. Depends on the family or person. Anyway, these are clothes for you and the children. I must say you do wear a lavalava nicely. I'll bring some rugs over in the next load. Seth and the children are having a wonderful time with Trinity at the hospital. She brought a doll for Eliza and a stuffed toy goat for Alex, they love them. She also has a box of clothes for Eliza. Vallea is only four, but she is a bit bigger than Eliza. Trinity has asked for others to give toys or clothes." Shawn opened a box. He pulled out some very well made western style clothes. He held up a pair of knickerbockers of brown broad cloth.
"Shawn, those are beautiful. Brass buttons too. Are you sure..." Adam paused as he sat on the floor and pulled out more clothes Heath had worn as a child. "...these… Shawn, I don't mean to sound…rude, but these are..." Shawn halted Adam's words with a bit of a laugh.
"Not the humble clothes of a preachers son? Well, we were living in Boston at the time Heath was left with us. I made a lot of his clothes, but Hunter spoiled us both with a lot of tailor shop things. Yes, both Heath and I want Alex to have them. There are a couple of pairs of boots, but they are probably too big for him right now. Heath is sorting through some toys and books. In the other box are some of Hunter's things for you. Alter them anyway you need, they belong to you now. Oh and when you're ready, I will teach you how to sew using a hedgehog quill. I think they are better than a steel needle, but they are tricky to use at first." Shawn opened the box of clothes for Adam. There were several shirts, pairs of trousers and cotton night shirts.
Adam smiled warmly. "It's like a visit from Saint Nicholas. Thank you, I appreciate everything so much. I tell you, I will need help with how to cook on the stove and use the oven. I can cook a bit, but we used coal. Shawn…you and Hunter…thank you. Ever since Prince Lot told us about you, we wanted to meet you. That's why Wade and I agreed so easily to bring your supplies. I am sorry they got lost...oh Shawn…what am...I going...to do… I have never…lived on my own." Adam's floodgate of tears opened once again. He buried his head in his hands.
Shawn sat on the floor next to Adam and pulled the blond into his arms. Shawn rested his chin on top of Adam's head and held him close. He began to pray.
"Dear Father in Heaven, please bring peace to Adam's grieving heart and help to heal his aching soul. Give him the courage and strength to encourage and raise up his children. Help him to be the best he can be. In Jesus' precious name; Amen." Shawn prayed over Adam as he gently rocked him in his arms. Adam's grief was so fresh, raw and so very deep.
Shawn spoke again. "It will be alright, son. It will just take time. No one expects you to be normal for a while. It would be helpless without Hunter. We will help you, that's what friends are for. You'll never truly be alone. You can come to us anytime, day or night. Go out the door to the left, we are just down the path. Go right, and Jason will be your next door neighbor, Roman is just next to him. Braun, Seth and Dean have a large hut straight ahead and then left. It's what they wanted, to share a hut." He hoped by just talking, Adam would calm down. It started to work, as Adam's sobs turned to hiccups.
"Th...thank you for the prayer, Pastor Shawn. It is comforting to have a Christian church here. We were Anglican, but, it's not about that, it is about faith in God. I am not surprised about Braun, Seth and Dean wanting to share. They shared in the servants quarters at Barrett Manor. Thank you for all of this, Shawn. I'll thank Trinity when I pick up the children. It was good of her to watch after them. Shawn, I know this is an unfair question, but how? How do I tell them?" Adam pulled back from Shawn, but not completely. Shawn's embrace was fatherly and comforted him.
Shawn felt that Adam needed his embrace, so he kept his arms around the grieving widower. "It's not unfair but, it is difficult. My best advice is to be honest with them. Let them know that Wade loved them, and now, will love and watch over them from Heaven. Let them know it is alright for them to be sad and miss him, but that it is very right to laugh and play, that their father wanted them to be happy." Shawn paused and moved to a more comfortable position. Adam now sat up and faced Shawn as they sat and talked.
Shawn continued. "Adam, don't panic if they go through some changes. Eliza might become more childish and they could wet the bed. Nightmares might keep you up at night. They will over come these things but, your patience might be tested beyond the limit. I am not saying this will happen but, you need to be prepared. It's going to swallow you if you're not careful. You have to deal with your own grief, on top of theirs. Anger is quite normal. The best thing you could do, is when you are ready to explode, call, even scream for help. Anyone of us will be more than happy to take Eliza and Alex, to give you time yourself. Adam, there is nothing wrong with taking time out for you. I'll take you to the natural hot spring. It is the most relaxing place on earth. Patience, love, care and time for yourself will get you through along with prayers and calls for help." Shawn smiled at Adam and caressed his cheek.
Before Adam could respond, Seth, Dean and Braun appeared at the door. Braun wore a black, calf length lavalava with a white shirt. Dean and Seth work black trousers and white shirts. Their feet were covered in leather slippers.
Dean spoke after a bow to Adam. "We are here to work, your Lordship. What needs to be done first." He spoke like he was back at Barrett Manor, it was what he'd trained for and done all his life. Dean was the Head Butler, now that Mark wasn't there.
Adam and Shawn both stood. Adam smiled and went to his staff. "Dean, Seth, Braun, I am just Adam, no more Lordship, not here, it isn't...right. You are my friends, not my servants. If we ever get to Sidney, maybe, but not now. I will always look after you. Yes, I could use your help, but only if you agree to help as friends, not as servants."
Dean looked back at Braun and Seth. The other two gave nods with smiles. Dean turned back to Adam. "Agreed...Adam. Now, how can we help?"
Adam smiled in return. "Could you sort and put away the children's clothes? Seth, I'd still love to have your help with Eliza and Alex. Braun your strength will be needed too, but all of you, please, feel free to tell me no if you have other things to do. As I said, you are not servants, you are friends, free to do as you please."
As Dean and Braun took the boxes into the larger bedroom, Seth joined Adam and Shawn. "I could never leave Alex and Eliza."
Adam smiled. "I know, and I would be lost without you. Shawn told me Eliza and Alex are going to go through some changes. Shawn, can we have some tea and talk to Seth about what you told me? The children know Seth, and he should be informed as well."
"Of course. Come on, I'll show you how to make tea on your stove." Shawn led the two men to the kitchen area of the main room.
Dean, with Braun's help put Adam's new home in order. They did it out of love and devotion. They both felt they owed it to Wade to look after his family. As they puttered about, Shawn and Adam talked to Seth about the temporary changes that Eliza and Alex could go through. It was going to be hard on Seth.
"...as I told Adam, it is all normal, so again, have a lot of love and patience." Shawn finished the talk.
Seth set down his tea cup. "Those poor little darlings. Any time you need to take a break, I will be here for you, and for Eliza and Alex. Adam, when are going to tell them?" He gave Adam a sad eyed look.
Adam swallowed his sip of tea. "in a little while. I need to go collect them from..." He was interrupted when Alex and Eliza came running into the hut. A flustered Jimmy Uso ran in behind them.
"I'm sorry, Adam. Trinity and Hunter were called to Maru and Huhana's hut, her twins are coming. I tried to keep Alex and Eliza, but they wanted you." Jimmy explained as Adam hugged his children.
Adam smiled. "It's alright, Jimmy. I was about to come for them. Thank you for watching them, and for the toys and clothes. Vallea is welcome to come play anytime. You and Trinity are welcome as well. Twins, how exciting. Would you like a cup of tea?"
Jimmy smiled and shook his head. "Thank you, but no. Twins run in Anoa'i Village. Oh, I was wondering, could Braun and Dean help me? I need some strong men to help repair Nana Mary's roof." He looked at Dean and Braun as they came out of Adam's bedroom.
"Be happy to help you." Braun answered simply. He wanted the villagers to know he was grateful to them for welcoming them.
With hugs and thanks from Adam, Braun and Dean left to help Jimmy. Seth and Shawn exchanged a glance. Shawn spoke.
"Seth, why don't you and I go see if Maru is alright. We can see the babies when they arrive. Adam son, it's time to talk to your children. If you need me, go out, turn right, down the path, you will find me. Should we stop and tell Jason?" Shawn held Adam's hand as he spoke.
Adam looked towards the larger bedroom. He could hear his children explore their new surroundings. "No, don't bother Jason. He'd want to be here and I need to do this alone. Thank you, Shawn. Seth, come back later if you want, but give me a few hours. I agree, it is time." Adam tried not to look as nervous as he felt.
Seth smiled at his friend. "You know I will. You will be fine. Draw on...Lord Barrett's strength, it will be there for you. I'll be back later." Seth and Adam hugged.
Adam saw Shawn and Seth out. Then with a hard swallow and a deep sigh, he called out to his children.
"Eliza, Alex, please come to poppa." Adam sat down in the large, comfortable chair by the window. He smiled brightly when his children came to him. When they got to their poppa, Adam picked up Alex and set him on his left leg. Eliza sat herself on Adam's right leg. Adam wrapped his arms around his children and held them close.
It was a moment before Adam could even thing about speaking. It didn't matter, Eliza spoke first.
"Poppa, where is father? Uncle Bird won't tell us." Elizabeth looked at Adam, her expression full of curiosity.
Adam pulled them in closer. He searched his heart for the words to say. "My precious dears, I'm so sorry to tell you but, father is in Heaven, with the angels. Do you understand what that means?" He saw the confusion cross their little faces as they took in the words.
"Fafa is in Heaben, wif God?" Alex asked his poppa. His face was contorted in confusion, much like Adam looked when he felt the same.
Adam hugged Alex closer and kissed his blond head. "Yes, my love. Fafa is with God. You won't see him anymore, but he still watches over you and Eliza. He will always be in our hearts." He wasn't at all sure how his children were absorbing the loss of their father.
"Poppa? Who will take care of us?" Eliza asked as her own little brow crinkled with confusion.
"I will take care of you, honey. Just like I always have. Uncle Bird and Seth will be here for you too. Father will be in your heart. I'm so sorry I had to tell you. Your father was a very brave man. I am sure he tried so hard to get to us. He would have done anything not to leave us but, the storm…it was just too much." Adam tried to explain but, he just wasn't sure that he said the right things.
Alex and Eliza looked at each other. Eliza's eyes filled with tears. She had been her father's girl. Eliza buried her head against Adam and began to sob. Adam's own tears rolled down his cheeks, his little girl was heartbroken.
Alex, only three years old, tried to be brave. He reached over to pat his sister's arm. "It be awright, Wiza, it be awright." However, his own grief took over and he also began to sob his little heart out.
Adam's own tears fell faster as his embrace tightened around his precious children. "Oh my loves, we are going to miss father so much but, we all have to be brave and strong. We have to make father proud. It's alright if we are sad and angry but, father would want us to laugh and be happy." Adam stopped talking, words were only wasted at the moment.
Roman had been outside his hut, to look after his small vegetable garden. It was visible from Adam's hut. Roman glanced over toward Adam's new home. He could just see into the large window. Roman saw Adam as he held his children. Even from the distance, he knew they were crying. His first instinct was to run and pull Adam and the children into his arms and comfort them. However, Roman also knew the little family needed time together.
Roman went back to pulling weeds from his vegetable patch. When he realized he'd pulled up several sweet potato plants instead of weeds, Roman gave up. His mind was on Adam.
He knew it was wrong, but Roman was very attracted to Adam. He wanted to make Adam and the children his own. To Roman, Adam was the most beautiful, yet ruggedly handsome man he'd ever laid eyes on. However, Adam's good looks were only a tiny part of his attraction to the blond. Roman knew Adam had to be warm, funny, and compassionate with a bit of salt and spice, a perfect blend. Roman couldn't help but think of the beautiful children they could create together.
Roman knew the one person he had to talk to; Jason. Jason would be able to tell him how to win Adam's heart, after he won Jason's trust. Roman looked toward Adam's hut again, but Adam and the children were no longer in sight.
In his hut, after several minutes of tears, Adam realized Eliza and Alex had cried themselves to sleep. Adam was suddenly as tired as they were. With a grunt and a great deal of effort, Adam stood. It was tricky, but he managed to balance a child on each hip.
Adam took the children to his bedroom. Somehow he managed to get his babies in the bed without waking them. Adam laid down in the middle of his bed and snuggled his children up against him.
The young widowed poppa closed his eyes, but Adam didn't sleep. "Oh my love, I don't think I did it right. Wade, oh Wade, I need you. I can't do this alone. I need you. Help me, my love. Oh dear God, help me!" Adam's mind cried out in utter despair. He finally drifted off to sleep, as tears leaked out of his closed eyes.
Jason paced in his two room hut. He had a large main/kitchen like all the other huts, plus a bedroom that was half the size of the hut. It was a huge room. He had a bed that was big enough for three grown men. Jason had the same furniture of teak and bamboo. Like his brother, a large over stuffed chair by the window was his favored spot or would be, once he settled in.
Jason's thoughts were with Adam and the children. Shawn and Seth had stopped by earlier and explained that Adam was going to talk to Alex and Eliza about Wade. He worried that Adam needed help, but he also knew Adam wanted to be alone. He couldn't stand being inside for one more minute.
Roman sat in a chair in his front yard, under a large tree that sheltered him from the hot sun. He read from his anatomy textbook. Roman turned toward Jason's house when he heard a growl of frustration.
"Problem, neighbor?" Roman called out as he saw Jason on the front step of his hut. The sandy haired man's hands were balled up into fists. He looked like he was either ready to kill or simply collapse in heartbroken anger.
Jason looked over at Roman. He decided to take the advice he'd given Adam; reach out and talk to someone. He grabbed the bamboo chair from his own front yard and walked the few yards over to Roman's place. He put the chair down across from Roman, so they could talk, eye to eye. Jason let out a deep sigh as he sat down.
"Adam is telling the children. I want to be there, but I know he needs to do it alone..." Jason explained with a gruff, emotion filled voice.
Roman nodded. "He will need you, Jason. However you're right, he has to do it alone. Jason, what else is bothering you? Is your hut not to your liking? There is another empty one, but it's not so close to Adam." He closed his book and placed it on a small bamboo table he used when he sat outside.
"I...um...Luke…I can't help, but...it wasn't a deep love, but it was the start. He was going to stay in Sidney so we could...see how it went. Roman, I miss him, but I feel bad that I'm not...oh...I don't know." Jason sighed again. He didn't know how to say what he wanted to say without sounding cold hearted.
Roman gave Jason a soft smile. "That you are not sobbing and mourning like Adam?" He arched his brow at Jason.
Jason stared down at the ground. "Yes. I miss Luke, so very much, but, it wasn't as deeply invested as Adam and Wade. Am I horrible? I've never been lucky in the love department. I also have a bit of a problem with drinking. I tend to turn to the whiskey when things go wrong. I don't do it often, but when I do…it makes me a right mess. I either pass out and sleep or if I am really upset, I can get a bit mean. Not violent, but my tongue turns into do a double edged sword. I don't want to turn into one of those street drunks that roam the deserted alleys in the city. I want to be the best brother and uncle I can." He rubbed his face with the palms of his hands.
Roman took in everything Jason said. He needed to advise without preaching. "The drink won't be a problem here, we don't make it. My Tama..um…my father, lost a brother to drink, so he does not allow it in Anoa'i Village. No one misses having it. As for Luke, you're not horrible about how you feel. From what I have gathered from other conversations, it might not have worked out between you and Luke. I don't mean to be rude or seem uncaring. You said he was going to stay in Sidney, even though he loved the sea…." Roman paused. Heath came down the path with a large basket in hand.
Jason felt better when the saw the smiling red-head. Roman's brow arched when he observed the way Jason's entire being changed when he saw Heath. His feelings on the beach had been right. Roman decided he needed to further talk to Jason, he did not want Heath hurt in any way.
"Hello. I thought we might have tea. Am I interrupting something?" Heath asked as he set the basket down on the ground.
Jason stood. "No, you're not interrupting. Tea sounds great. Need some help?"
Heath smiled. "Roman, here is the tea. Would you please brew a pot. We'll spread out the blanket." He handed Roman a wooden canister, filled with loose tea.
"One pot of tea coming up." Roman stood, then went inside to make the pot of tea.
Jason helped Heath spread a large blanket on the ground. "I guess you know, Adam is or has told the children about Wade. I hope they are alright." He looked over to his brothers hut. It seemed quiet, almost too quiet.
Heath's face dusted to a light pink. "They are sleeping. I peeked in the window to check on them. I have some banana muffins for the children, but I didn't want to disturb them. How are you? I know you lost someone special too." He took out a cloth wrapped plate and set it on the blanket.
Jason sighed. "I'm alright. I'll miss Luke, but what I'll wonder is, would we have had a chance at a relationship. Could Luke really have been happy on land? I don't know, something tells me it wouldn't have worked. A person doesn't just give up their life's choice and not have regrets. Luke would have grown to resent his decision and me as well. Like I told Roman, I've never been lucky in relationships or love. Guess I am destined to be single." He gave a shrug and watched Heath uncover a plate of cookies.
Heath looked at Jason with a soft smile. "Maybe you haven't found the right person. It sounds like you're confused about your feelings for Luke." He wanted Jason to know, if he wanted to talk about things, it was alright.
Before Jason could respond, Roman returned with a pot of tea and three cups. He sat on the blanket with Heath and Jason. Tea was poured and sipped.
"I was telling Roman, I feel guilty, that I don't have the sorrow that I should have. I will miss him, I cared about him, but...oh, I sound horrible." Jason laid on his back and clutched the blanket in frustration.
Roman spoke. "I was going to say, about Luke staying in Sidney...maybe he would have regretted it. He might have started to resent you for it. It wasn't meant to be. There isn't any reason for you to feel guilty. You feel how you feel and there is nothing wrong with that. Have you made your peace with Luke's passing? If not, talk to him, it will help you feel better." He gave the best advice he could.
"My pa is going to arrange for a memorial marker for Wade in the cemetery. Maybe it would help you if you had one made for Luke. Pa thought Adam would like to have a place where he could take the children so they could talk to Wade. A place where they could leave flowers. Would you like to have a place made for Luke?" Heath looked at Jason, his brow arched, hope shone in his eyes.
Jason sat up again. "Both of you have good ideas. I should talk to Luke. A memorial sounds wonderful, especially for Wade. Yes, I will have one done for Luke, he deserves it, Mark and Glenn too. Shawn is very thoughtful. I see where you get it from. Thanks for listening to me, both of you. It's been a while since I've had real friends. Most people wanted to be my friend because of Wade and Adam's titles, so they could get things. Luckily, Wade saw through their deceit. It was the same for Adam and Wade, no real friends. That's why Adam agreed so easily to go to Sidney. Neither he or Wade wanted the children to go through all that when they got older." Jason's voice and total demeanor had relaxed. Heath and Roman had listened and not judged. It was a good feeling.
Heath frowned. "That's terrible. To want be friends with someone, just to see what they could get out of it. I'd want to leave a place like that too. A person needs friends, and friends that are really close, like Roman and I. We can bicker and argue, but, I know, If I needed help, Roman would run to me, and I would to him. I'll be your friend, Jason. And, I don't want anything from you." Heath's frown had turned into a heartwarming smile.
"You can count on me too, Jason. Like Heath, I ask for nothing… well...except for respect, same for Heath." Roman also wore a smile and offered Jason more tea.
The three friends continued their tea and talk. The atmosphere was much lighter and happier.
Adam woke after an hour and half of sleep. Eliza and Alex were curled up against him, as he cradled each child in his arms. His mind spoke.
"Oh my sweet darlings, I promise I will do my best to be both poppa and father. Nothing matters but the two of you. I will take care of you, I swear it..." Adam's thoughts were interrupted when Alex let out a whimper.
"Poppa, gotta go...gotta go..." Alex pulled at Adam. The poor little tyke had to go potty.
Adam's eyes snapped open. "Alright, Alex. But quietly, Eliza is sleeping. Come on." Adam and Alex slid out of the bed. Adam looked at Eliza as she slept on. He picked Alex up and settled him on his hip. Adam quickly went outside. Adam heard his brother's voice first.
"Eliza, sleeping." Adam called out to Jason. He then hurried around to the back where the outhouse was, before Alex had an accident.
It took Adam much longer than he'd thought it would. He had to wait for Alex to do business out of both ends. He now carried Alex back to the hut. He heard Eliza crying. Adam trotted as fast as he could to get to his daughter.
Adam stopped in the doorway. Jason held Eliza as both Roman and Heath tried to comfort her. Jason spied Alex and Adam first.
"Look, Eliza, it's poppa and Alex. I told you they would be right back." Jason turned so that Eliza could look over his shoulder and see Adam.
"Poppa! Lex!" Eliza wiggled and reached out for her poppa.
Adam and Jason traded children. Adam now held Eliza. "Afraid you not come back, poppa." She clung to Adam with an almost fierceness, her little body trembled.
"We came over to check on her. She was asleep. Next thing we knew, the poor little dear was screaming her head off. She was afraid you had left her and neither of you would come back; like…." Jason explained as he balanced Alex on his hip.
Alex looked at his sister. He might have only been three years old, but he felt bad. "Sowwy, Wiza. I go pwotty. Poppa not weave, me not weave. Don't cwry, swissy. Wove you." Alex tried to be the brave brother his father told him to be, but he wasn't sure of anything.
Adam stroked Eliza's back. "I'm so sorry poppa scared you. You were sleeping and Alex had to go. I didn't want to wake you, my love, but I should have. Uncle Bird was here. Someone will always be here for you and Alex. Poppa will always be here for you." He spoke softly and hoped to bring his daughter some degree of comfort.
Eliza sniffed. "Father not come back." Was all she said before she sobbed once again.
Tears dripped from Adam's eyes as he hugged Eliza close. "I know, my love. I am sorry I left you. I promise, next time, I will tell you I am going. I will come back, I promise. Uncle Bird will always be here too. We won't leave you. It will be alright, my little one." Adam did all he could to calm Eliza.
"Why don't you come over to Roman's. We're having tea. I have fresh banana muffins that I made just for you, Eliza. Please come, and play." Heath had walked up to Adam and Eliza. He spoke softly, but with an encouraging tone of voice.
"Nanna buffins?" Alex looked over at Heath, Adam and Eliza. "Wet's go, Wiza." He spoke to his sister.
Eliza hiccuped several times as she tried to calm down. She looked over at her baby brother with red, wet eyes. Alex looked at her with his brow arched. He didn't really fully understand about his father, he was fine to go play.
"Poppa?" Eliza asked Adam. The sound of her voice and the look on her face showed she wasn't sure if it was alright or not.
Adam smiled and with his free hand, brushed the tears away on her cheeks. "Honey, it's alright to have tea and play. Your father would want you to laugh. Want to go to Mister Roman's?" He gave her cheek another brush.
"I'll go to Mister Roman's. Poppa, stay with us?" Eliza's eyes still held a bit of fear.
Adam smiled at his daughter. "Yes, baby. Poppa will stay with you..." He kissed her cheek, then turned to the others. "Let's go have tea and muffins." Adam cheered himself up, as much as he could.
Roman noticed that Adam's smile couldn't hid the sadness in the blonds eyes. It still tore at his soul to see Adam in so much pain. He followed behind the others, as they headed over to his place.
Roman decided, some how, he would be the one to take away Adam's pain and sorrow. Roman also vowed to himself, that one day, he would marry Adam Copeland-Barrett.