I'm terribly sorry I've taken so long to get this chapter up! I was planning for it to be much longer and more detailed, but had writer's block, plus debating back and forth which scenarios to include in here or another chapter, and or if they should be in the story at all. So I changed things up a bit. Hope you enjoy the ending of this chapter!
Robert and Lissa loved being new parents, but their new life did not come without its many pressing challenges, especially for Lissa when Robert was on the road tending to his patients! Many sleepless nights, chores having to be put off because of the need to change Isabelle's diapers, feed her, or hold her, trying to fit meals in between the daily tasks and taking care of the infant most of the time, and aching for company but sometimes unable to get away from the house. There were days that Lissa and sometimes Robert was just aching for a break to sit down quietly and read a book or devote some time to her writing or just sleep! But usually, all it took was one look at their little baby daughter, especially when she was sleeping, and their frustration would instantly melt away and they would gush over how precious Isabelle was, reminding them that all their toil was worth it!
Lefou's business at the tavern was thriving, and Gaston did not once regret the choice he'd made in turning the establishment over to his best friend. Lefou made it a place that Gaston had not had the knack for, and it suited Lefou, making other people happy...or at least momentarily making them feel better about life!
The printing press in town had been a very slow start at first, but in no time, people were buying up the newspapers, and discovering new interests outside of their village. There were still some citizens who were content to stay set in their old ways, but Belle and Adam were pleased to see that others were willing to look at the world with more open minds than they had been before.
Belle's students in her school at the castle were extending, so that she felt it was time for the schoolhouse to expand too. She and Adam discussed with Pere Robert about supplying the children's needed school books and text books in his library, so that they could borrow or buy them at their leisure without always having to travel all the way to the castle for what they needed. Adam also appointed one of the stable boys to give horse back riding lessons for the children after Cogsworth had brought up the lad's excellent horsemanship skills and his love for the horses. Most of the children were thrilled, but some were too scared. Most of the parents were opposed to the idea, fearing for their children's safety. Maurice couldn't blame them, really. So he patiently tried to persuade them with all the benefits that would accompany the extracurricular activity, such as running to nearby villages at a moment's notice if necessary, or being able to fetch the doctor in reduced time for an emergency. Most of the students' families were still wary about the whole notion, but Maurice encouraged Belle to just give them time and be patient, like she had already with so many other productive ideas.
Luke was growing stronger all the time, much to Gaston's pride and Sarah's worry. While little Luke was gentler than most boys his age with nature, he still wanted to do everything his papa did. Gaston sometimes took him hunting with himself and Lefou. Sarah worried every time he did. Gaston always promised that he would never allow anything to happen to their son, and though she believed him, every imaginable accident reeled in her mind...until she would see her favorite two men walking or riding back home. The afternoon that Gaston marched into the house, carrying his son who was holding out some wildflowers for his mama didn't hurt either!
Robert had been extra busy in town at the office all week, and Lissa hadn't seen much of him, and he'd hardly had a moment to spend some time with Isabelle. Lissa jolted in bed, kicking herself for falling asleep! It was late afternoon, and she had some things to tend to before supper! Was Isabelle all right? She didn't see her in the cradle! "Jesse!" Lissa wailed. The big dog came bounding into the house. "Where's Isabelle? Where is she?!" Lissa demanded. Jesse trotted out the front door and Lissa bolted out of it but stopped short.
Robert was sitting down on the porch, leaning on the first step, hovering over his little girl and rocking her, crooning softly to her. A basket with a blanket in it sat idly nearby. Lissa puffed in relief and felt very foolish for panicking. She smiled and sat down beside her husband. "I didn't know you were home." She said.
"Well, you were asleep, and I thought you must be exhausted, so I didn't wake you." Robert replied. "She started to cry, so I brought her out here for some much needed father and daughter time." He smooched to Isabelle's little face. She giggled and reached for his head.
"Well, Merci, my love. I appreciate it!" Lissa yawned, leaning on his shoulder.
"Lis," Robert spoke in a very serious tone, "I've made a decision." Lissa started and braced herself.
"About what?" She asked nervously. She hated when he spoke like that.
"I've decided that I'm not going to take the course in Paris. Well, at least, not at this time." Robert said. Lissa gasped with relief, but then felt a bit guilty.
"You're not?" She asked.
"No. It can wait."
"I am glad that you're going to be home for longer! But, Rob...it is a fine chance for you! I don't think you should just give it up!"
"I didn't say that I was giving it up, Lis. Just putting it off. I had mentioned waiting till Isabelle was a few months old. But I've done a lot of soul searching of late, and...she needs her papa here now!"
"I'm very happy. But...will you still take the course? I really want you to. I do!"
"Yes, darling. If I can be given the chance to improve my skills and bring less gruesome and more effective medicine to our neighbors, then I am not willing to pass it up! But...I believe it would be wiser if I wait at least until Isabelle is a year old. At least that way, we'll get to know each other! I don't ever want her to have the impression that I abandoned her, when she's older and you explain that I left!" Robert exclaimed.
"Will the university hold a place for you, or give the course out for that length of time?"
"If they are discovering and exploring new treatments, then yes, it will still be offered to medical students. But as far as if there will be an opening available to me, that I cannot answer." Robert said, a little sadly.
"I suppose we'll worry about that when the time comes." Lissa smiled, touching his arm. "I want you to excel in your life's calling, dear. I want you to be the best that you can be. But, I will admit that there are times I miss you terribly and wish it didn't take up so much of your time! But, to be honest, I do not feel as intimidated about the matter as I did before Isabelle came. I have my writing, my dear friends to visit, and now we have her for me to look after while you're gone. That will help me stay occupied, and make me feel more useful and needed. Not that I want that time to come soon, but it will be a good thing. And I love you all the more for choosing to be here for our daughter." Lissa rubbed his shoulder. Robert stared at her with a sad smile. He gently leaned over and kissed her mouth, something he'd barely done so intimately in the passed week.
"You really are a sweetheart, you know that?" He murmured.
"Mmm." Lissa breathed. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear that again!"
"No, really, Lis. I love you so much, and I'm very sorry I haven't shown it so much recently. It's not that I don't want to! Please do not ever mistake that! I want you to be as blessed as I feel, but I often feel that I don't express to you the way you deserve."
Lissa gently took Isabelle from his arms and gently set her in the basket next to them. She lay their contently with Jesse making her laugh when he licked her with his large tongue. Lissa pressed on Robert's shoulders and kissed him hard with her eyes closed. He held her close and dipped her down into his lap as they kissed. "I love you so much, Dr. Travis." She whispered.
"Not half as much as I love you!" Robert declared in his raspy voice that she loved so much.
It was late summer when Sarah had started feeling ill for days, which made it difficult to get up in the mornings. Gaston was worried and on this day, he insisted that she should go to the doctor for a checkup. "But, what about Lukee?" She asked.
"I'll look after our son." Gaston told her. "Don't worry, angel. He'll be fine. Right now, I am more concerned about your health! I won't be able to put my mind at rest till you speak with Dr. Tanner."
"All right, my love. I'll do as you ask." Sarah sighed, kissing him. "Take good care of Lukee."
"When have I not?" Gaston purred.
Less than an hour later, Sarah was picking up her skirts and rushing through town. She was trying to find impossible-to-miss-in-any-crowd husband but she couldn't find him anywhere. She finally hurried outside the village down to the small pond under the bridge. Her heart pace quickened when she saw Gaston and Luke sitting on the bank, fishing. Sarah ran down to them. "Gaston!" She yelled. Gaston looked back and instantly rose to his feet, startled by her rushed manner.
"Sarah! Is something wrong?" He gasped.
"Gaston!" Sarah squealed, sprinting toward him.
"Who-WHOA!" Gaston blurted out as she jumped into his arms, and he fell backwards, landing them both down into the pond. Gaston sputtered water out of his mouth. "Sarah, my darling, I know that I am exceptionally irresistible to you," He shook his head, "but what is the meaning of this?" Sarah grabbed him by the collar.
"Gaston, my love, you're going to be a father again!" Sarah beamed.
"Wh-wh-what?" Gaston gaped blankly.
"We're going to have another baby!" Sarah cried.
"Ohhh, Sarah...my angel..." Gaston purred as she kissed his lips passionately. He ran his hands through her wet hair and she snaked her arms tightly around his neck, till they both lowered their heads under water, still kissing.
