Chapter Seventeen

Calm Before the Storm

Despite Marguerite's passionate claims, she was feeling torn about leaving her son with the Zanga for an unknown period of time.  Knowing that Malone was staying behind to care for William abated her guilt a minor degree, but what if something did happen to the rest of them?  William would not have only lost his sister, but his mother and father as well.  Was that fair of Marguerite and Roxton to do?

Marguerite, after discussing William's habits to Clarias, went to join Roxton by the fire pit.  She hesitated a few feet away.  He was cradling William in his left arm, eyes brimming with tears that he refused to shed.  He used his right hand to gently stroke the baby's stomach, face, and hands.  William smiled contently at his father's ministrations and Marguerite was sure that he would've laughed if he were able.  Roxton raised William higher, planting a kiss on either cheek.  "Don't forget us, William."

A tender, sad smile formed on Marguerite's lips.  Roxton was a wonderful father.  For the past two months he had cared for the children, taking an active part in their lives while Marguerite dealt with the aftermath of birth and hormones.  She could tell by the sparkle in his eyes every time he was with them that he loved them beyond all else.  And through his love for their children, Marguerite had begun to love him more.

She approached, making her presence known.  "Between Clarias and Malone, he is in good hands."  She used a hooked finger to caress the infant's face.  His skin was smooth and cool to the touch.  She glanced up at Roxton who stared intensely back at her.  "John…I…"

"I know, Marguerite.  I know."

"No," she insisted.  "I don't think you do."  She gathered William into her arms, gazing down at his sweet face.  She adored his eyes.  He had his father's eyes.  "I know things have been off between us since that night and it's – get ready for this – mostly my fault."  Her head snapped up sharply to stare him down.  "And don't expect another admission like that from me in a long time."

"I wouldn't dare," he joked, smiling.

She gave him a sideways look before continuing: "Anyway, I…things will never be the same now that we've got the twins.  And I…well…I'm not so sure I want things to go back the way they were."

"What do you mean by that?"

"We're a family now and…I want…"

He waited patiently for her to finish her thought.

"There you here," Challenger exclaimed.  "We better get a move on it if you want to cover any ground today."

Excellent timing, old man, Roxton thought sarcastically, but then felt ashamed.  He watched as Clarias joined them and took William from his mother.  Saddened by the thought of leaving his son, Roxton gave the baby a tender kiss.  "Behave lad or you'll be in big trouble when we return."

"Oh, and how would you punish a two-month old?" Marguerite asked lightly, bending down and planting a handful of kisses all over her baby's face.

"I'll move him into your room."  He grabbed his chest and his face widened in horror.

Marguerite playfully swatted him.  "That wouldn't be a punishment, but a rescue."

Veronica and Malone wondered over and the writer tentatively stole William from Clarias.  "Hey, little buddy.  It looks like you're stuck with Uncle Ned for a while."  Turning solemn, he peered up at his friends.  "Be careful."  He glanced over at Veronica and his expression softened and he spoke softly: "I mean it."

Finishing with their goodbyes, Roxton led the others away from the Zanga village.  Marguerite tried to ignore the dread that filled her heart.

End Chapter Seventeen

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