Yes, alas, it is the long awaited final chapter to a very very old story. Those of you who have stuck by it, attacking me with reviews of wanting more, I thank you. If not for your nagging, this would never have been completed (o how I love nagging). Without further adieu, I give you the end of the Martin story…well, maybe not the end…maybe its only the beginning…
Utter bliss surrounded the girl who survived captivity. It had been a long time since she smiled every morning, grinned every evening and laughed in between. It was 1781, and the war was ending, people could feel it in the wind. It was clear now in everyone's minds who the victor would be, though no word had reached them yet.
After one very long night of feverishly passionate intimacy, Kristina lay awake on the bed, her fingers twisting their way through Gabriel's locks of golden hair as he rested his head on her stomach. He breathed fast now, biting his lip. She took notice and kissed his forehead. "What's wrong?" she whispered, playfully biting his ear at the same time.
He quickly turned over and placed his chin on her stomach now. "I love you."
She closed her eyes in exhilaration. "I've waited so long to hear that". She leaned her back against the wall and he sat up. His eyes continued to dance with nervousness.
"There's not a day I wouldn't want to spend with you."
Still being playful, she enquired, "Well, I guess you better not leave me then. You'd die." She thought he would mischievously grin at her comment, but instead he bit his lower lip in frustration. She cocked her head sideways, unsure of him.
"Marry me."
Her fingers stopped their play. She looked into his eyes for some kind of sign that this was yet another Martin ploy. She found only honesty. Memories rushed through her mind over the past few years of her life in America. From her father, Ethan, her espionage against Great Britain, Gabriel….a coldness she thought would never leave finally started to vacate her soul.
"I never thought your mouth would be silenced by me," he joked, a little nervous by her lack of reply.
She kissed him fiercely, wanting more of him. When they finally broke off each other, she whispered, "You are my past, present, and future. Of course I'll marry you."
For one bleaking second, she remembered that she would not be the first Mrs. Gabriel Martin. Would she ever live up to Anne?
It was as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. He pressed his hand on her cheek and rubbed her temple with his thumb. "You complete me." Worries gone, she thought.
About two weeks later, someone knocked on the door, and the two hurriedly rushed off the bed and proceeded to get changed. "Just a minute!" Gabriel called.
It was Charlotte. "Hurry! One of your father's riders is here!" she yelled through the door. Kristina glanced at Gabriel, and the two hurriedly changed and ran outside to see.
It was Ormond Weiss, one of the original men recruited into the militia. Gabriel ran up to him and hugged his old friend. "Gabriel Martin! Why you're a sight for sore eyes!"
"What news have you? What of father and Yorktown? Is the battle over? Who won?" He busted with question, and Ormond chuckled.
"A typical inquisitive Martin. Your father sent me to tell you all that the war is indeed over. Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. America is free of Britain."
A loud and boisterous 'Hoorah' went through the entire camp, as mothers hugged daughters and couples held each other. Charlotte picked up Susan as she cheered. Nathan took hold of his sister Meg as she sobbed happily into his arms. Gabriel took Kristina's hand in shock.
"It's really over," he stated, clouding his thoughts. Kristina herself took a time out from the world around her. So much was happening so fast.
"What of our men?" she heard Gabriel ask.
To this, Ormond frowned. "Many casualties of war. Your father was unharmed, as usual, though I swear I saw fifteen bullets go through him. Truly is a ghost, that Martin."
Gabriel was beaming with pride, though Kristina could tell he was still a little unnerved he wasn't there to see it. Well, I wish I was there too, she told herself.
A huge feast followed that evening, with music, dancing and plenty of laughter. Gabriel sat with his fiance by the beach, both listening to the sound of the crashing waves as the sun set in the sky.
"I guess no more espionage and fighting are in store for us, Gabriel Martin," she sighed, resting her head on his shoulder.
"No, I suppose not. You were quite the spy in your prime." She sat up, looking into his mischievous eyes.
"In my prime? I'll have you know, good sir, I'm still in my prime and will be so for a very long time. Whose to say I'll never do spy work again?"
"Oh, believe me, I'll have something to say." He kissed her lightly.
"You know, I've saved your life countless times these past few years…I think I deserve something in return…"
"And what about me trampling through the British fort to save the damsel in distress?"
"Really, Gabriel, if you want to play the numbers game…"
"Fine fine fine," he said, cutting her off. "I owe you."
"Big time," she reminded him.
"Big time," he repeated. "I wonder what it is that I possess that you want?" Her eyes widened, and both got up, walking hand and hand towards their cabin.
"You know, we are going to need a bigger place once we're married…"she started.
"Much bigger."
"Filled with children."
"Filled? Aren't five brother and sister in laws enough?"
"Oh, no Gabriel, I've always dreamed of tons of little me's running around…"
"You mean wee little Martins?"
"Oh good God, will they have your personality?"
"God willing they'll get my side of the family in personality."
"As long as its my family's looks."
"What are you implying?"
"Oh nothing."
"Well, my dear, if you want tons of wee little ones scurrying around in a big house, we better get working."
"On the house or on the babies?"
"Really Kristina which one sounds more fun at this very moment?"
"Just go inside."
"Yes dear."
The end. I know this was an extremely short chapter, but wow I wanted this to end. Feedback is always a plus. Does the ending suck? I dunno…