Chapter 15: The Return of Old, the Beginning of New
The trip back was in total silence. Chris was exhausted and he assumed that Faith was deep in thought about what had happened. The day had gone by quickly, as it was now early evening. Chris figured he'd grab something to eat to keep his hunger satisfied then go to sleep. Although it would be early, he figured he would need as much rest as possible for the showdown tomorrow. The silence persisted when they got home. They unloaded the guns and headed inside. Chris was starting to feel bad about not saying anything to Faith. He at least figured to let her know what he was going to do.
"Hey, I'm gonna grab a bite then hit the hay. Going to be a big day tomorrow. I'll be in my usual spot if you need anything." She gave a silent nod but also a sly smile as she headed for her room. Chris smiled back then headed into the kitchen to make a sandwich and ate it quickly. He then went to lie down on the couch. His thoughts became focused on tomorrow. Three vehicles, two aircraft, and a small squad against Joseph's remaining army. It would definitely be a battle, a war. Chris knew Faith would want to come and because of today he couldn't possibly deny her. But it would be utter chaos, unlike anything he has seen in a while. Faith would be a major risk not only because of the fighting but because Joseph would finally see that she was alive, helping the enemy. Even with how calm Joseph usually was, that might drive him over the edge into Jess levels of rage. But Faith had earned the right to come, she had saved his and Jess' lives. But Chris also realized that her presence with him would also be a reminder of what he was fighting for. Not only for the people of Hope County, for his friends, but also for her, the one he had grown to love. If she had 'faith' in him, he would have 'faith' in her. They would fight together.
Chris started to doze off. As he had thought about Faith, his mind drifted to the past. All the memories of them first meeting, their conversations, their confrontation. There was the realization that things had been close to being completely different. He could have killed her, left her for dead, or finished the job as punishment for her crimes. Their confrontation had happened because of Burke, and the sheriff. He thought back to right before they fought, when he saw her walking with the sheriff while singing. What had she been singing? He suddenly remembered.
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see"
The words were too real. These were not Chris' thoughts. Someone was singing it. Faith. Chris opened his eyes and looked over. There she was. But now she was wearing the white dress she had worn when Chris first heard her sing that song. She was on the last part of the song.
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see"
Chris was awestruck. No matter what Faith wore, she still looked gorgeous to him. Despite being in awe, Chris managed to speak. "Faith?"
She gave him a wide smile. "Chris, we've come a long way since we first met. You've shown me so much and taught me even more. Before you, I was empty, a pawn, blindly devoted to a man I thought cared about me. But you showed me the truth. Not only that, but you helped me rediscover myself." Chris was noticing that she was slowly starting to undress. "As I helped you move on from your past, its time for me to join you fully by shedding mine." Her clothes now fell and she was completely bare. "I am Rachel Jessop! I've been remade anew! I will forever be at your side. I love you Chris…."
She slowly advanced towards him; her intentions clear. Chris slid off his pants and she got on top of him. They made love that was a passionate as one thought of in fantasy. Chris felt time slow down as he stared into her beautiful face. Pure happiness. That was the only thing he felt with the love of his life. He could not have wished for anything more. As all good things must come to an end, their passion lulled them into exhaustion and into sleep. Chris and Rachel were united in love. Tomorrow might bring war, but tonight brought peace.
Author's note: Short chapter but needed scene.