Later that day, Helen was working to remodel Ashley's room. She had the weapons, fight-training gear, and other things that were not appropriate for a seven-year-old removed, and put into storage. She glanced over at John, who was putting stuffed animals on the shelves that they had just put up. A light smile crossed her lips. She would have never imagined Jack the Ripper decorating a little girl's room with light and fluffy toys.
John turned to her, and caught the smile, but pretended not to notice. He glanced away. "I am sorry that I was never around for you and Ashley." He sounded sincere about what he said.
"John, you were Jack the Ripper then." Helen shuddered at the horrifying memories of what they went through in the 1880s. "There was no way that you could be a father under those circumstances."
"Nor a proper husband." He set down the large rabbit stuffed animal he was holding, and rushed to be behind Helen. His fingers traced lightly along the curve of her back. He breathed into her ear, just as he had done when they were deeply in love with one another and thought that nothing could tear them apart.
"John, please," Helen pleaded in a shuddering whisper. She pressed herself against his front out of instinct. She would always know his touch from another man's.
"Helen, you are not the only one looking for a second chance. Let me make amends for what I have done."
She forced herself to scoot away just enough that they were no longer touching. She turned to face him. He was back to being her John, or so she wanted to believe. "John, it is going to take time to heal those wounds."
He frowned. His eyes showed regret, longing, and passion all at once. "I will wait as long as it takes." He leaned in to gently kiss her hairline. Her lavender scent was intoxicating to him, but he managed to pull away, and continue to help decorate Ashley's room.
Helen struggled to keep her focus. She still longed for John's gentle touch, his caresses, kisses, and his simple company. She closed her eyes. So much had happened in the last year. At least the Cabal are gone, she thought.
The hours ticked by quickly. After two more hours of decorating, Ashley's room was complete to Helen's satisfaction.
"What now?" John seemed lost and out of place. He was looking to Helen for advice.
"We go and get Ashley." Helen stood up, took a deep breath, and left the room.
"What if she doesn't like her room?" John struggled to keep up with her, despite being taller than she was.
"She will," assured Helen softly. She stopped outside Will's office, and knocked on the door.
It was several minutes before the door opened. Will blinked at them when he opened the door. His hair was ruffled. He stumbled, and hit his head on the doorframe when Ashley came from behind and jumped onto his shoulders.
"And what did she do when you kissed her?" Ashley asked in a high-pitched squeal.
Will groaned when his head hit the wooden doorframe. He struggled to keep his balance so that he would not squash Ashley. "Um…Magnus…Druitt."
"What's this, Mr. Zimmerman?" John glared at Will disapprovingly.
"Not what you think," groaned Will.
"It's everything Daddy thinks!" Ashley slid down to the floor, and danced around the office. Books and papers littered the floor.
"Don't listen to her." Will rubbed his head, which now had a healthy bruise. "She's been crazy all afternoon."
"Ashley, were you well-behaved for Will?" asked Helen. She knelt down and caught Ashley by the shoulders.
"Yes, Mommy…."
Helen sighed heavily. She would have to have a talk with Ashley about the wrongs of lying. "Your father and I have a surprise for you."
"YAY!" Ashley screeched. She started jumping up and down.
She glared up at Will. "If you gave her any sugar, William Zimmerman, I swear I will have my revenge on you when you least expect it." She lifted Ashley off the ground, and walked down the hall with her daughter squirming the whole way back to the child's room.
"And I will gladly help," John whispered in Will's ear before following after Helen.
"Ashley, close your eyes." Helen made sure that her eyes were squeezed firmly shut before opening the door to the room.
She could not wait for her mother to give her the ok to open her eyes. When she did, she gasped with joy at the sight before her. In her room were more toys than she knew what to do with. She wiggled out of Helen's arms, and ran three laps around her newly decorated room. She ran back to hug Helen around the thighs. "Thank you, Mommy!"
Helen almost lost her balance when Ashley so unexpectedly grappled her legs. She patted her daughter's blonde hair. Her eyes softened as she remembered Ashley from nearly twenty years ago.
John's chuckle interrupted the tender scene. He smiled at the sight before him. He had his family back, the way it was supposed to be, except that Helen wasn't his wife. His eyes widened with shock when Ashley leapt up and tackled him. He caught her, and spun her around before setting her down.
"Play with me, Daddy!" She swung his arms wildly. Her smile brightened up the hallway outside her room.
He looked up at Helen, who smiled and nodded. "Alright." He followed his overly excited daughter into her room. He watched as she took the large rabbit stuffed animal, and hugged it tightly to her chest.
"Play with this one!" Ashley pressed the kangaroo to his chest.
He sat down with her on the floor, and did everything that she told him. He laughed with her.
Helen watched them from the doorway. It was enough to bring tears to her eyes. She smiled when John tickled Ashley with the kangaroo, and chased her around the room.
It was several hours before Ashley passed out on John's lap. John remained still for quite some time. He hummed a tune that had become Helen's favorite hum to fall asleep to. He stroked Ashley's back lightly.
"We should get her to bed." Helen walked into the room.
"I will get her." John carefully lifted her up. He stopped when she groaned in her sleep. His eyes softened, and he carried her to bed. He set her down, and carefully tucked the blankets around her petit frame.
"Good night, princess." He leaned in and kissed her brow. "I love you more than you could ever know." With that, he left the room with Helen at his side.