Susan was surprised to find herself snuggled in her bed, alone. She sat up suddenly, her still aching back cracked once and then a second time, both echoing loudly in the night, walking gingerly over to the cradle, and finding it empty, she wondered where her boys were.
Outside the window, a gentle snow was blanketing the leaves spread across the garden. Fall was a beautiful time in the Highlands, and this late in the season was the time for light snows to fall while they slept.
She padded softly down the stairs and saw Seamus sitting in Duncan's large, comfortable chair, cradling his tiny bundle.
"Room for one more in that chair?" she whispered.
He smiled, not saying a word, but spread his arm aside, gesturing her to join him. She sat on his knee, and shimmied carefully back until she was nestled against his chest. As four-day-old Thomas cooed and flailed a tiny fist, Susan reached over to touch one pink cheek with a knowing smile. In her leaning, Seamus rested his lips on her cheek in a delicate kiss. "'Tis cla, 'tis."
A confused look crossed her face, and he turned back to his son, his eyes twinkling and lighting up.
"Ten years ago, when I left Hogwarts, I'dve sworn I'd be dead come now, I woulda. 'Stead I'm blessed, and so much besides. Ernie's parents been proper darlin's to me, ya let me be a part o' Cecily's life, but 'tis a fair cry further that. Ya saved me life, Susan…took me t'your home, your heart, gave me a son…" His words ended, tears gleaming at the edge of his eyes. "Ya gave me a life, ya did, and so's I love ya dear, Sue."
Susan stroked his cheek, thinking that Seamus was the one who had given her own life back. They kissed, only stopping when Thomas interrupted them with his loud wail.