I opened my eyes to the dim light of morning. I was still getting used to the strange surroundings of the new bedroom. The long shadows gave everything an ominous and unfamiliar look. It took me a moment to adjust myself and remember that I was home. I managed to push away the urgency my dream had left me with and focused on the present. I knew Abby would be waking soon. I was surprised she hadn't already. It was getting close to time for a feeding.

Deciding to lay in bed a little longer, I pulled the cover higher and rolled onto my side, toward the door. My eyelids fluttered, wanting to go back to sleep, but knowing they really shouldn't. Then I noticed the object on the pillow next to me. I raised my head, staring at feather, wondering how it had gotten there. I picked it up, studying it. The barred, brown ombre design was uniquely well-known to me. I knew it was the feather of an eagle. I felt myself smile as I gazed at the gift Connor had left for me. There was no doubt it was from him. And no uncertainty as to it's meaning. He still loved me and he still wanted to be with me.

I got up, taking the feather with me. I was headed into Abby's room to get her with the intention of going to the manor and waking Connor, but soft giggles from downstairs got my attention before I even made it to the nursery door. I directed my steps in that direction and was not surprised to find Connor sitting on the living room floor playing with his daughter. He glanced up at me as I came through the doorway, grinning timidly as he noticed the object in my hand.

I realized I wasn't the only one who had gotten a gift upon his return. Abby was clutching a cornhusk doll in her small, pudgy hands. It was the same kind most native children owned. I guessed Connor had made it for her. That thought made me smile.

Connor stood up, receiving a protest from the six month old who no longer had his attention. He looked at Abby, then bent down and picked her up. She dropped the doll and grasped his coat instead. Connor smiled at her as she cooed happily in his arms. Then he met my gaze. He didn't have to speak when he looked in my eyes. I knew everything he wanted to say. But he said it anyhow.

"I am sorry, Faith. You were right. I have not been a good husband. I have been unsupportive and...an ass."

I tried to hold back a smile. I had called him that so much – never really meaning it – that it was strange to hear him agree.

"Will you forgive me?"

I walked over to where he stood, watching as our daughter tugged on the braid hanging down by his ear. Connor didn't seem to notice or mind what she was doing. He was focused on me. I pulled her hand away from his hair and looked at him.

"I forgive you, Ratonhnhake:ton."

He smiled. "Konnoronhkwa, kheksten:ha."

I knew how to reply to that, so I did. In his language. "Konnoronhkwa, riksten:ha."

I leaned in to kiss him and Abby yelled loudly. She began to pull on my shirt with one hand, but kept the other in a firm fist on her father's clothes. Connor glanced at her.

"I think she is hungry," he said.

I had guessed that by the way she was nuzzling against my chest. Connor handed her to me, having to make her hand release him. She whined until I sat down in the chair and began to nurse her. After that, she was content with me.

Connor sat on the couch, not really watching me feed the baby, but glancing over every so often. I thought it was funny how shy he was. It's not like he could really see anything. But he still respected my privacy.

"She missed you," I told him.

Connor smiled. "I missed her. And you, as well."

I grinned. "I missed you, too."

The smile faded from his features and he stared at the hearth. "You know I did not mean what I said," he muttered. "You are a good mother."

"Thank you," I told him. "You're a good father."

Connor huffed. "It is difficult to be good at something when you are never around."

I frowned at him. That was the first time I had heard any kind of regret in his voice when he spoke of his responsibilities. He was always proud of what he did. And he had a right to be. He was a noble man. I never held his dedication to his cause against him. I won't lie. It made things harder, but I knew what I was getting myself into when I chose to be with him. That was a decision I wouldn't change, no matter how things turned out.

"You're here now," I said. "That's what matters."

I saw a faint grin on his face as he looked at me. "I will be here as much as I can," he said. He looked around the room. "If you want me to be."

Abby began to fidget in my arms. I knew she was about done with milk and was wanting real food. I fixed my shirt and lay her on her belly on the floor. She began to scoot herself closer to Connor, babbling for his attention. I smiled as he moved himself floor and began to play with her.

"You know I want you here," I told him. "The house needs work and I can't do it all myself."

Connor looked at me an expression of mock insult. "Did you only marry me so that I would do chores for you?"

I grinned. "That's one of the reasons."

"And the other?" he asked.

I shrugged. "You're cute."

He smiled at me. That same adorable abashed grin he had always given me when I flattered him. I wondered if he would ever quit making that expression. I hoped not.

"Nia:wen, yohskats."

I knew he had told me thank you, but I had never heard the other word before. I asked him what it meant. Connor smiled at me.

"It means beautiful."

I felt a warmth on my face I rarely ever got. Connor had never told me I was beautiful before. He used other means to display his attraction to me. I knew he thought I was pretty by the way he touched me, kissed me and looked at me. But hearing it was an incredible compliment. Especially since I hadn't felt pretty since I'd had Abby. I still hadn't lost all the weight I had gained during my pregnancy, not to mention I had stretch marks from how big I'd gotten. I knew when Connor said that he was telling me his honest opinion. It made me feel extremely good about myself for the first time in a long time.

"I have to make breakfast," I stated.

Connor nodded. "I will keep Awe:ri occupied while you do."

I got up, went to him and leaned close to his ear. "Will you keep me occupied while she takes a nap later?"

Connor looked up at me. I knew from his expression that he got my meaning. He gave me a jerky nod.

"Yes."

"I intended to be home yesterday," Connor whispered.

I opened my eyes and looked at him. He was watching his fingers as they made light strokes along my side from my ribs to my hip, then back again. It being early afternoon, I knew he could see me clearly from the bright light shining through the bedroom window. Any self consciousness I felt at his gaze dissipated when I noticed the contentment on his features. He was perfectly happy with my body. Just as I was with his.

"I am sorry for the delay."

I shrugged. "At least you remembered," I murmured.

Connor met my eyes and smiled. "How could I forget? It was the best day of my life." He paused, looking uncertain. "I mean, besides the day Awe:ri was born."

"Of course," I agreed.

Connor turned toward the table and picked up the feather I had laid there when we came to bed. He held it up, looking at it. "Do you remember what I told you about why my people wear feathers?"

I nodded. "To show that they've withstood a hardship."

Connor nodded. "Do you understand why I gave this to you?"

I hesitated. Then grinned at him. "Because I have to put up with you?"

He gave me a goading grin, but didn't comment on my joke. "Because you birthed our daughter. I know that was very painful for you. But you showed great bravery. You act as though the suffering you went through was insignificant. That alone earns you a feather."

I took the feather from him and placed it in my hair. "I'll keep it forever."

Smiling, Connor kissed my forehead and relaxed beside me. I knew Abby would wake up soon and demand our attention for herself. I wouldn't mind that. I loved us being together as a family. But, for now, I was happy with it just being the two of us.