It took Aaron a moment to figure out where he was. The sunlight was shining on his back, and the birds were chirping. His bed was stationary, and the only voices in the house were the young ones, laughing in the garden outside his window.
He wasn't on the ship, far away from those he loved. He was in bed, in Bamber Manor, beside Shauna, as the late dawn broke. He was safe, he was happy, he was home and he was alive.
“Mmm,” Shauna rolled over, pushing him to lie on his back so that she could lie on his shoulder. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “It's just occurred to me that I have no idea what day it is.”
“It doesn't matter what day it is,” she said, sleepily. “You're here, we're together.”
“That is true,” he closed his eyes for a moment, and then groaned. “I'm sorry, love, I have to eat or I'm going to resort to munching on the pillow.”
Shauna laughed, sitting up so he could get up.
“Go,” she said. “It's later than we normally get up.”
“Well, we had quite the night, didn't we?” he asked, and she gave him a smile.
“That we did,” she rolled over, stretching to glance out the window. “Oh my, the children are already up.”
“I think I heard Annabelle out there,” Aaron replied, as he searched for his clothes. “So they probably aren't tearing things to pieces.”
“Yet,” Shauna said, as he pulled on his shirt. “You look well today.”
“I feel well,” he said. “Especially since I heard Harold leave for the office hours ago.”
“That is satisfying, I imagine,” Shauna laughed. “Go on, before you resort to cannibalism.”
“Do you want your breakfast sent up?” he asked.
“I suppose since I'm awake now,” she said, and he promised to send it, taking the stairs a little faster than he should. He had a bounce in his step today; the day was warm and he was content. It was a wonderful start to the morning.
He didn't realize it could possibly get more wonderful until he heard the front door open. His brow creased, as he wasn't expecting anymore and he hadn't even heard a knock.
Abandoning his croissant, he headed into the front hall. It briefly crossed his mind to wonder where his military weapons were, as it could be danger. It was unlikely, given that Gilles was gone and the world seemed to have returned to the peace it had before the chaos of his cousin. Still, given the years he had lived, he supposed that he really should be more cautious.
“Harold?” he called, wondering if it was just his brother-in-law returning early. However, when he rounded the corner, his face burst into a grin.
“Lola!” he said, in surprise “Wesley! What are you doing here?”
Lola looked radiant, and to his surprise, still very pregnant. Quick math in his head told him that she may not have delivered yet, but he hadn't expected her to travel in her condition. Then again, it was Lola, and she would do whatever she set her mind to.
“We thought we'd come home, just in time,” she said. “For as exciting as it is to have a baby abroad...home is the best place for it. And you are all our home.”
Aaron laughed, giving them both a hug.
“Did she talk you into this?” he asked Wesley, who laughed.
“Of course, just as she talks me into everything, and I am happy to comply.”
“You two must be exhausted. Why didn't you write to me?” he asked. “Come, there's breakfast.”
“We decided spur of the moment,” Lola said, as she eagerly followed him towards food. “The letter would have arrived at the same time as us.”
“Of course you did,” Aaron said. “How were the shows? The colonies?”
“Amazing,” she said. “Being on a foreign stage was what I needed. But being this pregnant on stage is a bit scandalous, never mind being a countess.”
“Lola, when have you ever let scandal stop you?” he teased her.
“I don't,” she answered. “But it is nice to be home.”
“Aye, I can agree with that,” he said, as they sat down to breakfast.
It was only a few moments of uninterrupted silence before the children came in from the garden, Annabelle on their heels.
“Oh, my,” Annabelle said in surprise. “Everyone is home, it seems.”
“We thought about going to the country,” Lola said, in a half-hearted defense “But we'd be alone there and...”
“Don't be silly,” Annabelle said, as she gave her a tight hug. “You're family, you must be here.”
“I'm glad of it,” Lola answered. “Because Wesley and I have no idea what to do with a child. But you all seem to know so easily.”
“It's not easy,” Annabelle answered “But it is worth it. Isn't that right, Brother?” Recently the mother of her third child, Annabelle knew how frightening the first child would seem. However, Lola was strong, and she and Wesley had survived much more than being parents. Still, she was gentle about it, remembering her own fears. Harold had been away through most of it, and she was glad that Lola and Wesley had each other. If anyone would conquer parenthood with a unique ease, it was the two of them. Their child would be an actor, or a titled noble, or anything they wanted to be. She, for one, was excited for the future.
“Aye,” Aaron answered, still in shock that Lola was finally home. “Should we go barge in on Harold?”
“He's probably working,” Wesley spoke up.
“The Navy HQ owes their lives to us,” Aaron replied. “They won't mind.”
“Just like old times,” Lola said, and he met her eyes.
“Just like old times.”
A year ago, he would have never thought they would have the chance to have their life back; to hope; to dream. He didn't see a future when he sailed into harbor for the last time, there had only been darkness. Now, though, his future was as bright as the sun, for as long as it was gifted to last.