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"We need to talk," Gavin began as he and Adelaide walked along the rocky shore.
Gavin didn't want to stray too far, after all, the last time Arlana had been in this very place, she'd witnessed a band of warriors riding past. Arlana was their way home should anything go wrong.
"I know," Addy swallowed hard, turning away. "Our marriage has been over for a long time. I'm not a fool and honestly can't blame you. I know you're just sticking around for the kids."
Gavin had left the marriage long ago - way before he and Arlana's paths had crossed a few months back. At some point he'd emotionally checked out. A man cannot be denied his needs and emasculated. It was gradual, but he wasn't ready to throw in the towel completely either.
"You're correct. I have checked out a long time ago and should have been honest, but I won't leave you or the kids. They need their father. I know it is mutual - this distance that is between us. It was years since you allowed me to be intimate with you, but I am not putting the blame squarely on your shoulders. I need...well, it doesn't matter now. I wasn't sure how to bring this up, but I'd like to propose that we move closer. The commute is a lot - even if it is just on weekends. James has offered to let me build a home for us on the ranch - near the river as the main house will be used to help single mothers and their children.
I've been away for the past two months and working on a secondary project in Nova Scotia. I'm hoping to head back tomorrow and want to bring you and the kids with me this time. Arlana and Zek will be coming too."
"Jaira is heading back tonight. She needs to be on the train by 9 pm."
"I'll help her change her train ticket - she can board the train in town so we don't have to drive all the way back... Think of it as a summer vacation for the kids. It will only be for a few months - a trial run of sorts."
Adelaide was quiet for a long moment.
"I am not blind, Gavin. You're much happier since you started this job and even on weekends, you're like a changed man. I don't know exactly what it is, but I get that you need this - whatever it is."
"You're correct, Addy, but I believe you can be part of this life as well as the kids. You'd see me more than just on weekends. As I said, it likely won't be long term, but we are looking at expanding into Nova Scotia for the time being and I think it would be nice for the kids too. Didn't you enjoy today?"
"Of course. Let's get Jaira sorted out and that will give me time to think of your proposition. If you build a house on the property, that would be nice, but it will take time. As for going with you and my sister to Nova Scotia, I'm not against the idea, but... I just need to think."
"We should head back," Gavin's voice was soft as he glanced up at the darkening sky before reaching for Adelaide's hand.
He was certain he could make it work with both women and all his children beneath the same roof. Gavin just needed to take it slow, easing Adelaide into it.
James smiled as the couple approached, handing them a plate with the freshly caught fish before they joined the others on the blanket.
"Mmm," Adelaide sighed as the fish all but melted in her mouth. "I've never tasted fish so fresh. There's something different about it."
It was likely the lack of pollution in the water, Adelaide thought as she watched Gavin and Adelaide take a seat on the blanket beside her.
Gavin winked as he looked over at Isabella still snuggling with Arlana, her hand resting on Arlana's stomach, Zek sitting beside her. Joshua sprawled out on a blanket near Arlana's leg as he spoke with Stryker and Hunter.
Jaira was the first to break the silence.
"Arlana was mentioning that she would watch the kids so you and Gavin could go on a honeymoon. I have to be at the train station in a couple of hours but was thinking if we plan it better, maybe William would come too and we could have a honeymoon double date. Both of our honeymoons sucked so this would be nice for both of us."
"I wouldn't mind," Arlana looked down at Isabella, still stroking the child's hair.
"Are you alright?" Gavin frowned, hearing the exhaustion in Arlana's voice.
"Yes, of course, but thank you. I hope you have enjoyed your time here," Arlana turned her attention to Adelaide. "It would be nice if you both could come more frequently. I know the children have really enjoyed playing together again."
"I really need to head back," Jaira stood from the blanket, looking up at the moon as though she would be able to tell the time from its position.
Arlana was unsure as to how exactly she was going to discreetly bring everyone back to the present time. James seemed as though he were able to read her thoughts.
Mollie reached for a small stack of plates before moving to kneel beside Arlana.
"Touch the base of the tree with your free hand and your body just needs to touch the children at the same time. It's going to be draining, but I will lead them to the house, while you return and do the same thing for the rest of your family. James and the men will return on the last trip," Mollie whispered. "You've got this, My Dear."
Mollie reached out, gently touching Sarah's shoulder, holding Arlana's wrist at the same time as Arlana moved her leg until it was touching Joshua's. Isabella and Zek lay on either side of her, their hands on her stomach. Looking at Mollie, Arlana reached out and touched the base of the Oak tree, the air growing hazy once again like on a day when the air is heavy with smog. Just for a moment, however, as the air cleared, the ranch came into view.
"Come with me," Mollie instructed, only Joshua looking back but by then, Arlana was already gone.
It had actually worked - the chain link effect.
Arlana was breathless with excitement as she returned to the past, pleasantly surprised that no one seemed to realize that the children and Mollie were missing.
Crouching down once more, Arlana was aware of the men moving into position as she moved a little closer to Gavin and her sisters. Gavin caught Arlana's eye, reaching out for Adelaide's hand as Arlana touched Jaira at the same moment Gavin placed his free hand on Arlana's thigh. The chain link needed to work or Gavin would be left behind.
Once again the ranch came into view, Arlana's heart racing as she glanced over, relieved to see Gavin wink at her. The adrenaline rush had Arlana's blood roaring in her ears.
"Let's head back before we get eaten alive by mosquitoes," James suggested, leading the way back to the ranch.
Jaira and Addy walked side by side as they followed the men, Stryker, Patrick and Gavin lingering behind.
"Are you okay Baby? You've lost all color."
"I was...I thought..." Arlana struggled to catch her breath for a moment. "I need more practice."
Stryker laughed, kissing the top of her head.
"You did just fine, Darlin' but I think such a large group might have been too much of an undertaking just yet. Gavin, did you speak with Adelaide? Is she coming? I wish I could go with you guys, but you know how it is. They won't exactly welcome the British at that fort and there is no hiding this accent."
Gavin was quiet as they followed the others toward the ranch.
"I am trying to ease her into the idea of us all living together. I don't want to rush things and Addy said she needs time to think it over. I did tell her that we are leaving tomorrow and that you and Zek are coming with me."
"Isabella knows about us," Arlana reached for Gavin's hand. "Zek told her about the baby and our wedding."
"Bloody hell," Gavin cursed beneath his breath. "Well, I guess she was going to find out sooner or later. I don't think Adelaide even realizes you're pregnant yet. I don't trust the kids not to tell her - it is something I need to tell her on my own."
Stryker and Arlana shared a look but it was Stryker who spoke.
"This isn't all on you Gavin. We need to have a family meeting - but this time with Adelaide."
"Tomorrow. It will have to wait for tomorrow. I've got to take Jaira back to the train station."
"Alright. I'll mention it to James but I'm sure he will agree with me - this meeting should take place before you leave for Nova Scotia - when we are all here to support you and help explain the situation. James has more experience with this kind of thing too..."
"I appreciate it, but hopefully all will go well. Adelaide did mention that she's noticed I'm a lot happier. Now, to make her happy as well..."