Out of Time Chapter Ninety
AO3
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
She studies her face. The baby sleeps. Her mam frets. This isn’t the standard mam with new baby situation. They are living on borrowed time, with a psychopath after them. Her bio father is one of them. So, she search’s her daughter ‘s face for any sign of him.
She is beautiful, her full eyelashes leaving sweet shadows across her cheeks. Her nose, tiny and pert is hers. Her eye color, the brown mixed with the slightest hint of green, it is as well. Her mouth, the shape of it, the shape of her face, they all show Claire. It isn’t until she comes to her ears that she sees him. She has his ears. A deep sigh.
“She is perfect.” Jamie sleepily mumbles beside them.
“Her ears. They are his.”
He turns and faces them, his head on his bent arm. “Something had to be. She is ninety-five percent you. That is pretty good.” He grins at the baby. “Our daughter is brilliant. Try to get some sleep. She will be up soon to eat.”
“Right.” She gently lays her down between them. Turning on her side, she watches her sleep until her eyes get to heavy and close.
Jenny is talking with Danny.
“I think it is time.” He frowns and tilts his head. “To add to the population. We are fairly settled here. It will never be a perfect time.” She shrugs.
“Right oh, you mean…”
“Not, ah… no just medically. No offense. It is just,” She stares into the fireplace. The sweet smell of the burning wood is soothing. That with the crackle of the fire and the way it lights up the room, makes for a romantic set-up. That, however, is not what she wants, “Ian was the love of my life. We were mates before we were lovers. He grew up with Jamie and I. I always knew that one day we would be wed. There was never anyone else.” A deep breath, “Life must go on. I acknowledge that but,”
“I understand. I never had a true love but I get it. I believe, Jenny, that it will be hard enough for you to even carry the baby of another man, let alone… So yes, whatever way you are comfortable with it.”
“Thank you Danny. I know it is hard.”
“Being with you guys, being accepted, right now that is more then enough.”
“Well, I better get out there. We can’t leave it unguarded.” He places his hand on hers.
“I will take this watch. It is very late and your children may have need of you.”
“Thank you Danny. That is very nice. Only until dawn though.” He nods and stands. After putting outerwear on, he picks up the rifle and heads ou
