Blessed are the Peacemakers {[RDR2 Arthur X Reader]}

chapter 34; hope everlasting

Gray hair. Wind. Laughter. Moonshine. Love. Family.

All things encompassed in your simple life here at Beecher's Hope. 

Claire toddles across the front porch, chasing after a home sewn doll that her father is holding. Ever since she'd taken her first steps three days ago, he was constantly keeping her on her feet. If it was up to him, she'd already have her own horse and pistol at 11 months old. You sit on the porch swing, watching the two play together while your hands work on your knitting work. A tiny yellow hat to match the now completed baby blanket. You sigh happily, setting down your project to rub your belly. 

Laughter sounds in the distance and you spot your family approaching the main house, ready for supper. You stand up, a bump protruding from underneath your shirt. Baby number two is due to make their appearance this winter and you are all hoping for a Christmas baby. Jack has been begging to name the new baby Abel to match with his dog Cain but you just haven't had the heart to tell him that won't be happening. 

Matthew Isaac Morgan.

If it's a boy. You plan to name him Matthew after Hosea and Isaac after the first child Arthur lost. Then again, you were full heartedly convinced that Claire was going to be a boy and she proved you wrong so you're reluctant to trust your intuition this time around. 

"I smell supper!" Dutch, almost completely silver now, shouts as he climbs onto the porch. "Let me see my girl!" He scoops the toddler into his arms, hurling her into the air above, earning several joyous giggles. 

You wrap an arm around your husband, smiling together at the happy scene. "Come on inside everybody, food is getting cold."

Charles walks by, whispering something to Arthur about a bounty job he needs help with. John joins the conversation, explaining what they need help with capturing the target. You shoo them inside teasingly. Behind John, an equally large as you Abigail hobbles up the front porch steps with Jack in tow. The not so small anymore boy leaps towards you, flinging arms around you.

"Hi Auntie [Y/N]!" He squeals, squeezing you tight before scurrying inside, wanting to steal all the biscuits before his daddy and uncles can get to them.

"We're gonna have our hands full next spring!" Abigail laughs, her hand gingerly placed under her plump belly. 

"Yes, full... full in the best possible way though." You smile at her.

Arthur's arm presses on the small of your back, leading you inside to join your family swarming around the full dining room table. The evening sun filters in through the windows, making the living and dining room glow like fiery flames. Claire snuggles underneath her granddaddy's chin, his long beard tickling her forehead, completely oblivious to just how dangerous the thick calloused hands holding her once were. Arthur takes his usual spot at the head of the table, Dutch and his daughter to his left and you to his right. Miss Grimshaw and Mr. Pearson, hand in hand, laugh heartily at the opposite end of the table. Even they had found happiness in one another. The house fills with busy chatter and the clanging of spoons and forks against plates. 

You've created a safe place to raise a family with your retired outlaw. A new life for all the lost souls now sat around your table. A second chance to start over and do things the right way this time.

Peacemakers. That's what you are.