Loyalty Divided

Chapter Thirty Five

Carefully, she slipped out of the blankets, moving with practiced quietness to avoid waking either Arthur or Isaac. Isaac lay curled up nearby, his small form wrapped in a blanket, his face serene in sleep. She paused for a moment, watching them both with a tender smile before rising to her feet.

Stepping out of the tent, Evangeline inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp morning air that carried a hint of pine and earth. The camp was serene, bathed in the soft light of dawn. Only a few early risers moved about, their voices hushed and respectful of the morning tranquility. The enticing aroma of fresh coffee wafted from the campfire, beckoning her to its warmth.

She made her way to the fire, the ground cool beneath her feet. She wrapped her arms around herself, both to ward off the chill and to embrace the peaceful solitude of the moment. The sky was a beautiful canvas of soft pinks and oranges, promising a clear and pleasant day ahead.

A rustling sound drew her attention back to the tent. Moments later, Arthur emerged, stretching and running a hand through his tousled hair. His eyes found hers, a sleepy yet affectionate smile spreading across his face. He walked over to her, his movements unhurried, and leaned down to press a tender kiss to her lips.

"Mornin', darlin'," he murmured against her lips, his voice still husky from sleep.

"Morning, Arthur," she replied, her heart swelling with warmth at the sight of him. She reached up to brush a strand of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering on his cheek.

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's presence, before making their way to the campfire. Arthur poured them each a cup of coffee, the steam rising from the mugs in delicate spirals. They sat together on a log, the fire crackling softly, and sipped their coffee, enjoying the simple pleasure of the quiet morning.

"Isaac's still out cold," Arthur said with a chuckle, glancing back at the tent. "Thought maybe we could take him out for a bit today. Go for a swim, maybe."

Evangeline nodded, her eyes lighting up at the idea. "That sounds perfect. He'll love it."

Arthur smiled, taking another sip of his coffee. "Yeah, it'll be good for him. Get him out and about, see some nature."

Just then, a voice interrupted their quiet conversation. "Where are you two off to?"

They turned to see John approaching, his expression a mix of boredom and curiosity. Copper, Arthur's dog he had yet to control, padded beside him. He kicked at a rock with the toe of his boot, clearly restless.

"We're thinking of taking Isaac swimming," Arthur replied, giving John an appraising look. "Wanna come along?"

John shrugged, trying to appear indifferent. "Sure. Beats sitting around here."

Arthur nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Alright then. Let's get the kid up and ready."

Before they could move, a small voice called out from the tent. "Pa?"

Arthur glanced back at Evangeline and John, then stood up, setting his coffee cup down. "I'll get him."

Evangeline and John were left in a brief, companionable silence. John shifted his weight from one foot to the other, still clearly restless. Evangeline poured another cup of coffee and handed it to him, her eyes warm and understanding.

"So, how've you been, John?" she asked, her tone inviting conversation.

John took the mug, nodding his thanks. "Been alright, I guess. Just...you know, camp life can get dull sometimes."

Evangeline nodded sympathetically. "I understand. It's important to find ways to keep things interesting. Have you been working on anything lately?"

John shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee. "Not much. Helping out around camp, running errands. Keeps me busy, but it's not exactly thrilling."