The Family Origin

Chapter Sixty-Eight: MAISIE POV

Weeks passed, and I clung to Jasper to help my heart heal from the loss of my daughter. Miles refused to let me talk about her, which was for the best because it let me focus my attention on Jasper. Watching him grow bigger and stronger was bittersweet. He was no longer going to be my little baby, but seeing him healthy and happy filled me with joy.

I was sitting on the floor in the living room and watching him walk and explore the room. He held onto the couch and table to get himself onto his feet but could walk around the room on his own. He was so curious and would pick up the books and odd knick-knacks on the shelves. As each day passed, he looked more and more like Miles. He had his dark hair and the same large brown eyes. He was growing so fast, making me think he would also be tall and broad like his father. He started talking, and his favourite word was "da-da."

Jasper had two fingers in his mouth and drool bubbling on his chin as he walked toward me. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him into my chest. My heart fluttered every time I heard his giggle. I rocked him from side to side as I kissed the top of his head.

A knock on the front door echoed through the home. I held my breath as I tightened my hold on Jasper, causing him to wiggle in my grip. The knocks continued, coming in short, hard bursts.

Who was here? People must have been coming onto our property because we had never run out of meat, but Miles never spoke about it. Who was this? Who was able to get this close?

"Miles," a female voice said through the door. "Miles, are you home?"

I furrowed my brows as I craned my neck to try and see outside. My view was blocked by the couch, letting me only see the bars Miles and Joseph installed to keep us safe from outsiders.

The knocking did not stop. I kept Jasper in my arms as I moved over to the couch. I kneeled on the cushion and peered at the woman standing on our porch.

She appeared to be around my age. Her dark braids were pinned up, and she was wearing a black dress. She continued to knock on the door, and I was unable to see her face.

"Miles, I need to speak to you," she shouted through the door.

How did she know him? A pang of jealousy caused my stomach to twist into a knot. Was this someone he saw when he went into town? I never imagined that Miles would be unfaithful, but horrible thoughts filled my mind.

The wooden porch creaked, and I saw Miles walk around from the side of the house. He froze when he saw the woman. His usual emotionless expression cracked. His eyes widened in shock, and his lips slightly parted. Who was this woman? Had he tried to hide her from me?

The woman did not look pleased to see Miles. She chewed on her lip as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes darted away from Miles and the house.

"Why are you here?" Miles asked. His words were cold.

She was silent for a moment before she spoke. Did she regret coming here? Why would she come to our home?

"I need to speak to you," she said. "I have so many questions. I have had so many questions for years."

Miles glanced into the living room to see me watching them. He ran his fingers through his hair before reaching for his key. Was he going to let an outsider into our home? I watched in horror as he pulled the chain off from around his neck.

The door opened, and I pushed myself off the couch. My knees were wobbly and I refused to let go of Jasper. I walked to the doorway to see the woman was inside. Her eyes scanned over the details of our home as Miles locked the door. When her gaze landed on me, her brows raised. I swallowed past the lump in my throat as I tightened my grip on Jasper. He was pulling on a few strands of hair that I escaped from my braid.