The Villager

30

THE VILLAGER
ʚɞ Ruth ʚɞ

The sun lays over the horizon, the wind blows through the air, seeping through our hair as we stand in front of Timothy's home that is now built and ready to be lived in. It was even more breathtaking from the first time I saw it. Tilley lets out a gasp, her eyes rising at the house in front of her.

Carriages are out on the side, letting the royal family out and Arabella waves to me, holding onto Jaxson's arm. They are both looking up at the lovely home in awe.

Timothy exits his carriage, rubbing his hands together with a smile on his face. He was excited, I could tell by his eyes that he was happy that everyone was around to bring forth his new home.

Serena gets out of her carriage, waving Tilley over. Tilley takes light steps to her, but I can tell she is yearning to let out a scream of excitement.

Hands grip my waist, eyes find mine in the midst and they soften when I blink up at him.

He smiles, squeezing his hands over my waist. "This could not be more of a perfect day. Why the nervous look?"

I swallow. "Your mother..."

He eyes the woman at the table laid out with foods prepared for all of us. She is biting her nails, ordering the guards around to make sure everything is perfect for her.

"Hey." He grips my chin. "She does not matter. It is you and me, right?"

I nod, slipping my hands into his and he squeezes them for reassurance. "You're right."

He kisses the top of my head. "I shall find you in a moment." He excuses himself, walking towards King Jaxson and Arabella, finding conversation.

A hand touches mine and I jump at the contact. Looking over, Emily's smile is what I see first and I breathe out.

Placing my hands over my chest, I laugh. "My apologies."

"How are you?" She asks me, her eyes softening.

"I am good. I am happy for Timothy, he deserves all of this and more." I look at the house again, back to her eyes and she is hiding a smile by biting her lower lip.

"I am sure Miss. Lumpkin was a sweet lady as everyone talks about, but I have always and will always want you to be my sister. That will never change, Ruth." She places her hand over my own again, smiling softly. My heart skips a beat. Then she sighs, looking up at the house. "A shame, really. This house is beautiful. The land, everything is beautiful. Perhaps I can get James to renovate ours."

"How is your life back at home? I never asked."

She is in awe from the moment I question her. "Oh, Ruth. I love him so much. He is so good to me and our children. He provides and protects us as he promised me from the beginning. He is gentle, and patient."

I look around for James, finding him at the table, rearranging things for Timothy's mother. He is quick in hopes of making his mother in law happy and she gives him a thumbs up after a moment of moving things.

"Are your children back at home?"

She nods. "His parents are keeping them for us until we get back. I do not wish for them to travel overseas until they are older."

"You are a good mother. I am happy for you. You and Timothy both deserve a life of happiness and love."

She squeezes my hand. "So do you." She waves to me her farewells, greeting the royal family in a bow of respect.

A cough suddenly makes me tense, turning to find Lady Hampton. Timothy's mother. She looks so much like Timothy it was scary, her beauty was unreal from under this sunlight, and I shared a kind smile with her.