Broken Soldier ~ Assassin's Creed 4

Chapter Forty Eight

"I could give thee a thousand kisses, Hoping what I most desire;, Not a mother's fondest wishes, Can to greater joys aspire!" I read from the book 'Divine Songs' by Isaac Watts, my favourite poet. The book was one for children, and I read it to Jennifer. She sat beside me in a chair she had pulled up, curling into me and following the words in the book over my shoulder. I shut the book with a smile. "That is the third time we have finished this book. Did I tell you that your father sent me this for my twentieth birthday?" She nodded, her hair rubbing lazily against my arm.

"How long ago was that, Elisa?"

"Ten years ago. I was twenty two then. I, unfortunately, didn't receive it until a while later."

"So now you are...thirty two?" I gave a nod. "And your birthday is in October?"

"In two months."

"Are you excited? I made you a present."

"You did? That is wonderful."

"I can give you it early, if you like."

"It would not be a birthday present then, though, would it?" She scooted away from me slightly and returned her chair to the desk in the corner of the room. I placed the book back on the shelf.

"I suppose not. Do you know where father is?" I shook my head.

"I think he is in the town." The twelve year old frowned, then scampered over to the door.

"We can go and wait for him in the lounge. Maybe we could even read another book." She grinned and opened the door for me. I smiled.

"We can invite Thatch inside to sit beside the fire." Thatch was his greyhound. He kept the dog in the garden in the summer, but he was allowed to sleep inside when it was cold. He loved to watch the fire. I hauled myself out of my chair, and heard a loud, high-pitched bark then muffled whispers from outside.

"That sounds like father and Thatch!" Jenny gasped and sprinted from the room.

"Not so fast! My old bones cannot keep up with you." I waddled down the stairs and turned to the kitchen where a door lead out into the garden. It had been thrown open to the point that it was resting against a counter. Holden was in the garden, sipping from a teacup. I panted slightly. "I am guessing Jennifer is the cause for this?"

"She is indeed. I believe that Mister Kenway is home." I nodded my thanks and also exited the door. Edward was on one of his knees, Jennifer in one arm and Thatch wriggling around in the other. The puppy was jumping, trying to lick Edward's face and scratching at his clean suit jacket, leaving muddy lines down the sleeves. I laughed at the sight of the three of them, Edward barely able to even keep his balance. He wobbled on his one foot, so I hurried over to help him. I took Thatch by the collar and gently pushed him aside. He wagged his tail at me with, what looked like, a smile on his face. Edward chuckled loudly and stood up with Jennifer still in his arms.

"I am getting far too old for all of this energy." He kissed his daughter's cheek softly. "I missed you."