Sparks Flying - A Ranger's Apprentice Story

Chapter Fourteen

One day in late winter, Will sent Maddie off on her biweekly run to Wensley Village to pick up their bread and coffee supplies. He watched from the doorway of the cabin as the small figure, wrapped in the warmth of a camouflage Ranger cloak and perched comfortably on the back of her small, barrel-bodied, piebald pony, disappeared down the track leading out of the clearing.

He sighed in pleasure at the peace and calm within the cabin. Much as he liked Maddie's presence, the young girl brought a sense of excitement that sometimes got on Will's nerves. He loved the girl like his own daughter, but he found her exuberance occasionally overwhelming.

A pair of arms wrapped around his waist from behind him, and Alyss rested her chin on Will's shoulder.

"Peace and quiet at last," she remarked evenly, and Will realized that Alyss shared his sentiments in regard to Maddie.

"She'll be back soon," Will said.

Alyss laughed. "I know, but it's not often we get time to ourselves anymore."

Will instantly felt guilty. "I'm sorry, Alyss. I don't mean to let my job get in the way of our marriage."

Alyss smirked at him, before planting a kiss on his furrowed forehead, her fingers following to smooth away the tension gathered there. "Relax," she chided gently. "That's not what I meant. You know I love Maddie, and having her around is a dream come true."

Will relaxed. "I know," he said.

"However," Alyss said, her face dissolving into a brilliant smile, "I have news I would like to share with you alone. In private. Without your bubbly young apprentice around."

Will's face brightened in curiosity. "What?" he asked.

Alyss seemed to radiate joy. "Will," she whispered, "you're going to be a father."

Will stared at her for a moment, her words not computing. "I'm going to be a - "

"Father, Will!" Alyss finished. "We're having a baby!"

Her words finally sunk in, and as Will realized their significance, his face split into a grin as wide as Alyss's. Suddenly giddy with joy, he picked Alyss up under the arms and spun her around in a circle, his wife squealing with surprise. He set her back down on her feet and kissed her passionately.

"Whoa!" a voice came from behind them. "Ew! My eyes are burning!"

Will and Alyss broke apart, turning to see Maddie standing in the doorway, covering her eyes with both hands. After a moment of shocked silence, Will recovered his equilibrium. 

"Maddie? What are you doing back?"

Maddie didn't remove her hands from her eyes. "Are you two done being all gross and romantical?"

Will rolled his eyes at Alyss. "Yes, Maddie," he said evenly. "Now, are you going to tell me why you are back here with no coffee?"

Maddie peeked through her fingers before deciding it was safe. "The bridge over the creek is down. One of the old dead oaks fell and crushed it. I didn't want to risk Bumper jumping it, and the water is much too cold for him to walk through."

Will sighed. "All right, Maddie. Good judgement. Tug and I will ride out to look at it. Is Bumper still saddled?"

Maddie nodded. "He's right here, by the porch. I came in to tell you before I put him in the stable."

"Good. You can come with."

Will grabbed his cloak off the hook behind the door, swinging it around his shoulders. He opened the door and prepared to exit the warm cabin, but Alyss's voice stopped him.