The Strength of England

~12~

The warm Indian sun felt wonderful against her skin, one that she was waiting patiently for. It took both her and Arthur to drag Alfred out here, nearly five months so, coaxing with the thought of Liberty seeing her mother's favorite places.

"I think we lost Arthur." Alfred pointed behind him.

Juliet looked back to see Arthur swatting the insects and cursing a storm over the heat. "Leave him behind. This is not his usual weather, henceforth why I won't take him to Louisiana."

She followed Alfred as Liberty climbed the wooden steps up the hill, watching as the crawling baby flew up the stairs, attempting to grab a dragonfly. She saw a visible shudder rolled through the man as they neared the top.

"It's alright Alfred. " she said rubbing his shoulder. "I know it's hard, but it's all ok. I promise."

"I know." his voice barely above a whisper.

It was hard to watch him like this, the man that suffered from loss, yet she was trying her best to contain her own excitement as Liberty darted up the path for a new target.

"Um, Alfred, we have an escape artist." she said pointing to Liberty.

"Hey, Libby!" he took off after here, leaving Juliet smiling behind him.

She heard Arthur grunt out in frustration as he huffed and puffed up to her, "You know love, you could've been nice and helped me back there instead of waving me off."

He continued to complain of the weather and why they were there and all she did was smile, it's all she could do as the white dress came to view.

"I also have been waiting quite patiently for the explanation of Big Ben and you disappearing. You told me the moment we got here, you would tell me what happened." he stood beside her, "So what's the reason?"

"You'll see dear." she replied as she heard Alfred gasp.

"See? See what Juliet, what am I-" she turned his head to the top of the hill, "Oh my god."

Juliet watched as Liberty crawled up to the person in want, Alfred stunned and shaking as Liberty crawl up to the person before him. The baby laughed and smiled as she grabbed the white dress, asking to be picked up.

"Mama." she cooed as she was lifted into the air.

"Hello Liberty, my god how you have grown." the woman sighed against her, slowly beginning to cry, "I've missed so much."

"Amber?" Alfred said, slowly walking up to the woman before him.

"Hey there cowboy." she smiled as the tears fell, "It took you long enough."

"Amber?" he asked, his voice cracking, "I thought you were dead?"

"No baby, just being reborn." she assured him, cupping his cheek, "Now, I'll never leave your side."

"Are you real?" he asked, his own tears pouring down his face.

The woman leaned against him, kissing his brow, "Of course Alfred, now and forever."

At that moment, Alfred wrapped his arms around her and cried against her, dropping to the ground with his girls in his arms. Juliet watched as Amber held him and her little girl, finally getting her family in her arms. Amber's eyes met hers, she gave a silent thank you as she pulled them close. With a nod, Juliet pulled Arthur back away from them.

"Let the little family have their moment Arthur." she said, wiping a lone tear.

"You knew she was here," he moved in front of her, "didn't you?"