The Last Love Of Arthur Morgan

The Calm before the Storm

"Hold her head." Arthur instructed Dutch.

The older man nodded as he cradled the small babe. She opened her eyes and stared up at him, smiled, then closed her eyes again. Dutch chuckled and patted her bottom with his hand.

"My oh My, you and Lorna sure make'em pretty Arthur."

Arthur blushed."Uh, thanks."

"Hand her over, Dutch." Hosea ordered.

"I just got her." 

"Well do what you gotta do, she's due for a feedin' soon." Arthur warned."...Got a set of lungs on her, don't want ya to lose your hearing or nothin."

Hosea chuckled and cradled the light haired baby girl in his arms, propping his leg up so he had extra support. She cooed in her sleep and somehow found Hosea's finger, gripping it tight. The older man smiled down at the baby asleep in his arms, so thankful for her presence. Something truly innocent as she brought a smile to everyone's face each day. 

"Did you hear that Colm O'Driscoll wants to go ahead with the truce?"

Arthur's brow furrowed."And?"

Dutch sighed."It sounds promising, Arthur."

"I don't think it's a good idea-"

"Hosea, I know what's best for the gang. I know Colm hasn't been the most reliable when it comes to truce talks, but we haven't hit the O'Driscolls in months and they havent hit us. Maybe this is our chance to finally make peace."

Thomas, who'd been walking by, stopped and turned back around, stomping over. The three men looked up and just before Dutch could speak again, Thomas spoke. 

"Don't do it." He shook his head."I know Colm, we're kin. He don't want no truce, it's all a game to him - he wants blood, always will."

Dutch heaved a long dramatic sigh."Son, I know you think you know-"

"I do!"He exclaimed."If you do this, you can assure that everyone here will end up dead, including her." He pointed at Lily, before storming off to finish his chores.

Arthur looked to Dutch, then Hosea and finally down to the ground. He was afraid to say anything to Dutch, but he agreed with the kid. And of all people, he would know his own kin. He looked up and saw Dutch was no longer there, he must've stormed off somewhere in the midst of his own thoughts. 

Hosea carefully stood up and walked over, gently placing Lily back into Arthur's arms. He patted him on the shoulder before going off to find Dutch. Arthur looked down at Lily and watched as she slept, oblivious to the world around her. If only it were that simple for him.

He strolled back to camp, taking his time, thinking and day dreaming. He took a seat at the poker table and stretched his legs out in front of him, letting the sun warm him.

"Hey handsome."

An eye pried open and he snickered."Darlin."

"How's my girl?" Lorna asked, coming up beside him.

"Good. Saw her Uncle Dutch and Hosea." He smiled, offering his lap to Lorna.

She smiled and found her way on to his leg."And...how did that go?"

He shrugged."Alright, I suppose."

"Oh good." She nodded.

He reached up and brushed her hair behind her ear."How's my lady today?"

"Good. Happy."

"You're beautiful." He pressed a kiss to the side of her face.

She smiled and leaned into the kiss."And you? How's that cough, is it getting any worse?"