Home is the Hunter

Chapter 4

The next day I wonder around our valley until it's time for Snow and the kids to meet me. I take note of a few places I want to visit again. There's a lovely lake where we can swim with the children and some secluded spots I can visit with Snow.

At around noon I hear them approach in Rose's old truck.

"It's time, Ghost"

Woohoo!

"Remember you have to stay invisible until we tell you it's time."

Yes, Dad. He sounds sad, but he's an obedient boy. He's had to be over the past few years with me.

I pace the foot of the hill until Snow and Rose Red arrive tracked by six nervous-looking kids. My kids. After reading their letters for hours on end, I feel like I know them well, but I can smell they're nervous, so I know I need to take things slow. After all, I've been an absent father their entire lives.

Snow hugs me and stands by my side expectantly. I stand awkwardly by her side and take them all in. Every single one of them is perfect.

"How can every single one of you ruffians possibly be shy all of a sudden?" Snow asks exasperated. "You've seen his pictures and read his letters. Come and meet your father."

The kids stay put a few feet away from me. They're all quiet, even though I could hear them screaming and shouting on their way over.

I squat down so I'm at their level and offer a smile.

"It's very nice to see all of you," I say. "I haven't seen you since you were little cubs floating around all over the place."

A couple of them smile, but they stay bundled together.

"Okay, I'm going to sit down here so we can talk if you want." I drop down cross-legged on the grass and watch them expectantly.

Winter takes a small step forward. "Is that Mr. Wolfie?" She's pointing at my coat pocket where her doll is peaking out. I pull it out and offer it to her.

"I have all of the presents you sent me. I can show them all to you later."

She steps closer to examine the doll.

"Did you really like it?" she asks timidly.

"I love it very much."

Winter smiles and inches forward again while her siblings watch, though they seem more relaxed now.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"You don't look like a big bad wolf."

"You don't look much like a wolfling right now either," I chuckle.

She closes the distance between us so that we're standing face to face.

"Can I give you a hug?" She whispers.

I smile and nod my head slightly. Her arms wrap around my neck and I hold her in mine. I can sense Snow crying behind me and the children watching intently. My heart could burst right now.

After a few seconds the children behind her start inching forward as well.

"I want to hug dad too," whines Therese.

"Winter, you had your turn," says Ambrose.

"My arms are big enough to hug you all," I say, at which point they run forward and fall on top of me.

I lay back on the grass with a litter of kids holding onto me for dear life, and I swear it might be the happiest moment of my life.

They giggle and squirm as I wrap my arms around them. Even Ghost joins in with a light breeze.

"Can you fit mommy too?"

"Always."

Snow smiles and drops herself on top of the children, who all scream and laugh and try to break free from their parent sandwich.

"Welcome home, Bigby."