The End Of Walden's War

VII

The days past slowly as I waited for Saturday to arrive, my excitement grew with every passing minute. Because every second that passed was a second closer to seeing my dear family again.

Oh, I had missed my family.

Frank and Loretta eagerly accepted the invitation to my home, glad to rid themselves of the continuous rush of the city where we resided.

Loretta shared my excitement as she spoke continuously of the trip when she visited me every evening. It was infectious and I always found myself gaining a slight but more eagerness when listening to her talk. I was glad she was coming with me, I don't think I could have managed a trip with Finnegan on my own.

Finnegan and I had not spoken about our arrangement since the deal was made, I was glad he had kept himself quiet hopefully for my sake. I may not be the most excited for the outcome but I agreed. And I know he would not have kept me away from my family if I had disagreed- I hope not at least. But the more I thought about it the better it seemed. I had wanted to be a mother since I was younger, it was probably the only thing I was sure I was going to be good at.

My mind drifted to these thoughts as Finnegan lay asleep next to me at night. Would he be a good father? I hoped so, I knew I would not be able to do it alone.

Every night my thoughts had been on the future I had agreed to. Finnegan would sleep beside me, softly snoring after another night at the pub. His back to be as I turned in our bed trying to fall asleep. And, like clockwork, I would fall asleep and dream of  a child. Sometimes a little girl, a gorgeous bubbly little girl. Other times a little boy. I'd dream of them grown up, her as a wife who cared for her own children but showed great independence from her husband. Strong willed and significant. I'd dream of him taking over the business from Finnegan, my dream quickly turning into a nightmare as I saw all the danger he was in.

But, regardless of the outcome, I was dreaming of my children.

By the time Saturday arrived I was beginning to think the agreement I had with Finnegan would be a mistake but I thought to the reason why Finnegan had suggested it.

You will love your child unconditionally

Maybe he was being considerate, but maybe I was being selfish. Did I deserve to have a child if I didn't love the man I was with?

Loretta stood beside me as Frank and Finnegan loaded the few bags we had.

"I take it you two reconciled?" Loretta asked me as the boys approached a few of Finnegan's 'underlings'. I stayed quiet, was what we had done really reconcile?

"Ah, still a little rocky. So he's trying his best to fully patch everything up? How sweet." Loretta laughed as she took hold of my arm and pulled me towards the car.

Once again I stayed silent as Finnegan and Frank approached the car along with us, I couldn't justify the change in behaviour in Finnegan.

He'd been awfully more careful with me since Loretta and Frank caught us fighting. The only way I could justify it was him trying to keep up this charade we'd being stuck in for a year.

Finnegan opened the door of the car to me sending me a smile as I stepped into the vehicle.

"Come on Maddie, look a little happier this is what you wanted right?" He whispered to me before he shut the door for me.

***

The hour long drive grew longer as my emotions fluctuated from excitement to dread. I was going to see my family again, my dear sister. But what if Bayliss was there? How was I supposed to see the love of my life with my husband by my side.

"Maddie-"

"Please, call me Madeline while around my parents. My parents hate when our names are shortened." I interrupted Frank as he began to speak.

"Your mother calls me Finn." Finnegan countered as he drove the car up the large pathway leading to my home.

"My mother seems to believe-" I stopped myself from talking as I realised that Frank and Loretta were in the car with us, the fact had momentarily slipped my mind.

My mother seems to believe what? That we would have fallen in love by now.

The car stopped and everything felt heavy. I was ecstatic to be home, a familiar warmth was flooding my body but the worry of something awful unfolding within the following days.

"Madeline." Finnegan spoke, his voice bringing me back to reality as he opened the door for me once again. My name unfamiliar accompanies bu his voice, as far as I could recall I had never been referred to as anything other than Maddie by him. I assumed the use of my given name was just as peculiar for him.

"My darling, Madeline is that really you?" My mother's shrill voice called out as the door of my home opened as she rushed forward. Finnegan took my hand as I exited the car.

"Mother." I smiled as she reached me, her arms engulfing me in an embrace I wasn't aware I needed so desperately.

"Madeline!" The excited call from my sister reached my ears as Mother allowed me out of her embrace, I watched as she ran down the stairs, as fast as her heels would allow her to.

She held me tight as she reached me, silent sobs left her as I felt her body shake.

"Abigail, I missed you so much." I told her as I held her smaller frame again mine.

Over her shoulder, I watched as Finnegan ascended the stairs to shake the hand of my father. But alongside my father was a man that I prayed I would not see for several more days or at least more hours.

Bayliss smiled and reached out to shake the hand of my husband.

Abigail pulled back, our hold over far too soon. My gaze was brought back to her as she smiled at me. She took my hand as she pulled me up the stairs, my mother guiding Frank and Loretta to follow us.

"Madeline, my dear daughter." My father smiled as I approached, the complete opposite expression that he had given Finnegan moments before. Father was not as accustomed to the concept of my marriage as my mother was.

I smiled at my father and resisted the urge to wrap my arms around him, he did not have a fondness of affection.

"Say hello to Bayliss, he's come an awful way to see you again dear." My mother spoke as she reached my side.

Reluctantly, I shifted my gaze to Bayliss. My eyes meeting his.

Oh how I missed the way his eyes looked at me and the comfort his look gave me.

"It's an honour to finally see you again Madeline." He smiled, his hand reaching out to take mine as he lifted it to his lips, leaving a soft kiss on the back of my hand.

"It's certainly been a long time." I smiled, my hand slowly falling to my side again as he let go of me.

"Oh, where are my manners?" My mother chuckled, "welcome to our home, rooms will be prepared for you but for now your journey must have earned you some refreshments."

Mother urged us all inside and to the billiard room of my family home, the room already beautifully set up, as it always was for guests.

Finnegan stood by my side, our false marriage was only known by two other people in the room, and I knew, in the following days the secret we have kept for so long was going to become significantly harder to hold.