Jack before joining her against the tree.
"So Jack," Nathalie, "tell me how school was."
The young boy climbed into his mother's lap and leaned against her, sighing happily. He was an affectionate boy who took every opportunity he could to be near his parents.
"It was okay. I get to do show 'n tell next week."
"Oh? What are you going to bring?" Eric asked, passing a piece of cheese to Nathalie.
"Drew," he replied easily, taking a sip from his juice.
Both adults laughed lightly. "Buddy, you're bringing Drew for show and tell?" Eric asked.
He nodded. "Drew said he would bring in a real brain and explain it to us and that is way cooler than what Davey brought in today."
Softly stroking his hair, Nathalie dropped a kiss on his forehead. "What did Davey bring in?"
"His iguana."
Eric nodded sagely. "I have to agree with Jack. Drew and a real brain are way cooler than an iguana."
Shaking her head, Nathalie smiled. "You're all just a bunch of little boys, aren't you?"
Stealing a kiss, Eric waggled his eyebrows. "And that's why you love us."
"God help me," she sighed. "I do love you - all of you."
Jack turned to his father and gave him a hopeful look. "Is it time?"
He shook his head. "Not yet - we'll eat first and then it'll be time."
Watching the exchange between the two, Nathalie narrowed her eyes. "And just what are the two of you up to?" she queried.
"Nothing Mom," Jack demurred, "just guys' stuff."
"Yeah Mom," Eric mimicked. "Just guys' stuff."
Rolling her eyes, she took a drink from her wine. The three of them chatted easily - laughing and joking with each other - each of them finally sure of their place in the family.
Nathalie, leaning her head against Eric's shoulder, was finally able to look back on some of the most difficult moments of her past and not quake. While the memories of those moments could still be felt, their power over her was greatly reduced. She was healing and she was healing because her son loved her and Eric loved her.
Having finished their dinner, Jack turned to his father and whispered loudly. "How about now? Is it time now?"
Smiling, Eric nodded. "Yes little man, it's time now. Do you know where it is?"
His green eyes danced happily as he nodded. Getting to his feet he walked over to the picnic basket and reaching inside, pulled out a small box. Trying to keep it hidden from his mother's curious gaze, he tucked it against his side and looked at his father.
"Should I open it?"
"I think that would be a good idea," he whispered.
Jack pried the box open and then hid it behind his back as he turned to his mother. "Mom?"
Amused by the attempt at subterfuge, Nathalie grinned. "Yes Jack?"
"We have a question for you."
"Oh? What kind of question?"
Eric curled his fingers through hers and dropped a kiss to her shoulder.
"Dad and I love you very much," he told her seriously.
Her eyes shimmered as she looked from one to the other. "And I love you both very much too."
"And," he carried on, "we're really happy that you came back AND that you're staying."
"Me too" she reaffirmed.
Stepping in front of her, he brought the box from behind his back and held it out to her. She gasped at the diamond that sparkled in the last vestiges of sunlight. "And so me and Dad were wondering if you would marry us?"
Happy, joyful tears slid down her cheeks as she stared in wonder at the young boy in front of her. Eric squeezed her hand and it was as though, all at once, she felt fully joined to him.
"What do you say Nat?" he asked softly. "Will you marry Jack and me?"
She nodded tearfully, still not trusting herself to speak. Jack thrust the ring at his father. "I think you hafta put this on her finger now," he told him.
Laughing, Eric removed the emerald cut diamond and slid it on her ring finger. He kissed her softly. "I love you" he whispered. "My heart is beyond full."
She kissed him back and then tugged Jack towards her, embracing him tightly. "I love you both so much" she said hoarsely, finally finding her voice. "I am so complete with both of you in my life."
Jack sank into her lap and Eric wrapped them both in his arms. They were a family, united, bonded and loving. And finally, after a long night's journey into sunlight, Nathalie was at peace.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31