Every deep breath was held a new meaning of pain for her. She felt her eyes fight to open. "Stay still…" Fran also wanted to rise, but the male voice stopped her as her eyes locked with Morty Fine’s "You have been out for some time." Fran turned to notice a sleeping C.C. curled up in a chair.

"I’m dreaming…" Fran mumbled seeing her own eyes reflect back at her. She could barely talk, as her eyes started to form tears.

"If you start with that… Mary will throw me out of here." Morty smiled taking a cloth to her head. "Your fever broke last night… It was …" Morty’s face twisted in pain. "Close…"

Fran searched his eyes. "Thomas?"

"Already up playing in his room. I don’t know if he gets it from Nadine or Robert, but nothing can keep him down for long." Morty had been holding a letter. "Would you like to hear this for real now that you are awake?"

"Who?" She mumbled softly.

"From your husband….." He looked towards Fran…" We will have plenty of time for questions, and answers Fran. I promise…" He pulled the covers tightly over her shoulders, and started once more.

Fran searched his face, and fought the rising anger in her soul. She shivered wondering if she could look passed it… to forgive.

Robert’s face twisted in pain. He reread Nadine’s note yet again. "Niles…" Robert looked over it wasn’t often he had called him Niles.

"Yes Captain?" Niles smirked, but saw his worried look. "Is something wrong?"

"The General did offer us some time away this coming spring correct?" Robert mumbled trying to make out Nadine’s letter again.

"Yes… You are looking at that letter… Like it was poison." Niles frowned, and remembered his own letter from C.C. "Maxwell only received a letter…from Fran just yesterday…"

"Did Fran say anything in the letter?" Robert looked up and noticed Maxwell was walking in.

"I love you, and everything is fine…" Maxwell rubbed his new chin whiskers. "What did you once say Robert about Fine women?"

"When they are reduced to one sentence you know that’s something is wrong. I got only one from Nadine. ‘Everything is fine.’" Robert’s face twisted as he handled the small silver heart that came with his letter.

"Maybe we should go to them this spring… just for a week." Maxwell leaned over towards Niles. "It would be nice to see then, and the children."

"William and Alexander should at least see us once… The General said it himself. You know the only problem with us leaving is…"

"My father’s now free, and roaming the country side." Maxwell sighed looking at his letter. "This handwriting even looks funny." He handed the letter to Niles.

Niles looked at it closely. "It does seem odd." Niles frowned looking towards Max. "Stuart is running a new troop near New York. I think sooner or later there will be a battle between him and James."

"I would hate to leave." Maxwell mumbled rubbing his chin. "Even for a while, but the signs are all there that…. "

"There is something wrong at home." Robert finished his sentence. "My youngest Thomas was barely a babe when I came here. I haven’t seen my children once."

"Then I will talk with the General today about us leaving for a few weeks." Maxwell pulled on his ruined coat.

"Yes it will be good to see them all."

"What are we doing here?" C.C. groaned looking towards Fran. "You should be back in bed. If Nadine…"

"If Nadine nothing!" Fran made a face as they both walked around the two old buildings. "Comes plenty of land…and… We could have both buildings repaired before next winter."

"You took Danny’s money and bought this didn’t you?" C.C. stopped blinking. "Fran… I don’t know…"

"C.C. … All of Nadine’s ranch hands say you have a gift with horses. We can’t stay with Nadine forever now she’s been expecting child number five…"

"She’s … How can you tell?"

"I can tell… "Fran smirked. "We can’t return to the burned farmhouse and either one of us wants to go home to New York."

C.C. turned looking at the buildings. "It would be nice to have some time alone with Emily and Alex."

"Then we agree? " She turned the corner facing C.C. "I can build a place to smith here as well."

"Hell you will build the houses if you could." C.C. mumbled under her breath. "Agreed!"

"MOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY" The four boys came running inside followed by Maggie and Emily who could now keep up with the Henderson boys. "Aunt Naaaddddddddddinee!"

"What what what!" Nadine smiled looking at the six set of eyes before her. She wanted to laugh looking at those silly faces.

"Soldiers coming down the road!" Mark was the second oldest boy, and looked at his mother. "Blue coats!"

Nadine blinked. "Okay… run along… Go up in the play room, and have Mary bring down the twins, and boys will you?"

Niles couldn’t help, but laugh. "You think?"

"My sons can travel anywhere…." Robert mumbled softly. "Troublemakers one and all."

"I wonder where they get that from Captain?" Maxwell smirked as they rode up towards the house. The four boys all stood in a line eyeing the men.

"HALT! WHO GOES THERE?" Thomas poked the men with his toy gun playfully.

"The biggest meanest bear you have ever seen!" Robert picked the young boy up in a bear hug…. As his other sons followed suit attacking Robert… Which led two little girls looking into Maxwell, and Niles’s faces.

"Daddy?" Maggie walked up slowly holding up her arms. Maxwell felt his eyes sting.

"Sweetheart…"

Niles turned around trying to figure out where Emily had gotten off to… Lifting up his leg he found himself attached. "Sneaky…" Niles smiled as Emily giggled softly.

"Smart!" She retorted back.

"Robert?" Nadine stepped out of the house. She pulled off one young boy who caused Robert to bounce upward and grab at Nadine….

"Mmmm! Bear finds honey!" He growled pulling his wife downward.

"Ugh!" Maxwell made a face as Gracie and Brighton came out. Mary held on each hip one little boy. Maxwell turned towards Niles with a bright smile.

"We better hurry back…" C.C. felt her body shiver once.

"What’s wrong?" Fran leaned in close.

"I got this strange feeling like we are being watched…" C.C. whispered quietly in Fran’s ear. "I would prefer to make it to the horses. " They walked towards the waiting horses. C.C. turned once more.

"It could be nothing?" Fran tilted her head.

"Not unless our luck changes…" C.C. grumbled pushing Fran along. "When has it only been… nothing?"

"Well there was that one time with Sarah…" Fran laughed as C.C. waved her hand around madly. They both ride off, as a set of dark eyes watches them in the distance.

"We have to head back… I have already kept you out far too long."

The baby giggled once more in Niles’s arms. "Trollie likes!" Emily laughed watching Niles tickling her little brother.

"Trollie?" Niles tilted his head. "Your mother calls him trollie?"

Emily nodded tickling Alex. "Ya!"

"What does she call you?" Niles smiled looking into her eyes.

"Highness!" Emily giggled madly as Niles smiled. "You lewk old…" She frowned playing with his hair. "Them break you?"

"Break me? No… but your mother might later….." Niles winked, and Emily laughed loudly… C.C. stopped in the doorway watching this unexpected delight.

"Mommy loves you…" Emily smiled hugging her daddy’s neck.

"I love mommy… even if she’s a witch who is listening in at the door…" Niles smirked turning around.

C.C. laughed softly blushing…

"Dammit… Why am I stuck with a fool of a wife…?" Stuart grumbled walking into his tent. "B.B….. Barbara…. You have to stay."

"You have never been able to stop me." B.B. snickered as Stuart pulled her close.

"He wants to kill all of us… if anything happens…"

"It’s all in God’s hands not yours. This feud between you and James has been hovering long before Edward Butler. I personally think it will be interesting when… he finally finds us." B.B. laughed as Stuart tightened his hold on her. "Stuart if I didn’t know better… I would swear you still cared…"

Stuart groaned as B.B. pulled away walking out the tent. He was quickly followed by a man entering. "General Babcock…. Sheffield is on the move… Do you still want me to send this to General Washington?" The private who was in his miltia dress quickly saluted him.

"By all means…he’s not only after me… let us finish this game…" Stuart waved the man away and wiped his face. "Why do I fear this will end poorly…?"

B.B. walked past the men dressed in different stages of uniform followed by the half breed Indian. "Jonathan …"

"Yes, Mrs. Babcock…" He stopped Stuart had appointed the man her protector. Since that moment B.B. had grown to respect the elder man.

"Is it possible someone can feel their end…?" B.B stood still, and Jonathan frowned.

"Among my people… it is seen as a blessing…" He tilted his head. "What is wrong?"

"I have done a great many wrongs in my life… I want you to do something…Stuart is going to force me to stay behind with the others… " B.B.’s eyes drifted… "I will give you a few letters…"

Jonathan nodded. "Your family has… luck… I doubt it has run out…."

"My luck… I leave for my children… All of them…" B.B. walked forward.

Maxwell shifted finding Maggie was hugging his back unwilling to let go. He tried to shift again seeing Brighton hold onto his leg.

"Daddy…." Gracie laughed sitting above him. Maxwell smiled this had been his dream since the early days of the war.

"Sweetheart." He reached up tickling her chin. "Where is she?"

"Mama?" Gracie tilted her head, and pointed towards a sleeping Fran holding William. Maxwell sat up carefully smiling.

Niles muttered softly unwilling to let C.C. even to get up and dressed. "Niles… your son… Will need feeding." C.C. purred as Niles rolled her over once more.

"Not until I have my fill of you… Alexander will want brothers to play with…" His lips teased her neck as C.C. let out a playful groan. Alexander started his whimpering cry.

C.C. laughed as Niles let out a groan. "He’s your son after all…" She winked as Niles looked down at her.

"Alexander…" Niles got up pulling on his trousers. "Silly boy!" He roared picking him up as the baby giggled. He looked down at the blue eyed boy. "Lesson one… My little one… When mommy, and daddy are locking lips! Wait!" He handed over Alex to C.C.

"This is the first sign I have had of any Babcock…Interesting Stuart has taken a command of a useless miltia…" James looked towards his officers. "Our new German, and Indian allies will…. Rain terror upon those who would help these rebels….and if they should run into any Babcocks, or my traitor son……"

"Sir?" The man tilted his head.

"Kill them…" James’s smile sent shivers down his back as the major walked out.

"I don’t understand a man who would attack his own people." The Major turned towards the Indian chieftain.

"Hate burns…. Old hate…"

"REAL FOOD!" Niles nearly jumped into the pudding as Sylvia Fine hit his hand with a spoon.

"Wait!" She smiled at Niles show laughed. He blinked watching Fran… for a woman that had found her childhood dream there was untamed sadness behind her eyes. Niles leaned over whispering into C.C.’s ear.

"What’s wrong with Fran?" He brushed C.C.’s hair back behind her ear playfully. "She has what she has always wanted, but…"

"She’s hurt Niles…"C.C. muttered softly…"Still hurt, and I doubt she knows how to express it… Maybe her best friend could help her while he’s home?"

Niles let out a soft groan. "Woman… All I want to do is keep you tied to our bed…" he nibbled at her ear and received another spank this time… It came from Mary.

"I swear it’s bad enough … I have to help round up ten children… With one more on the way… Are you two going to add to my worries?" the older woman let out a soft groan.

"Give me the rest of this week, and I’ll make sure you have another worry." Niles waggled his eyebrows towards Mary who laughed.

"He’s kidding, Mary…" C.C. blinked as Niles’s hands started to roam under the dinner table. "Niles….NILES…"

"Sorry…" Niles grumbled. "You have that effect on me trollop."

Morty smiled as Fran placed a plate in front of her. "Maxwell…. I have heard rumors of your father’s new troops taking on Indian allies."

"Doesn’t shock me… The British have many allies among the tribes…" Maxwell grumbled trying talk to Morty Fine was ….hard… To say the least… Since Fran could barely speak a few words to the man. "Last I heard… My father was using them in a terror campaign."

"James was always good with terror." Niles mumbled as Morty’s eyes feel upon his. "Sir…?"

"You look like your father." Morty smiled broadly. "A good man."

"One of the first to say so in a long time, expect for good Martin here." Niles nodded towards his father’s servant who laughed.

"I might have been just a boy when he passed on, but Mister Butler was indeed a good man." Martin winked towards Niles, and helped Emily to her seat.

Morty grumbled softly into his bowl then looked at C.C. who smirked back. "It is an odd pleasure having you among us."

"It is alright Mister Fine… You don’t have to hide your feelings. You don’t trust me, because of who my father is…"

"C.C.?" Niles grumbled under his breath.

"Let’s be honest here…. " C.C. rolled her eyes looking towards Niles. "I don’t blame you one bit, but ….I am hardly anything like my parents."

"I would say you are exactly like one… At least…" Morty mumbled watching the older children running off to play. "I asked you all here to hear a tale, and I am sure none of your parents have ever told you …any of this…"

Nadine shifted as she leaned against Robert.

"You all know of the friendship between James Sheffield, and Stuart Babcock?" Morty looked around the table as he noticed all the heads nodding. "Did you know that James Sheffield, Edward Butler, and Stuart Babcock were all childhood friends?"

Niles clicked his teeth this was a fact that he never heard. "How do you know this Mister Fine, and why are you telling us?"

Morty raised his hand towards Niles. "Let me now finish…Three men closer than brothers… In the world of the rich they have wives chosen for them. Not out of love, but out of station." Morty took a long drink from his glass and placed it back down on the table. "One marriage match was made between… James Sheffield, and your mother…" He eyed Maxwell and Niles. "Edward Butler was in love with James’s future bride, and tried to run off with her towards the frontier…, but… they were discovered…months later…"

"With a new born son…" Niles mumbled looking the table as C.C. placed a hand on his back.

"Anger overcame James, and with all his might he damaged the reputation of Edward… taking his son… his future, but one person came to Edward’s aid giving him a means to survive."

"Stuart?" Maxwell tilted his head listening.

"Stuart Babcock hid this fact from the upper crust of society, but as you all have learned nothing escapes the ears of servants. He aided his friend on rebuilding his life, but Edward was too broken hearted to go on…the man died years later… With rumors of rape on the tongues of New York elite…"

Niles grabbed at the table cloth grumbling… It had made him sick to hear those rumors as a child. He looked towards Morty Fine. "Does this story have a purpose?"

"All stories have a purpose… If you will just hold on… I will promise you… Reach it…" Morty raised his hand slowly once more. "What I’m about to tell you…. Is… the truth… As my sister told me…It is why my heart was able to learn forgiveness, and why… in time I forgave my wife."

C.C. eyed Fran who mumbled into Maxwell’s ear.

"Some say James had vowed vengeance upon James… For his helping Edward, but no one was sure what form it would take. My sister worked inside the Sheffield home, and attended to a badly beaten B.B. Babcock… Her torn dress…, and with James Sheffield standing over her… Smiling… "

C.C. looked towards Morty. "My mother would have…"

Morty raised his hand once more. "Listen… I do not tell any of this to harm any of you… I tell you because at last the whole story needs to come out. All of you have been a part of a sad tale… That you know nothing about." He looked towards Fran. "I am to blame…more than anyone for some things…" Morty let out a long sigh. "My sister heard these words coming from James Sheffield’s mouth."

*"Maybe I should tell Stuart… Now I have done this deed, which the child you carry is my bastard."*

C.C. closed her eyes thinking about something Stuart told her. *"Your mother was for some reason transformed during her pregnancy with you… she pushed me far away… I found myself drunk, and in another woman’s arms."*

Morty’s eyes met C.C.’s in a cold understanding. "You understand…?" C.C. slowly nodded.

"Can you give us a clue?" Robert grumbled not following along with any of this.

"James Sheffield… Raped my mother… While she was carrying me…" C.C. said softly, but Maxwell heard.

"That’s! Insane!" Maxwell stood up growling. "My father might be many things, but he wouldn’t ever…."

Morty raised his hand again. "Again… I am telling you things, I didn’t witness….Only things that are rumor, and hearsay."

"Why do I feel… sick…" Fran mumbled softly holding onto Maxwell.

"So… B.B. pushed Stuart away…, and then…" Niles mumbled eyeing Fran who nodded. Everyone at the table was able to piece this last part of the tale together. Stuart had turned to a lonely Sylvia Fine, and had his affair with her….."That still doesn’t make…"

"Things right?…. I pushed… A child of mine away…" Morty frowned rising from his chair. "I was afraid… I tried to erase her memory…She was still in my heart, and in my heart there was never a doubt whose daughter…" he moved closer…

Fran jerked away her eyes filling with tears….

"The savages left few survivors General Sheffield. As you can see the settlement that Babcock had been staying at was almost completely cleared out…. Expect for your own prize." The Major waved his hand as the guards dragged a bleeding woman forward.

"B.B. my dear!" James smirked holding up her head. "You look half dead already?" He couldn’t help, but laugh.

"She managed to kill five men!"

"I have no doubt of that Major… No doubt at all…" He lifted her head up once more. "Have you made your peace with God yet?" The two Indians who had been with James stepped forward.

"Have you made your peace with the devil?" B.B. hissed back.

"Pity...once she was such a lovely woman… I even managed to have a good time with her once…Gentlemen… Make sure she’ll live long enough for Stuart to find her on his way back?" He turned towards the Indians who nodded.

"Sir…"

"Don’t question this work Major…" James was already reading the officer’s face. "She’s the wife of a traitor… Remember our mission here…"

"Yes sir…"

Niles hand wrapped his legs around C.C. holding her tightly against his body. "Woman you are going to make it bloody hard to leave…" He growled biting her ear.

"That’s the idea lover… that’s the idea…" She purred….

"What’s wrong?" He leaned over watching the color leave her face.

"I felt for a moment… something …. Odd…"

"Are you sick?" Niles started to panic, but resorting to tickling her naked body.

"No no no… silly troll… It’s just….. I felt like something had left this earth…"

"You are talking in riddles woman! I hate it when Babcocks do that!" He rolled her over on her back growling.

"It’s most likely nothing…" Her lips found his, as they sealed their bodies in passionate heat.

Deep slow breaths….In…and out…In….and…Out… B.B. felt the wet earth under her broken body. They had killed all the settlers, but B.B. was kept alive to see all of it… she had been saved until the very last…and what they had done…..no…no time to think about that now….she shifted once, and then shifted again trying to find a place to rest.

In…and out….Her eyes grew heavy… as her unbroken hand clawed at the earth. The ground was not wet because of rain… by her… Own blood…. By the blood of women and children…"rule… One… Babcocks… Don’t give up…" B.B. mumbled to herself.

Niles jumped downstairs smiling. "You are just like the children!" Mary snarled dusting behind him.

"I am sorry Mary! The sun is shining… It’s spring…"

"We all have full stomachs?" Maxwell walked in putting Fran down who laughed lightly.

"Now your thinking like a Fine!" Nadine laughed at Maxwell who blushed.

"Well…..yeah…" Fran muttered. "Where is C.C…?" Fran tilted her head towards Niles. "She sure did make a lot of noise last night."

"Too many people are having a good time under my roof…" Robert grumbled as Nadine walked by hitting his head.

"Robert… be nice!" Nadine grumbled as Robert grabbed his wife by the waist.

"Only if I can make those noises Niles made tonight…" He winked.

Maxwell groaned softly watching outside the window. "Robert?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you expecting any guests?" Maxwell turned, and Niles joined him at the window.

"Oy…" Niles mumbled lowly…

"What the heck is a troop doing heading my way?" Robert walked towards the door digging for his ruined uniform coat… He quickly handed Maxwell, and Niles

"Nadine… Would you go wake up C.C. please?" Niles looked towards Maxwell as all three men stepped outside.

"Why are they worried?" Mary shook her head. "They are rebels!"

"Mary… "Fran winked taking a piece of bread from the table. "Rebels are what Redcoats call them…"

"I like rebels for some reason myself." C.C. skipped down the stairs. "Hello Hello…"

"You are way too happy this morning!" Fran smirked placing her hands on her hips. "Tonight could you make even more noise?"

"Not every one can make love in a barn like you and Maxwell…." C.C. snickered as Fran gasped.

"How in the …."

C.C. laughed as Fran chased her around the living room throwing pieces of bread.

"FRAN! CHASITY!… You would think we had food to spare!" Mary hissed picking up the bread.

Niles looked towards Maxwell. "It’s a miltia…."

"I know that flag…" Robert puffed on his pipe. "Rhode Islanders…"

He had been thin, and sickly the last time they had seen him. He walked up before them in full wilderness gear. "My god…." Maxwell’s jaw dropped. "Noel!"

"Well hello Majors… Captain!" he offered salutes to each. "Captain Noel Babcock reporting…, and…" He held out a sealed letter. "I have some letters for C.C. and Fran… From B.B. of all people… I can’t open mind until they have theirs…Strange thing… The man that delivered my orders… And these letters went off to find D.D…"

Maxwell was still shaking his head…" Wait … why are you reporting to us? Who… Where…"

Niles was spinning too. "I wasn’t even sure anyone knew where to find us."

"Babcocks always know how to find…" Noel smiled watching C.C. and Fran come out of the house. "Other Babcocks…"

"Noel!" C.C. ran up hugging Noel. "What’s this about you getting married to some woman?"

"Some woman? Ah sweet sister… The only women that are Babcocks…" Noel teased tickling Fran’s chin.

"Washington… Is placing all fifty Noel’s men with our three hundred back in camp.. Which are heading this way… Once they arrive…" Maxwell muttered softly… "We are to join up with General Babcock… to hunt down my father…"

Niles smirked trying to withhold his comment…, but something inside him won. "Devils to fight devils…"

"This one here … My god…" The young private covered his mouth. "They used to be…"

"Children…." The elder sergeant placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let’s move on son…"

"SIR! This one is alive!"

"Move … move it! Dear god, boys don’t just stand there get me a blanket! Now!"

Stuart paced up and down his tent. "What are the scouts telling us?"

"General… They keep on pushing around Northern New York, but Sheffield as split his troops. They are searching for us, and… well…"

"Go on …" Stuart sighed rolling his eyes.

"They are attacking any settlement …. " The man frowned. "Reports are they have hit villages in New York, New Jersey…."

"What did you say?" Stuart looked up at his map.

"They have been attacking settlements…"

"B.B…." Stuart mumbled looking up. "Have our scouts reported back from the Morrison settlement yet?… Private!" Stuart screamed outside. "Have the scouts come back yet?"

"No sir…"

"DAMMIT!" Stuart roared looking towards his other officers. "Have those orders been sent yet?"

"Yes sir…"

Stuart mumbled walking back inside his tent wiping away his fear. "Come on… Woman… "

"Should we open these now?" Fran sat down next to Noel.

"We were supposed to give enough time for the messengers to find D.D." Noel’s face twisted slowly. "You think its poison?"

"Mother wouldn’t do that!" C.C. started to laugh then jerked her head back around. "Would she?"

"They do say that some mother’s eat their young." Niles smirked leaning over C.C. "Is your mother no different?"

"Why didn’t your mother eat you?" C.C. hissed back as Niles leaned over kissing her lips.

"Ewwww… Stop that!" Noel waved the two of them away. "There will be no kissing my sisters in front of me."

"HEY MAX!" Fran tried to wave Max over, and was pulled back by Noel.

"We are avoiding this…" He held up the letter.

"Alright alright…One…Two…Three…" C.C. tore open the sealed letter going over the perfect handwriting. She wasn’t reading yet, but looking for signs within B.B.’s letter. C.C. let out a long sigh looking towards the Dear Chastity.

"What…What….Is going on?" Fran put down her letter looking towards Noel. Fran’s color had drained out of her face.

"Darling?" Maxwell walked over taking her hand.

C.C. looked once more at her letter. Letting out a long sigh, but it was quickly followed by a gasp. "She’s lost her mind?" B.B. was asking for … Forgiveness….

"I don’t know." Noel mumbled softly. He was sure the girls’ letters were filled with the same loving tone. "I haven’t seen this kind of… B.B. Babcock…. In a long time."

"Noel where is daddy?" Fran was mumbling.

"You would think a ton of bricks hit you three." Niles looked over at C.C. who handed Niles the letter over.

Dear Chastity,

What can a mother say? Out of all my children, I was harder on you than anyone else. I want you to know who proud of you I am. You have done everything right C.C., but one thing. Never allow that hard edge you have developed to come between you, and your children. I allowed mine to come between…..Fran and myself. Remember once in a while Niles will show that he is indeed human. I think you already know this. I am sorry my dear for any hard feelings, and any mistakes I have made. There have been a few… Remember…..I love you…

Your mother

Niles shifted on one foot then another. "I have never heard your mother… tell you this before…" He pointed towards those last words.

"I love you?" Fran looked up her eyes started to water. "Is this a game of hers?"

"I don’t think so…." Noel muttered. "Maybe I should see one of my lads off with a message for dad.

"She has many….many broken bones…. General…" The doctor turned his face from Stuart. "Her legs have some many breaks…I have lost count."

"What aren’t you telling me?" Stuart turned the man around forcing him to look into his eyes. "I want to hear it all."

"With so many broken bones… Her ribs…. Her left arm… countless number of breaks… The bone’s marrow… From any one of those breaks can enter the blood…"

"And?" Stuart was sure he wasn’t going to like his answer.

"She’ll take a fever…..it will either form a hiss, or she’ll die soon after." Stuart let the doctor go walking away.

"You didn’t tell him all of it…" The other medic came to stand beside his commander.

"He knows… His own scouts told him how they found her…." The doctor found himself wiping his own eyes.

Stuart walked inside the tent. He had forced the doctors to place B.B. in her own personal tent knowing she would prefer this. "Are you awake woman?" He growled trying to force B.B.’s fighting spirit.

He had seen her before she had been cleaned up… her broken form had brought tears to many of his soldiers. He had heard them nickname her the dragon, but what he didn’t know is the dragon had been sneaking extra food and supplies to his soldiers. "Don’t look like that Stuart…" B.B.’s words were slow as Stuart sat down next to her. The right side of her face was swollen.

"Are you in pain?" He took her good hand.

"Don’t do that in front of them Stuart…" She moved her hand from his wiping his tears away. "You lead a lot of scared young men… they don’t need to see you cry."

"It has all been my fault… everything…" Stuart let out a loud whimper.

"Shhhhh Babcocks don’t admit mistakes." She winked with her good eye. "My chances?"

"Barbara… Your legs are so broken…They found you beaten…." Stuart couldn’t finish… They had rapped her… He had known it…

"My odds are bad… I have prepared myself for the worse, and now… I want to live." Her eyes met his. "Love you…" From under her pillow she pulled out a small chain, and placed it inside Stuart’s hand. Stuart opened his hand seeing B.B.’s wedding ring. Years ago when she had found out about his affair… B.B. hand thrown it into a fire in front of him … swearing… That she would never again keep, or wear such a worthless token.

Stuart mumbled madly looking into her eyes. "Fight… please god… Fight…"

"Now… Stuart… In the middle of my… ordeal… I swore to outlive James Sheffield." She smiled sadly. Her eyes closed slowly letting out a long sigh. "Tired."

"Rest…" Stuart tried once again to dry his eyes. "Barbara?"

"Yes Stuart..?" She opened her eyes once more.

"I have never stopped loving you…"

"You want to buy these buildings?" Maxwell walked around pulling at the wood floor.

"They will be perfect! C.C. has already agreed…" Fran moved around looking at Max. "We could start our own horse ranch."

"Fran…" Maxwell narrowed his eyes. "I’m not sure…" Before he could finish another word Fran pulled him into a heated kiss. "Well….maybe I’m sure…" Once again Fran’s lips sealed with his.

"Please…. It will give us a place to live… Outside of New York…" She pulled off his coat causing Maxwell to groan.

"Only…if we test a few things first."

"Mister Sheffield… I like the way you think!"

Niles started to laugh pulling at C.C. "I can see Fran rebuilding this place, but you?" He had C.C. down to one layer of clothing his lips on her neck. "Babcock don’t you damage anything you touch?"

"I don’t know… You seem to be in one piece don’t you?" She purred nibbling at his neck. "I could try and….’break’ you now…" She giggled as Niles pulled her last layer off her body exposing her breasts.

"I prefer….to break you…" He flashed a smile attaching himself to her nipple trying yet again to force a moan from her lips. "So… We are going to play that game?" He purred, and C.C. ran her hands down his bare chest …teasing him…

"It’s my favorite game to play!" She laughed as Niles picked her up placing her on the horse blankets. "Didn’t you promise to keep me barefoot, and pregnant?"

"I’ll work on that now…"

"You think your message lived long enough?" The major tilted his head. "I am sure our Allies were anything, but kind to her."

"You don’t know B.B. Babcock…." He poured the man a drink handing it over to him. "She will try, and live on just to annoy me."

"Why do you hate them so much?"

"I don’t…. hate… them… "James felt this eyes flash in a quiet anger. "They are traitors in more than one way. Stuart betrayed me, and his family will pay the price."

"It was a mistake moving her…" The doctor growled throwing up his hands towards Stuart. "Her fever is almost out of control…"

"Doctor…. Listen to me… "Stuart let out a long sigh. "She was not safe there, and… we had our orders… B.B. would have found a way to beat me over the head if I had left her there again."

"General… General!" A man ran up. "They are coming… is it true they normally ride with General Washington?" The young man was full of joy just thinking about the normal army.

"Private…. Get your head out of the clouds… Find Majors Butler and Sheffield…. NOW…"

"Oy…" Robert mumbled helping Fran off her horse. "Is that your … Father?" He whispered looking at C.C. and Fran.

"Yeah and he’s not going to be happy we came with you." C.C. smirked holding onto Robert tightly.

"Are you alright?" he whispered looking worried.

"Yes… just don’t tell Niles…I’m looking… pale…" She mumbled now leaning on Fran. "You don’t look much better."

"Gee… Thanks…." They both hovered behind Maxwell and Niles’s troops.

"About time you both got here Majors… Captains…" Stuart waved them inside his tent. "We don’t have all day…" Stuart seemed to be in a rare Babcock mood.

"Isn’t it enough we get the roaring lion from our wives?" Niles whispered playfully to Maxwell who laughed softly.

Stuart let out a long sigh. He hadn’t slept much rubbing his eyes. "We are all alone here…"

"How is she?" Noel stepped forward placing a hand on his father’s shoulder.

"The doctor is shocked she’s lived this long. The fever comes and goes….She groans at night… sometimes she screams out….." Stuart mumbled looking at the map. "What’s worse… is James is attacking any settler he comes across. If they are not loyal… he adds another element to the attack."

"I can’t believe the British are allowing this." Maxwell shook his head slowly.

"They can easily blame his Indian allies… Major…" Stuart’s hand ran along the map. "Our orders are to find the man, and engage him."

"Right…" Robert let out a small laugh. "He’s got normal redcoats on his side, and if I have to make a guess… he’s got a few German troops…along with his Indians… we will be killed if we engage him in open warfare."

Stuart sat back looking at the men. "He will know we are mainly a miltia force."

"C.C. says one of your Babcock rules…. If you can’t win...cheat…" Niles smirked his blue eyes narrowed looking towards a smiling Stuart.

"I did say that yes…" Stuart laughed. "So… what do you propose?"

"He wants to draw us out, but… If we wait… Here!" Maxwell pointed towards a port. "I know… We will have aid on the way."

Robert smiled broadly. "I remember now… General Washington said… The French were going to land here…" He placed a hand under were Maxwell’s had been.

"They won’t be able to make it. The wind and waves will take them here."

"You are suggesting… we trap them?" Stuart rubbed his cheek. "Interesting, but how do we earn his attention?"

"He wants us all…. Maxwell you remember that little thing we did with General’s Howe’s supply wagons?"

"Ahhhh you mean taking the supplies of his best wine, and spending his carts back with mud pies?"

"You really did that?" Noel laughed softly.

"If you are going to annoy a British General …. You have to do it right." Niles smiled looking at the map. "What is James’s weakness?"

"Ego…" Niles and Maxwell said at once.

"That will work." Stuart let out a long sigh. "We will go over this more later." He waved them all away. "Dismissed….and tell Fran and C.C. I would like to see them before they see B.B."

"How in the devil did you know?" Noel mumbled.

"Pleaseeee… When was the last time either one of them followed my wishes?"

"Maybe… once when they both were three." Niles smiled walking out.

Fran stopped listening and watching the soldiers mumble. C.C. poked Fran in the stomach. "What’s wrong…."

"I don’t believe it…" Fran mumbled to herself. "They are scared for her…"

"How in the heck can you read people like this…" C.C. groaned looking around. "Can you figure out which one is her tent?"

Fran pointed towards two soldiers. "Isn’t that the man that delivered the notes?"

"Hello?" C.C. walked up tilting her head. "Is she inside?"

"Yes…" Jonathan looked into C.C.’s eyes. "Spirit is strong, but the body is weak."

"Can we see her?" Fran stood next to C.C. looking into Jonathan’s eyes.

"General Babcock has limited her visitors…"

"General Babcock is wondering why his two daughters… tagged along with their husbands…" Stuart had his hands crossed as they slowly turned.

"Did you think … we could stay away?" Fran mumbled softly looking at the ground. "Daddy….I…"

Stuart let out a long sigh. "Kitten… Tiger… What am I going to do with you…" He waved the men away, and lifted the flap. "Prepare yourselves…"

B.B. looked like a woman who had been in a street fight. Her small body looked enlarged due to swelling. Her lips mumbled softly, and the good side of her face looked as white as a sheet.

"Barbara… Frannie and Chastity are here…" Stuart whispered into her ear causing B.B. to open her eye slowly.

C.C. leaned over feeling her forehead. "She’s burning up…" She frowned as tears formed in her eyes. Instead of reaching over for C.C. … B.B. touched Fran’s cheek…

"I’m….sorry…" She mumbled…

"Shhhhh… Babcocks don’t say….sorry…" Fran took the hand smiling as a few tears ran down her face.

"I was never….a Babcock…by blood…It is wrong for a mother to envy her children, and I did..." B.B. closed her eyes again giving into sleep.

C.C. looked up towards her father. "She’ll do that from time to time…."

"Is she going to live?" Fran said softly.

"All the breaks… They were able to set her arm… Her legs are just…" Stuart growled looking towards the ceiling. "If she lives she’ll never walk again."

"Only…one doctor… I ever listened to… was Edward…" B.B. mumbled fighting to open her eyes again. "Then… there are other…problems…."

Stuart frowned shaking his head. "You been listening?… Pretending to rest…B.B…."

"Doctors have listed… So many ways I can die… The newest one is … I could be pregnant…." B.B. mumbled closing her eyes…

C.C. tilted her head doing the math… B.B. Babcock had married her father when she was fourteen… given birth to Noel at age….fourteen….B.B. was a woman that was either in her mid-forties… or later forties… She turned to notice Fran was doing the same math problem.

"After… All they did to her… Is it possible?" Fran mumbled softly trying not to cry out.

"They don’t know anything …" Stuart was about to break once more as Fran rush up hugging his neck.

"Bend, but never break remember?" She whispered softly in his ear.

Stuart then was held by C.C. "It’s okay daddy… "She kissed his tear stained cheek. "What ever happens… we will be here…"

Stuart’s eyes fell upon Fran… in an unasked question she smiled. "My heart is big enough… for lots of people… You still have your daughter…" She kissed his cheek.

"You will have to take her back with you." Stuart’s eyes fell upon his wife’s broken form. "She can only make one more move."

Fran looked towards C.C. "We do own some land in Vermont… It will be better than this tent."

"You bought that land?" C.C. tilted her head doing a double take, and Fran smiled. "I don’t remember …."

"It’s in Robert’s name right now…" Fran winked. "I wasn’t about to put our names down on any land purchase while James is out looking for us."

Stuart laughed softly. "That’s my girl… I will see to the details…" Stuart walked out, and both women looked towards B.B.

"We are going to have to do a lot of work … to have the houses ready for winter…" C.C. let out a soft groan walking towards her mother.

"Will she live?" Fran sounded like a three year old girl…

"She will…, and heaven help James Sheffield when daddy, or the men find him…"

"What do you mean….. The supplies are not coming?" James rose up to face his Captain. "I don’t want to hear that! Those supplies contained important documents…. I want Michael brought here now… As is…"

"You want him as is sir???" The Captain mumbled shaking in his boots at the order.

"YES!" James roared and the young officer ran outside to gather the major…

James’s jaw dropped… His right hand man… Major Michael was standing before him gagged, and tied… wearing a woman’s dress… James blinked again he had seen this dress before… Or it’s type… where… Of course on B.B. Babcock when she was brought before him. James pulled out the gag. "This had better be good."

"All thirty of his men are dressed this way sir…" The Captain grumbled, and James shot him a look.

"Did I say you could speak?"

"No sir…"

"Then shut UP…Now! You…who did this?" He didn’t need to know the answer, but waited for the major.

"Butler… Sheffield…" The major mumbled as the smell of wine was on his lips.

James let out a small groan looking towards the Captain. "All his men like this?"

"Yes…."

"Now I know where Howe’s gift went… Get them cleaned up…We have another settlement to attack soon." James kicked at the drunk Major. "Send out scouts… Find my Step-son and my traitorous boy…" He hissed softly shaking his head.

"So much for our time off?" Robert snickered drinking the wine skin. "I must say Majors… The wine is at least good."

"Why didn’t you tell us that they bought that ranch?" Maxwell smirked shaking his head.

"Fran said something about… You are already blessing it?" Robert laughed watching Maxwell’s face turn red.

Niles looked away laughing. "At least they are safe…."

"If the roof doesn’t leak on them." Robert made a face. "I know Fran’s good, but can she handle… those kids… fixing the place up, and dealing with B.B…. among other things."

"You think the Fines are going to show up…" Niles remembered that Fran was still acting cold towards her natural parents.

"Do I think? Good god man! I know!" Robert laughed softly. "With Mary’s cooking… My mother in-law will be over every other day…"

"Wonderful." Maxwell groaned softly.

"Well let’s deal with our demon, and allow our wives to deal with theirs. Let’s just hope.. They haven’t gotten the better end of the deal." Niles smiled taking the wine skin. "I think they looked lovely in the blue dress didn’t you?"

"You’re an evil man Niles…" Maxwell’s face twisted remembering feeding the redcoats sip…after sip…after sip of wine. "I think my father will find this nothing more than … just a fly biting away."

"Yeah, but sooner or later he’ll want to slap us away… Orders or no…" Niles let out a long sigh. "I have been married a while now, and have only spent… maybe a month with my wife."

Maxwell frowned shaking his head. "I’m sorry … I got us involved in this Niles."

"It was either me… or C.C. would be out here fighting Redcoats."

"Well HELL ! Butler we could have been home years ago!" Robert winked causing both Niles and Maxwell to laugh.

"My sister isn’t that bad…" Noel frowned sitting down next to Maxwell. "Sure she’s …"

"Noel…remember who you are talking about…" Niles winked raising his hand. "She’s a witch!"

Stuart coughed behind Niles. "I know she’s your wife… Niles… But do not call my daughter such things…"

"Yes General…" Niles mumbled something about Stuart being no fun.

"You are just like Edward…" Stuart growled taking the wine skin from Noel. He sat at the fire looking into the flames.

"General…..Sir… Stuart… She’s okay…" Maxwell placed a hand on his shoulder, and Stuart nodded.

"I have made a lot of mistakes in my life, but…"

"Tell me about my father…I never knew you … knew him." Niles leaned forward.

"Niles, Maxwell…It’s important for you to remember… That none of you are at fault here… The dishonor is mine…"

"How in the hell did that woman survive…" Niles mumbled reading C.C.’s letter. "B.B. Babcock must have made a deal with the devil."

"Her body is healing, but her mind?" Robert puffed away on his pipe. "I have deal with women who have never recovered, and what’s worse…."

"She’s pregnant unsure who the father is… sounds familiar…" Maxwell mumbled thinking about Fran’s mother. "Four pregnant women back home… As Fran would say…"

"Oy…" Niles, and Robert both joined in.

"How is… the general handing this Noel?" Robert tilted his head towards a quiet Noel. He was shaking his head slowly.

"He’s blaming himself…..I am worried about him…I think it has oddly enough enflamed his love for my mother."

"Babcocks…" Niles grumbled. "My wife, and daughter are happier when I’m picking on them…. Than when I’m whispering sweet nothing in their ear… I tell you … Babcocks are only happy when they are making themselves, or others miserable."

"Well he would happier if we had James." Noel shook his head. "I am worried about mother… she seemed so…"

"Strange?"

"Like the snake that had it’s fangs removed." Noel placed another piece of wood on the fire. "At least Fran and mom had made some peace."

Maxwell’s face started to twist slowly. "I wish she would make peace with the Fine’s."

"Well since we are playing this game… What do you wish for Niles?" Robert smiled sipping on the wine skin.

"Peace… I would like to at least see…. This child’s birth."

"Wouldn’t we all… wouldn’t we all…" Robert groaned thinking about Nadine’s swollen belly.

"Fran!…Frannie! Are you crazy?" Sylvia Fine ran up to stand next to the ladder. "You shouldn’t be up there!"

Fran started too mumbled about having two mother hens. "I’m alright… The roof had to be fixed."

"Why don’t you hire someone…. Didn’t old man Babcock, and your husband leave you with enough money?" Fran felt her eyes roll in the back of her head climbing down the ladder.

"Maxwell was disinherited, and Stuart’s holdings are frozen by the crown." Fran wasn’t about to tell her of the gold…. C.C. and Fran had hidden away.

"How did you buy this place then?"

"My good looks… Listen… Don’t worry about us…" Fran mumbled. "Thank you for watching the kids today… Mary needs a break."

"It’s always a pleasure to watch my grandchildren."

Fran’s back itched… "Thanks again…"

"You can say it…" Sylvia mumbled towards Fran.

"Say what?"

"Mother…I’m your mother." Her eyes started tear up.

"Oy where we go… Listen Sylvia…." Fran couldn’t handle it right now. She had taken great pains to keep the Fines away from C.C.’s household…

"Sylvia???? Kill me now because I’m dead!" She started a loud nasal whine causing Maggie to stop dead in her tracks looking towards Fran.

"Ma?" She turned looking at Fran who sighed.

"At least she understands!" Sylvia ran picking Maggie up walking inside the home.

"I am …… so not in the mood…." Fran mumbled walking towards C.C.’s door. "Hello Martin." She smiled looking at the older man. "Is the doctor here yet?"

"No, not yet…. "Martin opened the door. "I wish you would stay off your roof Mrs. Sheffield…. I would gladly fix that roof…"

"Doesn’t C.C. have you doing enough errands?" Fran smiled walking up the stairs, and she was attacked by a hugging Emily.

"Fran!" she giggled holding onto her leg. "More babies! Granny, Mama, yous, Nadine!" She looked up smiling.

Fran leaned downward picking Emily up. "Shall we go see… Granny?"

"Ya!" Emily raised her hands allowing Fran to pick her up. B.B. Babcock had spent most of her days sleeping. She really only had one more problem to face.

"Mama?" Fran had not called B.B. that in a long time.

B.B.’s eyes opened. "Hello Frannie… Emily…" She managed a weak smile reaching up touching Emily’s face.

"Mother… I’m not sure…" C.C. walked in carrying Alex. She smiled at Fran. "I’m not sure you should even worry about how you look."

"My dear… When meeting any man… You should always try and look your best." B.B. reached out with her unbroken arm taking the brush, and working on her hair.

"Mother…I’m going to talk to Fran for a moment." C.C. waved Fran outside… C.C. let out a long sigh.

"She alright?" Fran frowned looking at C.C.’s tired face. "Are you alright?"

"I’m worried… "

"C.C…. you haven’t told her yet have you…" Fran’s eyes narrowed.

"No…" C.C. backed away from Fran’s touch.

"Oy… You have got to tell her… have you even written daddy yet about this?… Never mind… I know the answer…. You haven‘t yet…"

"I’ve written Niles…" C.C. looked like a small girl eyeing Fran. "Don’t look at me that way Fran!"

"We have got to tell her, or that kid in her belly will be doing it for us…" Fran hissed slowly. "Oy… it… has been one of those days."

"Who is watching the kids?" C.C. turned when she saw Fran’s glare. "O…"

"FRANNIE…..FRANNIE!" Sylvia’s voice rang out downstairs.

C.C. and Fran both closed their eyes. "Oy this can’t be good….."

Fran felt…. Fear run down into her veins. She started to wonder if this is what Maxwell must feel like facing battle. Sylvia’s footsteps rang out slowly in the house. C.C. mumbled as Sylvia Fine stood before them.

"Who is outside my door?" B.B.’s voice was faint as Sylvia turned to face the door.

"Here we go…" Fran grabbed Sylvia trying to keep her from entering B.B.’s room. "No… you don’t understand."

Sylvia opened the door meeting B.B. Babcock’s eyes with her own. B.B. who would normally attack just smiled softly. Sylvia could tell the other side of B.B.’s face was still swollen, and black with yellow markings. "Hello Mrs. Fine…. It has been a while.

Sylvia felt her rage increase. "Why are you here Babcock? To take my daughter from me again? Are you the reason why she’s been unable to accept us?"

B.B. frowned, and even that simple acted caused a small groan to escape. "I’m not here to steal anything… not anymore."

"So you admit it! You heard that Frannie…" Sylvia pointed towards B.B., but stopped looking at the state the woman was in.

"That’s enough Sylvia…" Fran pulled her out of the room.

"That was… interesting…" B.B. smiled making C.C. shiver. "What’s wrong my dear?"

"Nothing… I am just worried about you mother."

"I’m alive…my dear… And in the long run that’s a start."

"Those… Babcocks took you from us…" Sylvia let out a small groan towards Fran. "I can’t believe …"

"Mother… This is C.C.’s house, and in case you have forgotten there is still some doubt to whether or not… I’m Morty’s child, or Stuart’s…"

"You can stop beating around the bush." B.B. muttered towards C.C. "I don’t need a doctor to tell me things I already know."

"What is that mother?"

"I’m pregnant. Chastity I have had three children. I do know the signs. I did hear all the reports … the doctor gave your father."

"Mother… you still scream… at night…"

"We all scream… even a Babcock can fall… This rule is important…what I‘m about to tell you…." B.B. smiled as the doctor came inside the room.

"Daddy has ready told us the one hundred Babcock rules." C.C. smirked taking B.B.’s hand.

"I’m making a new one… What matters… is….we rise… when we fall."

"Sounds like something daddy would say." C.C. laughed loudly. "Mother…"

"Courage… The battle is not over yet… Hello doctor… You can come in now."

"Morty… You are not going to believe this!" Sylvia walked in the door of their little small farm house.

"Sylvia what’s wrong?"

"That… That woman is staying with our daughter…"

Morty rolled his eyes looking at his wife. "Which daughter, and who is this woman?"

"B.B. Babcock… "Sylvia let out a long hiss.

"Sylvia…."

"That’s it… You don’t care…"

"You want me to talk to her?" Morty shook his head. "I care Sylvia… I don’t see why you are surprise by this."

"The Babcocks… can do such damage to a person…" Sylvia let out a long sigh.

"No… They do more damage to themselves than they do to other people."

"Should we go in?" Niles muttered he had seen the letter delivered. He eyed Maxwell who shook his head.

"If that had been Fran…." Maxwell muttered.

"Gentlemen we aren’t getting any younger… "Noel pushed the back of his brothers-in law. "We should go see if we can support our General."

Stuart’s face was quiet showing no emotion as they walked in. "I’m a grandfather how many times over?" He said out loud to anyone who would listen.

"Well…. "Noel started as Stuart’s smiling face met his.

"General? Are you alright?"

"B.B. would have to live to drive me insane…I pray… everything works out." His eyes closed as Maxwell smiled.

"Things always do."

"We are closing in on James. Prepare yourselves… the game is about to begin." Stuart undid a map. "One thing… He’s to be taken alive… no one… is to harm him."

"No one sir?" Noel looked into his father’s eyes.

"Not even me."

"Well then…" Niles smiled one of his sly grins. "Shall we finish this?"

Niles looked out on the morning letting out a soft groan. "Can you feel that Babcock?" He talked towards sky. "I am nervous. I have seen battles…. But this one feels different."

"Niles are you talking to yourself again?" Robert laughed walking up.

"Captain…. "Niles let out a soft hiss. "I can’t help it… I miss her."

"You write her every second your able." Robert handed Niles a rifle.

"I long for peace. Not just for me, but for all of us." Niles grumbled looking at his ruined hat.

"Niles… I never knew your father… I think he would be proud of what his son has become." Robert smiled handing over a small bag of ammo.

"Don’t waste it… every shot is important." Robert winked rising up.

"Robert…"

"Sir?" Robert stood up straight smiling.

"You’re a good man… Thank you."

Robert smiled walking away towards Maxwell.

Fran felt better having this forge working hammering away on the heated metal. She could shape metal better than she could handle this….. Position life had put her in. "You can stop standing there.."

"Frannie…" Morty walked towards Fran who started to bang away loudly.

"Danny once told me… when life was out of control… you could reshape the world…with just the hint of flame." Fran put the heated metal in the pool of water walking back towards Morty. "If only it would work."

"We are just worried… about losing you that’s all." Morty placed a hand on her shoulder, as Fran walked away.

"You have already lost her…" C.C.’s voice rang out. She leaned forward.

"That’s awful to say Mrs. Butler." Morty hissed walking forward to face C.C.

"She isn’t the small child that my father took from your home. Do you know Fran fought just to hold onto that annoying accent?" She tilted her head towards Morty. "Everyday my mother would send a tutor in to work with Fran, but she held onto it…."

"If she fought so hard to keep parts of herself… Why does she still give a damn about B.B., and Stuart Babcock?"

"Why do you ask questions…. You already know the answers to?"

"Maybe I don’t know the answers this time Mrs. Butler enlighten me."

C.C. rolled her eyes shaking her head. "My parents… are thieves…. Are at times…. Ungodly… but…"

"But?" Morty felt his eyes flare up in anger.

"They both fought for Fran, and despite…what her presence meant in my mother’s life…She would always tell off any socialite who would have called Fran.. A bastard to her face… "

"Are you saying that’s my fault?"

"No… What I am saying… is give her a break.. She will come around in her own time. Push it Mister Fine, and you’ll never get to know her again." C.C. smiled trying to lighten the mood. "The daughter you lost was a three year old… Fran is an adult woman who has seen things."

Morty let out a soft grumble walking out of the mud building.

"Or… just blame my parents forever, and learn nothing." C.C. threw up her hands as Fran walked back inside.

"Is he gone?"

"Yes… I have no idea why you keep trying." C.C. placed a few coins in Fran’s hand. "I know they are your parents."

"God doesn’t give us more than we can handle."

"Two sets of parents?" C.C. shook her head.

"C.C. when we learned of what James did to B.B. did you ever doubt that Stuart was your father?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"Well…for one.. I’m still C.C… Nothing would have changed… expect Maxwell would have been my half brother." C.C. shrugged. "My life will go on."

"Do you think Mama will have doubts about her child?" Fran’s face twisted.

"I think as long as daddy keeps her away from New York.. For a while.. No one will ask to many questions."

Morty walked up slowly, and opened the door. B.B. Babcock had been screaming… He had her hear while climbing onto his horse… She now was wide awake placing a hand on her belly. "It is a cruel fate that twists…. But one thing is for certain… we will both survive this.."

"Mrs. Babcock?" Morty stuck his head inside looking down at the injured woman.

"Yes?"

"We have a lot of things to talk about.." Morty took the nearest seat showing every intention he was going to stay and have his say…

"Why must I make them an offer?" James mumbled getting up on his horse. "They are clearly out numbered, and out gunned."

"It is the gentleman thing to do sir." The Major’s face started to blush as a few unlisted men started to laugh. He had heard the jokes about him … and the dress.

"You are sure they will meet us?"

"General Babcock has already accepted."

"It will be nice to see Stuart again… Well shall we meet the traitorous lot that is about to die this day?" He turned nodding towards the Major who signaled the private.

James smirked looking into Stuart’s cold eyes. "You have been causing me quite a headache… Maxwell… Niles…" James never took his eyes off Stuart’s.

Stuart raised his hand. "What are your terms."

"Your men will give up their weapons, and return home… like good subjects… You, your son, Maxwell, and Niles are to be hung."

"Like any good subject when our men return home.. Are they to find their families murdered, and homes burned?" Niles snickered softly.

"Do you agree?" James smirked still watching Stuart. "Come on Stuart you would normally speak up by now, or does B.B. still have your balls even thou she’s dead."

Stuart leaned over. "We will talk about your terms….." Stuart turned his horse around towards the forest. Stuart rode up towards one of his cannons.

"Sir!" The Sergeant in charge of the cannon rose up. Stuart carefully pushed him aside smiling.

"General what are you doing?" Maxwell watched as Stuart was loading the cannon.

"Sergeant do you think that I can hit that target?" He pointed to the figures of James and his officers riding away.

"No sir.. But you can shake them up…"

"General?" Niles tilted his head getting off his horse.

"General … Dad… what are you doing???" Noel’s jaw dropped.

"Answering him…" The cannon went off like thunder….. The roar of it made Stuart’s heart sing… He could do nothing to support his wife far from home, but he could do something else… He could act as her defender at last. Stuart pulled his hat down to cover his eyes. "It’s good cannon.. Sergeant." He climbed back on his horse waving his men onward. "Get ready…..The plan is set… all we can do is hope.."

Stuart didn’t even look back, but Niles saw James fall off his horse. Niles shook his head thinking about his mother. "I wonder.. If she has any idea .. What you are doing."

Maxwell shook his head slowly. "Our trap has failed… My father has force our hand."

"Maybe it had something to do with those nine cannons Niles and you took." Noel smiled softly hitting Maxwell playfully on his back. "No… in the long run.. It was going to happen… Plan or no plan Maxwell." Noel watched his father. He was looking towards the British lines.

Stuart’s eyes drifted. "Rule number sixty… if you should ever find yourself an underdog.. Enjoy it.." He lifted his hand looking at B.B.’s wedding ring. "Majors!…Captains!"

"Sir?"

"Gather what men you can spare off the lines… and bring them here.. We have a few hours.."

C.C. sighed looking towards the horizon. "Can you feel it Fran?"

"Yeah, but I’m trying to ignore it C.C. Nadine, and her kids will be here any moment." Fran placed more food on the table.

"I’m shocked she can still move around." C.C. helped Mary with a few bowls. "I don’t think it’s a good idea that mother comes down here."

"She can’t stay in that bed forever Mrs. Butler, and it was nice of your father to seen her that half breed. Something about him seemed to help her spirits."

C.C. mumbled something and Fran turned her head. "Alright dish?" She moved up to stand beside C.C. "Who is Jonathan?"

"You remember Aunt Lauren?"

"You mean the one who ran away from home? The one that gave up all the money, and power that B.B.’s family had for a man?"

"Ever wonder who that man was?"

"Who!" Fran let out a nasal sound.

"A little louder…" C.C. rolled her eyes. "I was wondering why Daddy was so close to an unlisted man…. He’s our cousin Fran…"

"Really? Why doesn’t she come out and tell us?"

"B.B. feels weaken enough… "

"Telling us about a cousin would weaken her?"

"Remember she’s a trained socialite Fran… " C.C. rolled her eyes. "Even if you are away from New York City… You never forget."

Fran’s face twisted in pain. "Yeah….They can be cruel…"

Jonathan smiled bringing down B.B. in his arms. She was still wrapped up in the bed’s blankets, but she smiled as the children all ran after him. They always asked him the same questions.

"Are you an Indian?" Maggie said clearly, and Emily would repeat the same question. All Jonathan would do was smile down at the children. He placed B.B. in the special chair Fran had made earlier that day.

"Are you alright?" He leaned down whispering in her ear.

"I’m fine." She smiled softly then looked towards a worried C.C. and Fran. "I’m fine…"

Fran felt Thomas run up grabbing onto her leg. "Here comes Nadine…"

"How can you tell?" C.C. smiled looking down at little Thomas. "Hello Thomas!"

"Mama’s coming…Aunt Fran!" Thomas grinned looking up into her eyes. "Her belly’s getting big."

"I don’t understand why you all walked!" C.C. let out a soft groan. "You have a herd of horses…. And Nadine is five months along…"

"Give or take.." Fran mumbled putting out another bowl. "I didn’t invite them…" She saw Sylvia Fine, and Morty pull up in a horse drawn carriage.

"I did…" B.B. said softly causing Fran and C.C. to turn.

"Yes… she’s lost her mind.." C.C. mumbled to Fran softly.

"Or… she has found out.. She has a soul." Jonathan smiled taking an apple from the dinner table. He left to help Martin, and Mary with the dinner table.

"I don’t expect you to understand. Most of you haven’t had your homes burned. Some of you have seen it… Seen the small children killed, women beaten to death…..Men burned alive… They all came here for one reason, or another. They all came here trying to build a new life. For freedom to practice a religion. To look at a piece of land, and turn to a neighbor telling him with pride… ‘That land is mine’" Stuart let out a long sigh. "They out number us two to one… we have the high ground , and cover… You will be looking the red demons in the face… We will be like David facing the giant." Stuart walked down into the group of roughed fighters, and the blue ruined uniforms of Maxwell and Niles’s troops. "We have one chance… Your commanders have gone over the plan… Hold tight….Redcoats bleed like any other men. They are men… You all have your orders… Good luck…"

"We will give them hell sir! For the angel!" A solider in the crowd yelled out.

Maxwell looked around towards Niles. "B.B. Babcock.. Is being referred to as an… angel?"

Niles couldn’t help but laugh as the other men took up the yell.

"Well… Shall we?" Robert smiled waving his hand towards their gathering men.

"Let’s hope this pays off." Maxwell mutters getting off his horse.

"Max what are you doing?" Niles hopped down off his horse looking at his younger brother. "Are you crazy?"

"No… following my men…" Maxwell winked looking towards Niles.

Niles let out a soft groan. "I’m following my crazed brother… Captain…. What do you think you are doing?"

Robert laughed pulling out a wine skin taking a quick gulp. "I have always wondered what David felt like… this should give me a clear understanding." He offered it to Maxwell and Niles who waved him away. "Each to their fate then?"

"Yes, and in a few hours.. We shall clearly know ours.." Niles looked towards the horizon… Thinking about her soft blonde hair in his hands… her curves covering his body. Niles shivered as Maxwell signaled the cannons.

Fran let out a soft groan after the Fines had left looking towards B.B. "Why did you invite them?"

"Why not? They are your parents."

Nadine’s jaw dropped. "I’m amazed."

"Don’t be we are still wondering about the blows to her head." C.C. snickered while watching all the children play. "Mother don’t you think.."

"Fran… you are going to have to make some peace… with what happened." B.B.’s eyes locked with Fran’s. "You can forgive me, but not them? Why not?"

"That’s different.." Fran mumbled. "I don’t want to talk about this anymore." Fran held her stomach getting up from the table. "I will be right back."

B.B. let out a long sigh. "The food was wonderful Mary." B.B smiled at the elder woman who blushed. "What is it C.C.?"

"It’s started…" C.C. mumbled looking off towards the horizon. "The battle has started."

"You can’t be sure about that my dear." B.B. mumbled sadly looking towards C.C.’s blue eyes. "It could still be several days away… or months."

"It’s started…" C.C. say once again.

Nadine closed her eyes in quiet prayer. "Let them all remain safe…" She mumbled opening her eyes once more.

Niles dance around as the man’s bayonet missed his side. He swung around his rifle hitting him squarely in the face. He picked up his sword once more looking around the field. He had lost Maxwell, and Robert early on. He had seen Noel engage with a big looking redcoat. Now the field was a sea of blood. Niles turned as his sword sang hitting another sword.

"You" James Sheffield growled stabbing and jabbing towards his step-son. Niles dodge and danced around. His blue eyes watched James flash around wildly trying stab at his flesh.

"How I want to kill you…" Niles let out a soft groan. "That would make me no better than you.."

"You always lacked courage… just like your father." James started to use his size against Niles. He stood taller than Niles using that advantage to over power his step-son. Niles managed to hit James once on the hand before he was disarmed. Niles was on his knees looking up into his eyes. "Like father… Like son.." James mumbled lifting up his sword for the killing blow.

Niles wasn’t sure who that man behind James was.. The field was full of people fighting… clawing … Niles watched as the rifle came down on James’s head knocking the man out. "Don’t you dare touch my brother again." Maxwell growled stumbling forward into Niles’s arms.

"MAX!" Niles groaned loudly quickly searching Maxwell for any wounds. He had many cuts, but nothing that endangered his life. Niles turned as five of his men came running. They grabbed Maxwell, and James from the battle field.

"Orders Major?" The private mumbled quickly.

"Find General Babcock.. Tell him.. We have the monster." Niles felt his heart skip a beat. They had the man that had ruined his father, who had his wife shot…. Who had tried to ruin his mother-in law. Niles stumbled towards a tree. He could still hear the battle going off around him. He turned to notice a sea of red… running….

Hours later Niles walked inside a joyous camp. They could afford only a few hours of song. Niles laughed walking past one young man that was telling his comrades wild stories. "Where are they?" Niles closed his eyes thinking about Robert and Noel. He had placed Maxwell under a medics care, but hadn’t found Noel nor Robert. Then he felt the strong bear like grip around his shoulders.

"Major! Major! Major!" Robert sounded like a roaring lion who had just found his prey. "Thank god, and thank your god." He winked. Robert looked like everyone else he had blood all over his uniform. His face was worse than most. "I was starting to fear, I might find you among the dead."

"Me too, Robert. Me too…" He laughed pulling on his shoulders. "Have you seen Noel?"

"I found him…" Robert’s face twisted around in pain. "I thought he was dead for sure… They got his eye…" Robert spit out something. "It’s just an eye, Niles it could have been a lot worse."

Niles frowned hitting on the shoulder "Maxwell had his head smashed in good… So old boy looks like it just us around the campfire tonight."

Stuart smiled looking down at Noel. "Well this young lady you married will be happy to have you going home…" He placed a hand on Noel’s shoulder. "I envy you son."

"Dad….They did good today…" Noel opened up his remaining eye smiling.

"Yes… Yes they did good… Rest son.." He smiled getting up and waving off any salutes that had been offered. He took a long walk towards the well guarded tent. Stepping inside he came face to face with James Sheffield. James was placed on a cot tied down. He had been treated for the bump Maxwell had given him.

"Stuart…" James hissed as Stuart pulled up a stool.

"Feeling better James?" Stuart smiled leaning over. "I want you to live long enough to know this…. I’ll be at your hanging… You sick son of a bitch… You didn’t have the guts to tell the boys.. Their mother had passed away weeks ago… asking for Niles, and Maxwell…." Stuart’s eyes glared.

"Did B.B. scream like a pig near the end…" James hissed back.

"Yeah… I have a message from my wife…. " Stuart stood up trying to keep a straight face. "Ha..Ha…ha… " James then heard the spitting noise as the wet fluid ran down his face. He couldn’t even raised his hand up to wipe it from his face.

Stuart sighed walking outside the tent. "Feel better?" Niles was leaning on Robert who smiled. "General?"

"Sad.." Stuart pulled out an unopened letter.

"Why don’t you join us by our fire tonight General… we can sip stolen wine… and talk about …"

Stuart raised his hand smiling. "Not tonight Major… I thank you… but not tonight." Stuart stumbled towards his tent. Stuart gave into his own despair, and to sleep.

The morning made the battle field even more bloody as women came from nearby villages to make sure none of the dead were their sons, husbands or brothers. The weeping filled the air as Niles shivered. "We have to move out today….Make sure the camp is completely gone.. In a few hours Major.." Stuart sipped at the tea. "General Washington, and General Arnold are expecting us."

"I was hoping…. We might…" Niles could tell Robert was thinking the same thing. "See the girls.."

"I want to see them too, but … Niles… Robert… It might be a long time coming before we see them… I have to send Maxwell home for a time. It will be a while before his head heals." Stuart sighed placing a hand on Niles’s shoulder. "I’m sorry…."

"Don’t be…. General… We knew that.. One day… it would be years before we could see the girls." Niles felt his own tears burn his eyes. *C.C. is having yet another child… I will not see…Alexander will be walking soon.. Emily will be running around with Maggie… * Niles’s mind raced looking into Stuart’s own torn face.

"You have your order’s Major.. See that the injured are sent home.." Stuart walked outside and Robert let out a loud groan.

"He’s not happy about it either Robert…." Niles mumbled as Robert tossed a table up in the air.

"I know…I know…He wants to be with his wife too, but dammit Niles how much longer do we have to wait?"

"Remember?" Niles smirked looking towards Robert…"To the end?"

"Bloody HELL… Us and our vows!" Robert rubbed his chin. "I will go see to the men, and I suggest you prepare a letter for C.C…. So Max can hand it to her when he arrives home."

"Good Idea… although what am I going to tell her?"

"The painful truth?"

"Oy…." Niles mumbled following Robert outside.

Maxwell groaned on the cart. "I don’t want to leave General…" Noel’s troopers were taking both Maxwell, and Noel back to their respected homes. They also had another ten men they had to get home. Noel let out a soft laugh hearing Maxwell’s groan.

"Sooner you heal Maxwell…. You can return." Stuart leaned over looking into Maxwell’s eyes. "You did a good job Major…hurry up and heal quickly." Maxwell managed to lift his head up far enough to look at his chained father.

"Niles…" Max turned to grab Niles’s hand.

"Don’t worry Max… Don’t worry… Tell Fran and C.C. I send my love." Niles leaned over hugging him carefully. "Get well ….sir…"

"I’ll see you soon old boy…" Maxwell held onto the letters written by Niles… Robert and Stuart. They all watched the troopers leave into the woods.

"Well.. Gentlemen.. We have a job to do. Shall we head towards our meeting?"

"Let’s not keep the good General Washington waiting." Robert waved his hand as a trumpet sounded off.

"Again! Again!" Emily giggled as Jonathan picked her up.

"Emily give him a break." C.C. smiled watching Jonathan’s quiet laugh. "He doesn’t talk much." She turned towards her mother who smiled.

"He never did as a child. Lauren used to write me wondering if she should come into the city…. And let a doctor look at him." B.B. laughed softly. "Doctors… Don’t get me wrong C.C. they know a lot about a body, but few understand the human spirit."

"Did Edward Butler understand? Mother… either you nor daddy will ever speak of the man." She noticed B.B.’s soft groan.

"C.C…. I will say this…It is a rare thing … when a person can read you like a book only after meeting you moments ago. I have seen Fran and Niles both come close to having that gift, but Edward… could.. Do so much more… He was a gifted man, and nothing liked the ruin you have heard about."

"If he was such a close friend of daddy’s why didn’t daddy ever talk about him?"

"He was still dealing with James… We didn’t turn our backs on Edward.. Trust me C.C…."

"You never seemed to surprise me." C.C. mumbled looking at her mother with renewed respect.

"What do you mean?"

"One moment you were cold as ice, but the next you gave to orphans… I don’t understand this double side to you mother… and now…"

"I’m humbled a little?" B.B. laughed.

"You said it…" C.C. smiled then turned to hear the thunder of foot steps. "FRAN…" She called out looking around. "FRAN.."

Fran came walking from behind her home holding William. Her head turned towards C.C. who shrugged.

"Trouble?"

"I think we have had enough trouble to last us five life times." C.C. mumbled shaking her head.

Niles smiled looking around Washington’s new military headquarters. "Well Robert it could be worse…"

"Such as?"

"It could be winter?" He smiled as Robert managed a long laugh.

"What do you think General wants with us?"

"Don’t know.. Could be something bad.. Could be something good." Niles hadn’t had time to read C.C.’s response. He felt the pain of not holding her in his arms… being able to pick her up, and place her on a bed…

"Major…. MAJOR.." Stuart groaned rolling his eyes at a laughing Robert.

"It is nice to see you both again… Major….Colonel… He looked at Niles and Robert who both blushed.

"Sir?" Niles blinked as Washington stood up handing over their new ranks. "I will be doing the same honor for Maxwell when he’s well enough to return."

"Thank you sir!" Robert gushed with pleasure.

"You three have done a wonder job, and soon I will be asking more of you….For now we have to finish with Sheffield…" General Washington looked towards Niles. "Your brother is not here… I trust you speak for him as well?"

"Yes." Niles felt his gut twist. "Sir… What are you going to do?"

"I should hang him… and be done with it." Washington sat down sighing. "The British are demanding his return… Normally what would happen I would send him back to England with a promise never to return."

Stuart felt his whole face twitch. "It’s a promise…he’ll never keep."

"Allow me to speak with him… just once… " Niles had to try.. For Maxwell, and his mother.

"I’m not sure that is wise." Stuart shifted looking towards General Washington. "Then again what harm can it do…General.." Stuart saluted Washington. "I have my orders?"

"Indeed Stuart…. God speed…" Washington watch as Stuart Babcock started out of the room… touching Niles’s shoulder.

"Colonel… Butler… Niles… Be careful.." Stuart took his hand shaking it firmly.

"Stay safe.. I expect to see you when all this is over." Niles smiled sadly.

"I expect the same of you…" Stuart stepped out of the room.

"He is more of a military man than I gave him credit for.." General Washington smiled. "I was worried … for a while I was going to have to place guards on General Sheffield… but he never came near the man."

"General.. Your orders?" Robert stood up straight looking into Washington’s eyes.

Niles and Robert both turned hearing a soft knock at the door. "Come in Andre.." Washington stood still. Niles and Robert both gasped looking into the French officers eyes. "Gentlemen… This is Captain Peter Andre of the French royal guard…"

"Pleasure…" He held out his hand to Niles and Robert who smiled.

"He has fifty men under his control.. He is to join you on your next mission… since Maxwell is still out…" Washington waved for all of them to sit down. "I’m sending you to Rhode Island.. A siege failed… You three are to make sure.. The next siege.. ."

"We are attacking supply lines once more." Robert rubbed his hands together.

"Correct Major…Gather your men… "

Niles smiled sadly… so near to C.C., and yet so far…They all walked slowly outside the door. "You think we could check on Noel?" He pulled on Robert who winked back.

"Well Colonel.. He is in the area.. After all." Robert winked placing his new rank on his shoulder.

"Alright.. Major…"

Maxwell smiled watching William run after Alex. "They remind me of…."

"You and Niles?" Fran walked up wrapping her arms around his neck. "How’s your head this morning?"

"I should head back."

"Max.. the doctor has told you… "

"Fran.." Maxwell let out a soft groan. "I’m fine."

"Until you can sit more than twenty minutes on a horse… you are not fine." Fran hissed sitting on his lap. Maxwell let out a playful groan touching her small belly.

"You are right my dear…" He leaned into her lips kissing them softly at first pulling at her dress. "I’m up for one… thing…"

Fran giggled playfully tickling his chin. "That’s one thing we can’t do yet until that head of yours heals all the way."

"Besides.. It wouldn’t be… proper to make love in the middle of a porch." C.C. smirked as Emily started to laugh.

"Aunt Fran looks funny." Emily giggled running inside the Sheffield home. "MAGGIE!"

"I’m starting to regret this idea of us living on the same property." Fran snickered towards C.C.

"Yeah.. Yeah…and your still nineteen." C.C. snickered handing over a few opened letters. "From D.D. and Noel… Thought you might want your chance to read them."

Fran smirked taking them from C.C.’s hand. "Anything good?"

"D.D. had a boy, and Noel’s expecting his first child." C.C. sat down next to a smiling Maxwell. "How are you feeling gloomy?"

"I see two of you now instead of five. That means I’m getting better." Maxwell teased kissing his sister-in law’s hand. "Any word from Niles… or Robert yet?"

"No.." C.C. hissed. "If that troll doesn’t write soon…. I’ll hunt him down…"

"C.C. remember there are children around." Fran started to laugh. She had heard C.C. give this tantrum before. "Daddy at least has written."

"B.B. won’t let me read it.." C.C. mumbled madly. "I’m dieing to know what’s going on with him."

"I’m dieing to know what’s going on with THEM." Fran stood up. "I’m going to ask her."

"Fran.. FRAN…" Maxwell let out another groan, and C.C. started to laugh. "You did that on purpose!"

"Maybe I did.. And maybe I didn’t" She leaned over towards Maxwell hissing. "Prove it!" She then skipping inside the house.

Fran smiled as Jonathan opened the door. "How is she today?"

"She’s been better little flower.. Would you like to see her?" Jonathan waved her inside. "Her good moods come and go just like any woman… in her state."

"Oy don’t I know it!" Fran smiled placing a hand on his arm. "Do you have any children Jon?"

"One…" He smiled leading her upstairs. "He’s five…" Jon opened the door as B.B. started to grumble.

"Hello Fran.." She put on a fake smiled then frowned as Jonathan closed the door.

"What’s wrong?" Fran sat down next to her. "What’s going on?"

"I’ve… got to walk again…." B.B. voice was desperate.. For the first time in her life B.B. fought real tears of despair. "No one thinks I can do it.. Jonathan thinks anything is possible, but.. In his heart he doesn’t believe… I have got to find a way to walk… and ride…." B.B. twisted her bed sheets as a small sob escaped her throat.

"You’ll find a way….It will be a long time those casts are off … Give it time… " Fran took her hand holding it. "If anyone could move a mountain.. You can."

"Thank you…" She whimpered and turned her head to look outside.

"Hey the doctor says your strength is coming back. I might not be able to get those casts off your legs…. But I could have your riding by August.."

"How can you do that?"

"You let me worry about that." Fran winked wondering if she could keep this promise. "Tell me how is daddy?"

B.B. leaned over handing over the open letter. "You can read this to C.C. later…." B.B. closed her eyes. She was still sleeping most of the day and night. "Fran…"

"Yes?"

"Thank you, my dear."

"Your welcome mama." She smiled walking outside. Fran opened the letter while slowly walking back towards her home.

Fran mumbled trying to fight back her soft tears. "Is he alright?" Maxwell stood up slowly, and Fran nodded.

"It’s… just soo… sweet…"

Niles shifted looking into the fire. "I feel bloody odd."

"You look odd now stop groaning man. We are doing alright." Robert laughed softly handing over a cup of coffee. "We took this from the last supply carts we raided."

Niles smiled smelling the coffee. "Not tea, but it will do…"

"You still haven’t read her letter have you?"

"Have you read yours?"

"No…" Robert grumbled looking away. "Bloody Hell as Maxwell would say…" He took out the unopened letter. "Are your ready?" He titled his head towards Niles. "I’ll read mine if you read yours."

"One…" Niles mumbled.

"Two.." Robert’s voice came across clearly as he started to tear open his letter.

"Three.." Niles tore open the seal unfolding the letter.

Niles let out a long sigh folding the letter. "Well Major?"

"Well Colonel…" Robert folded up his letter placing it in his coat. "Shall we go bug the British?"

"Pass the misery along?" Niles couldn’t help but laugh. "Let’s gather up the boys.. I could use some fun."

"Yes.. What did you say the other day?" Robert frown trying to remember. "It will keep our minds off living like bloody monks?"

Niles started to laugh looking at Robert’s childlike face. "I’ll explain that to you on the way Robert."

"I don’t think it needs to be any higher." C.C. watched Fran play with the straps of leather. "There has got to be an easier way to do this."

"The legs need to be made steady…" Fran frowned looking towards C.C. "Is the horse going to be ready by December?"

"She’ll be ready… Fran.. Why are you doing this?"

"Keeps my mind off Maxwell leaving next week." Fran grumbled looking towards C.C. "I’m sorry that’s not fair."

"Life hasn’t been fair to any of us these past … five years?"

"Four.. Although it feels like five." Fran’s hand felt the leather on the saddle. "At least B.B. is gaining weight."

"She could use a visit from daddy." C.C. grumbled watching Fran put up the altered saddle. "I could use a visit from Niles."

"Come on big sista.. Let’s go plan a big old meal for Maxwell.. So we can send him away to find your husband. I got Noel’s letter today… he of course ran off to join the fight again."

"What is he trying to do loose both eyes?" C.C. grumbled shaking her head. "Mother’s going to have a fit about him running off to join daddy once more."

"Let’s not tell her…" Fran mumbled looking towards C.C. "I know.. We will tell her…"

C.C. walked towards their growing horse herd. "What do you think about James?"

"I try not to think about James Sheffield." Fran grumbled leaning on the fence beside C.C. "Stuart should have seen him hung, but instead he gets to keep his money.. , and leave for England."

"He’s a broken man… Marie has passed on.. Daddy buried her next to Niles’s father." C.C. started to laugh thinking about how that must have annoyed James. "All his property was given over to Max… James has nothing… he’s less than zero.."

"How does B.B. feel about him being allowed to live?"

"If you kill him…. He learns nothing." C.C. smirked shaking her head. "I don’t understand her.. Mercy. nor her good mood lately either."

"She still screaming at night?" Fran mumbled quietly.

"No… Daddy writes her every week now.. Since he started doing that… She’s stopped. NO.. I haven’t read the letters."

"C.C…." Fran grumbled.

"I know your disappointed in me. She hides them, and besides.. Would I want her reading my letters from Niles?" C.C. rolled her eyes at a laughing Fran.

"Getting steamy are they?" She tilted her head back laughing. "I want to see! I want to see!" Fran started grabbing inside C.C.’s pockets laughing.

"Girls!" Maxwell came outside smiling carrying Brighton. "What are you doing?" He watched as the two fight over a letter.

"Fran give that back!" C.C. growled as Fran kept the letter over her head.

"What’s going on Fran." Maxwell held off C.C. with one hand, and held Fran with the other. Brighton started to giggle having been placed down on the ground.

"It’s a romantic letter from Niles…" Fran giggled waving it around.

"Give it back Fran…." Maxwell lowed his voice turning around to face her. "You don’t want her reading our letters do you?"

Fran started to blush looking into C.C.’s devilish eyes. "I’ll do it!" C.C. hissed back reaching up this time taking the letter. "Pbfffft…"

Fran pouted looking towards Maxwell’s smiling face. He wrapped his arms around her neck kissing her soundly. "Mary is going to take the children to your sister’s tonight."

"Keep talking.." Fran purred tilting her head back giving him more room to explore her neck.

"We will have the whole house.. To ourselves…" He laughed as Brighton pulled on his leg.

"Daddy!" Brighton’s face lit up looking at a smiling Fran and Maxwell. He leaned over holding him tightly. "Fish!"

"My dear.. We will be back in a few hours…" Maxwell smiled picking up Brighton who cheered. Fran let out a sad sigh…..

"I hope… He’ll remember these times…" She mumbled thinking about how young Brighton, Gracie, William, and Maggie are to loose him. "He’ll be alright… Please god…. They will all be alright…"

Niles felt himself groan rereading C.C. letter. "Monks.. We are bloody monks…"

"So.. There are indeed men that do that?" Robert shook his head. "I’m just shocked they exist." Robert laughed looking at Niles’s face. "Lighten up Colonel I’m suffering here like you are…"

"My wife isn’t even in the same country… I long for her too." Peter smiled sitting down. "Major… Colonel… I have news from my scouts… They see have picked up a lone rider.. That claims to be a Major Sheffield?"

Robert smiled getting up. He was going to rush to find Maxwell , but Niles let out a slow laugh. "Robert.. He doesn’t know he’s been promoted yet…" Niles couldn’t help but smirk.

"I’m not going to tell him." Robert winked walking inside the camp.

"By your leave Colonel?" Peter winked getting up. "I shall not tell Colonel Sheffield he’s a colonel yet…"

"At least… not tonight.." Niles winked taking a sip of his tea. "Thank you Peter."

Niles once more opened up the letter. This was going to be the tenth time he had read it, but it didn’t matter.

Niles let out a long sigh as Robert’s laughter filled the camp. He must have found Maxwell. Niles slowly stood up smiling. Maxwell walked forward and offered an odd salute towards Niles who busted out laughing. "My god! It’s good to see you Maxwell."

Maxwell made a playful smile as Niles stood still for a moment… "You dyed your hair!" Now he had understood Robert’s playful roar. "How in the devil…"

"It’s nothing… It will wash out in a few days." Maxwell groaned looking at a laughing Niles. "Fran was just testing a few things.." Maxwell blushed looking at Robert’s laughing face. "Colonel…" Maxwell waited shifting on one foot then another.

"Blargh! I can never be mean to you… Colonel…" He handed over a bag smiling. "I know Robert we could have had fun."

Maxwell guessed with pleasure looking at Niles face. "We both been promoted…"

"Well Robert has made Major. So we can pick on him still. Ahh Captain Andre! This is Colonel Maxwell Sheffield ." The young French Captain stood before Maxwell smiling offering a quick salute then taking Maxwell’s hand. Kissing Maxwell on both cheeks.

"It is a pleasure to be working with such a find commanding officer."

"Okay Captain … Don’t give Maxwell, an ego…" Niles laughed softly.

"Well.. The French are finally here?" Maxwell let out a long happy sigh looking at Niles.

"Shall we cause some trouble tomorrow then Colonel?" Niles offered Maxwell a drink laughing.

"I’m always in the mood for some trouble…"

C.C. smiled looking down at the little baby. "Hello my little Victoria.." She smiled snuggling the baby tightly. Alexander walked towards his mother. "See your baby sister…" She smiled brightly as Alexander giggled looking at the baby’s face.

"She’s so small!" Emily smiled looking over Alex. "Granny’s Baby going to be that small when it born?"

"Most likely…." C.C. gushed with pleasure at having all her children around her. "Have you seen Katherine yet?" Fran had had her child within a few days of C.C…. Nadine of course had another boy. "Have you been helping Jonathan with Granny?"

"She’s got a big belly." Emily giggled leaning on C.C.

"Well…don’t we all." C.C. groaned getting up slowly.

"Mama! Mary said stay in bed." Emily growled watching C.C. get dressed.

"Yeah… Mary doesn’t have things to do…" C.C. grumbled as Alexander laughed watching C.C. fit into a dress. "Emily… are you ready for Christmas?"

"Yes! I want a pony!"

C.C. started to laugh. "That should be easy enough."

"Dada…" Alex crossed arms pouting.

C.C. let out a long sigh. "Me too… Me… too.." C.C. touched his face looking into his eyes. "I’ll ask Father Christmas for your daddy, and you ask him as well kiddo."

C.C. quietly opened the door B.B. was reading a book. "It’s about time you got up." B.B. snarled playfully. C.C. laughed as William and Emily came walking in. "Let me see her…."

C.C. placed Victoria in B.B.’s arms. "She’s been sleeping a lot during the night."

"Then you are lucky my dear." B.B. took C.C.’s hand. Watch this… she pointed toward her feet with renewed joy… "Wait for it…"

A sudden movement came from her left and right foot. B.B. gushed with happiness. She had been without the thick casts for legs since November. "Today my feet….tomorrow I will walk…"

"Mother…" C.C. let out a soft groan. "They doctor said…"

"I know what the doctor said. C.C. by the time this war is over, and your father is home to stay. I will greet him standing on both feet."

"Mother they still don’t know if you’ll…."

"I’ll survive this pregnancy…" B.B. hissed looking into C.C.’s eyes. "It’s Christmas my dear… have faith.."

"I wish Niles was here, or daddy… " C.C. shifted causing Victoria to whimper.

"Christmas is a time of miracles… well this time of year is a time of miracles… Have faith my dear.. Have faith you might not be able to see Niles this season, but I’m sure he’s thinking about you."

"You have gotten soft…" C.C. felt her own tears run down her face.

"Shhhhh… Babcocks turning into real humans beings…" She reached up touching C.C.’s cheek.

"I’ll try and keep it quiet…"

C.C. walked downstairs smiling at Jonathan playing with Emily and Maggie. "You must miss your own family this time of year?"

"I do…"

"Why don’t you write your wife and son.. Tell them they are more than welcome to come to the farm we have plenty of room."

"Thank you!" Jonathan’s face lit up with joy. "Thank you Mrs. Butler…"

"C.C….." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "Your wife is French correct?"

"You been talking with Mrs. Babcock about me. " Jonathan blushed looking at a giggling Emily.

"Mama he’s blushing!"

C.C. turned hearing bells outside. "Martin?" She looked around at the older man who was standing in the window.

"I…I…don’t believe it…" He started to laugh…

"Who! Who…!" Emily jumped up with Maggie screaming. "Father Christmas!" They both grabbed the coats running out the door. Apparently Brighton and Gracie had seen the decorated carriage outside. Fran looked towards C.C. who was laughing recalling her earlier comments to B.B. Fran walked over towards her.

"Did you plan this?"

"I have no idea who that is…"

"Ho! Ho! Ho!" The man had white hair and a set of white whiskers.

"YAYAY!" All four children started to call out… For the moment they were able to forget about their missing fathers.

The man grabbed a huge green bag. "Merry Christmas children.. Would you mind if a come in?" He winked towards C.C. who laughed. "Well the north pole is a long ways away."

Fran leaned over whispering in C.C.’s ear. "That isn’t the real thing…. Is it?"

C.C. leaned away from her smiling. "Well mother did say this was the time of year for miracles, and look how happy the children are right now. I suggest you get William and Katherine." Fran started to move towards her house, and then stopped.

"You find it strange…. " Fran stopped looking at Father Christmas.

"A Jewish girl is giving into the Christmas spirit?" C.C. laughed pushing Fran out the door. "It’s okay when you’ll repent later."

C.C. watched as Emily, and Maggie had the man nodding. "What do you think they are saying to him?" Martin frowned handing over a cup of coco.

"Asking for Maxwell and Niles no doubt…"

The man leaned down whispering to them all the while looking into C.C.’s blue eyes. "Alright my children?"

Emily’s and Maggie’s face brighten up holding the small boxes. He got up as the children started playing with new wooden toys. "What do you wish for …" He smiled handing C.C. a small box.

"A family Christmas?" C.C. smirked looking at the man’s eyes. "I am unsure how you got here…. ,but…." She leaned over whispering softly. "hello daddy.."

The old man started to laugh, and he leaned over. "How did you know kitten?"

"Who else could have escaped the war… even for a day…" She smiled sadly. "I’m not going to find Niles in this box am I?"

"Open it when the children are in bed…" He smiled kissing her hand. "Merry Christmas kitten, and yes I have one from Fran…. IF YOU pardon me children.. There is a pretty lady upstairs that needs some Christmas cheer!"

C.C. started to laugh watching Stuart climb the stairs. She looked at the red wrapped box. "So …. I can’t open you until the children are in bed…." C.C. started to pout placing the box in her pocket.

"Ho…Ho…Ho.." Stuart opened the door smiling. "I hear someone’s been a bad girl this year.."

B.B. started to laugh. "You look…"

Stuart leaned over her bed smiling taking her in his arms. "I look?" He said softly placing a hand on her large belly.

"You look wonderful.." She pulled on his long white hair letting out a soft giggle. "Those aren’t really?" She pointed at his face.

"Been growing this for a month!" He smiled with pride. "You think our granddaughter wouldn’t check?"

" awwww did it hurt?" She laughed shivering in his arms.

"No… what hurts is having to leave tomorrow, but if you want to show up tonight." He placed a hand on her belly. "I will be pleased."

Fran laughed when C.C. told her. "Figures… He really did go out for the kids?"

"I am starting to think our Father Christmas when we were growing up was him too." C.C. mumbled handing over a red box to Fran. "We can’t open it until the kids are asleep."

"To small for Maxwell.. To be hiding inside.." Fran let out a long sigh placing it inside her own pocket.

"Strange…" C.C. grumbled looking at Fran. "That’s what I said…"

"You wanted Maxwell to be hiding in the box too?" Fran teased looking into C.C.’s eyes.

"O stop that.." C.C. grumbled watching Emily play with Alex. "Would have been nice…To see them…"

"HO HO HO!" Stuart came down the stairs as the children all started to giggle.

"You think the kids know?" Fran mumbled towards C.C.

"O… They so know.. Look at Emily and Maggie’s faces…" C.C. shook her head softly. "They are allowing him to have his fun.."

Stuart picked up Katherine in one arm, and Victoria in the other. His smile was broad, and he was no longer the haunted man she had seen last time. "Mother says this is a time of miracles…"

"Oy…we could use some.." Fran leaned on C.C. who smiled.

Stuart walked outside smiling. "I’m coming back…" He leaned over whispering in C.C.’s ear. "Your kids are tired…"

C.C. turned laughing. "Alright! Everyone to bed!"

"Okee!" Emily ran quickly inside, causing C.C. to turn around to face her father.

"Merry Christmas….." He winked waving towards Fran who laughed.

"Why is Maggie… looking forward to bed?" Fran leaned over C.C. growling at Stuart.

"Why don’t you … put your children to bed.. Open the boxes… and find out." He winked getting up on his carriage, and with a sharp whistle his horses took off.

"Bed! Bed!" The Sheffield children chanted loudly waiting on Fran.

"OI!" She waved them all inside the house, and C.C. turned to smile at Alex and Emily.

"Merry Christmas, mama…" Emily hugged her mother, and then took Alexander’s hand walking inside.

"As Fran said… Oy.." She smiled looking at Martin who was holding Victoria.

"Goodnight Mrs. Butler.." Martin smiled walking towards the house. "I’ll put Vicky down….. You should open that box.."

"Grrrrrr Did daddy tell everyone. but me?" C.C. pulled out the box unwrapping it. It held a small note….’Meet me in the barn’…

C.C. let out a small groan walking towards the barn. "This had better be good daddy." Her snow boots making soft sloshing noises in the snow. C.C. turned looking towards Fran who was smiling.

"What did yours say?" Fran grumbled holding onto C.C. for warmth.

"Meet in the barn.."

"Mine wants me to head to the forge… so I’ll see you later." Fran patted C.C.’s arm walking the other way. "C.C…."

"Yeah?"

"Merry Christmas…" Fran smiled heading towards the mud building that held Fran’s something forge.

C.C. entered the barn letting out a soft groan. "Okay… Daddy this better be…" She felt soft firm hands wrap around her waist turning her around.

"Good?" Niles let out a soft chuckle, and pulled off C.C.’s coat. "Merry Christmas Babs."

"Nil…" She didn’t have time to finish. He was already roaming her body. His hands pulled off her gloves tossing them to the side. Her lips aches for his kiss, and C.C. leaned into his touch. She felt the ties of her dress parting.

"If… you kept on.. Writing letters… like you have been.. I was.. Going to go insane.." Niles sucked in deeply as C.C. woke up from her dream state pulling off his coat. They both slowly lowered themselves down on the hay. She felt wild…. This was like the first night she had dared to kiss him back in New York when her feeling were unclear.

"Niles…" She was fully naked now as he was worshipping every part of her skin. He wasn’t allowing her to have any fun, but preferring to worship her as a goddess. He wanted to show her how much he had desired this night.

"Don’t… Don’t hold back…not tonight.. I want to hear you scream…" His hands parted her thighs and C.C. felt her moans rise up in her throat.

"Oh no. You’ll scream…" She hissed back as she pulled his trousers down.

"Always a battle…" Niles laughed his lips traveling downward playing with every curve.

Fran grumbled looking at the cold forge. She hadn’t stepped foot inside this building in two months. "Hello?"

"Hello.." Maxwell smiled he was wearing his new uniform walking into the dim light Fran gasped throwing her arms around Maxwell’s neck.

B.B. giggled playing with Stuart’s long hair. "Thank god you shaved before coming back, and changed your clothes." She smiled looking at his face. "I do like the long hair."

"We are heading south soon. The battle is heading out of New England." He frowned laying next to her. "I had to let them see Fran and C.C…. I had to see you."

"Babcocks…bend but never break.. Remember? I’m fine Stuart."

"Noel says you have lost your fangs…"

"No… I have been given another chance to live my life. I am not going to throw it away." She reached up touching his chin.

"You have that kid, and we will more than explore… our second chance." He pulled out her wedding ring. "I think this belongs on your hand." He carefully placed the wedding ring on B.B. hand smiling. "Merry Christmas…."

"Merry Christmas." She smiled enjoying his soft touch.

Niles let out a soft groan looking towards Maxwell. "How did we end up under his command again?"

"I like General Babcock." Robert laughed looking at the brothers. "Well he did allow us to spend one day home for the holiday season."

"He’s in a bad mood. He has yet to hear about his child’s birth, Major." Peter handed over some of the soup towards Niles.

"I wonder if that’s why Sarah kept quiet… I would have been a wreck like Stuart." Maxwell look at the fire. "My first wife.. Was told she wouldn’t survive another pregnancy." He looked towards Peter’s questioning face.

"Women are often seen as the weaker sex, but I think.. They have a rare strength that goes beyond war."

"The Frenchman has a heart of a poet." Robert smiled looking into Peter’s eyes.

"My mother was nothing more than a tavern wench, but she always forced me to better myself. I have moved beyond my station in life.. Which is a rare thing in France… Here in the new world… a pauper can become a King."

"It will be a new world….Soon when all this mess is over with." Niles held onto a piece of fabric. He had taken it off C.C.’s dress Christmas night. "I just hope my children can forget me.. For missing so much."

"One day…. They will thank you.." Peter smiled looking towards his deep blue eyes. "Here comes the good General now."

"Nawww it’s just Noel…" Robert laughed looking at the one eyed man. Noel was still a handsome figure.

"Just Noel? Major! I thought you liked me!"

"Well Captain… Did your wife fall in love with that eye patch?" Maxwell smiled looking at Noel’s blushing face.

"I was just happy to see my little girl’s face. I know…Mother say’s I’m crazy, and no one would blame me for staying home, but I couldn’t knowing my men…and all of you were still out there."

"Messengers incoming…" Niles mumbled watching the figure of Stuart running up towards the man in the saddle. They all held a collective breath waiting for Stuart to look over the letter. Stuart let out a long laugh that filled the quiet camp.

"What?" Noel stood up as did the other… Stuart’s face had aged more than any man here over the years. He still had his long white hair from Christmas. He was clean shaven, but his blue eyes twinkled with a rare happiness. "DAD?" Noel almost shouted causing the men around him laugh.

"It’s a boy!" He hugged his eldest child tightly. "She’s alright… He’s alright!" Stuart looked around hugging Noel. "I am a grandfather… many times over.. Have a son who is younger than some of my grandchildren!" He handed the letter over to Robert who smiled.

"A blue eyed.. Blonde haired.. Screaming baby boy….Edward…." Robert read it as Niles felt tears rises up in his throat. Stuart stood before Niles who smiled looking into the Senior Babcock’s eyes.

"How old is the General again?" Peter teased breaking up the tender moment.

"Old enough to know you shouldn’t ask a commanding officer his age!" He hissed turning around winking at Peter. "Break open the ale we took from the British."

Noel leaned over whispering in Peter’s ear. "He’s in his.."

"Noel……." Stuart grumbled stopping his son. "How about you and your men take the first watch of the night. He pushed a laughing Noel away from the campfire.

"I don’t think this is going to work." Mary frowned watching Jonathan help B.B. into the saddle. "You tested it Mrs. Sheffield?"

Fran didn’t hear a word Mary was saying as both her and C.C. started to pace. "She’s going to kill me if she falls."

"I’ll kill you if she falls." C.C. hissed watching the gray mare respond to the commands. Jonathan and Martin finished with the ties stepping slowly away from B.B. Babcock.

"I’ll be…" Martin gasped looking at B.B. who smiled brightly. "It works…!"

"Course it works!" Fran grumble as everyone watch B.B. command the horse.

"What is her name my dear?" B.B. smiled looking towards C.C.

"Lady…" C.C. placed a hand on Fran’s back. She knew Fran was tearing up inside. Fighting the joyous sobs of seeing B.B. ride once more. "Mother be careful.. The saddle works, but don’t over do it."

B.B. moved around carefully, and one moment closed her eyes.

"She wouldn’t…." Fran grumbled watching B.B. closely.

"She would!" C.C. jumped over the fence as B.B. took off in full gallop. "Dammit!" C.C. turned towards Fran laughing. "Well she is a Babcock after all."

Fran grumbled looking up towards the sky. "We should go after her."

"Give her a moment… She’ll return… It’s been the first time… she’s been able to feel free…" Jonathan spoke quietly. "Let her enjoy… the moment."

C.C. closed her eyes remembering the first time B.B. took them all to her Grandmother’s stables. The feel of being one with an horse. To her mother who had grown up around horses, and after hearing doctor…after doctor tell her she would never walk… nor ride again.. It had to feel like she was touching heaven….B.B. rode up smiling jumping over the fence Lady nodded her head towards C.C.

"You are trying to scare us?" C.C. smiled playfully.

"Thank…you.." B.B spoke softly looking at C.C. then Fran.

"Next thing you know you’ll be whipping servants in New York again." C.C. laughed as Jonathan, and Martin came up to help her down. "I might have to put you to work mother.. If you get good at that."

"I want to try it Jonathan…" B.B. was in his arms, and Jonathan carefully placed B.B. on her own two feet while holding tight her waist. It was only a moment, but B.B stood under her own power. Jonathan quickly lifted her up smiling. "We bend but never break!" She roared as Emily and Maggie roared back.

Fran turned shocked looking into her adoptive mother’s eyes. "You see … even the deepest wounds heal.. It’s about time.. You heal yours." B.B. touched Fran’s cheek as Jonathan walked towards C.C.’s home.

"Did I just see…" C.C. mumbled still stunned.

"I don’t believe it…" Fran mumbled back.

"Bend never break!" All the children yelled out madly as they played tag.

"She’s even got the children… trained.." C.C. laughed as tears of joy ran down her face. "I think she’s right Fran…. Isn’t a visit to the Fine’s overdue?"

"I’ll try…"

"Tell them everything.. Once the truth comes out the healing can begin." C.C. placed her arm around her shoulder. "Shall we go feed the little ones?"

"Why are we still running from the British? We have won major battles!" Robert grumbled waving his men along. "Hell we could run them all back to England by now."

"They are still the greatest military force in the world, Robert." Niles smiled as Robert was rubbing his left ear again. "Are you alright you old bear?"

"I would feel better if I could hear out of my ear." Robert grumbled. "The damn Doctor would have me stay on my back the rest of the week Colonel, but he has the same orders as the rest of us."

"Indeed." Maxwell rode up next to Niles who was frowning. "What’s wrong old man?"

"The more we march…" Niles grumbled looking at the clouds in the sky. "The farther we get from .. The girls…our children .. For the first time in this whole war…I’m afraid…"

"I am just thankful Stuart was able to take us home for just a day…" Maxwell closed his eyes. "Letters will be harder to come by as well."

"You’re not making me feel any better Maxwell."

"God reaches out his great hand to open up the sea…..The girls will be alright Maxwell….Niles… Hell they will be eating better than us." Robert let out a soft laugh. "So I wouldn’t worry about them, or the kids."

"Always the voice of reason…" Niles smirked looking towards Robert. "Maxwell you are looking pale.."

"I’ll be fine Niles…Let’s move out.." Maxwell waved his hands around, and Niles let out a soft groan.

"We are all going to become ill…" His eyes narrowed at Robert who laughed.

"No doubt, but.. What are brothers for?" his hand hit Niles on his back nearly causing Niles to fall of his black stallion.

"….Stay safe … Chastity." His blue eyes lowered turning his horse around to follow Maxwell and Robert.

George Washington stood tall on his horse walking his men moved out yet again. "He looks older than I do.." Niles mumbled towards Maxwell who smiled.

"I think Stuart has aged poorly as well." Maxwell smirked poking Niles’s shoulder "Cheer up old man… we all look beyond our years, some more than others…" He playfully eyed Robert who came ridding up.

"Ermm?" Robert tilted his head shaking it.

"He was bound to go deaf sooner, or later…. Like you sir.." Niles smirked, and Maxwell started to laugh.

"What’s so funny?" Robert frowned rubbing his ear again. He wiped at his forehead looking towards his commanding officers.

"You know Robert that ear. can magical take you back home." Niles shook his head looking at Robert’s bear like form.

"I’m not leaving you two with good old one eye, and Frenchie running around! Who would I tell my lies too? My boys are way to young to hear my stories."

Maxwell leaned over whispering. "Like we listen to them anyway?" Niles laughed softly looking up into Robert’s frowning face.

"We are sorry old bear… just having some fun with you." Maxwell smiled trying to lighten Robert’s mood.

"I’m sorry sir… " Robert sighed. "Lack of a letter, and of pay has put me in a sore mood."

"I think has put us all in a sore mood." Niles mumbled looking towards Washington who was joined by Stuart now. "I wonder if Peter feels this way?"

"Sir?" Peter’s thick French accent hovered over the group.

"About not hearing from home?" Niles turned to look at the French officer.

"I get a letter from my mother when she can afford to send it. I will not hear from home for some time to come."

"We are selfish Peter…. Still without your help, and that of your countrymen…" Niles didn’t get to finish his comment as Peter raised his hand up smiling.

"My friend… if we don’t aid one another in this world… for the sake of freedom…then… mankind would be truly lost." Peter moved forward joining his small band of countrymen ridding onward.

"Question is.. With us heading back north.. Should we try and send out a letter to the girls about joining us in winter quarters?" Maxwell mumbled looking at Niles.

"I don’t think it would be wise this year Maxwell." Niles looked towards some grumbling soldiers. "This winter is going to be harder than most."

"It would be nice to see them." Maxwell grumbled forcing his horse onward.

"It would be nice to see them, and remain… for good.." Niles grumbled following Maxwell down the path.

Niles felt the chill in his bones, but didn’t shiver. He had finished off some type of ale with the others, and then retired to bed in the "I hoped you would haunt my dreams Caca." Niles laughed feeling her arms around his chest. "I wish, I would never wake up."

"Now, troll if you did that.. I would have to hunt you down, and slay you. I am much better in person..." C.C.’s voice was faint, and playfully. " I miss you, bitter…mean…old.. Man." She smiled as he rolled over kissing her hands.

"If I wake. you’ll be gone again, and my loneliness would grow. I should send for you." He reached up brushing back her long blonde hair. "Next time I stand inside that house, I swore C.C. I would never leave."

"I heard you remember?" She purred playfully running a single finger along his lips. "I told you then… you were crazy."

"I could take you right now, but the problem is.. It wouldn’t be real.." His voice moaned in bitter sorrow. "My letters are short, because I can’t stand it C.C. I want you here in my arms, and in my bed."

"When this war is over old man. You are never getting rid of me." She winked as Niles felt the soft shaking, and let out a small groan. The vision was gone, and she had felt so real.

"What? What?" Niles mumbled madly not realizing Maxwell’s face was full of worry. "What’s wrong Max?"

"Robert has fallen ill… Niles.. They are sending him home, and of course he’s having a fit." Maxwell’s face was grim handing Niles his coat. "Stuart has asked us to speak with him."

"Robert… You can barely hear at of that ear.." Stuart tried to hold the huge man down looking towards the doorway where Niles, and Maxwell now stood. "In face your hearing is gone."

"I’m not going! Not even for a month!" Robert roared throwing one doctor off his left arm. "I took a vow!"

Niles felt his own face twist in pain. Robert had been fighting the same infection for more than a month, and since it had started he would have horrible nights. Fever at time over took Robert leaving him drained, and other times he would become weak as a kitten. He would be best served being home in Nadine’s arms. His hearing was already damaged no doctor could repair what the illness had took from his left ear. "Robert… " Niles struggled to find his voice. *What would I do? In his case? Would I listen to reason, or hold steady to my promise?* "Your missing a chance to sit on your rear here in winter quarters? The war will still be going on when your are healthier. You old goat! I‘ll be sure to leave you a few British heads to knock off when you return." Niles placed a hand on his shoulder.

Robert let out a soft groan letting go his will to rise up. He had wanted to show the whole world he was well, but in truth his body now gave into this illness. "Damn you Colonel for making sense." Stuart’s face relaxed watching the big man grumble.

"You’ll be able to spend your holidays with those boys!" Maxwell sat down taking Robert’s hand. "Nadine will be happy, and the boys will be tackling soon enough."

Robert laughed holding his sore ear. "True enough sir… True enough.. It would be good to see the lads, and Nadine… I’m sure her mother, and father have been driving her crazy.. " He smiled turning to look at Stuart. "I’m sorry General… I have made an arse of myself."

Stuart laughed holding his sides. It had been the first true sign of happiness since Edward Babcock’s birth. "It’s alright Major… You acted just like Noel did when I told him he couldn’t return."

"Course .. Old one eye came back, and so will I!" He grumbled as Maxwell pulled the torn cover over his chest. "Bloody hell Maxwell… Sir.. I’m not a child."

"Well if the shoe fits." Maxwell winked causing another roar of laughter from Robert’s chest. "I hope you could at least deliver a few letters home?"

"Course…" He smiled turning towards Stuart. "You’ll be sending me home tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, and they want you to travel in a cart." Stuart braced himself for another protest, but smiled when Robert remained quiet.

"You’ll all have your hands full the lads aren’t happy lately." Robert whispered softly looking around.

"Who is?" Niles grumbled patting Robert on the shoulder. "I’ll go write my letter."

"More than just a simple page old man!" Robert teased. "I need something to read on the journey home."

Niles let out a long gasp looking into Robert’s eyes. "Robert on your word as a gentleman.. Have you been reading my letters?"

Maxwell laughed softly, and Stuart shook his head. "I’m going to leave you gentlemen alone. There are some things a man shouldn’t know about his daughters."

"This one could give you lessons General!" Robert yelled holding his ear smiling. Niles let out a slow playful grumble. "I’m joking Colonel go write your letter, and have a good night sleep… I will not leave until you two place them in my hand."

Niles grumbled throwing back his bedroll climbing inside the ruined covering. It wasn’t enough to keep out the cold as his teeth started to shiver. His eyes closed once more as his mind hovered. His letter was finished, and had been placed ready for Robert’s departure. Her soft hands came again touching his cheek, as sleep over took him once more.

"You came back." C.C. smiled kissing his cold cheek bringing life back into his freezing form. Niles laughed once more pushing her hair out of her face.

"I wonder, if you are having these dreams as well? " Niles teased nibbling at her neck as C.C. grumbled.

"Why would I dream about little trolls?" Her hands had found his bare skin, and Niles let out a groan at her touch. "I prefer real men."

"A real man…" Niles grumbled pulling at C.C.’s night clothes. "Woman I made you scream out so much last Christmas… your horse came to check on you." Niles smiled remembering how C.C.’s trained white mare broke down the barn’s door to check on C.C. "Isn’t that real enough for you?"

"Enough talking.." Her lips found his as Niles lifted the long night dress over her head.

"This might be a dream Babcock, but I’ll take you anyway I can get you." His lips trailed downward taking in her soft skin… nibbling playfully at her nipples as he traveled to tease her belly button. Niles had found it the very center of C.C his tongue lashed out like any whip as he held her tightly.

Niles let out a soft groan… The morning light filled his small broken tent. Clawing at the ground Niles let out all kinds of swear words he would not say in front of the others. He wanted the real thing. He wanted his wife here with him. He looked at his letter, and let out a bitter sigh. "How many more years will I have this type of marriage?" He grumbled pulling on his coat. This coming Christmas would mark a year since their last meeting. Niles steady himself trying to get go of his bitterness. "The things we must do.."

Niles at placed his letter in Robert’s hand looking into his eyes. "No reading you…" He smiled watching Robert put Stuart’s, Niles’s and Maxwell’s letters in his coat.

"You would have done it!" Robert yelled as the troopers took him from the winter camp. Niles turned to look at Maxwell who’s face was pale.

"What’s wrong Max?" He placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder.

"I am not sleeping well Niles. My dreams have become haunted, and our men are unhappy. They haven’t been paid in months. I would ride home right now, if I didn’t fear my own shame." Maxwell lifted his hands up to rub his own temples. "It will take months before the rest of our French Allies arrive… how much longer?"

"I don’t know sir, but fate has treated us kindly so far. We have a wonderful family waiting for us back home, and our gift to them will be a free nation."

"This is a winter of bitterness…" Maxwell was chewing on his own tongue. Niles looked at his brother closely. He had lost all the weight he had gained during the summer. They both looked like old men, and they had started this war with such high hopes.

"If we never know bitterness Maxwell, how are we to know joy?" He smiled looking into Maxwell’s now smirking face.

"So… Speaking of bitterness.. Shall I fix you a cup of bark soup?" Maxwell smiled leading Niles towards the campfire.

"When we are home.. No one is allowed to fix us soup… EVER!" Niles roared causing Maxwell to laugh. Niles in the back of his mind let out a quiet prayer that his dreams of C.C. might find him yet again.

C.C. let out a long sigh. "Why didn’t they allow us to join them at camp this year." C.C. grumbled looking towards a whimpering Fran. "Hell like I would have listen to them anyway." She jumped up as Emily grabbed her leg.

"Can’t!" Emily cried out, and C.C. now recalled why Niles had begged her to stay. "You stay here!" Emily whimpered reading her mother’s mind. C.C. looked at Fran who nodded slowly.

"Maggie does the same thing to me. Every time I even think about going.. She grabs my legs.. Along with Gracie, and Brighton."

C.C. looked down at Emily’s whimpering face. "Alright sweetheart… you win.." She shivered touching her cheek.

"YAYA!" Emily ran towards the others, and rejoined the odd game of blocks.

"Nadine at least has Robert home for a spell." Fran frowned looking at C.C. who watched the children at play. "C.C.? Are you with me?"

"Mmm? I’m sorry Fran… My heart is else where." C.C. frowned looking at her wedding ring. "Remember how we hoped marriage would be one party after another?"

Fran let out a playful cough. "Pardon me.. I never thought that." She smirked as C.C. managed a hidden smile. "You listened.. To Nanny’s stories.."

"A happily ever after?" C.C. rocked back and forward in her rocking chair picking up little Victoria. "I wonder if that’s possible still."

"The night can’t last forever children." B.B. smiled she was still fighting periods of sleep. "Yes…I’m awake…" She poked Fran who managed a small laugh.

"Every night must have a sunrise?" Fran reached over tickling little Edward’s chin. Her own Katherine whimpered softly.

"I wonder if… I should tell Niles.. He haunts my dreams too." C.C. shook her head then looked towards Fran. "Do you dream about Maxwell?"

"Every night…" Fran mumbled she was watching Brighton build a castle. "Sometimes during the day time as well."

C.C. made a face then worked up the courage. "Mother?"

"Do you dream of father?"

"C.C. every wife in who has a husband in either army is dreaming of a reunion. It is not shameful, nor uncommon." B.B. winked and looked towards Jonathan who was helping with the block building. His wife was also on the floor playing with the children.

Niles shivered once more trying to get his wedding ring to fit on his skinny finger. He let out a playful sigh noticing he wasn’t going to work. "I have mine on a chain." Maxwell leaned over showing off his wedding ring to Fran.

"Sirs…" Peter sat down heavily. "We must be careful this night around your men."

"Why is that Captain?" Niles was hardly ever annoyed, but he looked towards the Frenchman. "What is going on?"

"They are meeting in secret… They talk about leaving.." Peter grumbled as Niles, and Maxwell both stood up. "Where are you going?"

"To find out where this meeting is being held." Niles felt his bones come alive. "I have been with most of these men since the very beginning. Are you coming Maxwell?"

"Right behind you old man!" Maxwell grumbled picking up his hat and following his older brother. The snow leaking inside his broken boots.

"You know for a moment… I think I couldn’t feel my toes." Maxwell looked down at his feet." He wiggled one then the other watching his big toe move the broken leather around.

"There are rumors we will be pressing south again after the winter." Noel handed over the bottle. "Here Colonel this will warm you up some."

"I don’t understand why you both are down here camping along side your lower ranked men! The colonels and generals of our army never do that." Peter looked at Maxwell and Niles with renewed respect. "Robert brought you both a pair of new boots, and you give them away."

"At least we have boots." Niles groaned looking at his feet. "The men we gave it to Captain Andre, they only had rags on their feet."

"Your father is just as bad." Peter looked at Noel who smiled. "He’s always offered things, and he ends up giving it away."

"Don’t you see Frenchie…" Robert smiled placing a hand on the man’s back. "It’s why they men listen to Max, and Niles. They are willing to suffer, and not use rank to gain the upper hand."

"My god.. It’s good to have you back you old bear." Niles couldn’t help but smile looking into Robert’s face.

"Nadine nearly held me down to the bed trying to keep me still." He waggled his eyebrows towards Niles who laughed. "Course she knew I was enjoying her attention."

"What I wouldn’t give for Fran’s attention right now." Maxwell groaned looking towards the fire. "Even her nasal laugh would be a blessing, and music to my ears."

"To hear C.C.’s sweet hissing." Niles grumbled trying to curl up next to the fire. "You come back to a bunch of bitter old men, Robert."

"Hell colonel, ya was always a bit bitter from what ya wife says." Robert passed the bottle once more towards Noel. "Ahh… here comes the good general now."

"Which one.." Niles didn’t even lift up his head. "there are so many generals in camp today."

"Your father-in law… " All them struggled to stand up, but Stuart waved them off grabbing the bottle from Noel. "Are you all ready to move out?"

"Move out where are we heading sir?" Niles felt his heart take flight. Anything was better than just waiting out the winter.

"We are heading towards the Carolinas" Stuart’s face dropped in a moment of sadness. "To be frank.. I was hoping General Washington would place us back near the girls. He’s needing real fighters down south, and so… we leave tomorrow."

"The men are in need of supplies General." Maxwell mumbled looking at Stuart.

"Listen… I have the means.. I just can’t do it here in front of the entire army! Once we get going Max.. Niles.. I’ll be sending you to any farmhouse buying anything they can spare."

"With what coin?" Peter looked into Stuart’s smiling face. "I beg your pardon General , but your congress hasn’t been forth coming with supplies, or these men back pay."

"You let me worry about that Captain. Pass it along to your men we head towards warmer climates, and hopefully warmer weather." Stuart limped off slowly as Niles let out a slow mumble.

"That man was one of the richest in the colonies, but I fear he’ll have nothing left buying supplies for the army." Robert mumbled as Niles nodded slowly.

"Dad has his ways… When you think the money runs out.. He finds more… " Noel stood up offering his salute. "If you pardon me sirs… I must go out and tell my men.."

"I better do the same." Peter stood up saluting each of them in turn.

Niles wiped at his eyes, and turned towards Maxwell. "We better write the girls tonight…. We both know our letters have a harder time traveling northward."

"I envy those letters." Maxwell managed a small laugh pulling Niles up. "Right now James is having dinner with the King. How did he end up the better in this deal?"

"The game isn’t over Max….The game isn’t over." Niles took one final sip of the bottle tossing it towards a waiting private who smiled.

Niles shivered madly in his tent. His cover had been used to patch his clothes. "Your in a sorry state troll." C.C.’s husky laugh ran out in his ears. "What am I going to do with you?"

"I have a few ideas." Niles felt his body relax giving into this dream.

"Thin…Pale… You have lost those muscles in your back." Her hands tease him, but they also sparked warmth in his frozen body. The memory of C.C.’s hands always did warm his cold nights. "It’s now how long since we made love?"

"In the flesh?" Niles smirked kissing her soft hands. "Now over a year." Niles felt his whole body become ridged as he watched her evil grin. "I know.. Listen woman… I am doing everything I can to come back to you."

"Are you troll?" She leaned into him stealing a deep kiss.

"When I finally get home… you are in such trouble.." He growled letting go of her for only a moment.

"Remember… you said it might take years…" C.C.’s voice was full of sorrow.

Niles let out a groan as Maxwell shook him softly. "Get up old boy it’s time to be moving onward." Niles tilted his head lifting himself off the ground.

"Max… does Fran tease you in your dreams?"

"Every night old boy… every night.."

C.C. smiled looking down at Emily who giggled. "You see mommy!" She pointed towards the horizon. "Something’s coming!"

C.C. forced her eyes to reach out searching for a sign of friendly actives or foes. "Run.. Back to the house…"

Emily picked up her feet, and ran. C.C. moved behind her signaling towards Fran who stood outside with Nadine. "What’s wrong?"

"British!" C.C. called out. "Jonathan.. Get mother, and the children.. Hide yourselves down in the basement.. Do not come out for anything do you understand?" She pulled on the half breed shirt, and he nodded.

Martin walked outside carrying two rifles as Fran reached inside her house for two more. "Mary.. Follow Jonathan…"

"They might have stopped by our ranch, and found the horse herd gone…" Nadine loaded the gun. "This should prove interesting."

"British loyalists, and soldiers have been killing settlers… that’s all you can say Nadine?" Fran smirked shaking her head. "This should be… interesting?"

C.C. felt the ice run inside her veins. The four red coated men rode up slowly. "What do we have here?" His voice was thick and hidden. The man had pulled his tricorn hat down so no one could see his eyes. He waved his men back, and he hopped off his horse. "I’ll be …" He lifted up his head to show his face.

"Chandler…" Fran and C.C. let out the collective breath they had been holding in.

"You know these women sir?"

Chandler leaned over kissing C.C.’s hand. It had been a long time since any man had done that. C.C. turned as red as Chandler’s coat, and he then turned kissing Fran’s hand. "I do indeed… They are good folk here… we will move on…" He winked at C.C. blowing in her ear.

C.C. closed her eyes trying to will her body to behave. *If Niles would stop haunting my dreams … I wouldn’t react to Chandler like some blushing school girl.* She turned to see Fran was feeling the same effect. Nadine was less impressed shaking her head at the two women.

"Give us a break Nadine…" Fran grumbled handing over her rifle to Martin.

"Martin let the others know it’s safe.." C.C. whispered.

"Your both acting fairly…" Nadine felt her own nasal voice start to hint of a whine. "Silly…"

"How long have we been without?" C.C. tapped her foot. She was feeling rather … bitchy, and despite the fact she liked Nadine Fine Henderson.. She was unwilling to put up with her teasing.

"Over a year…" Nadine mumbled looking down at the ground.

"There you go…" Fran shook her head. "No wonder B.B. was so uptight all those years she kept Stuart out of her bedroom."

"I am still trying to figure out… how he got back in her bedroom." C.C. laughed at Fran’s effort to lighten their mood.

"Uh o.. kid’s incoming.. We better keep it clean ladies." Fran smirked walking towards Brighton who hugged her tightly.

"I wish my dreams would keep things clean…" C.C. groaned under her breath, and saw Nadine smiling. "What?"

"What until he gets home C.C…. You’ll find out those dream will make it worth the wait." Nadine walked towards her own children leaving C.C. alone to pout.

"I want him home now…" She groaned playfully as Alex skipped towards his mother. He smiled looking up into her blue eyes.

"Hi! Ba men gune?" He held out his hands to be held, and C.C. scooped him up.

"Yes… small one." She touched his cheek. "You and your sister want to help mommy today with the horses?"

"Ya!" He jumped down… running off to tell Emily.

Fran grumbled laying on her bed and grabbing a pillow. "You haven’t slept in two days Mrs. Sheffield." Mary walked in carrying Katherine who reached out towards Fran.

"Mary….Is it normal to dream about someone?"

"If you are talking about your husband… then yes.." The older woman laughed looking into Fran’s face. "It’s not a sin my dear… Mister Sheffield is no doubt having dreams of his homecoming right now."

Fran grumbled recalling the last time she allowed herself to dream. Maggie had come running in the room expecting her father in bed next to Fran. She was rather disappointed when she saw Fran only curled up next to a pillow.

"Do you hear me at night?" Fran mumbled towards Mary who laughed.

"My dear.. I was once married too, and I do have one grandchild… I ignore things like that." She winked watching Fran snuggle with Katherine.

"Ma!" William smiled climbing up the bed to join his younger sister. "Sleep?"

"If you are worried about dreams.. Try taking a nap with these two.." She pointed towards William and Katherine who smiled. "They should keep your dreams down to a godly level."

Fran pushed back Katherine’s hair as William hugged her neck "Mommy need nap?"

"Mommy could use some sleep.. So we can go outside, and work."

"We protect!" William pointed his hand towards Katherine who nodded. "Sleep.."

"Yes .. Sir.." She gathered him up in her other arm snuggling her children. "When we get to dream land.. Tell your father to behave." She leaned over kissing their noises in turn.

"Okee!… he bad daddy!" William growled as Katherine let out a playful giggle.

He looked over at the men before him. "General Babcock.." He nodded taking Stuart’s hand, and showing off a soft smile. "Colonel Sheffield , and Butler." He reached over taking Maxwell’s hand, and then taking Niles. "I hear that you three have been the only bright spots in the southern campaign."

"We try sir.." Maxwell’s face flushed with pride. Maxwell and Niles had managed to shave their faces before General Greene’s arrival. Stuart was still a wild looking man.. Far from the socialite they known in New York City.

"The British are going to loose in the south.. They have less supplies than we do.." Stuart started, but Greene held up his hand smiling.

"The only reason we have any supplies… General. is because you have been buying out that the local farmers will sell you.. The congress thinks they are paying you too much money, but Ben Franklin kindly pointed out… they haven’t sent you a dime of your pay."

Stuart started to laugh looking into Nathan Greene’s smiling face. "That’s … true sir…" A common understanding passed between Greene and Babcock…

"I didn’t start out supporting this war either, but yet here we are… The Southern region now has turned against the British… They are forced to steal rather than pay for goods.. The clock is turning into our favor…"

"With all due respect General.. We have heard this before." Niles felt the bitterness of the past winter. "This coming Christmas… it will be two years since I have seen my wife, and well before them.. I have heard.. It’s almost over.. It’s almost over.."

General Greene placed his hands on each of Niles’s shoulders. "I have heard what has happened to you, and all your kin." He looked at the three men, and ended back staring into Niles’s blue eyes. "I will not lie to you…. It has been a long hard war, but have you heard any news from London?"

"Just bits and pieces." Stuart grumbled looking at Maxwell who shrugged.

"This war has been costing the British a pretty coin….Right now there are calls for peace… I am here to make sure we keep on pushing on the enemies back… until they leave our lands." He smiled unfolding a map. "General Lord Cornwallis wants to conquer the south.. The British failed to cut off New England.. So they change their goals, and we must force them into a new game."

Niles could hear Robert’s soft groan about running away. He blinked looking down at the map that showed no such movements. "We are to guide Cornwallis here." Stuart pointed at the map smiling. "Taking his supplies from him."

"Of course.." General Greene laughed softly. "No one said any of this would be easy, and we might have to … cut and run? Like my old friend as had to do…" He smiled winking towards Niles who found his heart warming up to this new general. "You have your orders gentlemen… dismissed."

Niles stepped out of General Greene’s tent taking in a deep breath. "Maybe you can keep it down tonight Niles?" Maxwell laughed looking into Niles’s blushing face.

"I have no idea what you are talking about sir." He grabbed his hat, and Maxwell winked towards Stuart.

"You two …." Stuart stumbled for a moment grabbing his left arm.

"Sir?" Niles looked into Stuart’s eyes. Stuart Babcock was painfully thin.. Until this moment no one knew.. Niles gasped in horror holding the man upright. "Dammit Stuart what are you doing to yourself?"

"Lead me to my tent.." Stuart mumbled as Maxwell and Niles had to all, but carry the general inside.

"How much have you had to eat today?"

"Coming from some of the thinnest people here… you are questioning me about my eating habits?" Stuart grumbled looking in his chest, and pulling out some aged cheese. "I …"

"Stuart you want to kill your family?" Niles paced up and down. "Because they’ll kill us if anything happens to you."

"I’ll tell everyone of your men.. You haven’t been eating well." Maxwell’s eyes hinted with a veiled threat. "Every last one.."

Stuart let out a groan. "Are you trying to kill me? They all have been playing mother hen over me since what happened to Barbara. I have this odd feeling she writes a few of them to keep an eye on me."

"Babcocks, and their games." Niles shook his head smiling at Maxwell.

"I mean it Stuart…don’t you want to see that son you have back home?"

"It would be… Hey… that’s not fair.." He frowned looking at Maxwell’s dark eyes. "Dirty tricks!"

"From now on.. Every meal.. you eat something." Niles waggled his finger in his father in-law’s face. "Every meal, or no beating up redcoats for you."

Niles walked outside Stuart’s tent listening to Maxwell grumble. "We are just as bad." He turned causing Niles to stop. "Bloody well look at us…"

"You don’t like my thin figure?" Niles batted his eyes at Maxwell who poked his shoulder sharply "Okay.. I get the picture."

"We have got to put back on some weight old man.. I looked in a pool of water yesterday.. And you know who I saw.."

"If it’s that man you still owe ten crown to back in New York.. Maxwell I think he’s forgotten about it already." Niles smiled playfully earning another poke.

"My grandfather..!" Max leaned over to rub his temples. "Even Robert has managed to have gained back some weight…"

"HELLOO? Maxwell he got to go home for a few months." Niles pushed on his brother playfully. "Alright.. I’ll have the boys go out and carefully hunt us a big meal tonight. God knows they could use the shooting practice." Niles smiled walking onward.

"I don’t want to look like a broken down mess when I see her again Niles." Maxwell looked his head to the ground.

"Me either…. Me either Maxwell." Niles poked at his ribs letting out a sad sigh.

Niles let out a soft groan looking down at his men. He had been separated from Maxwell for two weeks. Robert had taking a group of his soldiers splitting their forces yet again. Niles yet heard from both Robert, and Maxwell of surprising victories. "What is your name." He looked out on the swamp covered area. Niles felt his gut twist walking behind his men. They all looked scared. "Hold steady boys…" He turned to Peter who was smiling.

"Colonel scouts report that Major Henderson has forced a large portion of Colonel Wellington’s army this way."

Niles smiled thinking back to General Greene’s idea… He was starting to see why General Washington called him gifted. "Alright boys… Brace yourselves!" Niles tried to roar like Robert, but his voice faltered. Niles pulled out his sword looking towards Peter who nodded as men came rushing outward into the swamp land.

Niles let a quiet prayer escape his lips as he ran out to face the Redcoats.

Maxwell laughed looking towards Noel. "You are indeed crazy Babcock." He handed over the bottle shaking his head. "You ran up towards that cannon." Maxwell shook his head. "Don’t you fear god?"

"I think God fears my mother." Noel winked looking at Maxwell. "It was a crazy thing to do… I know my father would have killed me himself.. He would have seen that move."

"I wonder what my daughter looks like." Noel frowned looking into the fire. "Last time I saw her she was…. A baby."

"William is talking by now… Katherine walking…" Maxwell grumbled looking at Noel. "Maggie, Brighton and Grace are growing up without me…. Dammit Noel it’s bad enough I have to put up with Niles’s pouting." Maxwell playfully tossed back the bottle.

"Sorry Colonel.." Noel winked with his one eye smiling. "First time… I really feel it… I feel… this all could be ending."

"It will end for me.. When I have my wife in my arms.." Maxwell grumbled taking the wooden plate Noel offered. "What is this?"

"Eat it…" Noel hissed.

"You are going to make me miss Robert’s cooking!" He smiled taking a piece of meat…His whole body melted enjoying the taste of a real meal. "You been feeding me… things, and have refused Captain to tell me…."

"Sir, it’s just best you don’t know…" Noel smiled playfully.

"Babcocks.." Max grumbled eating yet another piece of the salty meat.

Maxwell shifted enjoying his first real blanket in over a year. He wrapped it around his body at night willing himself into a good night sleep. They had yet to hear from Niles, or Stuart on their progress or position.

"You don’t look good Maxwell." Fran’s eyes looked him over. "You need to eat what ever they are placing in front of you."

"I bloody well fear what your brother is feeding me." Maxwell pulled her into his arms. "My darling… I wish this was real… How I wish every dream I have had over these cruel years was real…"

Her hands ran across his chest. "Oy… you are so thin…"

"I’ll work on that." He rolled her over on her back nibbling on her neck.

"You betta…" She purred.

"MAXWELL…" Noel roar as Maxwell opened his eyes. "I’m sorry Colonel… was worried for a moment."

"This soooo… better be good." Maxwell sat up looking into Noel’s worried face. "What?" he placed his hand on Noel’s shoulder.

"Niles’s troops won the day, but the redcoats have him. Peter is here, and Major Henderson has just now joined us."

Maxwell sat up pulling on his coat. "We better act quickly before that sister of yours rings my neck." Maxwell put on his boots groaning as he looked into Noel’s eyes. "He’ll be okay Noel."

"Should we write C.C. about this?" Noel helped Maxwell with his coat.

"HELL NO…" Maxwell groaned steadying himself. "Go get Robert, and Peter… We will put our heads together, and think of something."

Niles grumbled looking into Colonel Wellington’s eyes. "Well Colonel what am I to do with you?" He waved his hand towards a chair, and Niles sat down slowly.

"Nothing I hope." Niles winked, and the man laughed. "We are both soldiers.. Gentlemen…."

"You have soundly defeated me. I have three officers that are missing, and my commander Cornwallis is a personal friend of your Step-father’s." Two men dressed in a servant style uniform came in serving dinner. "If I turned you over to my commander it would gain me his favor, but yet I have come to … hate this war…"

Niles shifted watching the man’s green eyes. "What do you want from me?"

"I want to surrender like a true lord should. My men are tried, and we are forced to stealing from local farmers. Lord Cornwallis has yet to send us reinforcements. I have no doubt your comrades will be coming after you soon." Niles felt his mouth water looking at the fresh bread.

He took a bite as it melted in his mouth. "You want to go home?"

"Yes…" He nodded grumbling. "I want to return home, and so do most of my men."

Niles smiled looking at the Scottish Colonel. "I think we can work something out." He took the man’s hand ,and shook it.

"Tea then Colonel?" He handed over the hot tea smiling.

Maxwell’s jaw dropped watching Niles ride up on his fresh mount. It was a gray stallion who wanted to show off beside the surrendering British troops. They had started a supply of ammo in front of Maxwell’s feet.

"Look at him!" Robert roared laughing. "He ends up captured, but rides out like the King of England." Robert rode up hitting Niles on the back. "Good to see you Colonel.. Alive and in one peace!"

Niles grumbled feeling the urge to rub his back eyeing Robert playfully. "Nice to see you in one piece as well …old bear.." Niles rode up towards his brother. "They have agreed to terms… To return to England… half their rations…all of their ammo, and arms."

Maxwell shook his head in shock. They had often captured small groups of men, but never a thousand before. "My god.." He mumbled looking at Niles.

"Why thank you…" Niles laughed as Robert joined him. "Colonel or Niles will do.."

"Niles.." Maxwell looked towards the blue sky shaking his head.

"Move it Brighton…" Fran grumbled as she let her snowball fly out of her hand. She was able to hit C.C. square in the head.

"That’s not FAIR!" C.C. grumbled pulling Emily towards her. "Okay… remember… we need to capture that flag…or we have to host holiday dinner." She looked down into her daughter’s blue eyes. "You don’t want Sylvia drooling over you again."

"CHARGE!" Emily roared as Alexander joined her march towards Fran. They seemed to have a natural gift of dodging the Sheffield children snowballs. Alex ran up and over the snow covered barrier taking the makeshift flag , and running back towards his mother.

"We won!" Alex raised his little hand over his head waving the flag madly.

C.C. let out a soft laugh looking at Fran who was pouting. "Face it my children are faster than yours." She stuck out her tongue as Fran let out a nasal cry.

"You don’t fight fair!"

"and your point is?" C.C. smiled walking towards Fran.. "O here.. Happy.. What ever holiday you celebrate." C.C. grumbled as Fran’s face suddenly lit up.

She opened the blue box pulling at a silver chain… at it’s end a small silver star. "C.C. where did you get this?"

"I had to go into town.. One of your competitors sorry.." C.C. smiled as Fran started to whimper. "What?"

"You put my wedding date on it." She smiled looking into C.C.’s eyes. "Why did you do this?"

"Emily told me.. You often talked to her daddy when the stars were out.." C.C. smiled hugging Fran tightly. "Some nights you would search for hours just to find one star… now you don’t have to spend all that time searching."

Fran stopped sniffling looking into C.C.’s eyes.

"What?"

"Sometimes.. You can be hard as a rock, and other times…"

"Shhhh don’t tell anyone… " C.C. laughed hugging a sniffling Fran. "Now stop that.. You , and Mary have to get that house ready for.. The big gathering."

"You won’t get your present until tomorrow…" Fran mumbled as C.C. lead her towards the house.

"I know… I can hear you at night working in that damn forge…" C.C. grumbled eyeing Fran’s red eyes. "We both need sleep."

"I just want one… one letter this month." Fran groaned looking towards the darkening sky. "Just one letter to reach us."

"It will." C.C. smiled watching Fran climb her stairs walking inside the house. C.C. felt her cold cheek rubbing it with her gloved hand. "Come on small one.." She picked up Alex who was giggling. "Shall we see to your grannies, and uncle Edward?"

"Mommy… Daddy’s coming home isn’t he?" Emily looked up holding her hand.

"He better."

Niles let out a playful groan. "Come on in Maxwell… don’t just stand around pacing.." Maxwell poked his head inside smiling. He looked like a small child who had just received a shinny new toy.

"We aren’t going to New York." Maxwell was nearly jumping up and down. "Niles .. You don’t know yet do you?"

"This better be good." Niles grumbled watching his younger brother jump up and down. "I’m tired Max, and this is the first piece of parchment I have had in two weeks." He waved the feather towards Maxwell’s face.

"We are pushing south.. We are going directly after Cornwallis…" Maxwell took Niles by the shoulders. "Don’t you see old man! This is THE chance!"

Niles blinked as it started to dawn on him. "How?"

"The French fleet are heading towards Virginia.. A place called .. Yorktown." Maxwell ran his hand in his gray hair. "A trap old boy.. A trap!"

Niles closed his eyes. "Cornwallis is a big fish…"

"We are ordered ahead…I know.. Listen, Niles I was hoping it was going to be New York as well, but I can understand why General Washington is pushing us onward."

"I’ll go head the troops… go ahead, and finish your letter old boy.. Keep quiet about this new development."

"Like I would risk it?" Niles smirked opening his eyes shaking his head. "Try to eat something would you?" He tossed over some green cheese, and Maxwell made a face.

"You are joking right?" Maxwell made a face looking at the block.

"It’s better than Fran’s cooking." Niles winked as Maxwell took a huge bite of cheese walking outside. Niles picked up the feather once more dipping it inside the ink once more. Niles let out a soft groan looking down at his letter. "What am I going to tell you Babcock? Can you feel the winds are changing?"

"They are strong winds!" Robert had managed to sneak inside. "I have.. More parchment for you Colonel." He handed Niles the clean sheets of paper.

"It’s not over yet Robert.." Niles grumbled as Robert nodded.

"No, but it’s damn nice to see the sunrise once more. This night has been long, and frightening."

Niles grumbled shaking his head…. "I will know this war is over.. When I hold C.C. again.. Period…"

"You are a hard man.. To bring good news too." Robert winked shaking his head.

C.C. found herself giggling. "If you don’t stop.. I’ll never get any work done." The hot breath along her neck caused C.C. to jump once more.

"You are not even working right now." Niles mumbled pulling at her dress. "Babcock why can’t you just give into your dreams for once woman! I’m suffering here too." Niles’s face dropped, and C.C. let out a groan.

"Right.. At least you get to take it out on other people." C.C. grumbled walking back towards another horse. She fell towards a pile of hay letting out a playful groan.

"I hate the way I’m feeling… I long to touch you… I long to pull you into our bed.. I am burning with desire… and I can’t do a damn thing about it." C.C. mumbled as Niles nibbled on her neck.

"I burn too…" Niles let out a playful whine that sounded like a small child’s cry.

"Mrs. Butler?" Martin let out a soft grumble. "I’m sorry, but Fran is needing to talk to you." C.C. turned her head. She had fallen asleep on her feet.

"It’s alright Martin… He was starting to get annoying anyway." C.C. walked towards her coat. She was covered in pelts that Fran had perchance early in the fall.

Fran was in the heat of her forge. She had her coats off, and a few layers of clothing. Martin hid his eyes from such a sight. "I have found Mrs. Butler."

"Thank you …" Fran hammered away grumbling and dipping the heated metal inside the water. "C.C. this order is killing me."

"I am… sorry Fran." CC. Grumbled pulling off her coat. "If we sell these ten horses to the governor, and have them ready on time… It will mean extra money."

"With all the other stuff I sell… I’m sorry C.C. … I’m am just in a bad mood."

"Mother walked today…" C.C. leaned over looking at Fran’s face. "It was only a few steps, but to her.. It was the world."

Fran fought her own tears gathering up like storm clouds. "William asked me… if he still has a daddy…"

C.C. let out a long sigh. She had to face Alexander’s quiet questions earlier this week. C.C. felt lost. She would normally send Maggie, or one of the twins to hold Fran, but she was trapped. "They’ll be back Fran…" She pulled her together allowing Fran to sob quietly.

"Why are we worried about money anyway?" Fran stopped herself whipping her tears away.

"I was hopping we might be able to send Maxwell, and Niles extra coin." C.C. handed over Fran’s hammer. "They still haven’t received any pay."

Fran let out a groan. "Wonderful… No doubt they haven’t received any supplies… either.. What kind of shape are they going to be in when they return home?"

"Rather poor…" C.C. looked at her feet. "I have half a mind to ride south… "

"I can hear the children crying now." Fran mumbled pulling out more of her tools. "Brighton and Gracie follow me around half the day.. Making sure I don’t join the army. I tried to explain to them they don’t accept women, but Brighton told me that nothing stops me."

"Why do I have a feeling our gang of four have been comparing notes?" C.C. smiled shaking her head. "Alex and William have been taking notes listening in on their plots?"

"Mary caught them last night… Maggie, and Emily were the ring leaders. I already promised Maggie.. I wasn’t going to run after Maxwell…" Fran let out a mournful sigh.

"I already promised Emily the same thing…. Over and over again." C.C. rolled her eyes, and tucked her hair behind ears.

"It’s amazing isn’t it? They know we are going crazy for them." Fran leaned against the forge. "To have his arms around me… rather than just dreaming about it."

"… You know who we are becoming don’t you?" C.C. smiled teasing Fran.

"B.B…" They both let out a soft laugh.

"I don’t think B.B. is the same anymore… It’s amazing how a heart can change." Fran looked at her necklace. "Broken hearts can indeed heal."

"I want to see her, and daddy have another chance. I want us all to have a new beginning. For a long time we have all hovered on the edge wondering if the new world would indeed take shape.. I feel it in my heart … something is happening…If Sarah has truly become an angel.. She has not forgotten us…"

"Let us hope.. She hasn’t forgotten Maxwell, nor Niles." Fran restarted her fire. "The world can change with just a hint of flame…"

"FIRE!" Robert called out in a joyful roar. He waved his cannons onward watching the puffs of smoke rise towards the heavens.

"He looks like he’s in his element." Niles smiled watching Robert signal the cannons. Niles felt his heart jump forward with each cannon’s fire. "I never thought .. I would live to see this day."

Maxwell grumbled looking towards the port. "Via La France?" He smiled watching Peter’s smile.

"I agree with our Jewish friend. The sound of cannon fire are like the trumpets at Jericho. What once was.. Is about to fall."

Niles could feel this arms tinkle with renewed hope. "The walls came tumbling down…as the people cried out after three days."

"Let us hope Major Henderson has a voice left after he’s done with his shift." Stuart walked up laughing.

"Well General .. I’m glad you made it to the party." Maxwell smiled taking Stuart’s hand. "I doubt we could pull Robert away from the lines… He seems to be willing to fight the whole war by himself."

"Niles are you alright?" Stuart placed his hand on Niles’s shoulder.

"I am wondering how to start my next letter." Niles closed his eyes.

"FIRE!" Robert grumbled as he pushed a young private away from his position loading the cannon himself.

"We should stop the old bear…" Noel took a sip of tea looking around at Robert pacing up and down.

"I’m going to rest…" Niles walked back towards the trenches, and the main part of Washington’s camp. The cannon’s roar rang out even here. Niles turned back watching the small figures of redcoats run up and down.

Niles felt his eyes narrow towards a small building where the British flag was flying proudly. "You feel that Babcock?" He looked towards the north. She was waiting for him… his children was waiting for him.

He stumbled towards his tent finding his new bed roll. "Can I get you anything colonel?" A young medic looking inside the tent.

"Unless you can bring me my wife…now private.. I’ll be alright…" He smiled looking towards the tent flap. Niles heard the light tapping at his tent flap. "Again private… if you can’t bring me my wife…" Niles jumped on his feet as George Washington stood before him. "I’m sorry sir…"

His warm smile caused Niles to flush with embarrassment. "You look ready ride home today." He handed Niles a cup of tea. "Don’t worry Colonel… I’m not here to bite."

"You should see my wife at home… I’m sorry sir.. " He sat down slowly.

General Washington let out laugh watching Niles’s face. "I’m sorry Colonel . I now understand why your soldiers admire you so."

Niles closed his eyes trying to recapture any dream, but the cannon’s booming voices demanded his attention. He let out a soft groan rising up from his bed, and walking outside. "Why doesn’t his royal assness come the bloody hell out, and give up." Niles sat down next to a red eyed Maxwell.

"Look at him." Noel lifted his hand, and everyone turned to see Robert snoring away. "That’s insane he can sleep while all this is going on."

"Even if he has only one good ear…" Maxwell poured out more wine. "I say .. As long as the good General agrees.. We should all drink ourselves to sleep."

"Noel how old are you?" Stuart turned his head towards his oldest child. Noel proceed to spit out his remaining wine.

"Your joking right?" Niles laughed, but then frowned. "Come to think of it.. I can’t recall Emily’s age.."

"Time has moved so slowly since this whole mess began… I remember B.B. was fourteen when I married her. Fifteen when she had Noel here I think." Stuart’s hands started to shake badly, as he tired in vain to calm his nerves. "I have never felt so… old… as I do today."

"I’m sorry dad… I forgot with all that’s going on." Noel’s head lower as he looked towards Niles, and Maxwell.

"So.. General are you going to tell us your age? Do we have to guess?" Niles finally caught onto what Noel was trying to tell him. "Fifty?" Niles decided to try and take a stab at it.

"Remind me to write you a bigger sum in my will…" Stuart winked lifting up his wooden wine cup. "As Maxwell would say.. I’m bloody well not fifty, but if this siege ends tomorrow I’ll tell you my age."

Niles smiled looking towards Maxwell. "Everyone has a running bet on your age General… that and your wife."

"I have heard these rumors…" His eyes narrowed towards Noel who blushed. "I am wondering who started this betting poll?"

"Well .. With all due respect General.. The men had to have some entertainment." Maxwell offered a playful smile as another cannon went off. "They have a guess at B.B.’s"

"What’s the guess?" Stuart was interested turning towards Niles.

"Forty…" Niles studied Stuart’s smiling face. "I take it this … guess is incorrect?"

"Again I’ll be sure to add a tidy sum to my will for you Niles." Stuart took another long sip rising up. "I am going to try, and sleep."

"Dammit! Come on general.. Give us a hint!" He waved his hand around smiling.

"GOODNIGHT NILES." Stuart laughed walking slowing, and carefully inside his tent. Niles let out a mournful sigh.

"I’m never going to win that pool." Niles turned towards Maxwell who was smiling. "I can’t believe you have no idea how old they are!" Maxwell turned towards Noel who shrugged.

"One moment she’s fourteen when she had me, but the next sixteen." He reached up poking the fire. "Depending on her mood, their ages change."

Niles took another sip of the wine. The cannon fire echoing in his ears, but this time his head felt fuzzy. "Maxwell?" He turned to look at his younger brother.

"I am ….going to sleep, and maybe if I’m lucky… I will find her waiting for me." Maxwell stumbled drunkly trying to make it to his tent. He had to be helped by a few unlisted men. Niles rose up to help his brother, but both men waved him off.

"Tell me about your wife." Peter sat looking at Niles. "All I hear from your mouth is jokes about her." He pasted over the remaining wine as Noel smiled. Niles felt his skin burn in an odd fire.

"I don’t think.. I can speak of her properly with her brother here." Niles eyed Noel who blushed. "When I see her again… She will feel the heat of passion.."

"Hell…all our wives will feel that heat." Noel rose up laughing. "There are some things a man shouldn’t hear about his sister. Goodnight Captain, and Colonel." He saluted walking slowly towards his own tent.

"Tell me…" Peter smiled watching Niles’s blue eyes.

"She’s…. my everything.. From the moment I saw her as a boy…. Something inside of me burned." Niles looked inside the flame remembering what Fran had said about Danny’s words.

*"Just a hint of flame can reshape the world."*

"Ahhh an old love.. That is good.. Good indeed…All will be well, and I fear for your wife during your return." Peter rose up leaning over touching Niles’s shoulder.

"He doesn’t know me that well does he?" Niles shivered hearing C.C.’s faint voice in his hear. "I’ll be the one running in fear?" She made a playful noise.

"I need sleep." Niles mumbled rising up, and he started to stumble towards his own tent. "Don’t leave me tonight.." Niles whimpered towards the ghostly vision of his wife.

"Silly troll…I have always been with you…. Now sleep.." C.C.’s words hovered around his tent, and it drowned out the cannon fire.

Niles shook his head the next morning finding himself with a throbbing headache as the voice of cannon fire echoed out once more. "Bloody hell." Niles wanted to roll over, and go back to sleep.. He wanted to be anywhere, but here." I’ll get up later.." He mumbled towards the feet that had lightly kicked at his chest.

"I would rise Colonel…" The voice wasn’t Maxwell, but Robert who was laughing. "This isn’t going to wait."

Niles lifted his head, and opened his eyes. He jumped upward looking into a French’s General. "I beg your pardon sir." He spoke in a thick French accent. "I had no idea."

The man had soft eyes, but didn’t look upset at Niles’s sign of disrespect. "It is no problem Colonel. I have come to give you my thanks." He handed over a small basket.

"Sir?" Niles tilted his head.

"You have taken good care of my son…" Niles looked inside the basket which held all kinds of rare French treats. "Peter would have been lost in this land without you." He offered his hand, and Niles took it. "I am sorry.. I can’t deliver your wife to you… I can deliver some comfort." He smiled walking out. Niles looked towards Robert who was smiling.

"He’s the son of a general?" Niles mumbled looking down at the basket. Robert shook his head.

"I have a feeling… he’s not .. Well." Robert blushed looking towards the tent ceiling.

"I know what your trying to say…. I .. Know.." Niles mumbled thinking about his own state. In the colonies he was a outcast, but in Europe.. He was sure Peter had to fight for every honor. "I wish Peter would stay."

"The lad’s got to make his own way in life. Like any other man Niles.." Robert looked over at the basket full of French food. "Do you mind colonel if ?"

"Yes… go ahead…" Niles pulled on his boots. "How long will this bloody siege last." Niles looked up towards the heavens. "Please … Please.. Give me a sign."

Robert look around the tent. "You hear that?" Robert let out a bear like grumble knocking the pieces of bread from his new chin whiskers.

"I don’t hear anything." Niles mumbled pulling on his coat.

"That’s it…." Robert poked his head out of the tent watching men run up, and then down the camp. "Private… What’s going on?" Robert pulled at the man who was smiling like a silly fool.

"Cornwallis has sent out a banner! A white banner." He ran out of Robert’s grasp leaving Niles with his jaw hanging downward once more.

"He’s… surrendered…." Robert placed a hand on Niles’s shoulder. "He’s surrendered!" He roared out, and made his way outside.

Niles stood in the middle of his tent looking around. He felt the cold metal of his wedding band as tears formed in his eyes. "Home.." He mumbled as the earth moved under his feet. That had been just a word to him. A dream of home… now.. The dream was one step closer.

"Are you coming Colonel? Or do I need to whip ya out of that daydream!" Robert laughed as Niles quickly pulled on the rest of his uniform.

Niles held his horse steady next to Maxwell. He watched as the British tossed rifle after rifle into the growing pile. "It is a good thing war is too costly…" Robert mumbled under his breath. "Or men would never seek peace."

Niles closed his eyes praying this wasn’t a dream. He opened one eye to notice Maxwell was doing the same. "It’s real Max…" He said loudly.

"How the devil did you know?" Maxwell turned his head sharply smiling at his older brother. "I was just …"

"Praying?" Noel finished Maxwell’s train of thought. "I think everyone here was saying that exact same prayer"

Robert couldn’t hold back his laughter. The British that had instruments started to play some catchy tune. "What is that?" Niles frowned looking at Robert.

"World turn upside down." Robert said holding his side. "Oy his lordship does have a sense of humor." He wiped his forehead then shifted his tricorn hat.

Niles grumbled as he walked inside with Robert, and Maxwell. They knew Stuart was going to leave in a matter of days. Noel and Stuart had both joined the normal miltia, and Niles was starting to see why. "At ease" General Washington looked over the three officers. "I owe… General Babcock one favor…" He smiled handing over three separate letters.

Niles blinked he had been expecting a few more months of dealing with British hold outs, and loyalists. "You.. Are…"

Maxwell and Robert both held an equally shocked expression. "Sir?" They both spoke at once the joy spreading across their faces.

"I am sending you home… Go home… " He took Niles’s hand shaking it firmly "You’ll join Stuart , and his son…Give your wives my respect." He then too Maxwell’s hand giving him the same warm smile. "I will remember each of you fondly.. You never know when a man can use true friends." He smiled standing before Robert who laughed softly.

"I…..thank you sir.." Niles felt his tears spread across his cheeks.

"Dismissed Colonels… Major… I suggest you see Captain Andre before you depart." He sat down, and they moved outside the tent.

"Home.." Maxwell closed his eyes. "Let us go bid our Farwell to Peter.." Maxwell took off, and Robert let out a roaring laughter.

"I think he will be half way to Vermont … before we even have a chance to leave." Robert shook his head leading Niles towards the gathering French host.

Captain Peter Andre stood smiling sadly at his friends. "Fate has given you freedom, but fate will now lead me away." He took Maxwell’s hand. "The world has indeed turned upside down."

"Indeed… You will write us of course?" Niles took Peter’s hand, and watched the young man nod.

"I will write when the sails have good winds, and my letters can take flight." Peter took the other’s hands as well.

"Peter if you ever wish to travel… to the new world… You have a home with us." Niles smiled watching Peter nod.

"New worlds can transform.. Even older ones.. " He winked walking towards his men, and his father.

"Dammit lads!" Stuart roared sounding like Robert. "We leave now…we can hunt down our women!" Stuart’s voice sounded like a joyful trumpet.

"Alright Babcock as the right idea!" Robert ran towards his tent to ready himself for the journey north.

"C.C. It was your idea to have sheep here." Fran grumbled working on the new tea set she was inscribing. "Isn’t mother going to help you?"

"I know, I know…" C.C. let out a long sigh. "With how cold it’s gotten she’s only good for six hours at least." She handed Fran a long looking needle object. "I am just putting it off gathering up those damn animals.

Fran smiled looking Katherine who had been quietly watching her mother. "Your aunt is just always this grumpy."

C.C. let out a long sigh. "No time like the present. The sooner I get this done.."

"The sooner Alex can tease you." Fran mumbled squinting her eyes to crave into the polished silver.

"Wear them!" C.C. yelled walking out the door.

"Wear.. Them.. She says.." Fran pulled out a pair of speckles shaking her head. "Does your mother look like an old yenta with these on?"

Katherine giggled sucking her two fingers. "Ya Ma!"

"OI you!" Fran reached up tickling the little girl, and she turned to see Mary walking in the door.

"Miss Katherine.. The Butler children are here along with master Edward… They request you come play with them." Mary picked up the small girl who giggled once more. "Mrs. Sheffield can I bring you something to eat? You have been in here since early morning." She frowned looking at Fran who was hovering over the silver tea pitcher.

"I’ll be in here half the night as well… C.C. has things to do.. No doubt she told you." Fran frowned looking at Mary’s nodding face.

"I will have Martin bring you over some hot tea, and bread later on in the eve." She walked out as Katherine was blowing her mother kisses goodbye.

Fran let out a soft sigh trying to finish craving the simple flowers on the pitcher.

B.B. Babcock had made amazing progress. The doctor was still shocked every time she would rise up and walk her simple slow steps, but a full recovery was never really possible. She was upright, and walking, but was normally reduced to crude crutches, or a cane. "Are we ready to go my dear?" She was still using Fran’s altered saddle finding that it allowed her some comfort from the aches in her legs.

"Mother if you don’t feel up to this?" C.C. frowned looking at B.B.’s smirking face. "I know you have bad aches during snowstorms."

"We all have aches my dear, and besides .. You need the help." B.B. turned her horse towards the barn door. They both have been covered head to toe with winter clothing. "I am the one that told you…. That this storm was coming remember?"

C.C. smirked, and let out a sorrowful laugh. "I know mother… I know…"

"Let’s go find this investment…"

C.C. shook her head watching her mother speed up a full trot. "I hope I’m that active… when I’m her age." C.C. cringed as she heard his voice in her head. "Count on it.." Niles’s thick accent rang out like a hammer to her heart.

Niles stood before the five men smiling. "Noel.. Noel..Noel.." He took his brother-in law’s hand smiling.

"You still look damn ugly with that one eye." Robert said playfully handing Noel a small package. "Yet most of the women we pasted still looked your way!" Robert growled waving his finger towards Noel. "Remember god’s commandments boy."

"Yes your lordship." Noel smiled now taking Robert’s hand.

"Anytime you are in Vermont, and these two rascals don’t want you… You bring that woman that was foolish enough to marry you.." Robert winked letting go, and allowing Noel to ride up towards Maxwell.

Maxwell just offered him his soft smile taking Noel’s hand. "I don’t understand the need for goodbyes… As Niles says Babcocks have a habit of reappearing when you least expect it." Maxwell’s voice carried, and his words made Stuart laugh.

"Spoken like one that has turned up a few times." Niles looked towards Stuart’s direction.

Noel stood before his father. "I know…"

"I expect you at the house next new year’s eve…" Stuart’s eyes narrowed. Niles knew the elder Babcock had given a command. "I want to see my granddaughter, and this woman you married."

"Yes sir." Noel took his hand, but pulled his father into a hug. It was a rare sign of affection between father, and son. "If you hurry…" Noel looked towards the darkening sky… all of you could make it home in a few hours.

Robert let out a low growl, and nodded. "Good luck my young Babcock!"

They watched as Noel traveled towards his wife’s home in Rhode Island. He would have a longer journey. "He’ll be alright." Stuart mumbled as Niles nodded.

Robert pulled his bear skin up and over his head. The three men turned looking into Robert’s face. "I .. Intend we go hunting."

Maxwell couldn’t help, but laugh. "I know what prey you seek…"

Stuart didn’t wait for small talk as he kicked his horse into a full out gallop. "Dammit! Come on lads!" Robert roared following Stuart. "The General is going to beat us to the game!"

Niles pushed his horse faster, and faster watching the miles until home become closer and closer.

Fran hammered away once more at the forge. The soft humming of steel sang out in the darken forge. She wasn’t making anything important at the moment, but horseshoes. She would normally stop silversmith to beat out her desires… all her useless energy. The door opened to the forge. Fran felt the rush of chilly air sweep inside the mud, and now stone building. "Just sit it down Martin… I’ll eat it later."

She turned looking at a silver spoon. She turned around sharply noticing no one was there. "Not only am I going blind, but deaf…" Fran grumbled pulling out the glasses once more. "Martin?"

C.C. shivered as she helped B.B. out of her saddle. "How do you feel?"

"I’ve been better, but we got them in the pens." B.B. hopped downward grabbing her wooden crutches. "I have fun…"

"Wait until we have to shave their wool." C.C. looked towards her mother. "Mother…."

"I know you have to keep this place going C.C., but I didn’t imaging my daughters becoming smiths, and…. Herders…" B.B. made a pouting face. "It is an odd twist of fate."

C.C. pulled off her leather gloves looking at her rough hands. "Mother don’t get me wrong… I enjoyed the social circles of New York, but I found… something was lacking."

B.B. nodded limping towards C.C. "I am proud.. Of you." She said softly.

C.C. smiled hugging her mother tightly. "I am proud of you too."

"As.. Your sisters says…Oy.." B.B.’s face twisted at the new word. "I am going to enjoy the fact.. Mary has all the children tonight."

"Do you need help getting back to the house?" C.C. looked towards B.B. who shook her head.

"I’ll manage my dear.." B.B. opened up the barn door, and a few moments later C.C. was alone with the horses inside the barn.

"Good girl.." C.C. took a brush to Lady’s mane that pushed her away, and out of her stable. "What’s got into you?" C.C. grumbled, and the horse made a sound like a small child’s laugh.

She tried to reenter her mare’s stable, and was thrown out. C.C. made a pouting face even the animals seemed to be rebellion against her tonight. She let out a long sigh turning to the piles of hay. "I doubt any of you would refuse food?"

She listened for the horse’s response, and smiled. "I thought you wouldn’t"

Fran grumbled working on the carving on the spoons she had before her. Placing her long jeweler’s needle down she grabbed for another tool. She let out a soft groan feeling the heat of the forge. "Freezing outside, and yet I’m hot in here." She pulled back her hair and froze… feeling the hand pushing her hair aside.

C.C. grumbled looking in on Fran’s chosen horse a stallion she had named Coal. The black, and gray horse kept on throwing his head towards the empty stable. "What’s wrong?" C.C. leaned on the wall listening in. The horse gave her a soft push out of his area, and towards the stable. "I’m going. I’m going…" C.C. entered the stable with a long sigh. She had kept extra horse blankets here, and she leaned over to grab one. She felt the hands grasped her waist pulling her inside the hay stack…… She screamed and growled falling out…. Niles came up growling his eyes bright and the deepest blue.

"NILES!" C.C. called out ….

C.C. picked up a pitch fork thrusting it towards a laughing Niles. "I’ve fallen asleep again, but I won’t have you laughing at me." C.C. hissed thrusting towards him again.

Niles lowered his eyes easily dodging. He managed to pick up the horse blanket. He had managed to throw it over the pitch fork, and made another grab at her waist. "I’m no dream.." He mumbled, as C.C. let out a sob. NO he wouldn’t give her time to give into that not now. He would be ruthless as he pulled lightly on her hair causing her single braid to fall apart.

C.C. shivered madly trying to will herself to wake up from this delightful dream. She felt Niles dig into her winter layers pulling them from her body as his lips trained downward. C.C. reached over.. She had to know if this was real.

"C.C.!" Niles roared rubbing his rear.

Her face brighten as Niles went to the other side of the stable rubbing his torn trousers. "Your real.." She muttered as Niles grumbled eyeing her.

"Dammit Babcock have you lost your mind while I was away." Niles grumbled to check for any damage from C.C.’s small knife. She now lunged towards him as Niles fell backwards on the haystack.

Niles wanted to laugh, and cry at the same time as he felt C.C. now an active partner in their passion. She recklessly now pulled off his coat searching for his bare chest. *Just like a Babcock she had to prove I was real by dishing out pain.* He felt his shirt being torn from his body as C.C. kissed away all his hurts… all the pains from the last few years.

Fran froze as she felt the soft brush of lips on her neck. She wanted to scream out in fear, but ….

"I have missed you so much." Maxwell’s voice was soft as Fran turned around to face him. His smile was bright as he kissed her lips softly. She gave up her free, and gave into her longing desire.

Niles growled forcing C.C. back down on the stable floor. He had her down to her last layer. Something about tonight made he fell unhinged as his hands went under her skirts. The sounds she made from his efforts filled his ears as he freed her from the last of her clothes. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she still looked.

C.C. smiled looking up into his eyes. He was slowly stroking her cheek. "Niles…" She mumbled kissing his lips again. Her hands worked downward pulling at his uniform trousers.

Niles groaned as she found him more than ready. Niles wanted to be ruthless. He wanted to make up for the lost years, but his desire started to drive him insane with lust. He grabbed her hands forcing her to remain still as he entered her.

C.C. let out a strangle moan wanting to thrust her hips upward. Niles pushed on her smiling holding her still as he started this thrusting.

B.B. grumbled limping towards the sitting room. She had slowly pulled off her heavy coat. "Somehow.. I doubt you can make it to the bed alone… then again I had no intention of you spending tonight alone." Stuart Babcock leaned forward smiling as B.B fell into his arms.

Fran mumbled as Maxwell had carried her to the small cot she kept in the building. Fran had placed it there for the soul purpose of late night work sessions. She never dreamed… he would be placing her on it. "What are you smiling at?" Maxwell brushed her tears away kissing her cheeks softly.

"Your real….Your real…" She mumbled kissing him deeply.

"I’m real my darling, and I’ll show you how real…" He had a playful smile on his face as his hands worked on freeing her from all clothes.

C.C. felt her whole body shake as Niles kept a slow steady thrust going. She wanted him to go faster, but knew he was saving himself.. Trying to make the moment last.

Niles groaned trying to keep himself under control. "Not yet." He roared as he gave into nature letting take over. He pushed himself deeper, and deeper inside C.C.’s center. He was rewarded for his effort by her lustful scream.

"Faster.. Please Faster." C.C.’ s hands reached up clawing his rear trying to hold on. Her hands now slick with damp sweat reached up again and again falling to get a firm grasp.

Niles couldn’t help it any longer , and when he felt C.C.’s climax it triggered his own. "Chastity…" Niles groaned, and rolled over lifting her up from the hay, and dirt floor.

"Thank… god.. Your home.." She purred rubbing her hand along his bare chest.

Emily grumbled looking outside. "My mommy working late." She grumbled looking into Maggie’s face. "Dem did dat last here." Emily sucked on her thumb mumbling.

"Emily your too old to do that." Maggie pulled out her thumb causing Emily to pout. "Brighton, and Gracie don’t do that!"

"Nope!" Gracie smiled helping Alexander and William with the blocks. "Ma just lonely that’s all" Gracie walked up besides the two girls. "Them coming!"

"Who is coming?" Emily grumbled looking at Gracie’s bright face.

"Daddy, and uncle Niles." She smiled offering Emily a block. "You’ll see.. "

Emily, and Maggie exchanged looks. "I want my daddy." Emily grumbled putting her thumb back inside her mouth.

"Time for bed children!" Mary’s rugged voice filled the room. Alexander ran up hugging the old woman’s leg.

"You feel dat Mary?" He giggled holding on tight.

"What is that master Alex?" She leaned over picking up the small boy.

"Magic in de air!" He gave her a proud smile.

"Well Master Alex one can never tell during this time of year what miracles can happen." She placed him in the extra bed next to William who was already climbing inside.

"I want.. Daddy…" Emily grumbled going to her shared bed with Emily.

"Faith!" Gracie smiled trying to help little Katherine, and Victoria up.

C.C. let out a soft laughter, as she felt the warmth of a horse blanket on her back. "I’m sorry … I stabbed you…" She blushed looking into Niles’s deep blue eyes.

Niles took her hands kissing them each in turn. "I am sorry… I shouldn’t have frighten you the way I did." He blushed thinking about how he had stalked her, and waited for B.B. to depart.

"Mother might be getting worried." C.C. grumbled feeling Niles’s hands roam again.

"Your mother will be busy for the next few hours, and so will you." He couldn’t help but smile… He was home once more, and nothing was going to drag him away again… at least not for the next few hours.

"Niles!" C.C. giggled as he worked his way downward.

"There was one dream.. I want to explore…" He groaned as his tongue traveled between her thighs… Yes… it was… that dream..

C.C. opened her eyes slowly grabbing for the warm body that should be next to her. She let out a groan to find him missing. "I’m still here." She rolled over onto her back holding the horse blanket next to her skin.

Niles awoke with the dawn, but decided to let her sleep.. They had a busy night last night. He couldn’t stop smiling. "Who would have thought a Babcock would be lying on her back in dirt?" He crawled over letting out a playful sound.

"I’m on a blanket you arse." She groaned arching her neck upward as he started to pull her cover away. "Niles.. It’s cold…and the children will be up soon."

"Children…" He mumbled lifting his head up to look into her eyes. "Where are they?" He hadn’t asked that question last night…having one thing on his mind.

"They are fine.. Mary has them, but she’ll be expecting me.." She jumped as Niles pinched her nipple playfully. "NILES! Listen you dirty old man… "

"Dirty? I can show you just how dirty minded I’ve become." He started to tease , but C.C. let out her forceful growl.

"I have you an order… Colonel!" She snapped biting his lower lip. "Besides.. You have one thing to do… , and it might take some time.."

"Which is General?" Niles followed C.C.’s raised finger upward to notice his trousers stuck on the ceiling. He let out a playful groan. "Dammit woman you did that on purpose!"

"What’s your point? If I had the chance I would have done it to the under leggings as well." She winked getting up, and using the horse blanket to wrap around her naked body.

Niles shook his head looking upward, and then rose up to look towards Coal. "Any ideas?" He smiled playful as the horse shook his great head. "Well….I’ll come up with something."

Fran grumbled noticing Maxwell was trying on her glasses. "What are you doing mista?" She laughed as he was looking in the mirror at his reflection.

"O…Nothing.." Maxwell blushed as he noticed Fran was partly dressed. He had started her forge to give the building some warmth. "It’s a pity… we broke your cot last night."

"I’ll put a bed in here.. If you promise me more nights like that." She fell into his lap. She nuzzled his neck softly as he groaned. "My dear.. It’s a good thing you are dressed."

"What’s wrong?" Fran turned to notice the door wide open. Her eyes traveled downward to a furry little bundle. "William!" He would often sneak away to the forge.. Normally with Katherine so they could watch her world the heated metal, but today his mouth was hanging open.

Maxwell smiled looking at the child’s shocked face. "Come in.." He helped Fran to her feet and knelt on the ground so he might be eye level with his youngest son.

"Did… Santa come early?" He looked towards Fran who laughed.

Maxwell couldn’t help, but crack a smile. Brighton had Sarah’s looks, but William… was the spitting image of himself.. At that age. "No…It’s me…" His voice broke with emotion.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEP!" William quickly bolted towards the door, and Maxwell turned towards Fran looking upset.

"What’s going on?" He mumbled worried.

"He’s going to single the troops.." Fran muttered hearing the toy trumpet sound off. It’s sound was crystal clear ringing out in around the ranch.

"Bloody hell what’s that?" Niles hopped down offering Coal a sugar cube for his help. He turned towards C.C. who had let out a playful groan.

"William….When there is William…" She blinked this time another trumpet sounded off this time it was muffled. "Alex isn’t far behind."

"HE’S HERE! HE’S HERE!" William giggled blowing the trumpet once more as the Sheffield, Babcock and even little Edward poured out of the Sheffield home. Alexander blew his toy once more.

"Note to self.. Next time.. Don’t make the boys musical toys.." Fran grumbled stumbling outside, and then Maxwell offered his hand.

"Shall we face our firing squad?" He pulled her closer, and she nodded.

"Who in the …" Niles grumbled, and Fran stood in her tracks turning around.

"Scarecrow!" She ran up hugging her best friend. "It’s good to see you…"

Another demanding trumpet blast…

"We better go face them." C.C. growled eyeing Fran. "Next time.. They get wooden soldiers or something!"

The children all started at once with the questions. Maxwell had Gracie, and Brighton each attached to his leg… the idea behind this was so he would remain rooted to the ground. Alexander loved the idea, and quietly convinced his baby sister Victoria to do that Niles had deserved the same treatment.

Stuart laughed watching Niles, and Maxwell struggle with children that would release them from their grips. Stuart, and B.B. had heard the horn… coming down moments later.. Stuart held both B.B. and little Edward in his strong arms.

"C.C.?" Niles groaned as C.C. and Fran walked towards the porch dusting the snow off two chairs. "Are you going to help me here?"

"No help mommy!" Alex waved his hand towards C.C. "No help Auntie! No help Granny! He staying!"

C.C. smirked looking at Fran. "Fran?" Maxwell howled as Katherine giggled joining Maggie in holding his arm.

"Hello daddy.. Should I do the same to you?" C.C. turned as Stuart sat down holding B.B. even more tightly.

"No need my dear… No need…" He laughed as Maxwell started to fall over. Niles groaned taking a small tumble himself right after Maxwell ended up in the snow.

"DOG PILE!" Brighton called out as they all attacked.

Fran groaned rising up from her chair. "I married.. Him.. I guess I have to save him." Fran dived in tickling and pulling little feet, and arms away from Maxwell.

C.C. just smirked rocking back, and forward. She could feel the eyes of B.B., and Stuart on her. "I’m going .. I’m going… " She grumbled shaking her head.

"Mother.. You should stay until after the holidays." C.C. let out a playful groan, and Fran joined in with C.C.’s pouting. "Please?" They both said at once.

B.B. grumbled looking at the girls. "Until the holidays are over.. Then your father, and I must go seek out our new life.." Fran had spend long hours talking B.B. out of ever returning to New York… B.B. had already made up her mind long before Fran’s talk, but gave into the lecture anyway.

"What are you two going to do anyway?" C.C. hissed… She had tried in vein to get B.B. to purchase a few arches nearby.

"General Washington has invited us down to his home, and after that…. I’m not sure.. The world is opened to the possibilities." Stuart hadn’t allowed Edward to leave his side. B.B. had to save her son a few times so he might run off, and play with the other children.

Niles shook his head when Mary offered to take a sleeping Victoria out of his arms. C.C. let out a loving sigh, and she walked towards her husband. "You need to put her down… Niles…"

"Just a little longer…" He made a soft purring noise. He walked away rocking back, and forward.

"Maxwell … If he doesn’t have Katherine.. He’ll be holding onto Maggie…or Brighton…" Fran smiled shaking her head. "For a while.. I feared they would never come home."

C.C. nodded slowly pulling Fran’s into a soft hug. "It’s over… it’s really over…"

C.C. turned around looking at the great hall. "How long as it been?" This was the same hall that B.B. held many of her social parties. She turned around in wonder how much New York had changed.

"None of it seems real?" Niles walked forward taking his wife’s hand. "I know you wanted to stay at the ranch, but who are we to refuse the President’s invite?"

"Mother, and Father did…" C.C. grumbled playfully eyeing Niles. Stuart had purchased lands near Noel’s. He ended up telling C.C. why… *"I am peace with Sylvia and Morty Fine, but … it is better not to spread salt over old wounds…."* C.C. had been disappointed in her father’s choice, but understood…. When Sylvia had started coming over every day…Noel too was not able to come.. He was away with his family.. In France visiting Peter Andre.

"Come now.. My dear.. You know why your mother refused…" Niles winked twirling C.C. around. "Besides.. We have to have someone look after our four younglings…away from Thomas Henderson.." Niles let out a growl. C.C. couldn’t help, but laugh.

Nadine and Robert’s son Thomas had already had a childhood crush on Emily…. Now as they both entered their teens… It had grown beyond a mere crush. "She’ll be old enough to marry someday.." She smiled looking at Niles.

"Who says?" He purred touching C.C.’s graying hair.

Fran walked in the room looking around. No one would have guess that this woman created some of the finest silver objects in the country. It was an honor that belonged to someone named Frank Fine. Fran would always laugh going to a dealer who would ask to meet the man. Maxwell at times would jump forward with his stupid grin, and other times it would be Niles. It might still be a free country, but it … was a man’s country… a fact that was still bitter thorn for Fran. "Have you seen Nadine and Robert yet?"

"The old bear is just hiding…" Niles mumbled looking towards Maxwell who shrugged. "He didn’t .. Did he?"

"Bring the bearskin?" Maxwell groaned as Fran tried to fix his coat. "Two guesses…."

Niles turned noticing Maxwell’s jaw dropping as the huge man wrapped him up inside the bear skin rug with a playful roar. Nadine couldn’t help, but laugh at her husband’s wild nature.

"Dammit Robert stop that!" Niles howled wrapping himself. "Your no better than Babcock here!"

C.C. smirked eyeing Niles. He turned to face George Washington who couldn’t help but laugh. "It is nice to see you again Colonel Butler." He shook Niles’s hand, and walked towards Maxwell, and Fran…

"I…I… looked like an arse…" Niles mumbled as C.C. tried to suppress her playful grin.

"No you didn’t… so.. Niles?" He looked towards him her eyes lit with a playful desire.

"What?" He grumbled making a metal note to kill Robert Henderson later.

"If we head that way now… there is a small closet downstairs.." She pulled on his arms leading him away from the gathering group…

"Woman.. I like the way you think…" He laughed following C.C. downstairs…