The voyage

14–Return from the sea

Sarah had noted her daughter in law waiting longingly by the window every day since James had left. She'd either sew, or read, or arrange the flowers she'd brought into a vase. But she always lingered by the window.

Awaiting her husband's return.

Today, Kate was sewing, humming gently to herself as the needle wove in and out of the material. Sarah herself was sat reading, but sensed that her son's wife was in much better spirits today than as of recent. Probably because she knew that in just a few days, he was scheduled to be docking back in New York and walking through the door.

"Kate". She looked up from her page and smiled "You seem brighter today".

She nodded, looking up from her sewing and smiling lightly. "It will not be long until James is home, and then my worries can lay to rest until his next voyage".

Sarah chuckled. "I am glad to see that you are getting along better, and dare I say that there may be some love there?"

She had seen the change in her son over the last couple of months and it had put her at ease as to whether he would settle. He seemed it, in fact Sarah had to admit that Kate had brought out the best in him. Something she wasn't going to complain about.

"Perhaps". Kate admitted, "I care for him very much, I miss hearing him walking about the place, sometimes grumbling about something he's displeased with". She missed his presence in their bed, and now as the autumn months were slowly turning to winter, the warmth she had become used to was needed.

"Not long now, it will go quickly, but if you choose to spend all your days staring out of the window it won't".

Kate pursed her lips. "Do I really spend that much time here?"

"Well when I walked in the other morning I mistook you for part of the furniture". Sarah joked. "I know you long for him, but he will come home".

"And only when he does will I be content".

**

"I still think that thing will bite my face off". Jimmy said as he stared at the puppy that was sat in the wheelhouse, watching as the crew went about the navigation of the ship. They were on time, the sea had been a little choppy for the last couple of days, but nothing too dramatic so as they were falling over themselves.

"She's fine Jimmy, she's good natured". James looked across to the Corgi who now got up and waddled over to him.

He had brought the dog for his wife so as she could have some company while he was away. It would keep her busy at least, and if he knew Kate, then she'd be twiddling her thumbs and looking for things to do right now. Even he had to admit that the Corgi pup was rather cute, even if Jimmy thought otherwise.

"Nah, she's definitely gonna kill you, pal" Edward smirked as he walked past and crouched down, the puppy now licking his hand. She'd received a lot of fuss from the crew and passengers since the start of their voyage, padding along by James side. The children aboard loved her and James was sure that Kate would too.

"I hope she rips your face off" Jimmy retorted and went back to what he was doing.

James turned to Edward, "Ok, it was me last time, but now it's your turn - you gonna be asking Anna to marry you when you get back? Or you just gonna let her wait for the rest of her life?"

Edward looked around before opening his jacket pocket and showing James the box that was safely tucked away in the inside pocket. "Part of me thinks she'll say no".

"Don't be stupid, she's been waiting long enough". James told him with a smile.

"And what about you?" Edward asked

"What about me?"

"We gonna be hearing the pitter patter of tiny feet soon?"

James thought for a moment. Nothing had happened so far and for all he knew it might not. If it was to be then he was sure it probably wouldn't be long, considering how much they'd been engaging in the act that required it to happen. Kate had never broached him on the subject, and the only time he'd heard her talk about children was when she'd stated that she'd never be like her own mother.

"Perhaps, we haven't really discussed it".

"No discussion needed pal, you know that". Edward smirked. "I don't think it'll be too long if I'm honest, especially as you've been gone a while. My bet is that by the end of this year you'll be giving us some news".

James chuckled. "Maybe, we'll just have to see", and checking his watch turned to his friend. "Right, I'm going off duty for the night - I'll see you in the morning".

"Night pal". Edward nodded and turned back to take the wheel from Boston, who had been steering while the pair spoke. "Two more days..."

"Can't go quick enough". James called as he walked out with the Corgi pup by his side, tail wagging. "C'mon girl, time to call it a night".

**

Kate had been pacing all morning, anxiously waiting for the car to pull up outside and for James to finally be home and safe. She wasn't sure what time he was supposed to dock, and so her nerves had been on an all time high.

She and Sarah were taking tea in the parlour around 2pm when they heard the door and Ellen the maid welcome her master back from the hallway. Immediately Kate was out of her chair and hurrying into the hallway.

"You're home". She breathed as he kissed her gently, the cold air that had chilled his coat now transferring to her skin, sending goosebumps up her arms.

"Did you miss me?" He smirked.

She nodded. "So much that your mother banned me from sitting by the window for the last couple of days".

"She was moping". Sarah now smirked as she came and gave her son a hug. "Get yourself in the parlour and sit down - Ellen will bring a fresh pot of coffee".

He nodded, "Before I do that, I brought something back for you", looking at his wife, "You can't see it just yet, I'll bring it through from the car".

Kate looked a little suspiciously at him but nodded all the same, heading into the parlour while Sarah turned to her son. "You got the pup then". She smirked, having known of his plan sonce he'd voiced it before he'd left.

"She's going to love her, honestly". James grinned and then went and brought the Corgi in, Sarah putting a hand to her heart.

"Oh my goodness, what a dear!"

James held the puppy and lingered by the parlour door, "Catherine, close your eyes". He called through.

"I'm a little worried at just what you may have brought me!" She called back, her spirits lifted that he was finally home.

"You'll love it". He said and Sarah walked in, giving him a thumbs up to show that Kate had her eyes closed. "Ok, open them". He said, his wife now opening her eyes and looking at him in shock at just what he was carrying.

"Oh my goodness!" Her eyes widened. "Is that a Corgi!"

He nodded. "Sure is, and she's yours - from England with love", now plaving the pup in her lap.

"Oh James! She's wonderful! Thank you!" She craned her neck a little as he leant down and she placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "Does she have a name?"

"Now that I'll leave up to you".

Kate looked thoughtful and then looked at the puppy who had now laid down in her lap. "I think we shall call you Liberty, it's rather fitting", her gaze falling to her husband who nodded his agreement.

"I agree". He smiled, watching his wife as she and Liberty now bonded instantly. He had all that they needed to care for the dog, however a tag would need to be engraved and put on her collar in case she ever ran off. He doubted that though. Liberty was happy enough being by her humans side.

He settled himself down in the vacant armchair by the fire, the warmth from it's flames now comforting him. Liberty settled herself happily in between his chair and Kate's, her new mistress admiring her as she now fell asleep. "Looks like you weren't the only one who's had a tiring journey". She smirked, glancing to her husband who did indeed look rather tired. "Why not go upstairs and rest?"

"I'm happy resting here sweetheart". He said gently, sinking back further into the chair and closing his eyes.

Kate smiled to herself and continued to read her book whilst sipping her tea.

Her husband was home and all was finally well.