Chapter 66

A Pink Carnation was what bound Jamie and Sophia into relation. It was her favourite and Jamie had no clue to that. He came to discuss business with her father. As a way to apologize for being late, he brought a handful of the pretty flowers to give to the lady. Inhaling the delicate flower, Sophia gave him the utmost sweet smile and a look that said she was smitten. Jamie merely raised a brow. He was a slow man. After many more meetings and endless pestering from his daughter, Sophia's father finally asked what Jamie thought of her. 2 weeks later they were wed in a grand ceremony.

Sophia wasn't sweet all the time, Jamie quickly learned. She had a bad temper, was very possesive and had a stand off-ish attitude. But everything was fine as long as Jamie played the part of the gentle husband. He had impressive amount of patience and control. The arguments never went too far. They managed to keep balance. Until one morning.

Loud banging interrupted Jamie's peaceful slumber. He groaned and made his way to the door, sleep still clouding his mind. A frantic looking Ed stood there, panting heavily. Jamie panicked at the sight.

"Wh-What..?"

"Here, take him", Ed placed his sleeping son in his best friend's arms. Jamie hadn't even noticed him.

" I don't have time. You promised me. Please, protect my boy." Ed pleaded, eyes bloodshot. His voice was watery and Jamie could feel his heart clench.

"Where are you going? What's happening to you? What about your wife?! "

"She's dead. They sent assassins last night. I'll be dead in less than an hour." A choked sob escaped Jamie as he tightened his grip on the little life in his hands.

"But... why?"

"I lied Jamie. I'm a spy. I've been selling information all this time. They just found out. Hush now, don't you dare shed tears for an unfaithful fucker." He gave a sad smile, placing his hands on the boy's head. "His name is Thomas. Please, keep him under your wing. Don't let anything happen to him. It's my last wish, Jamie."

"Of course I will you dumb idiot..." Jamie pulled him in for a bone crashing hug. The last one they would ever share.

"Hide him. Make up a lie, please. Just keep him as a servant. I don't want your wife thinking he's your bastard." Even in the rushed last minutes of his life, all Ed cared about was Jamie. And Thomas.

Jamie felt numb as the door shut loudly, Ed's footsteps the only sound. He waited to hear a gunshot, a scream, anything... but nothing came. A hand on his shoulder brought him back to reality. Sophia stood in the darkness of the room with a bewildered look on her face as she examined Thomas.

"Sit. I have a lot to explain."

By the end of the story, the sun had risen high in the sky. Sophia looked solemn of all things. She felt bad for the boy. He had delicate features. Soft black hair, a pointy nose, long eyelashes that kissed his supple cheeks and adorable lips. His sleeping face made her smile as she reached out to run her fingers through his hair. He began to stir in his sleep.

"Are you alright with this?" Jamie looked fearful.

"Of course I am. He's still an infant. He needs...us." The usage of the word 'us' felt so intimate at the moment. Jamie felt his resolve harden. He didn't have children. It would be tough. But he would raise him. Raise him well.

"His name is Thomas. We'll call him Tommy."

---- End Of Flashback ----