The crunching of the dirt road beneath their boots came to a sharp halt, the steps that lead to the front door kissing the toe of their boots.
Home.
They were finally home after being away for weeks.
Evelyn let out a sigh of relief, the feeling at such ease seeing her home before her emerald eyes. She blinked, turning her head to glance at Will, finding him looking at her. His dark eyes read that he was thinking the exact same thing, feeling it even.
"Welcome home." Amelia's soft, youthful voice came from behind them. They turned over their shoulders, sharing a small smile their all three of their children.
They all were home.
They all were safe.
They all were alive.
"Shall we?" Charlie questioned, raising a brow.
"I could sleep before supper." Henry sighed, looking down at the ground.
Will pressed a hand to Evelyn's lower back, urging her to lead. Walking up the steps, Evelyn reached the front door, knocking on it. Before any of them could bat an eye, Martin was there opening the door. Martin had aged over the years but still remained the same: a man of a few words, who always opened the door.
"Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Turner." He bowed his head, opening the door wide enough for them to walk in.
"Hi Martin." Evelyn smiled widely at him. She missed him, the staff, home--she missed everything about her home. Her eyes wandered around the foyer. Everything was perfectly cleaned and shined, as if they prepared the home to look its best for their return.
Evelyn's curious eyes flickered into the living room, where standing in the archway was her parents. Her heart stopped at the sight before her.
"Mama? Papa?" She breathed out under her breath.
Amelia and Charles Adams stood at each other's side, both holding emotional smiles on their faces. They too had aged as well but in the best way possible. Their faces held wrinkles and their hair had grey hair mixed within their natural coloring.
But they still remained a beautiful looking couple.
Evelyn didn't run to them but she did have a pep in her step as she approached them with open arms. The Adams held their daughter together, in a way that made it seem they weren't going to ever let go.
However, Evelyn still pulled back, looking up at them. "What are you doing here? How did you know we were back?" So many questions filled her mind but these were the only ones she could manage to get out.
Amelia shared a quick look with her husband. "We had gotten back ourselves just yesterday. Mr. Bennett spotted the Black Pearl and came to tell us immediately. After receiving the news, we rushed over her and made sure the house was ready by the time you came home."
"Surprise!" Charles joked, leaning down to press a kiss on his daughter's forehead.
"Grandmother, grandfather!" The younger Amelia called, rushing over to her grandparents. Evelyn stepped away, allowing her daughter to collide into a bone crushing hug with her grandfather.
Charles Adams let out a long groan as he held his granddaughter. "Oh hello, my love." He grunted, leaning down to kiss her face.
As Amelia giggled, pulling back from him to hug her grandmother, Charlie and Henry were in front of their grandfather, sharing their hugs as well.
"We've got loads to tell you." Charlie spoke, hugging his grandmother. She pressed multiple kisses to his cheeks and swayed, holding him.
"Oh my boys and my darling girl! I can't wait to hear all about it." Amelia held Henry's face, shaking it slightly. "Especially you, young man." Causing the eldest grandchild to laugh.
Charles chuckled, patting Evelyn's shoulder. "And where is my son?" He questioned.
"Here, sir." Will appeared for his father-in-law, a soft smile on his face. The two men shook hands before pulling each other into a hug.
"I'm glad you all are safe." Evelyn heard her father whisper to Will.
"So am I." Will breathed back quietly. The two parted and Amelia walked over to her son, hugging him as well.
"I bet you all are very tired." Charles assumed, looking at each of their faces.
Evelyn nodded, glancing over at her husband and children as they nodded as well. She didn't properly look at their faces but they each held a strong level of exhaustion.
"Well don't you worry, we already having supper being prepared." Amelia smiled, holding on to her granddaughter's hands. "Why don't you all go to your rooms, rest and get ready for dinner?" She suggested.
Will let out a sigh, wrapping an arm around Evelyn's waist as she sighed in content. "That sounds lovely." She admitted tiredly.
Amelia smiled widely, giving a firm nod. "Off you go then."
As the children began to move towards the stairs, Evelyn walked over to Amelia giving her another hug. She stood there for a moment, enjoying the feeling of being held by her mother. Then she quietly whispered, "could you send someone to prepare a bath for us please?"
"I was already ahead of you."
~
The boiled bathing water cooled into a heated warmth. The kind of temperature that could ease the tension in tightened muscles, or even, lull one to sleep. However, it was perfect for the married couple soaking in it. It relaxed them, soothing their souls after weeks of stress and exhaustion. Evelyn felt the water the most for she laid back against the dark, wooden tub. Her body soaked up the warmth, feeling her back muscles relax. In front of her laid her husband. Laying back against her bare chest with his eyes closed, Will relaxed against her, his body resting perfectly in between her bent knees. The man before tempted Evelyn's fingers, causing the corner of her mouth to twitch up. She slid her arms down his bare chest, loosely wrapping them around his neck. A finger traced small shapes on his peck: a heart, a circle, a squiggle. Evelyn's doodles came to a small stop as Will's hand reached up, placing it palm down on her hand.
"What are you doing, my love." His words whispered causing heat to coat her cheeks but not from the bath water.
Evelyn smiled, a hint of a chuckle at her throat. She pressed her cheek against his, leaning closer into his back. "Doodling shapes on your chest as you rest." The answer was spoken in a tease, as if it was obvious.
"Doodling?" A tease in his voice now. Will's fingers curled around the back of Evelyn's hand, holding her hand above his heart.
A grin at his question. "Doodling." She deadpanned, followed by a small giggle. Just around the side of his face, she could see the grin on his face as well.
"How long have we been soaking in her for?" Will questioned, leaning his cheek against hers.
Furrowing her brows, she thought for a moment, glancing to the small clock over the fire place in their room. She couldn't believe how much time had passed. "It's already been an hour." She replied, leaning her head further against his.
Will sighed from under her arms, sinking further against her but not enough to crush her. "Close my eyes for a few minutes and its already an hour that's past." He spoke, closing his eyes once more.
"I know." Evelyn's eyes flickered to the clock once more. "Soon we have to get ready for supper. Amelia is having the cooks prepare something special." Now while her mother urged for the married couple to spend some alone time before dinner, she also urged not to be late for dinner. It made Evelyn smile, laugh even. Her once servant, now mother still always pushed for their romance, even years after them being married.
Will's words broke her trance of thought. "I don't want to get out." Evelyn's breath nearly hitched her throat as his fingers reached over and lightly traced her bent knee, down her thigh and up.
"Trust me," she said breathlessly, "neither do I."
The back of his wet fingers continued to trace her skin, making a smile adorn on her face. It had been a very, very long time since they had been able to sit like this together. She missed it dearly, entirely. Turning her head slightly, she pressed a small kiss to his cheek. "I wish we could stay like this forever." She whispered against his skin.
A soft shutter ran through Will at that but then he relaxed back into her. "So do I." He squeezed her hand he still held, turning his head to look back at her. Evelyn smiled down at him and leaned her face down, placing her lips on his for a gentle kiss. When the parted, Will asked, "how long do you think we have until dinner?"
A sudden knock caused both Evelyn and Will to snap their heads towards the door. "Just so you two know, supper will be ready in twenty minutes or so." Evelyn's mother spoke causally, a hint of a tease hidden in her words.
"Well that answers your question." Evelyn deadpanned lightly, still shocked by the convenience of the response.
"Twenty minutes?" Will questioned curiously.
"Yes, love, twenty minutes." Evelyn replied casually.
"That's enough time." Will spoke carefully before spinning around to face Evelyn. He towered over her, splashing the water as he did so, making her squeal and giggle.
Twenty minutes...
Hi everyone! I loved this chapter oh my goodness. A little steamy but it's still cute. I hope you all enjoyed it; I loved writing it!
Enjoy your week my loves and see you next update!💕