34
We were home a few days later.
We had been home a week when Melissa and Suzie had cooked a welcoming meal. While the family ate I watched them they looked different, younger even. They seemed to glow.
I gasped when I realized what it was. Paddy looked up from his plate he had heard me. I noticed Gen had a similar glow.
We were sitting in Colleen's common room chatting after dinner.
"Why did they not come after us Grandpa?" Quinn asked.
"I am not sure Quinn. Maybe Whitney had a hold on them."
"She might have compelled them. It would explain the sudden disbandment of her army."
"You are probably right Kylie." Shaun said. "How else could she have so many men under her control?"
We nodded.
Everyone started to yawn.
"It was wonderful Ladies. Thank you." Suzie and Melissa smiled proudly.
"But it is time for us to sleep."
Everyone nodded. We left for our beds.
Paddy and I were snuggling into our bed.
"Ah Home." Paddy whispered into my neck. "It is so nice to be home."
He rolled on top of me. We kissed then made love. Paddy held me in his arms afterwards. He was starting to dose off. He woke with a start.
"Why did you gasp during dinner?" He asked groggily.
"The girls are with child."
"What? Which ones?"
"The three of them. Gen, Suzie and Melissa."
"The three of them." Paddy said excitedly.
"How? Why now? What happened to them that they are able to have a child now?" He was full of questions.
"I do not know."
"How could you tell?"
"They have that special glow."
"You are right now that you mention it." He smiled. It took him a while to fall back to sleep. He was so excited.
The next day after Paddy woke up we went on patrol. Quinn and Benjamin were with us. Benjamin looked upset. Quinn tried to find out what was wrong with his friend. He would avoid answering him. Quinn was starting to become frustrated with Benjamin.
"Fine. Benjamin you do not want to tell me, that is fine." Quinn walked off towards some trees.
"Hey when was the last time your Mom scolded you for something?" Quinn looked towards him. He glanced at me. "She has never scolded me for anything." He smiled.
"Lucky you. I can not seem to do anything right lately. She always complains I am underfoot when I have not been there all day."
"You too, Suzie has been like that since we came back. I do not know what is wrong with her."
Paddy and I glanced at each other. "Katey too." He whispered.
"It is possible."
The boys were quiet for the rest of the patrol. Paddy and I went down to visit Katey afterwards.
"Good day Katey." I said.
"What is so good about it?" She grumbled.
"Are you all right?"
