Chapter Text
Spring 1748
Jaime was hot and tired. He’d had the windows closed to block out the noise from the docks below, but it had made the room terribly stuffy. He’d been stuck in the office above the warehouse at the docks for hours, going over cargo manifests and inventory reports for the latest shipments of wine that had come in over the last few weeks. Business was going well - very well - and Jared’s expanding business had benefitted both him and Jaime both.
His cousin was very appreciative of Jaime taking over his operations, and had been kind in sharing the proceeds of their increased sales in the new markets. It had allowed Claire and Jaime to buy a home of their own in Lisbon. It wasn’t a big place, but it was theirs. It had plenty of room for their family, with a large garden for the children to play in and room for a small herb garden for Claire. She had been so elated to move into a place of their own - it wasn’t Lallybroch, but it was beginning to feel like home.
Jaime signed and dropped his glasses on the desk and went to open the window when he heard a knock at the door. He grumbled a frustrated “Come In” but his face lit into a smile when the door peeked open to reveal Claire, holding a squirming Brianna, who definitely did not want to be held at the moment.
Jaime quickly crossed the room to them, his mood much improved, and reached to take the squirming red-headed beast from Claire. She gladly handed her over and Jaime raised Brianna up over his head, which made her giggle with delight, then leaned over to kiss his wife.
“Your daughter didn’t want to take a nap this afternoon, so we thought we’d take a walk instead. I’d hoped a ride in the pram would settle her down and she’d fall asleep, but I wasn’t so lucky.” Claire said with an exasperated sigh. “I hope she’s not trying to give up her afternoon nap already, Mama isn’t ready for that just yet.She may not want to nap anymore, but I need her to.”
“Aye, Sassenach, she can be a handful when she’s not had her proper sleep.” Jaime chuckled. “Can’t imagine where she gets that from” he smiled as leaned in for another kiss.
Claire swatted at him with her hand and gave him a look. “Careful Fraser - you don’t want 2 grumpy tired Fraser women on your hands. You’re outnumbered.” Claire joked with a smile.
“Aye, but Fergus should be here soon, he’ll help me out with you wild women. I told him to come down here as soon as school lets out so I can help him with his figures. His schoolmaster said he’s near the top of his class, but he’s having some struggles with his multiplication.” Jaime explained as he set Brianna down. The office was a much safer space for a toddler than the warehouse downstairs, so he let her explore a bit on her own.
“I know - I’m so glad he’s taken so well to school here and made friends, but I do miss having him at home. He’s such a big help with Brianna, I think I may need to find someone to come keep an eye on her during the day while I see my patients. I love being with her during the day, but she can make things - challenging” Claire explained, reaching out to move a small object out of Brianna’s reach.
“That sounds like a grand idea - I don’t want you overdoin’ it, my sorcha, not in yer condition. How is the wee one treatin’ ye today?” Jaime asked, reaching to place his hand on her abdomen. It was still early, she wasn’t showing yet, but he’d known she was with child for a few weeks before she’d realized it herself.
“Not bad, just tired” Claire said, placing her hand on top of his “I was a little nauseous this morning, but I forced down some tea and some of those pastels you picked up at the bakery and I felt better. We should get more of those, the baby seemed to like them.” She said with a sly smile.
“Aye, we’ll get more sweets then. For the bairn.” Jaime chuckled. He stoof quickly and crossed the room in 2 swift strides to rescue a stack of papers on his desk from the reach of his red-headed tornado. She’s started walking just after her first birthday, and it felt like she’d been getting quicker every day since. He scooped Brianna into his arms and peppered her cheeks with kisses to distract her. Brianna let out a shriek of delight and forgot all about toppling the contents of Jaime’s desk to the floor.
Just then, the door opened and Fergus burst inside, his school books slung over his shoulder. “Milord, I am sorry I am late - Francisco and Tomas took me to the library after school and I did not realize the time.’’ the boy rattled on, out of breath. He noticed Brianna in Jaime’s arms, and turned to find Claire on the settee. “Milady! I did not know you would be here as well! I’m am so glad to see you!” Fergus exclaimed.
“Library, hmm - is that why you’ve got grass stains on yer breeks?” Jaime chastised the boy in jest. In reality, he and Claire both were happy that Fergus had made friends and was able to just enjoy being a child instead of worrying about war and raids and hunger. Jaime figured he’d let a little mild deception slide, for now.
“Fergus! I missed you today! Come, tell me about your day. How was school? Did your vocabulary test go well?” Claire asked, putting her arm around the boy and pulling him close.
“Oui, Milady! I got all of them correct, except for 2. But I will keep practicing. And my instructor said my reading section today was excellent!” Fergus beamed with pride.
“Oh Fergus, that’s wonderful. You’re reading has greatly improved. It must be all those bedtime stories you’ve been reading to your sister. I am so proud of you.” Claire gushed, giving Fergus another squeeze.
Jaime put Brianna on the ground and she ran straight to Fergus. “Ferg! Up! Up!” she screamed as she ran into his arms.
“Ma petite soeur! As-tu ete sage pour maman aujourd’hui?” Fergus asked. Brianna, more interested in climbing all over her big brother, didn’t answer.
Claire reached to pull Brianna into her lap and pulled out a small rag doll from her pocket, hoping it would occupy her for a few moments at least. “I guess we should be going. We’ll let you two get working on your mathematics, dear boy.” she said, reaching out to run her hand through his curls.
Fergus slumped in his seat and looked up at Jaime, pitifully. He was not enthused by the idea, but resigned to it. Jaime saw the puppy dog eyes his son was giving him, and chuckled.
“Why don’t we work on your figures at home, lad. I’m not getting much done here anyway. Let’s accompany yer ma and sister back home, and mebbe we can work on yer schoolin’ after dinner. We might even have time for some lessons with yer new knife ye got fer yer birthday.” Jaime suggested with smile.
At this, Fergus jumped up excitedly. “Oui, Milord! That sounds much better!” as he bounced Brianna in his arms. “Are you ready to go home, petite fille?” he asked, tickling her sides.
Brianna shrieked with laughter and squirmed in his arms. Jaime grabbed his daughter and tucked her under one arm, closing up the books on his desk with the other. Claire rose and put her arm around Fergus as they all headed for the door.
The Fraser family excited to the street and strolled along the docks - Jaime pointing out things on the tall ships to Brianna, while Claire walked beside him, chatting with Fergus about his day at school. As Brianna settled in and laid her head on Jaime’s shoulder to rest, Jaime silently gave thanks once again for all that he had. 2 years ago, he’d thought he’d sent his wife away to safety and had resigned himself to die on the battlefield for a lost cause. Now, he was strolling down the street in the sunshine, with the daughter he thought he’d never see (finally) asleep in his arms. His wife, the other half of his soul, walking next to him, carrying another bairn in her belly and the boy they’d adopted into their hearts happy and thriving. His life was drastically different than it had been just 2 years before, and for that, Jaime Fraser would be eternally grateful. He grasped Claire’s hand with his free one as they turned down the lane towards home.
*** The End ***