Bred by the Bushmen

Damon smiled. “You’re not like them. If anything, you’re the opposite. You’re kind, sweet, caring, and you’ll be perfect. I know it.”

“It’s a chance for us all to make things right. We’ll have a family of our own,” said Caleb. “And I’ll do everything in my power to take care of every one of you.”

Money would never be an issue. They received a massive private settlement from the logging company, thanks to their eager lawyer. Now that the company was on the radar, they wouldn’t be bothering or threatening them again. But money was only an insurance policy. They preferred to live simple, to be close to nature without relying heavily on modern conveniences. It gave them the ability to appreciate the little things, to love harder, and live healthier.

“I wonder if it’ll be a boy or a girl,” said Damon.

“Doesn’t matter,” said Caleb. “That’s in God’s hands.”

“If it’s a girl, I want her to look just like her mother.” Damon held her close, a new level of protectiveness filling him to the marrow.

“If it’s a boy, we can teach him to track and fish and build,” said Caleb.

“Hey, I know you never had sisters, but you can teach all those things to a girl, too,” said Opal.

“Then we win either way.” Caleb dropped to both knees and hugged her around the waist, resting his head on her lap. “Thank you,” he said. “Thank you for rescuing us, giving us hope, a baby, a family. I can never thank you enough.”

Damon felt his own emotions bubbling to the surface, but he fought to stay strong. It was difficult to see his stoic brother break down, but he was finally happy and at peace.

“Is that why you’ve been quiet lately?” asked Damon.

She nodded. “It’s a lot to think about, but I know this is the perfect place to raise our children. Fresh air, simplicity, and lots of love.”

Children. Maybe they’d have another in the future. He’d love to have a big family, but right now he’d focus on baby number one.

They began to button up for the trek back to their home. It wasn’t bone chilling outside, but the wind still carried a sharp bite in the shadows of the trees.

“Are you okay to walk?” asked Caleb as they walked hand in hand, Opal in the middle.

“I won’t break. Promise,” she said. “But I am glad we have hot water for my baths.”

“Don’t be surprised if we’re a bit protective of you now,” said Caleb.

“More than you already are?”

“Hell yes,” said Damon. “You’ve got precious cargo, so we’ll be doing lots of pampering.”

Opal giggled, the sweet sound mingling perfectly with the song of the wild birds. He wished his parents could meet her and their grandchild, but at least they were keeping the family traditions alive and well.

The house came into view after their long hike along the muddy path. A slow plume of smoke coming from the stone chimney.

“There it is,” said Caleb.

“Yep,” Damon agreed.

Opal stopped, looking fondly at their little cabin in the woods. “Home.”

The End