Married at First Sight

"I told Mrs. Lewis not to worry about picking you up at the airport. Zachary and I will come get you ourselves."

Serenity then turned, smiling warmly at Duncan in greeting.

Duncan, usually gruff and no-nonsense, looked noticeably softer. Love had a way of changing people.

Liberty was finally back.

She set Sonny down gently.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Though he'd shed a few tears, Sonny still clung tightly to Liberty. Even Duncan, standing close by, couldn't get him to let go. All Duncan could do was reach out to gently stroke Sonny's little face. The boy pouted, clearly upset. He looked up at Duncan and complained,

"Uncle Duncan, you went to find Mom without waiting for me."

Duncan knelt down and said, "You told me you'd be playing for a while, so I thought I'd go ahead. But now we're both back, aren't we? Next time, I'll make sure to ask you first, okay? Don't stay mad at me I even bought you lots of new toys. Come here, let me hug you. I missed you." Sonny crossed his arms, frowning. "No, Uncle Duncan, you didn't miss me. You only missed Mom. I missed her too, and I want to be with her."

While Sonny had been having fun while Liberty was away, seeing her now brought all his feelings rushing back. He felt abandoned, like she'd been gone forever. Video calls weren't the same, especially since they didn't happen every day. Liberty was often too busy or could only call late at night, when Sonny had already fallen asleep. Sensing her son's sadness, Liberty bent down and lifted him again.

"Mom's here with you until you start school," she assured him, kissing his cheek. "I work hard, and sometimes it means I can't be with you as much as I'd like. But you're the most important thing to me, Sonny. I love you so much, and everything I do is to give you a better life."

Sonny returned the kiss and murmured, "I know, Mom. I just missed you.

You've been gone so long. I'm really happy to see you, but now that you're here, I feel like crying."

Liberty held him close, letting him settle against her.

Serenity put a gentle hand on Sonny's head and said, "Sonny, why don't you walk for a bit? Mom just got back, and she's tired. Let her rest."

Liberty shook her head, smiling. "I'm fine. I'll carry him."

But Sonny wriggled to the ground and made his way to Duncan. Climbing up onto Duncan's lap, he looked back at Liberty and said, "I'm not letting Uncle Duncan off the hook-I just don't want Mom to get tired."

Duncan chuckled. "Of course, of course, you haven't forgiven me. Let me carry you for a bit, so Mom can rest. That'll give me a chance to make it up to you. How does that sound?"

Sonny eyed him seriously. "Okay, Uncle Duncan, but that depends on how well you do."

Duncan laughed and then showered Sonny's cheek with playful kisses, which Sonny pushed away with a grimace.

"Uncle Duncan! It's been ages since you shaved-your beard's all prickly!" Sonny complained.

Duncan rubbed his chin with a grin and said, "You're right. I'll shave as soon as I get home, just to stay handsome for your mom."

Liberty chuckled, shaking her head. "Sonny, you really think I'm that picky?" Duncan smiled back at her. "It's true, though. I'll keep myself looking sharp- just for her."