Being married again wasn't what she had expected. She knew that it would be different, that comparing it to her brief marriage to Charles was like comparing the sun and the moon. Her wedding to Charles had been as simple as this one, but rather than strangers they'd been surrounded by family and friends. Quite a few of her late husband's family showed up, giving her wishes and silent prayers that this husband wouldn't die young either. What made this marriage feel so different was the fact that he would be gone in the morning. It made her heart heavy but she couldn't tell him to not go. 

When they reached home, she had given Rose Anne her dinner, given her a bath and settled her down for the night as her father joked around with his new son. She knew he still mourned for Samuel but he was happy to have someone like William around to help like Sam used to. When she was sure that Rose Anne would sleep soundly, she kissed the baby on her forehead before smoothing back her wild blond hair. Even though she hadn't birthed the child, she loved her as if she had. Keziah changed out of her day clothes and into a soft nightgown, knowing that it likely would not make it through the night. She hoped it would, it was comfortable and she'd hate to have to sew it back together tomorrow. When her husband had entered the room, Keziah smoothed out her nightgown and smiled up at him. 

Keziah moved closer, taking one of his hands in hers and kissing the backs of his knuckles. She'd be lying if she said that she hadn't thought about what tonight would bring. When she looked up at him again, she had another shy smile on her lips. "Welcome home, husband." 

---

It was well before sun up when she woke. Keziah had stayed in bed, just listening to his even breathing. She didn't know when she'd hear it again. It was…comforting to say the least. Sounds like that had always brought her comfort and on most days she would just sit by the fire and listen to Rose Anne's breathing when she took a nap. Keziah hoped that she wouldn't cry today but the possibility was there. She smoothed back his hair and smiled a bit as she rolled over to face him. She caught sight of the nail marks she'd left on him and a soft flush came to her face. "William..." Keziah said softly, reaching out to stroke his cheek with her thumb. "It's morning." 

Rose Anne would be waking soon. The child was very good at deciding when she'd had enough sleep and sometimes she'd wail until one of them would pick her up from her cradle. Keziah would likely tend to her when she did wake up but for now she was content just lying in bed with her husband.