The silence in the SUV was consuming. The early rays of the Scottish Sun glimmered across the dashboard, casting dancing beams of light in every which direction as the sleek Tesla SUV climbed higher and higher into the highlands.

'Angelic'. It was the only descriptive term able to accurately capture the essence of his wife. Her head gently lolled back, dark hair framing her face as the light cast their spells against it, leaving the illusion of a halo. Her long lashes brushed against her delicate cheeks. Her husband's awed stare pulled her from her slumber, and soon her chocolate eyes opened to glance at him. Her sleepy pout morphed into a warm smile.

His hand rested gently across her belly. Holding in reverence at the sheer product of their copulation. He knew he needed to savor this moment, to commit every minute detail to his never wavering photographic memory. This would be the last time, he knew, that he would be able to see and feel his wife like this. Round with his seed, and glowing at the opportunity to bring life into the world, once more. Paige's high-risk obstetricians had made it perfectly clear that this pregnancy would need to be her last. Walter was appreciative of their honesty, and truly relieved at their insistence of this being their last. He had far too often calculated the risks and benefits of their position, and would not ever want to have to face making a decision between his offspring, and the love of his existence.

"Talk to me" Paige asked softly. Breaking the silence as her voice reverberated straight through his mind.

"Did you know that the Highlands are steeped in rich history? Perhaps an interest to you would be the mythological entities set forth by the Celtic myths and legends. We are en route to the Isle of Skye, where fairy pools create perhaps the most pristine and untouched natural water pools in the world. The celts believed that unicorns roamed freely in the Isle of Skye, drinking from the very fairy pools we are about to view." He grinned

Paige smiled even wider. She often found herself amazed at just how far her husband had come. From the high IQ low EQ facade he once so dearly clung onto, to his insistence on science and disregard of folklore. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swell in her chest at his growth.

"Unicorns? How magical!" She giggled. Adjusting herself in her seat as the weight of the triplets caused a low ache in her back.

Sensing her need for a break, Walter quickly pulled over. Rounding the vehicle to open her door, and give them both a moment to stretch.

"I've never seen a view like this before" Paige stated breathlessly, stretching her sore legs absentmindedly.

Walter smiled wistfully, as he too absorbed the views. "We don't have to leave, you know." He stated in a matter of fact, but equally hopeful, tone.

Paige scrunched her face in question.

Walter quickly rushed his words. "Our family would have room to grow here. The children would greatly benefit from the cultural enrichment, and would be able to see firsthand iconic remnants of history. From an ecological standpoint, they would be able to gain vast amounts of knowledge from the natural wonders found here. The country is scientifically advanced, and would provide excellent challenges for Ralph. I have connections with Science Scotland, and have procured an internship opportunity for him there, if he shows interest." He stopped to breathe, and chanced a glance at Paige.

Her brows continued to furrow. His eyes told her something his words did not.

"You...want this?" She softly asked. But it was not a question, not truly, as she already knew his response.

Walter let out a breath he did not realize he had been holding.

"Yes." He said with a frown. He was certain. But he was simultaneously fearful. His mind drifted to when he last conversed with his wife about moving to Ireland, roughly 6 months ago, before Stella & Luna had joined their family. 'Conversed' being a very loose term, as the unsuccessfulness of the venture was apparent. The fact remained that they currently resided in a multimillion dollar home in California. But he could not live that way any longer. He wanted this move as it would be in the best interest of their children, and their relationship.

Paige let out a breath of her own, gently resting her hand across her round belly. "Scotland" she said to herself in a breathy whisper. "Europe" she stated, a little louder.

"Home" Walter supplied, as he wrapped his arms around her frame, pulling her in as closely as physically possible.

"Home" she whispered with a smile, as she caressed his cheek.

It is not at all how Walter had anticipated the conversation to go. He had expected the magic of Skye to lure her, not the views off an old road in the countryside. But his wife was, as she always had been, unpredictable. While Walter was, as he always had been, unable to keep a clear head when surrounded by her. The words blurted out of his mouth before he had even considered them, and he was unable to retract them from the space in between them they inhabited, and tuck them back into his mind.

He breathed in the warm scent of her hair, with a peaceful smile. How one person could bring such joy, wholly and continually was unfathomable to him. Yet her she was, defying all odds, and tangled in his arms.

Paige grinned from ear to ear. Little did her husband know, she had already purchased a beautiful piece of property on the outskirts of Glasgow. With the intention of gifting her husband the home of his dreams, and the ability to be just a stone's throw away from the new Scorpion European Headquarters. Her lovely mother-in-law has promised to help in any was she could, with the surprise, and she was currently watching the whole lot of grandchildren so her and Walter could take a beautiful trip into Scotland.

Her smile became even brighter still, thoughts of telling Walter about the property she has purchased, flashing through her mind.

—-

Are we done? Should I go on?