Archie and Benny dragged Madilyn to the door the moment they heard noises at the gate. They opened it as the car pulled up to the entrance. The three were completely baffled by the car that stopped at the porch. It looked somewhat familiar.

Roxanne saw their curious gazes and instantly felt a headache coming on. While she debated how to explain herself, the man beside her opened the car door. She started to open it herself, realizing it was already open.

"You're home," Lucian reminded her, extending an arm.

Roxanne clenched her jaw, wanting to exit on the other side.

Lucian's voice cut through her thoughts. "I suppose you wouldn't want your children to see you fall, would you?"

Roxanne stiffened. Though weak, she didn't want Archie and Benny to see her so close to Lucian. She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of her kids.

After what felt like forever, Roxanne accepted Lucian's arm as he helped her slowly from the car.

Realization dawned on the boys when they saw Lucian: "It's Daddy!" They hadn't seen him in a while and had forgotten it was his car.

I thought Mommy doesn't like Daddy? Why is she with him?

The thought made them stare at Lucian warily. Worried, they released Madilyn's hand and rushed to Roxanne. Trailing behind her, they asked in a concerned tone, "Mommy, what happened to you?"

Roxanne forced a smile at their anxiety. "I had motion sickness on the plane, but I'll be fine after some sleep."

Madilyn approached, her gaze shifting to Lucian. "How did it get so serious?"

Roxanne shook her head, slowly stopping. Lucian noticed and stopped as well.

"Thanks for taking me home, Mr. Farwell," Roxanne said, offering a polite but distant smile. "I'll let you go instead of inviting you in." She offered a hand to Madilyn. "Help me, Madilyn." Madilyn took her hand.

Lucian frowned, not releasing his grip.

Archie and Benny approached, offering to take Roxanne's hand. Faced with the children and Roxanne's words from the plane, Lucian reluctantly let go.

Archie, holding his mother's hand with Benny, turned to Lucian, pulling a long face. "What happened to Mommy? Why are you with her?" Lucian found the little boy's protective interrogation amusing, but he couldn't ignore Archie's wariness. Like Roxanne, the boys never lowered their guard around him.

"I was on the same flight as your mommy," Lucian explained patiently. "After landing, I noticed she wasn't well, so I brought her home."

Archie looked at him intently. Unable to discern a lie, he seemed to accept the explanation.