by Lori Maguire
He suddenly scooped me up and twirled me around. “The day you said you would marry me I thought was the happiest day of my life, but you just topped it, Ella.” He set me down but didn’t let go of me. “I love you, sweetness,” he said huskily.
“I love you, hotness,” I said playfully.
“Well, no hot tub for you.”
I shook my head as I backed away from him and headed for the stairs. “No, no hot tub.” I climbed the first several stairs and stopped on the landing. Taking off my shirt, I threw it down into his stunned face. “But there is a huge, Jacuzzi tub up here that I’m just dying to try out.” I crooked my finger at him and winked. It took him no time at all to catch up to me. I squealed when he scooped me up and carried me into the master bedroom.
Carefully, he set me down on the bed. I pulled him down to me, but he hesitated. “Xavier, please. I’m not going to break. I’m still the same woman I was last night. Besides, you’d better enjoy me while I still have a flat belly,” I said teasingly.
Later that night when we curled up in bed together, he wrapped his arm around me and rested his hand over my abdomen snugly, protectively like he never had before. I knew in that moment that his efforts to keep me safe were going to increase exponentially especially once Stephen and Carline returned to Seattle.
Sometime during the middle of the night, I woke unable to fall back to sleep. Xavier was snoring softly beside me. I closed my eyes and tried to pace my breathing to his long, relaxing breaths in an attempt to fall back to sleep, but it was futile. Carefully, so as not to wake him, I extracted myself out from under his arm.
He had left the fire burning in the bedroom fireplace. The glowing embers were still emitting warmth into the room, but the hardwood floor was freezing as my warm, bare feet came in contact with it. I bit down on my bottom lip to keep from squealing at the extreme change in temperature.
Sprinting across the cold hardwood, I made my way to the love seat in the loft. Grabbing the chenille blanket off the back of the love seat, I wrapped it around me. I glanced out the windows that faced the front of the house and noticed in the glow of the outside lights that it was snowing.
I quickly abandoned the love seat and blanket and made my way back into the bedroom. Opting to leave on Xavier’s t-shirt, I quickly slipped on a pair of sweats and thick, wooly socks. I made my way downstairs and wrapped myself up in the big, fluffy down jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and boots in preparation to go outside. Making sure the porch lights were on, I grabbed the tartan blanket Xavier used for our sleigh ride, and made my way outside to the back deck.
The cold air stung my warm cheeks as soon as I stepped outside, and I pulled my scarf up to cover my nose and mouth in an attempt to retain some warmth.
Curling up on a wooden bench under the covered porch, I tucked my legs underneath me and curled up under the tartan blanket. The porch lights helped to light up the beautiful sight before me. The rocks along the shoreline were covered with snow. There were a few rocks that jutted out of the water, just dots of white among the roaring river. The ground was quickly getting covered with a fresh, white blanket of snow. The tops of all the pine tree branches were covered in white as the snow clung to every pine needle. It was white glistening snow on top and deep evergreen poking out underneath. The pine trees truly looked glorious in the snow.
The silence that falling snow always brings made the sound of the river seem louder. Yet, if I listened closely enough, I could swear I could hear the flakes landing on the pine trees nestled up against the house. Winter is the season I truly loved. No other season could offer anything close to the silent beauty that falling snow could. It was breathtaking.
“Ella?” Xavier’s voice pierced the quiet, making me yelp and jump.
“Hey! You scared me,” I said, trying to calm my breathing.
He came out onto the porch in his robe and slippers. The poor guy had to be freezing since I knew he was only wearing his snug-fitting Armani trunks under that robe. “What are you doing out here?” he admonished.
“Watching the snow fall,” I said still mesmerized. “The river, the trees, all of it is so beautiful.” I gestured to the sight before me.
“Come.” He held his hand out to me. “You’ll catch your death out here.”
“Don’t get all protective on me now. You know you can’t get sick from the cold. You get sick from germs. Besides, I love to watch the snow fall,” I protested.
“Well, you can watch the snow fall from inside the house. Come on. I’ll leave the porch lights on and we can curl up next to the fireplace. I don’t want you out here like this,” he said adamantly.
“Okay,” I sighed heavily, following him into the house.
He took the blanket from me and folded it as I took my winter garb off. As he headed over to the huge, stone fireplace that dominated the living area, I headed into the kitchen. “Would you like some tea or something?”
“How about some hot chocolate?” he hollered.
“Um …” I rummaged through the cabinets until I found what I was looking for. “Okay,” I hollered back. I heard all kinds of noise coming from the living room as I waited for the water to boil.
As I approached the fireplace, I saw what caused such a racket. Xavier had pulled out the sofa bed. He had a huge fire blazing in the fireplace. The popping and sizzling of the wood and the flames dancing around were almost as mesmerizing as the snow falling. I handed him his mug before I curled up next to him.
“So, my girl likes to watch the snow fall at three in the morning.” He chuckled.
“I do. I think I like the snow more than the rain. It’s just so quiet and peaceful when it’s snowing.” I sipped my hot chocolate.
“But that’s not why you woke up.” It wasn’t a question.
“No. I haven’t been sleeping well. I think my internal clock is all screwed up. I’m up at night and can sleep during the day. I blame the baby,” I said. “Maybe he’s going to be a vampire.” I chuckled.
“He?” Xavier asked as he raised his eyebrows at me.
“I’m sorry. Do you have a preference? I guess I always thought guys wanted boys, you know, to carry on the family name and all.”
“I don’t know. I think I like the idea of a little girl. A little Ella I can spoil right along with the big one,” he said giving me a wide, toothy grin.
I blushed furiously, lightly smacking his shoulder. “I’m serious. Do you have a preference?”
“No, Ella. I just want what all parents-to-be want—a healthy baby.”
“I agree, but I think a little boy would be nice.”
“Hmm, something we finally disagree on. I think a little girl would be nice,” he said, tapping the end of my nose.
“Well, time will tell,” I said.
“Speaking of which, do you have a due date?” he asked.
“Geez, I’m so sorry. I never thought to tell you. I was so worried about your reaction. Yes, the baby is due July 27th.”
“Hmm, right around our birthdays. What’s the odds of that?” he mused.
“Funny, that’s what Renatta said too. A Leo baby for a Leo couple.” I paused. “Oh, and before you ask, according to her calculations, I’m about six weeks pregnant,” I added.
“And what made you think you were pregnant?” he asked curiously.
“I had been feeling a little nauseous a few mornings. When I was out with Marissa on Friday, I asked her to stop at a pharmacy so I could get a home pregnancy test. By the way, she doesn’t know yet.”
“Do you want me to let Stewart and Marissa know?”
Remembering back to my run-in with Carline in the ladies room during the Christmas party, I felt it was best that I should tell Marissa. “You know, Xavier, I’ve spent so much time with Marissa as of late, I think I’d like to tell her.”
“Okay, we’ll tell them both on Monday.” He drank the last of his hot chocolate. “When is your next doctor’s appointment? You’ll let me know about them, yes? I’d like to ac
company you, of course.”
“Of course. I’ll schedule them around your schedule. That’s not a problem. My next appointment is the second week of January. I have the appointment card at home. I’ll give you the exact info as soon as we get back,” I said as I finished off the last of my hot chocolate.
Xavier took my mug from me and placed it on the table next to the sofa bed. He pulled me down onto the bed with him. I curled up on his chest listening to his strong heartbeat. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? You don’t think it’s too soon?” I asked. My fingers were lazily tracing circles on his chest.
He pulled back to look in my eyes. “Yes, I’m okay with it. I’m more than okay. I’m thrilled with it.” He paused for a moment. “Of course I would’ve liked to have had more time with just you, but a baby won’t change us. It won’t change what you are to me or how I feel about you. Actually, I didn’t think it was possible, but it’s making me feel stronger about you. More connected to you.” He kissed the top of my head.
“What do you want to do about a wedding? I can’t exactly go out and get a wedding dress now. And I know I shouldn’t, but of course I can’t help but think how people are going to wonder if I got pregnant just to trap you.”
“First off, I don’t give a damn what people think and neither should you. We, and those closest to us, know the truth. That’s all that matters. Second, I already told you, Ella, I’d run out and marry you tomorrow. The wedding ceremony itself is irrelevant. Besides, I already have your father’s blessing,” he said, sounding smug.
“What? You asked my father for my hand in marriage?” I let out a little giggle. “When did you do that?”
“When we met them in New York for dinner. I pulled your dad aside before they left and told him exactly what my intentions with you were. I told you, Ella, I wasn’t going to marry you if they didn’t approve of me.”
“So that’s what you were doing.” I shook my head and smiled at him. “So, Vegas next weekend then?” I asked jokingly.
He was silent for a long moment. “Huh, why not?”
I sat up gaping at him. “Are you serious?” I asked incredulously.
“Why not? You know my brother and I have the hotel out there. Tom and Renatta can come with us and be our witnesses. Or, if you prefer, we can go down to the courthouse in Seattle like they did and then go off to the mountains like we originally planned.”
“But it’s Christmas?”
“Is there a problem with getting married on or before Christmas? Come on, Ella. I don’t need you in the big, fancy dress. I don’t need the fancy wedding. I just need you uttering the words ‘I do.’ Nothing more and nothing less.”
I stared into those beautiful, blue eyes and without thinking any further I blurted, “Okay. Let’s do it. Next weekend.”
He sprung up next to me now. Grabbing my face with his hands, he stared intensely into my eyes. “Are you serious now?” he breathed. “You can’t joke with me about something like this.”
I nodded. “Yes, I’m serious,” I whispered.
He crushed me to his chest. “You never cease to amaze me, Ella.” He was quiet for a moment. “But what about your parents? Do you want them to be there? We can push it back a week or two.” He lay back down, pulling me with him. He ran his hand lazily in small circles on my lower back under his t-shirt.
I thought for a moment because I hadn’t really given it a thought. “My parents had plans for Christmas, but I’ll call Mom tomorrow and see.” He didn’t have his parents to share in our wedding. Maybe he wanted mine to be there. “Xavier?”
“Mm-hmm?” He had his eyes closed as his hand continued to slowly rub my lower back.
“Is it important to you that my parents be there?”
“Your happiness is all that is important to me, Ella. If having your parents there makes you happy, then by God your parents will be there.”
“I like the thought of sneaking off and eloping with you,” I whispered.
“Then we’ll sneak off and elope.” A small smile played on his luscious lips.
I let out a jaw-splitting yawn right at that moment. I suddenly felt exhausted.
Xavier pulled me tighter into his side. “Sleep, baby. We have plenty of time to work out all the details.” He gently kissed my forehead.
I lay there too stunned to speak. Did I just agree to marry him next weekend? And why was this surprising me? It is what I wanted, right? I did want to marry this incredible man, yes? Yes, yes it is. And apparently this was going to happen in a week! Did he seriously expect me to be able to sleep now?
Because we were so attuned to each other, he could sense my restlessness, and started to gently rub his hand up and down my back in a soothing and relaxing manner. His warm skin smelled like the smoke from the fire as the wood continued to pop and hiss. Before I could think another thought about getting married or a wedding, I fell into a deep, undisturbed sleep.
I woke up hours later to hear Xavier in the kitchen whistling. I peeked over the arm of the couch and saw him in the kitchen. The smell of pancakes and bacon filled the air. He was practically dancing as he moved around the kitchen with a huge grin on his face. I don’t think I have ever seen him this happy.
Glancing out the window in the living room, it appeared to have stopped snowing, but it was still very cloudy. Everything was beautifully covered with a fresh coat of white, glistening snow. I couldn’t wait to see what Xavier had planned for today.
Reluctantly, I rolled off the sofa bed. I needed to get my pre-natal vitamins and hit the bathroom before heading to the kitchen. Minutes later, I was standing in the doorway of the kitchen waiting to be noticed. Xavier was actually making waffles. I was beyond impressed and they smelled delicious. When he turned to get plates, he spotted me standing in the doorway. I didn’t think the smile could get any bigger on his face, but it did as soon as he made eye contact with me. In response, a huge smile spread across my face. Geez, he was beautiful.
He quickly made his way over to me and scooped me up and twirled me around. I squealed in surprise. He deposited me on a stool at the kitchen bar and then planted a huge kiss on my lips. Two place settings were already in place.
“Good morning, my beautiful mommy-to-be. How are you feeling?” he asked. He made his way back over to the stove.
“Good morning, my handsome daddy-to-be. I’m feeling really good, thank you. I’d ask how are you, but I think it’s pretty evident.” I winked at him. I placed the bottle of vitamins in front of my place setting. Xavier noticed and smiled.
He set a plate with a fresh, hot waffle in front of me. “Say that again,” he said.
“Say what again?” I asked frowning.
“What you called me. Say it again.” He stared at me intently.
“Daddy-to-be?” I asked. He closed his eyes and nodded. I knew the one word he really wanted to hear. “Daddy,” I uttered softly. “You’re going to be someone’s daddy.”
A huge smile spread across his face. After he opened his eyes, he made his way around the breakfast bar. Warm hands grasped my face and he kissed me hard then he crushed me to his chest. “Thank you,” he said softly.
While we were eating I asked what his plans for the day were. “Well, originally I wanted to go snowmobiling, but now I’m not so sure. I guess we could figure out something else.”
“No,” I protested. “Why? I’ve never been snowmobiling. Let’s go. Please,” I pleaded.
He was quiet for several minutes. “Okay, but instead of driving your own, you’ll be on the back of one with me. We aren’t going to stay out long either. It’s cold and more snow is expected today.”
“Thank you.” I resisted rolling my eyes at his apparent overprotectiveness that was already surfacing.
Immediately following breakfast, I went to call my parents. I really didn’t want to tell them over the phone, but news like this was going to travel fast given how successful Xavier was, and I wanted them to hear it from me. It was 2:00 p.m. on the East c
oast. They both should be home. The phone rang a few times before mom picked up. My stomach flipped as soon as Mom said hello.
“Hey Mom,” I said, sounding a little too upbeat.
“Ella, sweetheart. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mom, really good. Is Dad there?”
“He is. Would you like to speak to him?”
“Um, I need to speak to both of you actually. Can he pick up another line?” Mom covered the phone while she yelled at dad to pick up the other extension.
“Ella? Is everything all right?” he asked, sounding a bit concerned.
“Yes, Dad. Everything is just great. I have something I need to tell both of you and I wanted you to hear it from me.” I took a deep breath. My parents were silent.
“Mom, Dad,” I took another deep breath and blurted, “I’m pregnant.”
“What?” my mother gasped.
“Impossible,” my father said at the same time.
“I know it’s a shock, but this isn’t the first time.” They both began to speak. “Please let me explain.” I waited until they calmed down. “A few months ago, I found out I was pregnant. Actually, it was the same day I ended up in the hospital with a concussion thanks to Stephen. I miscarried that baby. Obviously though, that’s when I learned that Stephen had been lying to me about our infertility problems. The problem was with him, not me as he made me believe all those years.”
“That son-of-a-bitch,” my father spat.
“Greg, let her finish,” my mom said.
“After the miscarriage, Xavier and I discussed our future and the possibility of children. We both agreed it was something we wanted. And, well, now I’m pregnant. This past Monday I went to the doctor and had it confirmed. My due date is July 27th.” I let out the remainder of my breath in a huff. Why did I feel like a teenager telling my parents I was knocked up?
