She put her hand to her stomach again, as it lurched once more. She took a deep breath, and felt Cole come up behind her, his hands on her hips to keep her steady when she swayed on her feet.
He kissed her neck softly, and she let him. Moving her neck to give him more room to get to her sensitive spots letting out a soft moan as he got to one of her more sensitive places on her neck. Even feeling unwell still made her want him with a ferocity that surprised her.
“You aren’t well, Eden. Let me have Rose come to you. Please?”
Eden sighed, and turned in his arms. She put her head on his chest and nodded.
He led her to their bed and made her lie down. Kissing her softly, he pulled the blankets up and left.
Eden let her eyes drift shut, still so tired. Even having slept the entire night held tightly in Cole’s arms.
She let her mind wander, and before she knew it, a soft hand was touching her arm.
Eden yawned and opened her eyes to see Rose sitting next to her, and Lily standing by the bed, next to Cole.
Lily nodded to Cole, and he left the room, his eyes showing the worry in their depths and shutting the door behind him.
Eden looked at Rose, and sat up in bed, grateful her stomach had stopped heaving at the smallest movements. “Cole told us you weren’t feeling well this morning.”
Eden shook her head, “I wasn’t. I threw up everything I ate, and what little I didn’t. But now I am starving.”
She laughed, and Rose and Lily shared a look. “Eden,” Lily began, “When was the last time you had your monthly cycle?”
Eden stopped giggling and went still. Her thoughts spun, and she knew the last time she had her monthly flow, was before Cole had come back into her life.
A week before, or so. With how quickly they went from nothing to everything to each other, and everything in between, such as the kidnapping, the ship and their rescue, Eden hadn’t even realized she hadn’t had her flow.
She was at least a week late, if not more. More if her calculations were correct. Cole hadn’t let them go slowly, he knew that they were meant to be and hadn’t given her a choice.
Not that she wanted one, she was more than happy with how it turned out, as she too wanted nothing more than for them to be together.
But the speed with which that happened as they went from them knowing next to nothing about the other, and never even speaking to them together was quite a bit.
Their first time together had been two weeks after her flow, and if she was correct, they must have gotten pregnant on their first time together.
She put her hand to her mouth and her eyes pricked with tears. “I am going to have a baby?”
Rose and Lily both nodded and laughed. “We have seen this only rarely, because of the fear everyone had of our family, not many people came to use our aid, but yes. We believe you are pregnant. Are you more tired than usual?”
Eden nodded, “Yes, I feel like I could sleep for another few hours, even though I slept all night.”
Rose nodded as well, “Are your breasts tender? And feel more full than usual?”
Eden looked down at her chemise and nodded. “Yes, they are bigger. And more tender. I just didn’t realize it was from that.”
She blushed and looked down. The girls giggled again, “We knew you were together. Aidan and Rhia were just as bad as the two of you. Maybe even worse. She is also with child, and much further along than if they had waited until they had gotten married. They also got married rather quickly. Our brothers don’t take no for an answer, nor would they let you get away from them. Rhia tried to leave once, and Aidan chased her down.”
Eden let out a giggle. “Well, we didn’t leave on purpose, but Cole came after.”
Rose and Lily started laughing harder this time, and Eden joined them.
She sobered a little and looked at Lily. “I have a feeling that Burk is going to be much the same as your brothers.”
Lily blushed, “He is rather intense. He barely lets me out of his sight. I don’t know what to do or think when he is around.”
Eden smiled, “I love seeing Burk so out of sorts. He likes order, but you have thrown his world into chaos. He needs that.”
Lily blushed again, “The things he says to me, the way he treats me? He makes me ache.”
Eden let out a single burst of laughter. “I understand that completely.”
She looked at Rose, “I think Cabe is going to be like your brothers as well.” Rose went red and shook her head. “He barely acknowledges me. And, he thinks he can tell me what to do.”
She rolled her eyes. Eden and Lily shared a look. “Rose, when you aren’t watching, he has his eyes on you. He watches your every move, and you can see the hunger in his eyes.”
“Lily!” Rose said, scandalized. Eden broke in, “It’s true. He looks like he is starving, and the only thing that can fill him, is a taste of you.”
Rose flushed again, “Girls! We are talking about Eden.”
Eden giggled. “I am happy for both of you. Truly happy.”
The girls each reached a handout, and Rose helped Eden stand. They got her dressed, and Rose went to get Rhia and Persephone. They all wanted to have one last breakfast all together before their adventure came to a close.
Eden and Lily walked to the ship's kitchen, to get some food.
The cook on Cabe’s ship was a kindly old man who took to the women and clucked after them like a mother hen.
He was always making certain they had food and made them little treats. “Gus! How are you this fine day?”
Gus smiled, his large and toothless smile. “My lovelies! You want some treats? Or some breakfast?”
The girls laughed, and Eden said, “I would really love some eggs. I am craving them this morning.”
Gus smiled again, “Eggs it is.” He kissed Eden on her cheek, and Lily did as well.
Rose came into the kitchen moments later, with Rhia next to her, their arms looped together and Persephone walking slowly behind.
She had gotten better and better at walking as they sailed home, and it was mainly thanks to Brooks.
He was a kind and patient teacher, always there for her and catching her if she fell. Which she still did, but not as often.
Eden would hide a smile behind her hand knowing her brother was in love with the small girl.
Gus smiled at the three other women and clucked as fussed over them as well. Rose kissed his cheek and Rhia and Persephone hugged the old man. He gestured them to the tables and got to cooking.
After eating. Eden wanted to walk around the deck and find Cole. So, the girls made their way up into the sunshine.
Eden blinked hard for a few seconds to let her eyes adjust, and saw Cole and Aidan up on the rigging, helping Cabe’s men with the ropes and sails.
She gasped and heard one behind her. She knew it was Rhia and turned to see Rhia had gone pale. Seeing Aidan up on the high rigging, Rhia had a hand to her mouth and Rose had a grip on her arm as Rhia’s legs went weak.
Eden squeeze Rhia’s hand, “He will be all right. I promise. Cole won’t let anything happen to him.”
Rhia nodded at her and squeezed her hand back. “All right, I just worry. I don’t want something to happen to him.”
Eden nodded, “I know. Don’t stress. Look, they are having fun.”
Rhia smiled slightly and put her hand up to shade her eyes, watching Aidan as he climbed all over the ship.
Eden turned and watched her love climb all over like a monkey. Aidan was laughing and Eden could hear Cole laugh too.
She smiled and watched the men ready to hoist the sails. She could see the strip of land in the distance, and she loved knowing how close they were.
She dreaded going back to London, possibly seeing her brother again, but knowing he couldn’t touch her, or give her to someone else, was a blessing.
She was Cole’s wife, their marriage was consummated, and she carried their child in her womb.
She put her h
and to her stomach, and felt Rose squeeze her shoulders. The women stood on the deck and watched as the small strip of land got closer and closer.
Eden looked between Cole, and the land. She heard his and Aidan’s laughter again and saw them climbing down.
They were both sure footed, and when they were closer, both jumped to the deck.
Cole hurried to her with a huge smile on his face. He grabbed her face in his hands and kissed her. She kissed him back, and then she giggled.
He smiled against her lips and pulled back to look down into her eyes. “Are you feeling better love?”
Eden smiled, “Yes, much. I just needed to rest a bit. Your sisters helped me a lot.”
Cole chuckled, “They are good at that. Did they tell you what is wrong?”
Eden nodded, “Yes, they did.”
Cole lifted one eyebrow, “And?”
Eden laughed, “I am with child Cole.”
Cole went still in her embrace, his face blank. Then, she saw his eyes mist, and he buried his face in her neck. He dropped to his knees in front of her and held her hips with his hands.
He kissed her stomach softly, over her clothes and looked up at her. She was so shocked she didn’t know what to do.
He smiled, “Thank you my love. Thank you. You have made me the happiest man in the world.”
Eden felt the tears start falling, as she looked down at the man she loved. She could see the love in his eyes, and it made her cry even harder.
He helped her into his arms, and onto his lap, where he kissed her. He had done all of this in front of his sisters, his brother, Rhia and the entire crew.
He cradled her in his arms, and finally stood. He cleared his throat, “We are having a baby!”
The crew clapped and cheered, as did Aidan, Rhia and his sisters. Eden was pulled into hugs, and Aidan hugged her.
“Congratulations.” He whispered in her ear, and she smiled up at her brother in law.
His scarred face was so dear to her. He was a wonderful man, and she loved him dearly.
She hugged him back, “Thank you Aidan.”
Aidan smiled, “Your little one will only be a month or so behind my own. That is so exciting. Lydia will be over the moon”
Eden grinned. “I cannot wait to meet her. She is my mother now and I have never had that chance.”
Aidan laughed, “She wanted to come as well, but had a feeling she was needed in London.”
Eden smiled, “I cannot wait to meet her. And for her to know our news.”
Aidan nodded, “She will be so pleased. She already loves you, simply because you love Cole.”
Eden hugged him again. Then she was pulled from his embrace to another set of arms. Rhia hugged her close, “You are having a baby too?” Eden’s eyes teared up again as she hugged her sister back. “I am. We are going to have babies together.”
Rhia started crying then and Eden hugged her close, “I have always wanted a family, and I have one now.”
Rhia smiled, “I felt the same. After I lost both of my parents, I have longed for a family. I never thought I would find one on my way to live a lonely life.”
Eden smiled, “We will never have to go back again. We are stuck together now.”
Rhia giggled and let Eden leave her arms. She walked over to Aidan and he pulled her close. Eden smiled as another pair of arms encircled her.
These ones were large and familiar. She looked up at Burk and hugged him close. “A baby? Are you happy Eden?”
Eden gave him a watery smile. “Happier than I have ever been.”
Burk kissed her cheek and turned her over to Brooks. She hugged him close and he told her congratulations as well.
Before the celebrations were through, they could hear Cabe yelling for the men to prepare the boat for docking.
Eden looked around, and sure enough, they had made it to land. Everyone rushed to the side, and watched as the anchor was dropped, and the ropes were secured over the side.
The gangplank was lowered, and a cry was heard from the ground. Everyone looked over the side of the ship and an older woman stood there, waving a handkerchief in her hand. She was standing next to several footmen.
They walked down the gangplank to the dry land, happy to finally be home.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Cole
On the Docks, England Nov, 1812
As soon as they were on dry land again, Cole felt like he could finally take a deep breath.
He was grateful they had found Eden as quickly as they did, and that in the time they were on the ocean, they didn’t have a storm.
It would have taken them longer, and Cole was so happy for it. He loved the adventure, getting away from his thoughts, and his past.
But he was so happy to be home now. With his wife at his side, his baby growing inside her.
Cole pulled her in tighter to his side and kissed her forehead. How he loved this woman. He was grateful too, that Aidan had taken care of Katarina.
She wouldn’t be coming back to London anytime soon. That was for certain. Aidan had told the other captain to take her to the next dock and put her on a ship to Australia.
She had been arrested and was a criminal. It was where they sent the criminals, and Aidan knew that.
Australia was far enough away, and hard to get to. No one left once they got there, because most of the time, the criminals were either imprisoned, or sent to work camps.
It would be a hard life for Katarina, if she even survived the boat ride over. Most women didn’t.
But, after what she had done to his wife? And his sister? Cole didn’t care about her fate any longer. She had brought it on herself. And, though she had been family, she deserved everything she had gotten.
Putting her out of his mind, Cole resolved to never think of her again. She wasn’t worth it, and he wasn’t sad.
Cole blinked, and there was his mother, she had tears in her eyes, and some fell, as they got closer to her. He let Eden go, and pulled her into his arms.
Lydia started sobbing as soon as she was in his arms, and she clutched at him.
Cole shushed her and rocked her softly back and forth. “It’s all right, mother. We are fine. Safe and sound. We got them all back.”
Lydia looked up at him and kissed his cheek softly. “You are such a wonderful man Cole. I am so glad you are safe.”
Cole laughed, “Mother, this is my wife. Eden.”
Lydia gasped, “Your wife? Cole!”
Eden looked shocked, and was a little worried, but Cole laughed again. “Of course. I am sorry we got married without you, but I needed to make her mine. So, I did.”
Lydia smacked his arm, “You rogue. Couldn’t even wait to get back so your mother could see you wed.”
Eden came forward, and Lydia smiled. She pulled Eden in for a long hug, and Cole smiled. Eden was sniffling when the two pulled back, and Lydia was as well.
“You beautiful girl. Cole has told me so much about you, I feel as if you are one of my children. And, now I guess you are!”
She laughed, and Eden did as well. “I guess so. He told me a lot about you too. I apologize for not having you at our wedding. It was very quick, and I didn’t even know we were getting married until that morning!”
Eden smiled, and Lydia laughed again. “My boys tend to do that. Rhia didn’t know that they were getting married until she was walking down the aisle. They like surprises, I guess.”
Eden giggled. “We would actually love to have our wedding here as well, so that you can see. At Aidan’s estate. He said it would be lovely there.”
Lydia hugged her again, “I would love that.”
Cole was standing behind them, watching the exchange. “Mother, there is something else you should know.”
Lydia raised her eyebrow, “Oh?”
Cole smiled, “Eden is with child. You will be having another grandchild.”
Lydia clapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh, my dear!”
She hugged Eden again
, and then Cole. “Oh, I am so happy for you both. Another baby!”
She burst into tears again, and this time, Eden pulled her in close. Cole watched Eden whisper to his mother and loved seeing her with his family.
Aidan tapped him on the shoulder, “Told mother huh?”
Cole smirked, “Certainly. She reacted much like this with Rhia didn’t she?”
Aidan snorted, “Yes, cried. Rhia felt awful, but mother assured her it was good tears.”
Cole went to Eden’s side. “Let’s go home.”
She looked up at him and nodded, Lydia and Rhia followed behind and they walked to Lily, who reluctantly left Burk’s side.
Or should they say Burk reluctantly let her leave his side? Cole smirked, and Burk glared at him.
Which turned the smirk into a full-blown grin. Cole walked close to where Rose was standing and who was whispering to Cabe. Cabe had his eyebrows drawn down, and he was scowling.
Cole watched as Cabe reached out, and hauled Rose into his arms, where he kissed her soundly. Rose melted into his embrace, and then Cabe let her go.
He strode back up the gangplank, and Rose stood at the bottom, with her hand to her lips. Cole cleared his throat, and she jumped.
Then she saw who it was, and she tried to smile. She failed, but gathered her skirts, and followed the procession.
Cole looked at Aidan again, who just laughed, and shook his head. There were two carriages waiting, and Aidan, Rhia, Eden, and Cole got in one, and Lydia, Rose, Lily and Persephone got in the other.
Brooks had helped Persephone walk, and over the past few weeks, she had gotten stronger and better with walking.
She also hadn’t had a single episode of illness while they were on the ship. Not even seasickness, according to Eden. Cole had a feeling it was her parents more than anything that made her sick.
He shook his head, and let it go. Rhia and Eden were still laughing and talking, and Cole looked at Aidan.
“I am so relieved that everything worked out. It was almost like it was meant to be. Or that someone was watching out for us.”
Aidan smiled, “I know. It was easy sailing. You and I have never been so far from home before.”
The Marquess Who Adored Me Page 28
