9 Chapter 9

Two weeks passed more quickly than Elle had hoped. She wanted to find Kevan after he ran from her room, but she wasn't allowed out of bed for the first few days. She had spent her time getting used to the thought of becoming a mother. She tried to enjoy the moments alone and not worry about Kevan or even Aedan. As the days went by, she found herself thinking of Aedan more and more. How would he take this news? Would he show more feelings towards her, other than contempt? She couldn't help but to want to make him like her and want her. He was her husband and the father of her future child. Once she was able to leave her room, under strict orders not to put stress on herself or the baby, she walked the castle searching for Kevan. She still didn't know her way around much of the castle or grounds, but she looked where she could. She couldn't find him anywhere except for at meals, where it seemed they were always separated by a guest or family member.

Today was the day that Aedan would be returning. He knew she was pregnant, she could thank her mother-in-law for spilling that news. Elle had hoped to tell him herself, but Lady Callaghan had written to her son before anyone could stop her. A letter had arrived two days ago by messenger stating that the group would be returning by supper tonight. Elle had kept to herself in her room for most of the morning, taking her breakfast alone. After her bath, Rose helped her get dressed in a beautiful cream gown with a pale blue lining that peaked out from beneath her collar and sleeves. It was a gift from the Lord and Lady Callaghan, in hopes of the baby in her womb being a male and future heir. The group would be arriving any moment.

 Elle had emerged from her solitude only to stand alone at the gate. Kevan stood a few feet away with his parents. He would not look her way. She sighed and turned her attention to the cloud of dust billowing toward them. At the head of the group was her husband. He looked as if he had not bathed in the entire length of his absence. Still, he looked handsome and strong as he came to a stop in front of her. She kept her hands clasped loosely in front of her belly and small smile on her lips. She opened her mouth to welcome her husband home, but was unable to get the words out as his mouth crashed over hers. Strong arms wound around her waist and lifted her into the air. For the first time since she had met him, Aedan laughed. The sound made her smile, for it was a deep and rumbling chuckle that suited him well. She placed her hands on his broad chest and could feel his heart racing under them. "Oi'm sorry. Oi shouldn't be liftin' yer up. Oi wouldn't want anythin' ter 'appen ter our babe." He set her down gently, grinning from ear to ear. Elle could feel the blush creeping up her neck at the affection he was showing her. He was happy and that's all that mattered. He linked her arm through his and escorted her back into the castle. Keeping her eyes on her husband, Elle didn't catch the look of jealousy coming from his brother.

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Aedan felt like he was in a warm bubble of happiness. He never imagined he could feel this way about Elle, Eleanor Callaghan, his wife and mother of his child. He had gone into this marriage with a hardened heart and no love for the woman in his bed. Now, he couldn't stop looking at her and staring into her bright eyes. His mind went back to when he read the letter from his mother. He had been skimming past the usual greetings and well wishes from her and his father. His eyes stopped suddenly when he read the word pregnant. Lady Elle fainted when you departed and the doctor declared her pregnant. You will have an heir soon my son!  The letter had drifted from his limp fingers. He was going to be a father after all. He pictured a little boy with short curls of golden brown hair chasing behind him as he worked in the fields.

Returning his focus back to the present, Aedan peeked at his wife from his position in the large tub. She had looked beautiful in her new gown. It disheartened him once he realized that his dirty garb had left stains on it. Currently, she was pulling at the strings on her back, attempting to remove it. He finished his bath and rose with water sloshing down around him. He pulled a towel from a nearby stack and wrapped it tightly around his waist before walking over to her. "Let me." He said as he gently removed her hands. He pulled carefully at the ribbon, loosening it little by little, until the garment was loose enough to fall from her shoulders. It would have fallen the entire length of her body, if not for her hands holding it in place on her bosom. He felt the hesitation in her body as he ran his hand over her soft skin. He should have expected no less from her after the way he had treated her for the past few months. He touched his lips to the base of her neck, pushing her long braid to the side with his fingers. "Oi'm so sorry." He whispered into her ear in between kisses along her neck. He coaxed her to turn and face him, pulling her close to his still wet body. He connected his eyes with hers, holding her chin gently in his fingertips. "Please forgive me for treatin' yer de way dat Oi did. Yer didn't deserve any av it." He looked pleadingly into her eyes for any sign of forgiveness. "You are my husband. Of course I forgive you." Her breathless response gave him a rush of affection for her. He wanted to lift her onto the bed and take her right then. The reasonable part of his brain reminded him that this was not a good idea. Instead, he covered her mouth with his and let her feel his emotions. He took her hands in his and pulled them away from her body, allowing the dress to fall between them. He let his hands roam over her breasts and slowly move down to belly. He dropped to his knees and tenderly pressed his lips to her stomach. Her hands grasped the side of his head, with her fingers running through his dripping hair. He looked up at her, with his arms around her waist. "Oi love yer, Eleanor Callaghan." He stood and kissed her lips again. "Oi'm very 'appy dat yer goin' ter 'ave me son."

 

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Elle was ecstatic and worried at her husband's new-found affection. It was exactly what she had wanted from him in the first place, wasn't it? He held his face in her hands as he kissed her with a passion she had never experienced. When he announced his love for her, she smiled up at him. Her smile faltered slightly at his confidence that she would have a son. She could only imagine what Aedan's reaction would be if she had a girl instead. She leaned her head onto his chest as he held her. This baby had to be a boy. It just had to be.

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