The Duke and I - Post Episode 8 stories

Labour and Proposals

It was an oddly warm day for the beginning of Spring at Clyvedon house, the sun's rays seeming more infectious than usual. Simon wanted to take full advantage of such a rare and beautiful day after a trying winter, and planned to spend some time playing outside with Adam. Daphne was nearly due with their second child in another 3 weeks, the doctor had predicted at her last check-up. Thus, she was feeling extra sleepy today, and wished to rest in bed for a while longer before going over the preparations for her mother's arrival in one week with Mrs. Coulson. Violet would be coming to stay with them again to help prepare Daphne for the birth, along with her support during when the time came, which is why she was coming sooner, in case this baby had decided to come early. She had also missed her grandson dearly, and wanted to spend more time with him before the new baby arrived. Lady Danbury would be arriving once Simon and Daphne had settled after the birth, as she considered them to be her family, and would want to meet her newest grandchild as well.

"Oh no you don't little one. Your mama needs to rest, let us leave her while we enjoy the outdoors," he spoke to Adam, who was crawling on their bed towards Daphne's open arms, not wanting to leave her. He jumped forward into her embrace, his knee jabbing into her swollen stomach on accident.

"Ahhh!" Daphne inhaled sharply while taking him into her arms, not wanting to yell and scare him, but his knee hitting her bump had made her vision blur for a moment as the pain spread deep within her stomach.

Simon's eyes widened, and he was at her side instantly, his voice urgent as he said "Daph! What's wrong?"

"Our rambunctious son accidentally kneed my bump when he lurched into my arms, it's nothing though really, the pain has passed. Do enjoy your time together outside today, it looks lovely" she said, omitting the truth that the pain was still lingering. Simon would lose his mind, not in anger towards Adam, he never showed anything but love and patience towards him, but over her safety. No matter of reassurances in the world would matter to him when she was in pain, the only thing soothing his troubled mind was seeing her back in her usual perfect state.

Simon eyed her curiously, but took her word for it. He leaned in, kissing her on the forehead, breathing in her sweet scent. Adam had wiggled his way up between their heads, forcing Simon to pull away, and Daphne sighed internally. She loved her son, but at times she missed never having her moments with Simon interrupted. And now they would have another intruder soon, but they were both delighted to expand their family. It only made their time together that much more intense. As if they needed any more intensity. It made things titillating as they had to sneak around their own home, stealing kisses and quick releases when possible. Although they had enough staff to care for their child, they were both hands-on parents. And so, they were still figuring out the balance between parents and lovers, as they tried to eradicate the guilt both felt when they did have a staff watch over him as they spent some much-needed time together.

"Careful with Mama, she is carrying your new brother or sister. Imagine she is like your favourite toy, we are gentle with the things we love, yes?" he said, swooping Adam up into his arms, nuzzling his nose with his own. Daphne couldn't help but smile at the irony as Simon was being so gentle and loving with him, as he told Adam to be gentle with the things that we love. She imagined him with their daughter, and her heart melted at the image. Simon holding her hands as she stumbles into her first steps, her brown eyes matching his own with curls to match, as they smiled that same smile at one another. Above all she wished for a healthy baby, and if whatever higher power existed, if they could, a girl as well.

"Yesss" he giggled.

Simon kissed his cheek, feeling grateful for Daphne as she helped him discover his own desire to have a family, as he could not imagine himself happier than he is now. He looked to Daphne, his eyes aglow as he said "I love you very much, you know that yes?"