The Duke and I - Post Episode 8 stories

Forever more

The heat from sun was dwindling, as it edged closer and closer to the horizon of hills miles away. Not quite down, but resting perfectly atop the tip of one of the hills, like an orange balancing on a ledge. The flowers were in full bloom, filling the open fields with wild flowers as far as the eye could see. Simon and Daphne were at their spot, the one Simon's mother had gone to when she was pregnant, the one Simon had taken Daphne to on their first date as they entered a new level of their relationship. They had gone through hell together, due to a lack of communication, trust issues, and unresolved traumas. Despite all the trials and tribulations that produced a heartache for Simon that he never thought he could possibly feel, it also made him aware that he was in fact capable of feeling. And god did he ever feel it all and more for Daphne.

Simon looked down at her, and felt his body radiate with love. She had fallen asleep in his arms as they were laying on the blanket, enjoying their favourite view together and the simplicity of each other's presence in the stillness. Her eyebrows were rested, her cheeks slightly pink, lips parted as she dreamed. One of her hands rested on her barely visible bump, since they had received confirmation two days ago that she was with their third child. Simon slowly moved his hand to cover hers that was resting on her stomach, and marveled at his brilliant, strong wife. It truly amazed him each and every time she was with child, how their love could produce something they would love more than anything in this world, besides each other of course.

Simon slid his arm gently from under Daphne, and nudged his body downwards until his face was level with her stomach. Daphne had stirred in her sleep, but if she had awoken, she had not made it aware to Simon, so he continued. He lightly lay his head under her breasts, while he lifted his hand from hers, and began gently rubbing her stomach back and forth.

"I love you so much already, little Caroline or Cassian," Simon whispered, the two names they had picked together for a girl or boy, though Daphne was certain it will be another girl. Simon did not care for gender, just a healthy baby and mother post birth. Simon closed his eyes, while his hand traced circles on her stomach, as he let his emotions be felt. The wind was lightly blowing across his cheek, the warmth of the day's sun still soaked into his skin. He felt pure serenity, laying on his wife's stomach, whom he could never gather enough words to express what she means to him, and their baby that lies inside. Simon pressed his lips to her stomach, and suddenly heard the rapid beating of Daphne's heart, she was indeed awake.
Simon smiled, and continued kissing her belly all over, while her heart beat got faster and faster. Daphne's fingers found their way to Simon's hair, gently running them over top. Simon sighed in appreciation, then twisted his head so that he may look at her, and his chest grew two sizes as he took in the sight of her. Daphne's eyes were hazy, as she was still coming out of her sleep, but her smile was wide, and carefree as they locked eyes.

"What a view to wake up to," she said, as she continued to play with Simon's hair.

Simon chuckled, "You looked so peaceful in your dreams, sorry to wake you my love."

"Nothing to be sorry of when my life is better than any dream," she mused, her eyes flickering as she replayed the dream in her mind.

Simon propped his head up off of her belly, his eyebrow raised as he said "But?"

Daphne's lips opened, then closed, as she thought over what she wanted to say. Simon remained silent, as he patiently waited for the words to come to her.

"I was dreaming of you and I, travelling the south of France. Although I have never been there, I have heard it is quite beautiful, so in my dreams it was. I have never left the county, you know," she paused, taking Simon's hand into her own before continuing on, "So, I feel awful for admitting this, but I want to go, just the two of us..." trailing the words she did not wish to speak.