Embers of Sun and Flame: Before We Have It (Fuegoleon x OC)

Chapter 42 Happiness and the worry that comes with it

Light trickled into the room through the window, but it wasn't the warm, soft, tender light of the sun. Rather, it was the cool, eerie light of the silver moon that had climbed high up in the sky. But in the silence of the bedroom, it felt more fitting than sunlight.

There was amusement in the thought, that for once, he'd think this... nearly cold light, to be better suited for the occasion. But the amusement was soundless, as Fue didn't dare let it flow past his lips, past the faint smile of his, as he laid on the bed with his arm wrapped around Solara while spooning her.

His hand was on her stomach, trailing up and down on it, caressing it.

It's... funny, I suppose. How this seems so surreal now that we're here. Though we talked about children, and marriage, for what seemed like the longest of time, this was still... like a distant dream. And now... now we're there. Or here. Beginning a new chapter of our lives.

He leaned closer, slowly and carefully to keep the bed shifting as little as possible under him, and pressed a kiss onto her head.

I wonder what kind of people our child will be... I wonder if... I'll be a good father... The movement of his hand ceased for a while, only to remain in place, in the middle of her stomach, as if guarding it.

His eyes turned down, as if to gaze towards his hand for a while, until he closed his eyes and settled into the embrace. The scent of jasmine flowed through the air to him, which he breathed in, as deep as he could, and exhaled with a low hum.

His muscles relaxed further, as he allowed the faint sense of tension and worry seep into the sheets, and comfort settled in its place.

But I promise that I'll be the best father I can be. There's a lot that ... requires my attention now, and there'll surely be a lot that requires my attention in the future as well. There always will be. But... I promise to be the best husband that I can be, the best father I can be, and... with you, I'm certain that we can make it work. Just like we have made it work until now.

He took another deep breath, breathing in her scent and recommenced the movement of his hand.

I know that you'll be a wonderful, loving mother to our children. All of the ones that we'll be blessed with. And I know that you'll be the best spouse you can be, too, which is all I can ask of you, but... We'll make it work, and I'm sure we'll have a happy family.

His hold of her grew stronger as he pulled her closer.

Our family... our perfect... little family...

What faint frown of worry might have passed through his expression faded away, as he thought about it.

It is scary, to become a father, but I'm more eager to see it than scared. I am eager to meet our children, and see them grow into the wonderful people that they'll be... I can't wait to see them take their first steps, hear them laugh... teach them magic. I can't wait to experience it all.

He pressed another kiss onto her head, and let his breath glide through her hair, which brought warmth to her. All the while, still, nothing but the sound of her steady breathing lingered in the air, as she slept, safely, within his embrace.

And I promise... to love you, all of you, with all that I have. All that I am...

He concentrated on the feeling of her chest rising and falling, the sound of her breath, and the scent of her hair, as his smile only widened.

The bed under them was soft, and warm, as if floating on a cloud. As if the heavens above had descended to them, and existed within their bedroom. A blessing. Something divine and nearly too good to be true.