Passion's Instinct

Thirteen

Natalie

We threw our bags on the floor as soon as we entered our home the next morning and started to inspect. Immediately I noticed several of our engagement and wedding pictures were gone. I started to freak out, but I was relieved to see them stacked behind me on a table.

"Ah, seriously? I just got these windows replaced!"

I ran over to Hayden where he was standing at one of the windows in the dining room. He picked up a shard of glass, turning it over in his fingers.

"What did we do wrong?" I asked, leaning against him.

He took my hand, kissing the side of my head. "Nothing. We didn't do anything to deserve this."

"But our honeymoon..."

"I know, Angel. I guess we're going to have to-"

"You said 'Angel.'"

He smacked his forehead. "Uh, whatever. I mean, Natalie. We're just going to have to have a honeymoon at home, I guess." Hayden sighed and shook his head.

"You're getting so used to playing Anakin."

"I know."

***********************************

Several months had passed, and we had attended some very important events. We attended the premiere of the Attack of the Clones, Kaylen's high school graduation, and one of our friends had just gotten married. The day we had gotten home from our two-day honeymoon, Hayden had the window replaced in the dining room. Of course, Kota had gotten back home, but we actually kept her at the kennel for the remaining twelve days. I was casted in a new movie called "Cold Mountain" as a character named "Sara."

A lot had changed in four months.

I got home that night late, at about midnight. Once I stripped my dress, heels and all clothing away, I pulled on pajamas, I kissed Hayden's cheek softly and got the rest of the way ready. He was fast asleep, sprawled across our bed.

I was exhausted. Once my makeup was gone off of my face, I was a complete disaster. There were dark circles under my eyes. I applied moisturizer and concealer to get rid of the shadows. I brushed my teeth, swished with mouthwash, braided my hair and washed my face.

I sighed as I walked out of the bathroom and collapsed beside Hayden in bed. He looked so adorable when he was sleeping. Well, always. But when he was sleeping, he just looked so peaceful and quiet.

All of the sudden, Hayden snapped up and started to whisper my name once the lights were all off.

"Hayden! Hayden, baby, I'm right here," I said. He turned around and pressed his lips to mine softly.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you too. Why were you so scared?"

"I wasn't scared! I just was nervous because I thought you weren't home yet." He shifted positions and hugged me to his side. "How did it go? Was it sketchy? Did you show everyone your ring to remind them you're married?"

I laughed. "It was good, and it was not sketchy. But you have to remember, Hayden, it's a bar and grille and it's late at night, you can't expect it to be wonderfully innocent."

"I know." He kissed me. "I love you."

"I love you."

"How much did you drink? A glass of wine?"

"I can't."

"What?"

"I can't, Hayden. I'm pregnant."

"Are you serious?" He smiled. "That's...that's great!"

"I guess we didn't wait as long as we were going to, but...oh, well. It'll be so worth it."

"Ah, I wish it didn't take as long as nine months."

"It's worth the wait," I said, touching the tip of Hayden's nose playfully. "I'm five weeks pregnant."

He leaned down, kissing my stomach. I laughed and ran my fingers through his hair. "What about names?" he asked, cradling me in his arms.

"Ruth? Ruthie?"

Hayden shook his head. "Nah."

"Quinn?"

"Ugh, where did you get that one?"

I laughed. "I'm kidding. What about-"

"Wait. We have to divide it in sections. Girl or boy. Okay. Girl, Delilah."

"That's cute. What about Rowan? No, for a boy--Sawyer. I absolutely am in love with that name."

"I do like that one." Hayden shifted his body slightly. "When will we be able to know?"

"What? The gender?"

"Yeah."

I hesitated. "I'll probably get an ultrasound around 18 to 20 weeks."

"Four months?" He groaned. "That's too long."

"I agree with that statement."