The Thorn of the Rose

Wait until Christmas

Six years later at the Claybourne Estate and Damris's POV...

The early Autumn weather was changing the estate into a colorful wonderland. The staff was decorating for the spooky season while the estate was a week pause for the preparation. I was standing there, discussing what should go where when a little voice boomed from the front entrance.

"Mommy, we're home!" The cheerful sound of my soon to be, four-year-old daughter sang out. "Look and see what we got." Giving Jasper a smile, I headed towards the door. Just outside was 'mini me' copy of her father with my eyes somehow, dressed in the pumpkin covered outfit and light demin jacket that she left in this morning. Now, there was a witch's hat on her head.

She was in October's arms. He decided to dress a bit more like a Victorian gentleman with his favorite velvet jacket for their daddy and daughter day out. I braided his hair for him today since it was now passed his waist, ghosting the middle of his thighs when loose. Like her, he was wearing the biggest smile that he could.

"Oh no. What have you two found?" I joked for I knew those looks all too well.

Since the moment Rose Martha Claybourne was born, they had been like two peas in a pod. Wherever October was, Rose was right with him even before she was crawling. Her favorite place to be is in his arms. Can't lie, it is a great place to be, even after all these years.

"Skeletons, mommy." Rose proudly pointed at the bed of October's glossy black extended cub Silverado. There were four huge boxes in the back. "Big ones too." She lifted her arms up to try to show how big.

"April found a deal on a few of those 12-foot skeletons and sent me the link the other day. Ordered them and picked them up while Rosie and I were in town. Found a few more things in the store." October bent down to give me a kiss. Going to the truck, he opened the door to show all the jack o lanterns, witch hats, and other things they got. "That is all Rosie." He expressed.

"You're letting our daughter take the heat for this." I teased. October loved Christmas more, so it was odd that our child was a Halloween junkie. Could be because she was literally born on that day. My due date was actually for November 2nd, but Rose decided to come a bit early.

"Yes." October teased back while setting Rose down. The staff was already out, taking everything from the truck. Taking Rose by the hand, we went into the kitchen for a snack and talk about her day out with daddy. I lived for these moments now.

The day rolled into the evening. October was reading Rose a bedtime story for a book they found on their day out. I was waiting in our bedroom for I had to discuss something with October that was important. Honestly, I was nervous.

I sighed, looking at the wedding photo that was the dresser. It was a small ceremony in the rose garden in the mid Spring. It was nearly a year to the day of meeting October when we became husband and wife. Everyone thought we were rushing it except for April and Madsion who literally became our unofficial wedding planners when we talk to about our plan.

For the ceremony, I was in a fitted corset, mermaid gown of pearl white and lace. There were real pearls sewn on my bodice. October was going to go with a black tux, but I lustfully suggested his leather pants and a red rose detailed vest over his white ruffle shirt. His hair was down while mine was up with roses pined on the side. In the picture, we were kissing while I was holding the small bouquet of red roses to my side.

The door opened and October stepped through. His serene face lined with worry quickly as he went straight for me. Embracing me in his arms, he asked. "What did the doctor say?" He kissed my forehead.

"Not cancer." I reassured him that very moment. In the last few weeks, I felt off and strange. There were spells where I was getting lightheaded and sick to my stomach. I had blood work done in see what it could be. One thing that I had them look for was any notions of cancer to clear that worry out. Also to see where I was for my age, I had to be in the stages of menopause now.

"So, menopause." October sighed in relief. A smile played on his lips since the weight of worry was gone.

"No." I looked up at him. His head snapped at me with a quizzitive look. I reached into my purse and pulled out a sonagram. "I'm pregnant." I blurted out. Tears sprung from my eyes for I have been an emotional mess since I saw the ultrasound of the new life inside me on the screen.

"Pregnant." October took the picture from my hand. His hands were a bit shaky. "Dary, this says..."

"I am nearly five months. All this time, I have been pregnant, and we did not even know it." I uttered. "I thought it was menopause. Nope, it's a baby. And I am due December 23." I spoke quickly.

October just looked at me in shock and wonder. We decided to just have one child since I was older. Rose was conceived with a bit of help with fertility treatment. This one was done the old fashion way without even trying.

October looked down at my stomach that had gotten a bit softer since carrying Rose. His fingers brushed against my blouse. I took his hand and pressed it to my side. His eyes jumped to mine when he felt something roll into his hand from the inside.

"A son?" Now, there were tears in his eyes. I nodded, letting my own tears spill out. "We're having a boy." October uttered as he was trying to get his mind around the concept.

"Mommy, daddy. I need a drink...why are you crying?" Rose was at our door with her doll in her arms. Her black hair was braided from her face, and she had opted for her favorite ruffle pink pajamas for bed.

"Rose, you are going to be a big sister." October told her, dropping to a knee as she ran over to us. October showed her the sonogram picture. I let her feel the baby who decide to get really active to join in.

"There is a baby inside mommy?" Rose asked with her eyes wide.

"Yes." I answered happily. "Your brother will be here before Christmas." I told her.

"Hey." She whispered to my stomach. "Wait until Christmas. You get more presents." She patted my belly.