The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 45 - Bedtime Discussions

"Are we really going to sleep?" Greg asked as they prepared for bed. "So early?"

The arrangement of the bathroom and closet in the master bedroom was very much like it had been at the farmhouse, precisely for this reason: they'd found their proximity to one another and the room-like nature of the walk-in closet often facilitated discussions while they were getting ready for bed or alternatively dressing for the day. It worked out so well for them in their rental house, Greg incorporated that feature here in the design of this house too. As he'd hoped, it was already serving the intended purpose ... now that they could find things that is, and could spent time talking as they changed rather than looking for things.

"We really are going to bed. I don't know about the sleep part," Susan said in a suggestive tone.

"Oh really?" Greg questioned with an arched brow as he prepared to brush his teeth while Susan stood in the closet and stripped off her clothes. "Did you have something in mind?"

Susan hesitated as she retrieved her nightgown, holding it to her chest before putting it on. She stood nude where she was with only the gown held to her front to cover her as she looked at him.

"I do, but maybe what I have in mind would be more appealing to you if I put this on?" she suggested.

Greg finished with his teeth, regarding her seriously in the mirror as he did.

"Susan, do you really doubt that you are appealing to me?" he asked curiously.

Susan shot him a crooked smile. "I am getting rather fat these days ... even fatter than I was the first time you saw me naked ... back on the beach in the rain."

Greg turned to study his wife directly instead of in the mirror. "Don't you know there are few sights as beautiful to a husband as the pregnant body of his wife?"

"I have heard that. But aside from the fact this is your baby, I don't see why. I feel so fat ...even if it is mostly baby ... and I know it's only going to get worse," she told him as she moved to pull her gown over her head, but Greg stopped her.

"That may be why, but it also happens to be true. Come here," he insisted taking her by the hand.

"What?" Susan hesitated holding back.

"Come with me. I want you to look into the mirror with me. Let me tell you what I see, without the gown," he prompted when she made to grab it.

Susan made a face.

"Come on," he insisted.

Taking his wife by the hand, Greg led her out of the closet to stand in front of the mirrored closet doors. Holding her by her shoulders, Greg stood directly behind her.

"Now, do you want to know what I see?" he asked.

"I have a feeling you're going to tell me, whether I want you to or not," Susan answered.

"I won't if you really don't want me to ... but I do think it would do you some good to hear it. May I?" he asked gently.

Susan nodded.

Using his hands and fingertips, Greg began to lightly trace the outline of her body starting with her face, speaking to each body part as his fingers came to it.

"Your face is full, healthy looking for the first time in five years. The half-starved look we've both worn for the past few years on you has finally disappeared," he said as his fingertips traced the edges of her hairline, outlining her face.

"Your cheeks are pink, flushed with the glow so characteristic of pregnancy," he said as his fingers brushed those too.

"Your figure is fuller, but you are not fat," Greg said as his fingers traced the lines of her neck.