Color of Roses

Movement

Chapter 39

It was nearing the end of winter and the coldness that lingered over the castle was slowly starting to fade. My belly had gotten slightly bigger as the months passed and I had to have my maids alter my dresses to accommodate for my growing middle. Thankfully, my morning sickness was at its minimum and I was able to continue my life as I normally did.

Giles had discussed having our wedding once spring came and I was growing impatient. It was becoming obvious that I was expecting and I couldn't wait to be Alyn's wife. I knew sooner or later I'd have to tell Giles about my condition but I was terrified of the outcome.

Alyn was sent away to the border to secure our territory from Stein. A few soldiers still loyal to King Byron had crossed into our land seeking revenge for our raid of their castle. I hadn't seen him since the middle of winter and I missed him dearly.

I stir in my sleep as the soft creak of my door starts to wake me. My room is dim aside from some lit candles illuminating small portions of my bedroom. I rub my eyes and focus as a figure steps into my room.

"I didn't mean to wake you," a hushed voice says. I immediately lift the covers and step out of the bed and embrace the figure. "Alyn!" I say excitedly. Our lips meet and I tighten my hold around his neck using the tips of my toes to give me leverage.

We step into the light of a candle and his eyes lock with mine. "You're just as beautiful as the day I left," he says with a sly grin. I smile and glance down at my nightgown to see the small bump poke through the silky fabric as it clings to my frame. He notices my gaze and his eyes wander down and linger on my tummy.

I place my hand over it protectively. "I'm starting to show," I whisper.

He remains quiet and I tilt my head up and look in his eyes. A soft smile rests on his face and he places a hand over mine. "It's really happening," he says. "We really are having a child."

"Did you think I would lie about that?" I say raising my brow.

"No," he says quickly. "It just seems like a dream to me."

"I know what you mean," I say and take a seat on the edge of the bed.

"We'll have to tell Giles soon," he says beside me; his hand still resting on my belly.

"Don't remind me," I sigh. Spring was less than a month away and I'd be nearing the sixth month since finding out I was pregnant.

I strange feeling fills my stomach and I turn my head to face Alyn. "Don't tap me," I say a bit annoyed.

"I didn't tap you," Alyn says looking confused.

"Yes you did. I felt it right where your hand is."

"I swear I didn't do anything. My hand has been still the whole time."

I narrow my eyes at him and the feeling happens again. "You did it again."

Alyn removes his hand and looks at me strangely. "Is something wrong?"

"No, it's just that I felt something," I say baffled. A light flutter of movement fills my stomach and I look at Alyn's hand resting in his lap. My eyes widen and I firmly place my hand on my belly. A light tap hits my palm and I gasp. I immediately grab Alyn's and exchange it with mine. He looks confused. "Just wait," I say and press his hand closer. He waits patiently and I smile as the feeling of movement surprises him.

"I felt it," he says astonished. He holds his hand there once more and sure enough the flitter of movement happens and he smiles wide. "I can feel our baby," he says excitedly.

"I can't believe it," I say. Our eyes meet and I don't hold back from pulling Alyn in for a soft kiss. He rubs his hand gently over my middle and the flutter of butterflies fills it with each stroke. "I hope it's a girl," I whisper.

"I bet it's a boy," Alyn says resting his head against mine. "Or it could be both."

I nearly forgot Alyn was a twin. "I hope not," I say breathless. Alyn chuckles lightly before kissing my forehead. "No matter what it is, I'll love it just the same."

We embrace in several more kisses and end up entwining ourselves for the rest of the night.