His Choice (The Selection)

Epilogue 2

Wrote by firerose11

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"You need to get off your feet," Karigan fussed, shaking the bread knife at me.  "You, of all people, should know that."

I sighed, sitting down and massaging my back.  "I'm fine.  Between Lily and you, I have more time on my hands than I ever had.  I just want to actually do something."

"Not a chance, Ember," she scolded, sawing into the loaf.  "You know the agreement you made with Charles before he left.  I intend to make sure you keep your end of the deal."

"He's just as much as a fussy woman as you are," I answered.  "I'm not due for another five months.  My pregnancy has been perfectly normal so far.  I don't see what the big problem is."

A scowl blossomed across her face, and she hacked ferociously into the bread.  "The big problem is that if something happens, your husband is going to kill me.  Not to mention the fact that there's absolutely no reason for you to be on your feet."

I huffed, crossing my arms as Lily wandered into the kitchen.  Nathan and she had moved down to help with the clinic while I was under baby arrest.

"Em, you best not be complaining again.  I wish people were fussing over me as much as they are you," she said, stealing a piece of the sourdough and placing a hand on her stomach though she wasn't showing yet.

"Beautiful," Nathan told her, resting his chin on her head, "they're not fussing because you're not carrying the newest member of the royal line.  Not that I think our baby's going to be horrible because the mother didn't get pampered."

My friend basically melted, the only thing holding her up being his arms.  As she gushed, I felt a familiar throbbing in my chest.  Even though Charles had only been gone for a week, his absence had seemed like an eternity.

"By the way, your son's got quite the talent," he remarked, nodding towards the upper level of the house.  "If he keeps going like he is, he'll be the next hot boy musician."

I smiled.  "Thanks, Nathan, for working with Jackson.  I know it means the world to him."

The older musician merely shrugged before returning his attention to Lily, who was starting to plait his shaggy brunette hair into mini braids.

Watching the scene, I treasured the little moments in my heart: Lily and Nathaniel sneaking kisses, Karigan skirting around them with a giggle, the sound of my younger children playing in the living room.

The telephone rang right as I felt a slight kick against my stomach, the combination almost causing me to fall out of my chair.

"Oh," I whispered, settling my palm against the spot, "I see that your feisty side is coming out."

Karigan had picked up the telephone, a luxury that Charles had insisted on once we were married.

"Hello, Albin's Children Clinic.  How can I help you today?"

A grin formed on her face as she listened to the caller.  I felt the baby kick again, and I couldn't resist the urge to giggle.

Lily wandered over to me and cocked her head, silently asking permission.  I guided her palm to where the child had been and saw her face transform as another kick occurred.

"I can't wait," she muttered, her gaze drifting to Nathan.  "Our children will grow up together."

"I understand completely," Karigan said, nodding her head briskly.  "Yes, I'm sure they'll be thrilled.  See you in a bit."