Secrets. (Asa Butterfield Sequel to 'Changes')

39

I listened to what Asa just told me, stunned into silence. Was he really proposing to me? Was I still unconscious, and is this just part of my dream? I couldn't believe it. I'd been waiting for this question ever since we'd moved in together a year ago! One half of me wanted to say yes...

While the other half felt like he had just popped the question because I'd had his children. Maybe he felt obliged too?

"I-I.." I started, my voice sounding croaky, from just waking up and also from the shock. I had to lick my lips as they were so dry, and I could hardly get any words out. "Uh.. I don't know what to say."

"Gemma, I understand this is very fast, seeing as you've just had the babies and all, but I've been preparing to ask you for awhile and I just felt this was the right time.. It's fine if you don't want too, I completely understand. I can just ask you again another time." Asa squeezed my hand gently and kissed it, being aware of the tubes that were attached to me.

"No Ace, I do want too! I just think.. Do you feel obliged to ask me this just because I've had your kids? I mean, just because I've given birth to your babies doesn't mean we have to rush into marriage, don't get me wrong I'd love too, but I actually need to feel like you want to marry me."

"I do want to marry you Gem.. If I didn't I wouldn't have asked you." As soon as he said that, I heard tiny little wails from beside me. One of my baby girls was awake, and hungry.

"We can continue this talk later Ace, but in the mean time can you get the midwife in? I need her help with breastfeeding." I lifted baby Aria Rose and pulled my nightie down at the top easily, seeing as it was loose at the neck. The midwife walked into the room and she came over to me and helped me hold her in a position that would be comfy for the both of us.

"Now, we have to make sure her mouth covers not only the nipple, but the areola and some skin, as the movements of her jaw will help with the milk flow. This may take a few times to get right seeing as you're both new to this, so we'll help you as much as possible. Breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby." The midwife held Aria's little head and helped her latch on. It took a few minutes of the baby feeling around with her mouth, finding the spot, then pulling away, only to find it again, until she finally got it right. "Now, there are creams we can recommend for you, as when you've been breastfeeding the nipples tend to become very tender and raw. I can get some of those ordered for you?"

I was too busy focusing on baby Aria suckling on my breast, but I heard Asa answer, "that'd be great, thank you."

"Can I ask something?" I said, looking up finally. "What if Jessica wants to eat as well? Do I breastfeed with both or will I just wait until ones finished eating and then let the other one."

"Well, you can, but if you let them eat one after the other with the same nipple that'd make it even more raw, you can breastfeed both at the same time, it is possible. Only if you feel comfortable." The midwife smiled. I nodded and smiled back, before looking back down and at little Aria; still eating.

Once the midwife left the room I looked at Asa. "You know.. Before the babies came along I really wanted to get married, but now? I think it'll be too rushed. I mean, weddings are stressful enough without two newborns to look after. I think we should wait a year or so, okay?"

Asa nodded. "I agree. Okay, I'll wait for you." He chuckled.

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A/N: short chapter sorry! and sorry for the wait, I've kinda had writers block, I didn't know whether Gemma should accept Asa's proposal or decline it, then I thought it'd be too rushed with the wedding and babies and all.

But don't you worry, Gemma and Asa WILL end up getting married. Someday... ;)

(PS: this is NOT the last book in the series! i'm currently working on the last one)