Into the Rage

Chapter 59

Staring out the window I had noticed we were getting closer to the St. James property and my chance to say one more thing to Declan would be gone until tonight if I didn't take it now.

I twisted in my seat and stared at him, and catching him off guard completely, he did something I've never seen him do before. He blushed, the tips of his ears turned a little red.

I tentatively placed my hand to the side of his face and let my forehead rest against his. We stayed like that for a while, almost like we were remembering what it used to feel like when we had this closeness all the time.

Maybe what happened between us was like a yellow caution light, telling us to slow down and treasure what we had, not to take for granted something that could so easily be taken away.

"I want to ask you something" I whispered, still leaning against him. "What is it baby?" I swallowed hard at the term I feared I would never hear again.

"Please don't sleep in the guest room, tonight, or at home. We don't have to make love yet, and I don't know about you but I can't bear another night in bed alone."

He didn't try to ask me if I was sure or tell me I needed to think about it first, he just kissed me, like I had kissed him earlier and when he pulled back, he let his thumb skirt across my bottom lip, his eyes back and forth between that and my gaze.

"I love the sound of that very much" he said back, kissing my cheek before pulling me into him, his arm wrapped around my waist.

I let my right hand rest on his chest, above his heart. His beautiful heart that was drumming like crazy, for me. I closed my eyes letting the staccato rhythm lull me into a peace that grasped me tightly.

I felt the car come to a stop as I watched Nate get out and open our door.  "Bring both bags to my old room, Nate.  Please" I heard Declan tell the man, a slow smile spread across his face.  "Very good sir" he said.

Declan grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips where he placed the most sweet kiss, which in turn put the most amazing smile on my face.

Whatever his mom fixed for dinner had me salivating and my stomach growling.  Declan smirked at me when he heard the Godzilla-like noise emerge from my stomach.

Everyone stopped talking when we entered the kitchen and then Daphne was the first to come to us, enveloping us both in her arms.

Nigella and Murray were next, then Devon and Dax.  It made me feel elated when I saw the two brothers hug each other, not like a half-hearted bro hug, a real honest-to-goodness hug that said I love you, we are family.

Once the greetings were done, Nigella and I helped Daphne set the table while we carried on with small talk.

"Darling you are looking very well" Daphne remarked.  I said thank you, then added "Declan has been taking really good care of me."

"Well he'd better be" Daphne mumbled, making Nigella and I laugh as she turned and feigned a "What?"  I loved his mom, she was so amazing and I hoped to be half the wife and mother she is.

Daphne had her husband grill filet mignon, twice baked potatoes and grilled vegetables.  She also had yeast rolls made and salad.  She said dessert was her mother's cherry cobbler recipe and I knew that was Declan's doing.

Once we had the table set and the food was ready and waiting in the kitchen, Declan came and stood beside me, nodding that he was ready for our announcement.

I gripped his hand as he began to speak. "Before we eat, Amethyst and I have something we'd like to share with you. Baby?" He said, giving the conversation over to me now.

"Um, well I'll just come right out and say it. The procedure that I underwent six weeks ago was a success. Declan and I are pregnant."

Daphne's shriek broke the silence as she ran to her son first and then me, hugging us tightly and crying, saying she had been praying for this for a long time.

Dax was next, hugging his son and then when he got to me, he hugged me and whispered thank you. Murray and Nigella were next, with Nig sobbing with me right along with her.

Devon gave his brother an hug and then me, I got the best one a girl could get from a brother.

Declan pulled the sonogram pics from his dress shirt pocket and handed them to his mom, who started crying all over again.

When we all finally settled down and filled our plates with food, we gathered around the family dining table as Dax said grace.

I looked around, at the people that surrounded us, and was so thankful for the family I had inherited because of Declan. He was my family now and I could no longer alienate him.

Did we need a therapist? Yes. Did we need to talk more about what happened? Yes. Did I forgive him? Yes! Did I want to marry him? More than anything!

"I think I just gained ten pounds" I said giggling and patting my belly and so glad I was wearing leggings and a big sweater.

"Now Amethyst darling, you have to eat dessert! Declan told me you have a thing for anything cherry" she said smiling. I blushed and nodded while Declan mouthed sorry.

It was okay, I didn't mind, in fact it was very sweet of him telling her that.

Daphne made sure to fix me a huge bowl with a scoop of vanilla on top and I couldn't eat it fast enough.

With supper and dessert finally out of the way, we all sat down in the den, talking and laughing for a couple more hours before I leaned over and told Declan I was exhausted.

"Why don't you go get in the shower and I'll be along in a bit. Okay?" I couldn't help myself with the kiss I gave him and it felt right. "Okay" I responded, getting up.

After telling everyone good night, I walked wearily up the stairs to Declan's room, thankful I wouldn't be alone tonight.

I pulled our sleep clothes out and turned down the bed and then went into the bathroom to start the shower.

I stood under the hot water letting it run down my body, washing the tiredness of the day and past weeks from my mind.

I had no idea how incredibly tiring being pregnant could be.  I raised my head up to the shower head, eyes closed as I was pelted by the soft droplets.

I never heard Declan get into the shower but I felt his hands snake around my waist, his lips kissing my neck while his hands caressed my belly.

"Declan" my voice hitched with pent up emotion.  Declan continued kissing my neck while his hands roamed all over my breasts, caressing them, kneading them.

He picked me up and put my back to the shower wall, my legs wrapped around his waist while his lips devoured mine.

"I'm going to sit down" he whispered as his body lowered us to the shower floor.

Still straddling his lap, we lost ourselves in our kisses, surrendering every part of us to the other, we gave in.