Prints on our hearts

Chapter Twenty Three

AN: Okay so this is a little shorter and I am so sorry for the long wait! Yesterday was my birthday and had me so caught up. Finally, here it is! 

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          The ride to the island was the longest that Alex had ever endured. She was sitting back rubbing her fingers over the felt box in her pocket. She noticed that James had an old ballcap down over his face. Dakota didn't seem to notice who he was. "So James, how is it being finally home?", she hinted. Dakota's focus seem to stop and he stilled. James lifted his hat with a smirk. "You know, not quite the welcoming I had imagined.", he joked. Dakota suddenly flung himself from the driver's seat and to James. James was a good few inches taller than Dakota. He hugged the man tightly seemingly overcome by emotion. They chatted happily while Alex took over driving. She was determined to get home despite the growing anxiety in the pit of her stomach. She could not imagine how Alma would react to her being alive and home. Soon the island came into view. Dakota took over again to dock. Alex fidgeted with her fingers nervously as they pulled up to the dock. Raoul tied up the boat and helped Lillian step out. They were followed by Dakota and James. Alex took a breath and took a step towards the dock when a scream filled the air. It was Amelia. The noise was pure grief. Alex skipped stepping up and leapt to the dock to see Amelia sprinting full speed towards them. Her eyes were red and puffy. Alex smiled widely and held out her arms. Amelia hit her like a brick was but she stayed steady and hugged her sobbing daughter. Amelia clung to Alex tightly. After a minute of so of soothing her, Alex pulled back. "Amelia darling, this is Lillian and Raoul, your grandparents.", Alex said holding back the tears she knew would spill over soon. Lillian had tears forming in her eyes as she cupping Amelia's face. "You are just as beautiful as your mother.", she whispered as she pulled Amelia into a hug. The sound of running children caught their attention. Alex looked up to see Alma running somewhat slowly down to the dock. The children followed closely behind her. A large smile cracked across Alex's face as she straightened herself. Alma was crying as she reached Alex who pulled her into a tight hug. Alma was sobbing words Alex could not make out. She pulled her back and lifted her chin. "I kept my promise Alma.", Alex said softly looking into her green eyes. A lump formed in Alex's throat. She leaned in and softly kissed Alma. Her lips, soft and warm, were just as she remembered. They pulled back and Alma smiled and looked down. Alex lifted her chin again. "What is it?", Alex asked. Alma met her gaze. They stared into each other's eyes. Alex felt soft fingers wrap around her but could not bring herself to look away from Alma's gaze. Alma pressed her hand against her stomach. For a second Alex was confused before realizing that Alma's once flat toned stomach was now slightly round. Her eyes grew wide. "It worked on the first try.", Alma smiled. A tear slid down Alex's cheek. "Are you serious?", Alex's voice cracked. Alma nodded. "It took her long enough to admit it to us.", Amelia said from behind Alex. Alex reached into her pocket and wrapped her fingers around the small box. Her heart thundered in her chest. Her parents, Dakota, and James watched in anticipation. She released the smaller box and pulled out the longer one. Alma looked at her then the box. Alex smiled. "I know you miss your pocket watch. I got a new one.", Alex smiled. Alma laughed softly and opened the box. A small gasp escaped her lips as her eyes examined the silver pocket watch with an elegant wolf carved into it. Alma hugged Alex close. "Thank you it is beautiful.", Alma praised. Alex pulled back. "Actually that's not all.", Alex began. She pulled back and knelt on one knee. She took Alma's hands in hers and looked into the bright green eyes she had always loved. "Alma Lefay Peregrine. I have known I loved you ever since we were children. You are my best friend. My soul mate. My everything. I could not imagine life without you or our family. It is so hard to put into words how I feel. I am so in love with you that it hurts. Seeing a tear in your eyes makes my stomach clench. I would and will do anything and everything for you. So I have one question. "Will you marry me?", Alex finally asked. Alma began to cry and with a smile uttered one word, "Yes." Alex pulled the ring from the box and slid it on her finger. It fit perfectly. Everyone around them cheered as Alex pulled Alma in for a kiss. When they pulled back, all the children crowded around them for a group hug. Then, James, Dakota, and her parents joined in too. Alex knew this is how life was supposed to be. Everyone was safe and she was incredibly happy. Soon their family would have a new member and everything would be perfect. Lillian and Raoul introduced themselves to all of the children while Alma happily dragged Alex into the house. Alma was about six weeks along now. Her cravings were insane. Just this morning she was eating pickles in peanut butter but now, her only craving was her fiance. She rubbed her hands up and down the suit admiring every little perfection. Time slowed around them as Alma laid down on the bed. Alex cherished Alma's scent. She sniffed a little closer and was able to catch the scent of her daughter. Their daughter. Alex smiled down at Alma. "Do you have a name for her?", Alex purred. Alma smiled and quickly but softly kissed her. "I was thinking Autumn. Autumn Rose.", Alma hummed. Alex smiled. "It's beautiful.", she replied and leaned down to catch Alma's lips with her own. Without separating their lips, Alma began to undo Alex's tie. Alex pulled back with concern. "Alma...", she breathed. Alma smiled. "It's safe. I promise. I asked.", she assured. Alex smiled and picked her up. Her legs wrapped around Alex's hips on instinct. This wasn't as rough or as heated before. This was deep and passionate. Something Alex has never felt. She softly laid Alma down and began to kiss along her neck. She was going to worship every inch of her. Alma of course was already whimpering and whining. Six long weeks without Alex and all of her raging hormones were killing her. Luckily for them, Lillian and Raoul knew what they were doing and intended to keep the children outside as long as they needed to. Each kiss was bliss and Alex did just as she had wanted. She worshipped Alma. Four times in fact. As Alma laid curled up to Alex, weak and panting, she played with her ring. "It is so beautiful.", she whispered. Alex smirked. "Just like you.", she smiled. Alma leaned up and kissed her. Alex got out of bed and scooped Alma up into her arms. "We need a shower before we go back out.", Alex joked. Alma nodded. "Do we have to go back out? Dakota and the others can cook the children dinner. I just want to lay in bed and eat ice cream.", Alma asked. Alex smiled. "Of course darling. Anything for you.", she approved. Alex washed up quickly and left Alma in the shower to relax. As she brushed out her hair once she was dressed. Walking out to the balcony, she saw Lillian close by. Calling out to her she asked, "Mom would you mind cooking dinner for the children? Peter can help but Alma needs rest and won't be down this evening." Lillian smiled and nodded "Of course! Take good care of that precious baby in there.", she beamed before heading into the house. Alex walked back in to see Alma drying herself off with a towel. "Pick out a movie darling. I will go get your ice cream.", Alex instructed with a smile. Alma beamed with joy as she began to look through the movies still nude. Alex smiled at the sight and headed downstairs to get her beautiful fiance ice cream. As she walked, she breathed in the familiar scent. Home. She was so happy to be home.