Everything we never said

Chapter eighteen - I do love that ass.

"Let me show you" Alexander stands and wraps an arm around my back, he bends to kiss heathers soft dark hair with the same sense of urgency his father had.
Like men fear the sound of a baby's cry.

I hold Heather to my chest and her hungry grunts turn to frustrated bursts of cry.

"I'm going to need to change, I can't feed her in this" I pout but move quickly along side Alexander.
"Tink predicted this scenario, there's a more practical dress in the robe where you found that one. How about I go ahead and change my little honey bee while you change yourself?" He offers practically, thoughtfully.
"Thank you" I nod appreciating the offer.

"Ron? I meant it, you never have to ask. She's my daughter, I'm here for it all" Alexander mumbles but he means it, he frowns but not because we're an annoyance.
"Okay" I smile and Alexander holds my face so he can kiss me.
Heather complains but we don't rush, standing right in the middle of the yard surrounded by people I'm yet to meet we kiss slow and unhurried.

"I promise you Ron, I'm going to make up for every kiss I missed out on, I'm claiming them all back" Alexander whispers so close to my lips, his eyes are still closed and he exhales slowly.
"Okay" I breathe not knowing what to say.

"C'mon, let me show you" he repeats and wraps an arm around my back once more.

We smile and nod as we pass people but Heather now makes conversation impossible, we keep moving back towards the house.

Inside there is a team of people setting up long wooden boards filled with fruits and snacks, nuts and crackers. Big silver dishes filled with casseroles and roasted vegetables, lentils and legumes. Everything looks vegan.
"Are you ready for food, sir?" One man asks.
"My daughter is, perhaps give us..... an hour?" Alexander looks down at me for conformation.
"Sounds great"
"Feel free to pass around the hot apple cider for anyone not enjoying the open bar" Alexander adds and takes a silver mug from a collection on the counter as we pass.

He looks nervous as we hover, he opens the door to his room where I got changed before, he opens his arm and I lay his daughter who settles with the warmth her daddy offers and he kisses my forehead gently. He doesn't speak before he leaves.
I close the door and catch my reflection in the large mirror.... me, a bride.

Veronica Steele, doing things the old fashioned way.

I'm not miss independent anymore, I'm not a miss at all.

Mrs Veronica Stark.

"Do you see this daddy?" I sigh looking at myself. "God I wish you were here, you never told me about boys, about men.... what do I do with a husband?" I laugh and cover my face.
I thought I had months.... years to figure this out. Alexander moves slowly, I imagined our engagement would drag on.

Inside the armoire it's empty bar one more dress, still white and long with long sleeves but it ties at the back and when I pull the bow I see it opens the bust as it crosses over. It's a maternity dress that is designed for feeding. It's not as forgiving as the silk and lace, it's smooth jersey material doesn't do a lot to hide the small bump I've still got going on. When I dig my fingers into my belly there's still a grapefruit sized ball called my uterus that gives me a pot belly.
I don't hate it, beside the boobs it's all that left to show I was pregnant.

I lose the veil but keep the wreath of flowers in my hair, Tink worked hard on this. I always know her work.

I push open the painted door softly, Alexander stands in the dimly lit space rocking his daughter in his arms, she has been changed into a warm white onesie and he holds a beige fluffy blanket underneath her. Heather coos and makes soft noises as she looks up at the amazing man he is.
Like me, she is captivated by him.