Chapter Fourteen | Always and Forever

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Hush little baby, don't say a word. Daddy's gonna buy you a Mockingbird.

Isla reached over and closed the lid of the music box, accidentally sending it toppling off the dresser into a pile of neatly folded swaddling blankets.
Leaning back into her rocking chair, she let out a choked sob. How am I supposed to do this alone?

It had been three weeks since her husband had gone into a coma, and Isla had never felt more alone. She rubbed the taut skin stretched across her bulging stomach and blinked away her tears. You need to focus. You're supposed to be decorating the nursery. The day before servants came to put the walnut furniture together. The dresser and changing table had been easy to install, but the intricate details of the crib had posed a challenge. The room felt safe and cozy, more lovely than Isla could have ever dreamed.

Paxton had told her at the beginning of her pregnancy that he loved the color of forest green, so in his honor, she had requested three of the walls to be painted in a deep shade of evergreen. The wall behind the crib was covered in black and white wallpaper, creating a refreshing contrast. With the addition of the wood furniture and multiple rugs, the nursery was nearly complete. All it needed was a baby.

Isla sighed as she put the blanket she had been folding aside, looking at the list of name ideas Paxton had written out. Several months ago, when he had read her the list for the first time, some of his suggestions had made her roll her eyes and laugh, while others caused her to burst into tears at their beauty. He should be here right now. Tears pricked her eyes as she felt the baby kick, remembering the joy on her husband's face when he felt the tiny feet move for the first time.

"Paxton! Come here!" She cried, waving her arms frantically. Her husband ran towards her, eyes filled with panic. "What is it? Is there something wrong?" "No," she said, reaching for his hand, "Do you feel that?" The baby's once steady rhythm of kicks became a frenzy as it felt its father's hand. Paxton's eyes shone with wonder. "That's incredible." "I know, the baby constantly moves, but before today it hadn't been strong enough for someone else to feel." His eyes met hers, glistening with tears. "Isla, I never thought I would be able to love you more than I already do, but every day my love grows deeper and deeper for you." He places both of his hands on her stomach as he gave her a passionate kiss. They sat together, feeling the baby's movements for hours.

Isla had no idea how much she took her husband for granted until she was all alone. He had filled her days with warm glances and murmured jokes, leaving her now in silence. She felt naked without the warmth of his arms surrounding her, and the sight of his body lying still on a bed made her heart quiver. It had been three weeks since he had jumped in front of her, taking the witch's curse upon himself to save Isla and their unborn child. Every day it was easier to function alone, thanks to her friend Jade who had forced her to snap out of her fog of misery. She had been taking care of herself, but grief was still her constant companion.

A knock sounded at the door, and a servant carrying a large box came in. "From the Prince." He said curtly. Isla's eyes widened in shock as she stood, beginning to rush towards the door. "He's awake? Please leave the box here, I'm going to visit him-" "No, your highness, it appears this was prepared several months ago." Her heart sank to her feet as she sat back down, crestfallen. "Thank you," she barely managed to whisper through her constricting throat, "You may go."

An envelope was tucked underneath a delicate bow, and her shaking hands reached to open it.

An envelope was tucked underneath a delicate bow, and her shaking hands reached to open it

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Isla, my beautiful wife,

Happy due date, my love. I don't know if the baby has been born yet because I'm writing this on the day of New Moon's Eve. If the baby hasn't come yet, remember that I love you with all my heart. You can do this, you're the strongest person I know. At the time I'm writing this, you've carried our child for eight months. If the baby has already been born, just know I'm so proud of you. I already know the baby will be beautiful and healthy. You made it, and that takes a sky's worth of strength.

You may wonder why I'm writing this so much earlier than when you're receiving it. When I was out in the town on business today, I saw something that made me stop in my tracks. Something told me that it was meant for the baby. So I bought it and decided to write this letter while my emotions and memories of the day are still fresh.

Seeing it made everything feel so much more real, and it made me realize how happy I am. I've never been so happy in my entire life. The moment I met you, the world seemed to bloom. From the first time my eyes met yours, I knew this is what my life was meant to be. Everything made sense.

Loving you has been the most incredible thing I've ever done, and I can't wait to watch you become the mother I know you'll be. I can't wait. I know that you'll love our child with every fiber of your being, just as much as I love you, and will be the most adoring mother a child could ever have.

I've asked for this to be tucked away until the baby's due date, which is three weeks from today. I can't tell you how tempted I am to give it to you now, but I suppose it would be more sentimental to wait until the baby's due date.

So congratulations, my love. I knew you could do it. You're probably scared of what lies ahead, but just know that I'll be here beside you to hold your hand every step of the way.

Always and forever,

Paxton.

Author's Note: Ouch, my chest really hurts

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Author's Note:
Ouch, my chest really hurts.
This chapter was the most difficult one to write. It breaks my heart to see how much Paxton loved her.

This is the first time I've done this, but I have a few questions for you to answer!

Comment on each question with your answer.

1. Do you think the baby will be a girl or a boy?

2. What are your guesses for the name?

3. What do you think is inside the box?

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