THE MIDNIGHT SUN

7.

As the time was passing by, in the end John decided to really track with his closest friend a moose, whose tracks Lagertha saw in the beginning of spring. To carve and make cradle for baby wasn't expensive. John was crafty and wood was all around them in forest, but of course even for a fallen tree, he had to pay some extra coins. And as they were sitting and counting, they came to agree, that if he caught the animal, both of them would be much calm and they wouldn't have to struggle or make loans from somebody else. It was the morning of his departure, when Lagertha woke up early. Her belly already visible under the dress. The autumn came and leaves shone with all the shades from yellow to deep brown. She kissed John's forehead and went to prepare him breakfast and food to his leather bag. It shouldn't take more than few days. So she prepared loaf of bread, smoked meat, vegetable, fruit and of course flask with moonshine as the nights were already cold and breeze could be cruel in this part of Alaska. Moonshine and John, it was like day and night to Lagertha. It simply belonged together. She never minded him to drink. Yes, he ended up drunk as pig few times in the past, but ever since he came back and things got better between them, she enjoyed times, when he was sipping on strong alcohol and the scent mixed with him on her lips, when he kissed her. As she took a small sniff to inhale it, suddenly a baby moved in her belly and she almost dropped the flask. She supposed to carry breakfast to bed for him, instead she stormed to bedroom and quickly came to shake his shoulder. "John! John, love, wake up!" She spoke to him, while she put his hand on her belly. It was for the first time ever she felt such strong kicks.

John, who just woke up, barely could remember his name. But the feeling of his child kicking, made his heart melt on his chest. "Ya kickin' son?" He murmured with his smile growing. "Does it hurt,luv?" He rose his eyes in concern to Lagertha, looking into her eyes.

"It's not painful, but I can imagine it to be, when he gets stronger," she chuckled. "Till now it always felt like bubbles popping on surface of the water. But now I was in the kitchen, preparing food and drink for you and that little rascal started to kick, when I inhaled scent from moonshine," she snorted, amused, shaking her head.

He cupped her face and kissed her. His bearded face couldn't be more bright from happiness, when he laid her on her back and started to kiss her belly. "Are ya sure ain't some any suppressed air?" He snorted laughing, kissing her belly.

"You!" She pinched his nipple as she stretched her arm, making him jump on bed. "That would I know. And I surely wouldn't come to you, but walked outside to make my guts move," she giggled, caressing back of his head. "I made you a breakfast. Frank will be here soon," she said, looking at him with soft smile. She never thought John could be gentle. But seeing him as he always caressed her belly, like he was touching a holy place, made her melt.

"Hmm." He hummed thoughtfully as he rose up, kissing her lips. "Are ya sure, ya will be alright by ya own now?" He sighed. "I wish, I wouldn't leave, luv. I hate leavin' ya now."

"I'll be fine. In two days midwife will come to check on me and make me company for a day. Don't worry, John. It will be only few days and you'll be back," she whispered against his lips and kissed him. After some cuddle time, she stood up, while he left to bathroom and then joined her at the breakfast. With almost last bite few strong knocks sounded from the door. Lagertha came to open and ended in hug of Frank. He was broad and huge same as John and wore bright smile, once he saw her.

"Son of a bitch, ya didn't lie! Ya made it!" He exclaimed in broad voice, looking at Lagertha's belly. Frank was best man on their wedding. He knew John whole life. A best friend, who was by his side during his darkest days. Of course, he many times told John, that he behaved like whiny bitch. At the same time, he never judged. He was a father of three strong daughters and he couldn't even imagine, how John had to feel, since Lagertha couldn't conceive for long years. Now as he stood there and held her in hug, he wore bright smile and kissed soundly both her cheeks. "I'm so happy for ya, lass," he told her and came to pat John's shoulder with a nod.