The Widow and The Witcher (Complete)

Chapter 29

A/N Picture from https://healthskillet.com/the-truth-behind-this-white-haired-baby/5/

The sun streamed through the window as Julia roused from a deep sleep. Conversations from the night before rang in her head, "Can you forgive me for not believing you, for pushing you away?" his eyes held hers, unwavering in his resolve to claw back what they once had. "I can forgive you Geralt, Can you forgive me for also pushing you away in my grief and fear" he had rested his head against hers at the sound of her request. Pulling her into his arms and breathing in the honeysuckle of her hair he had whispered: "Yes my love, I forgive you."

They had fallen asleep in that position snuggled into each other both finally able to get some true sleep. Now she could hear his gentle snores beside her, a sound that filled her with calm. It had been all too quiet in their room when he was gone. Getting up she moved to the bathroom, the morning sickness had lingered well into the middle of her second trimester and now instead of the need to be sick waking her, it was her need to relieve herself that was a constant wake up call.  After freshening up she walked back into her room. There she found Geralt sitting up resting against the headboard and looking out at the garden. At her entrance, he turned towards her a small smile gracing his lips. He gestured for her to come back and join him which she did wholeheartedly. 

Once in his arms, she wondered at his silence. He moved his hand to lay on her now protruding belly. The contact created a warmth that spread across her abdomen. Looking into his eyes she saw a sparkle of hope and look of amazement crossed his features. "what Geralt? What is it?" He chuckled "He can sense me....... when I place my hand on your stomach his heartrate increased but not in a distressing way. It's almost like it's his way of showing me he knows I'm here." At the sound of his voice, Julia felt a kick. It was not the first but it was stronger than the others had been.  

Moving his hand to where the kick had happened they waited. Geralt looked at her furrowing his brow "Why did you move my hand?" as he spoke he felt the small movement under his palm and a surprising look broke out on his face. Julia laughed, in fact, she laughed so much that Geralt could not help join her as they shed the weeks of tension and fear that had been weighing heavy on their shoulders. The sound must have carried down the hall as a knock was heard as they settled. Making sure they were covered she called "Come in" still in her bedclothes Ciri entered the room. Seeing the smiles on her parent's faces and Julia's open-armed invitation she ran to the bed and joined her family. 

Ciri snuggled into Julia's arm, father and daughter now cocooning Julia. Laughing Geralt pulled Ciri's hand and placed it on the same spot his hand had just been "say something Ciri" at the sound of his voice another kick was given and Ciri laughed in response "Is that our little guy?" Julia sighed at that comment "Ok are you both conspiring or do you both truly believe our little one is a boy?" Geralt's face softened, as he questioned: "what do you think it will be?" She stilled for a moment. For the first time since she had told Geralt her mind was quiet enough to truly rest and feel. Her mind filled with images, finally resting on a picture of a white-haired little boy with eyes a vibrant blue staring back at her. "Ohhhh" she looked at Geralt then Ciri, "I think your right"

That morning at breakfast the rest of the family could not believe the transformation in Geralt. It wasn't that he had returned to his old self. Instead, he was laughing, bubbling with excitement that affected everyone at the table. During the meal, Lambert leaned over to Ciri and whispered knowing that all the witchers could hear, "tell me did you put a spell on him?" eyebrow raised in astonishment. Ciri chuckled and she could see the twinkle in her dad's eye at the question. Responding she whispered back "No, but I think his eyes have finally been opened to the possibility this is the real deal" 

More weeks passed and the estate finally settled into a good routine. Geralt made sure Julia was looked after as he now took full responsibility for her care. Ciri had insisted that she help in her care as well as claiming a vested interest in the baby's welfare.