12 months later……
The rain fell in sheets, drenching everything within seconds.
It was like the heavens had opened and were purging themselves of all the bad, all the sorrow and all the past.
It reminded me of the day before Jake and I got married; I was so worried that the wedding would be a wash out but my father urged me to have faith. He told me that neither James nor Grandma would allow a single drop of rain to fall on our big day.
He was right; the day I became Mrs Fox-Williams was gloriously sunny, almost like the downpour of the day before had cleared the air in preparation for a new beginning.
Only our close friends and family witnessed our vows under a small gazebo in the back yard of the beautiful house that Jake had bought for us.
It was perfect.
A string quartet played music that both Jake and I had chosen. The beautiful sounds of the instruments, weaving their magic on songs by a variety of bands from Metallica, to the Beatles, captured the day perfectly.
We both wrote our own vows, pledging ourselves to one another for the rest of our lives.
It could not have been a more blissful day and sharing it with the people we loved most, was the cherry on the cake.
My mother’s absence didn’t even cross my mind, as the day was filled with more love than most people are lucky enough to experience in a lifetime.
Looking down at my slight bump, I put my feet up and gaze across the vast expanse of lawn, watching my father emerge from the cottage at the bottom of the garden with a brolly over his head in a futile attempt to dodge the rain.
Jake moved him in with us straight after the wedding and I’ve never seen my father happier. It’s like he’s found a whole new lease of life now that he is out from under my mother’s thumb.
I smooth my hands over my six months pregnant belly, while I mentally plan all the extras that I’d like added to the garden before Caleb James arrives.
Jake wants to have a pool built and my Dad has already started a tree house in one of the large oaks.
“I can’t wait to meet you little man, everyone is so excited to see you. I think you could well be the most loved little boy in the entire world.”
I speak to my bump often but today is the first day that baby Caleb responds with a well placed kicked, and I can’t help but giggle at the sensation.
Firm arms wrap around me from behind and Jake nuzzles into my neck, “Just because you’ve taken maternity leave and gave your last speech for Rape Crisis last night, doesn’t mean you can neglect your wifely duties you know.” He slips his arms further down to caress my tender and much larger breasts.
“These get more and more irresistible every single day, I think I need to keep you knocked up forever.” He groans into my ear, tweaking my nipple through the fabric of my dress.
I place my hands over his and guide them down to my swollen belly, resting them right where I felt Caleb kick moments ago. Almost in answer to his Daddy’s touch he gives another strong kick which causes Jake to still.
“Is that, did he …. ?” He is speechless and it makes me laugh. This man that has fast become a worldwide superstar is struck dumb by the first feel of his baby boy moving inside me.
“I think he wants to say hello to his Daddy.”
Jake kneels down at my side, his eyes filled with wonder. He looks at me almost for permission and when I nod he places his head right over the same spot.
“Hey, little man, Daddy can’t wait to meet you.” his soft tone fills my heart and I wonder if I could love this man more.
His head shoots up and he looks at me in shock, “The little devil just kicked me in the cheek.”
I let out a hearty laugh, causing my belly to shake, “How do you think I feel being kicked from the inside out.”
He kisses my belly all over and then whispers so low that I have to concentrate to hear him, “Listen little guy, I can’t wait to meet you but you’ve got another three months of cooking to go and Daddy has another three months of hot pregnancy sex to cram in.”
I hit him across the back of the head in mock disgust, “Jake you can’t go saying things like that to him!”
He gives me a devious smile before kissing my belly once more and bringing his lips up to mine, “He’s my son Emmy, do you really think he’s not going to be a lady killer too?”
I kiss him gently and murmur over his mouth “Reformed lady-killer remember”
Deepening our kiss and sending shivers down my spine that pool between my legs, he answers, “Only one girl for me and I’m such a lucky bastard that I get to keep her forever. Say it for me baby.” He places teasing kisses all over my sensitive mouth, “Say it Emmy, don’t deny me baby.”
Licking his full bottom lip I breathe the words straight into his mouth, hoping that they settle deep in his soul.
“I’m yours ….. forever.”