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Chapter 32
Three Months Later
Caleb
"Hey. I missed you in my bed this morning." I wrap my arms around Aria’s ever-growing bump and kiss the side of her neck softly, just how she likes it.
"Sorry. I couldn't sleep, and I didn't want to wake you because I knew you had a late night at work."
I turn her in my arms and hold her face in place. Her rosy pink cheeks, glowing eyes… she looks perfect.
"Late nights or not, I thought I'd told you a million times already, I'll never be too tired to hold you in my arms."
And that’s the truth. I know she still has major trust issues and being intimate isn't something we do regularly, because I want her to get used to me in her own time. The times we have been intimate together have been mind-blowing. I can’t even explain what I feel when I’m around her. And now, in roughly four weeks, the baby will be here to expand our family. I didn’t think it would be possible to love something that isn’t mine, but I know I’d die to protect Aria’s child. Our child.
"Have you eaten?" I kiss her nose.
"Not quite. I had a cracker earlier to see if it would help this nausea. What do you have in mind?"
"Still feeling nauseous? Maybe we should get you checked over by the doctor. "
"Caleb, I thought we agreed that this was normal. Stop worrying." She shrugs me off and pushes the button on the coffee machine.
"I can't help it. You're precious cargos. What do you say we go for pancakes? "
Her shoulders sag at the thought of all that sugary goodness. I know what cards to play now, because she craves anything sweet and sugary. When the baby comes along, I'll need to think of something else to get in her good books.
"Let me get dressed and I'm all yours." She kisses my cheek on the way past and I smile from ear to ear.
I know we still have the threat of her kidnapper looming over us, but as the months have ticked by, I've used my charm and any other method I could think of to get her to relax. No other girls have been taken since the university fiasco, that we know of, and there has been no communication between him and us. It's like he has disappeared off the face of the Earth, but I'll always remain vigilant where Aria is concerned. She doesn't leave this compound without someone and that's the way we'll keep it for the time being. I know she feels safer that way, and I won't ever push her to do something she isn't ready for. I’m happier knowing that she only goes out with a security detail, which is usually me or Clay. Occasionally it has been Chris, and she seems to be getting better with him. It’s good to see their bond forming again.
I take my phone and type a quick message to Clay. We have a rule about letting each other know where we are in case of an emergency. I think we all expect that asshole to strike at any moment.
To Clay - Taking Aria for pancakes.
I don't even get the phone back in my pocket when it chimes. I swear that guy never sleeps.
From Clay - I love when chicks are pregnant. Breakfast is on you. Cheers, buddy.
I shake my head, laughing. My brother can be funny at times. I know he has a lot going on himself, but he's been a Godsend for Aria.
To Clay - I'll remind you that you said that when the day comes that your chick is pregnant. Good job I love you, bro. Pancakes all around... except for you. Lol!
From Clay - Nice try! Pancakes better be on my desk for 0900 hours.
I look at my watch and see that it's 7.30. I might just be late to piss him off. It's always funny to poke the bear. It's not like we have much fun around here lately.
***
Sitting across from Aria, watching her laugh at something Pop just said to her is amazing. I can remember the first time I brought her in here a few months ago. She was a shadow of the person she is now. That day of Sophia’s funeral affected us all, but we somehow managed to survive. With our help, her counsellor, and the charity work she's doing from home, it has made a big impact on her mental state. Keeping busy is good for her. Doing work she enjoys is even better for her.
"Pop is amazing." She takes a drink of her chocolate milkshake that I cringe at at this time of morning.
"He is. He's a legend around these parts. Babe, I love you and all, but how can you drink that at eight a.m.? Can’t you turn it into a smoothie?"
"Milk is good for me. Haven't you realized that my body has been taken over by this little demon, and whatever he wants he gets?" She rubs her tummy adoringly. “Anything for a peaceful life.”
"He. You know what you're having?"
