43. Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Eden
S ix years Later
"Tell me what you see, Mrs. Briar," He whispers, his breath warm against my ear.
Surveying the vast rolling hills of Scotland, I nestle closer to him on the picnic blanket, allowing the serenity to wash over me.
"Freedom," I whisper softly. "Absolute freedom."
For two years now, I’ve been happily married to Roman.
Never has life felt so blissful.
"Are you glad I finally took some time off work?" I ask, pressing my lips to his.
"Just as glad as you are that I did," He replies with a tender smile, his lips brushing my neck.
For the past year, I've been teaching photography at a local university in Spokehaven, a picturesque town far from Idlewood .
It’s a place Aiden and Zoey eagerly embraced when we decided to leave.
Echo had spoken highly of this town, praising it as the perfect move.
Transitioning Roman into his new role was seamless with Echo’s encouragement.
"Happy to finally spend some time with my girl," Roman grins, his kisses trailing down my neck.
"People could stumble upon us here at any moment, Roman," I tease, running my fingers through his hair.
"When has that ever stopped me?" he replies, his hands moving down my front.
Reaching the hem of my dress, he slides his hand up my thigh, finding the warmth he seeks.
"You seem quite ready for me."
He slips his fingers inside me, sending waves of pleasure through my body. I gasp and clutch his shoulders, my nails digging in.
"You keep singing for me, baby," He murmurs, his tongue tracing my neck. "I adore it."
I stop him by grabbing his wrist.
"What—"
"Roman, there’s something I need to tell you," I whisper, my voice trembling. "I can’t go on without you knowing."
His brow furrows in confusion.
"I’m sure I’ll still want to be with you," He jokes, drawing me closer.
Resting between his legs, I reach into the picnic basket and pull out a small black box .
Nervously, I offer it to him. He takes it, his fingers grazing my arms.
"Why are you so nervous, baby?" he asks.
"You’ll see," I reply. "Just open it."
With curiosity, he opens the box, and his eyes widen at the contents.
"Is that—"
I reveal the small copper IUD, which I had recently removed.
"You were talking so much about wanting a family," I say softly. "So, I decided to see my doctor—"
"Is that your IUD?" He asks, his eyes scanning the small device.
I nod, watching as he places it on the blanket and then takes a second look at the remaining item in the box.
Pulling out a pregnancy test, I show him the two red lines.
"I tested two days ago," I whisper. "I’m pregnant, Roman."
His gaze shifts from the test to me, his emotions a mix of disbelief and awe.
"You're pregnant?" He asks, his voice steady but filled with wonder.
I nod, overwhelmed with nerves.
"My baby is in there?" He repeats, placing his hand on my lower stomach.
Another nod from me.
"Look, I know it wasn’t exactly planned—"
"We’re going to be parents?" He grins widely. "You’re going to be their momma?" His face is alight with pure joy.
"Are you upset?" I ask, my arms wrapping around his neck.
"Upset?" He replies, shaking his head vigorously. "God, no, Eden Briar. This is just more of you to love. "
He kisses me deeply, and I laugh through my tears, feeling his hands explore my body with tender care.
"Well, since you're already pregnant, I guess you don't mind if I—"
"We didn’t come out here just for a picnic, Father," I tease, feeling his hand give a playful smack to my rear.
"Careful, momma. You know what happens when you use that name," He whispers, his lips brushing up my neck.
"Yeah, I do," I reply, my voice low and inviting. "So, get to it, Father."
He trails his lips down to my lower stomach, kissing it reverently.
"I love you, Eden," He murmurs. "And I love you too," he adds, his grin wide. "Though, it might be a bumpy ride."
I gently hold his chin, my thumb brushing over his cheek.
"I love you endlessly, Roman," I say, my hand resting on my stomach. "Both of you."
Smiling like a man in a dream, he kisses me with a fervor that makes me feel alive and cherished. We continue to embrace, lost in our love and joy until the sun sets.
If this is what my life is, then God truly heard my prayers.
And he sent me Roman Briar.