I Took You Home - A Winters Stroll
Summery: The Cottage is getting claustrophobic which leads to a winter stroll with Henry and Kal.
Word Count: 3089
Warning: Mention of abortion, emotion abuse, and alot of fluff
A/N I was going to split this into two parts but I thought about how many people would kill me so...... here is a longer chapter. Enjoy and thank you for the great comments.
Previous Chapter 14
A Winter's Stroll
Reba awoke to the smell of eggs frying, bacon crisping and coffee brewing. All the smells she loved welcoming her to the day like a warm hug. She could feel the fire was still stoked heating the little room amazed that it had stay going all night. Although early in the morning she was sure she had seen a large figure bent over the fire feeding it to keep it alight. The final thing she could feel before she opened her eyes was a wet nose pushing into her hand that had slipped out of the duvet. This bought a smile to her face as she opened her eyes greeted by a big black and white bear. His large happy smile warmed her heart. With a groggy voice, she whispered, "Good morning my sweet boy" and reached out to scratch him behind the ear as she was rewarded by a big sloppy kiss.
She could hear a deep warm chuckle from behind her. Reba's smile deepened as she remembered the last thing, she had herd last night. Henry speaking to their child, words could not explain how she felt at that moment. She was still wary, unsure of what his intentions were, but his soft words last night showed her some indication that he was not a threat. Reba moved her head to watch henry moving the table over to her, hot steam wafting up from the plate of food that was sitting on it. He smiled down at her the soft look catching her off guard as he leaned down and kissed her on the top of her head.
"Good Morning" he whispered his body hovering above, her heart skipping a beat at his closeness. Her body responded to the memories of their kisses as she yearned to forget her walls and reach out to pull him in. She almost did except for her Little man making his presence known breaking into her sleep hazed mind and reminding her why she was deliberately not rushing ahead like last time. "oof" placing her hand on her stomach she rubbed at the spot he was kicking. "Good morning Little one" reaching out she grabbed Henry's hand and placed it on her stomach over the spot he was kicking. The look on henry's face bought tears to her eyes if she could describe what she saw it would be, a soft smile and eyes that were filled with a father's love.
Sitting down next to her his hand still resting on her stomach Henry spoke with roughness in his tone, " I can't explain what it feels like Reba, I've wanted this for so long, you have no idea" she could hear the unspoken question in his comment, and she knew she needed to talk to him soon. His hand felt warm on her stomach and their little one calmed down. As he retracted his hand she felt the loss of his touch, reaching down she pressed the button to bring her into a sitting position. The hot breakfast had cooled slightly but it was still good. She ate while Henry watched, her mood souring a little at his staring if he was going to be here for three week's he was going to have to stop hovering.
Sandy and Kyle arrived not long after they finished eating, the four of them sitting in her little living room discussing what they will do if she goes into labour. Reba chuckled to herself, the midwife she had been seeing assured her she would make it to full term which was still 3 to 4 weeks away. She could not understand why they were so worried. "So Henry, you have our numbers, but if you can't wait for us the hospital that's she is booked into is Airedale General Hospital. Here is their number to call ahead if you need to." The voices faded out of focus as Kal took up his now familiar position head on the top of her thighs just below her baby bump. The last visit to the clinic they had said her little man was small but still in a healthy weight and it showed in her bump. She was still just able to reach around and scratch Kal's head. "Reba" she looked up a blush creeping up her face as she realised, they were all looking at her, Again.
Chagrined at herself for losing focus again she apologised "Sorry, I can't seem to focus for long these days. It's a good thing the books done otherwise I would be in big trouble." She laughed at herself but noticed that the others were not joining her. Their concerned faces caused flutters in her stomach or was that her little boy. She had been feeling a bit off the last few days since Christmas, but she had attributed that to Henry calling and the sudden intrusion into her sanctuary. Sandy ever the practical one spoke up, "Are you sure your ok Reba, you were absent-minded last night too. I have never known you to not be present and focused in a conversation" Sure that they were worried for nothing Reba laughed it off "Lets just put it down to last trimester baby brain ok"
They finished their conversation this time Reba was listening. She only had one job to do but it was the hardest, tell them when she felt pain and have the baby easy right. Sandy and Kyle left but before they did she noticed that Henry had a private conversation with them by the door. It irked her that she was being babied. Her bladder called again to be emptied and a small ache throbbed in her back. Maybe she would try sleeping in the bed tonight. Getting up she waddled past Henry who gave her a gentle smile "Bathroom?" laughing she poked him in the stomach "You try having a large object sitting on your bladder and see if you can hold it for a long time" he looked chagrined "sorry Reba. I appreciate what you are having to go through for our son" a softness crossed his face as he said 'our son' she couldn't be angry with him, not when he so obviously was already in love with their child.
The day was surprisingly warm for December, outside the sun was shining. Reba began looking through her Jackets she knew there should be one that would fit her. The cottage was getting a little claustrophobic and she needed to go for a walk. Henry moved up next to her his face questioning her actions "What are you looking for?" her face red with frustration she grumbled "A Jacket that will cover your son, I want to go for a walk" his brows furrowed as he asked in a concerned voice "Are you sure that's wise? It's 5 deg's out there" huffing she turned to him, hands on her hips. "You are not my baby sitter, I need to get out in the fresh air, is that ok with you!" she knew she had overreacted and the look on his face told her he was sorry for asking. She turned to keep looking as Henry walked away.
Just as she was about to give in she felt a warm winter jack fall on her shoulders, she looked up tears threatening as Henry filled her view. With an apologetic face he spoke "I'm sorry Reba, here use mine, it's big enough for both you and our son. I have two, can we come with you?" she was so confused right now. One minute she was happy, then sad, angry and right now she wanted to cry. She just nodded not trusting her voice. Together with Kal on the lead they left the little cottage and headed down a small path that Kyle had set up for her. It led around the property, open fields and clumps of trees finishing up at a pond that homed all kinds of birdlife in spring.
Kyle had made two bench seats for her and Sandy. They were positioned perfectly to appreciate the local wildlife. Right now though it was still and quiet, she breathed in the fresh cold air and looked out over the water as she sat. Kal was happily sitting, and Henry joined her on the bench. They sat for some time Henry seeming to understand her need for stillness. She took a deep breath, it had to happen now, she needed to jump off the deep end and see if she could swim.
Reba's fight or flight reflexes were kicking in, every muscle was telling her to run. Instead, she slowed her breathing and focused across the pond. "Brian was my first, I told you it only lasted a short minute. It lasted long enough to get me pregnant" she listened to the quiet, waiting for Henry to react. His only action was to lift his arm and pull her into his side. She laid her head on his chest as they stayed quiet for a moment more before she continued "He didn't want the baby. I was young, naïve, and let him make all the decisions. I was only 6 weeks pregnant when he took me to the clinic" Reba's voice hitched at the memory as tears began to fall. She could see through her tears Henry's hand flex into a fist, her heart began to race was he angry with her.
For an instant fear settled in her heart until she felt him hold her tighter a soft controlled voice whispered, "I'm so sorry Reba, that boy had no right to force you to do something you didn't want to do." Her tears turned into sobs as she realised, he didn't hate her for having an abortion, but instead he was angry with Brian and could see the trauma she had gone through. He held her, his hand rubbing her shoulder as she continued to cry, she spoke through her sobs "I didn't realise.....(sob) till after...... (sob) that I should have fought more,(sob)...... I should have spoken up for myself." her sobs slowed, and her body relaxed into his as she finished her story. "After, he just ignored me. I couldn't tell anyone as I felt so ashamed. Mum knew something was different, I started to retreat into myself. That's when I started writing. It was my escape."
Her little man must have sensed her distress as he started to kick at her again, this time his aim was more towards her back as she felt a sharp stab. It propelled her forward standing quickly and rubbing her back then belly "hay that's enough little man" she swayed her hips which seemed to appease him. Henry looked at her with concern, but the look she gave him when he began to speak silenced him. "I'm ok, he is just being very strong with his kicks." Reba was now getting frustrated, wanting to get the story out before she lost her nerve. Swaying she held Henry's gaze, "That's why I had to leave that day, I knew if something came of our moment that I needed to be the one. I needed to have the space to say what I wanted to happen. I don't think I could have survived another man forcing me to give up my child."
The look on Henry's face was one of understanding and concern mixed with disappointment. He stood up and paced as Reba watched him trying to make sense of her statement. When he turned around he walked purposely towards Reba and took her hands. She looked down seeing his large hands engulfing her own, "Reba, look at me." His deep voice softly commanded. She looked up into his face which held concern and determination "I understand why you ran, I'm disappointed that you didn't give me the opportunity to talk it through with you at the time. However, now you have explained what you went through I can appreciate why you did it." Reba let out a breath she didn't realise she had been holding. His eyes searched hers as he continued, "For a long time now I have felt that there was something missing in my life. I found it hard making connection with people and when I did the relationships didn't last long."
Reba could tell he was having a had time sharing this as he turned his face from hers looking out over the pond. The steam from his breath filled the air as he breathed "When I mistakenly fell into your world, it was like fate was giving me a chance. I felt even in that weekend of sitting around your apartment that you got me. The week to follow felt so right. That morning before the phone rang, I was contemplating what I wanted. What would life look like if you were a permanent part of my life? If I would like to wake up next to you each morning? And would I be ok if our moment, produced a child? I knew then that I would have done anything to make it work." Henry turned back his eyes held unshed tears as he looked into her face.
"But then you were gone, I searched and searched for you. I had all but given up hope when my mother gave me your book." Reba was struggling to see through her tears, as she heard the heart of the man standing in front of her. She searched his face for any trace of deception but all she found was genuine vulnerability. He was sharing his heart with her, and what he had felt all those months ago.
They both stood there looking at each other, both having laid their hearts bare. Reba reached her gloved hand to his face and brushed an escaped tear from his cheek. "Do you really mean that Henry, could you see us making a family for this little man?" A soft smile crept across his face as he reached into his pocket and got down on one knee. Looking up at her surprised face Henry spoke: "I believe it so much so that I bought this with me on our walk" he held out a small box and opened it revealing a delicate platinum ring that held a pink diamond in the centre with white diamonds sprinkled down the shoulders of the ring. Reba didn't know what to think, her heart was overwhelmed at the sight of this rugged tall bear of a man kneeling before her holding out a precious ring. "Reba, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Reba shut her eyes and breathed trying to order her thoughts. There were only really two questions she needed to ask herself, Did she love Henry enough to accept a proposal? or Would she be willing to accept for the sake of their son and see what came of it later? Opening her eyes now and looking down into the hopeful expression on his face she came to the conclusion that her answer was yes to both questions. Her gaze softened as she answered his growing concern with a soft "Yes, Henry Yes I will become your wife" taking her hand he took the ring and placed it on her ring finger. It went on a little snug but knew it would have been a perfect fit if not for the baby weight.
Henry stood now and pulled her into a big bear hug, his head nestled into her neck kissing her tenderly below the ear sending a shiver down her spine. He then pulled back gazing at her before claiming her lips in a gentle kiss. Memories of their previous kisses assaulted her as their lips deepened and her body pulled tighter to his seeking more. They pulled apart both breathless as Henry eyes hooded with desire whispered shall we head home. Moving into his side they walked arm in arm back down the trail, back to the warmth of the little cottage.
Reba felt exhausted by the time they arrived at the cottage, the emotion of the walk no matter how wonderful it ended was taking its toll. As she walked into the cottage fatigue washed over her along with a deep ache in her back. Henry noticing her fatigue helped her out of his jacket and also helped her remove her shoes. She walked into the bedroom and sat on the side of the bed. Too tired to remove her clothes she laid down curled on her side. Before her mind surrendered to sleep she felt the bed dip and Henry's warm body surround her, his arms wrapped protectively around his son.
The Ache in Reba's back woke her a few hours later, it had increased in its intensity and she was now beginning to worry. Surely this wasn't early labour pains? She went to remove Henry's arm to go to the toilet when a sharp pain hit her. This wasn't her little mans doing this was something else. "Henry" she whispered "Mmmmm" came the response somewhere under the duvet behind her. "Henry, somethings wrong" at the comment he sat up quickly "What's wrong, what do you need?" fear was now attacking her heart as the pain increased. "I don't know but I think we need to go to the hospital." Jumping out of bed Henry ran out of the room leaving her sitting on the side of the bed. He returned just as quickly with his jacked and her shoes. Thankful they had slept in their clothes.
Another sharp pain hit as she was standing, and she almost buckled under the pressure on her spine. Henry picked her up bridal style and took long strides to the car. Setting her down he opened the car door and helped her into the seat, as he did, he adjusted the seat, so she was laying further back. He ran back into the cottage and returned with a bag and his phone. Before he left, he called Sandy who promised to check on Kal before joining them at the hospital, then he called the hospital telling them what was happening, and that they were on their way in. Finally, they pulled out of the property. Reba could only focus on breathing at this point as the pain radiated from her lower back around to the front. Her only thought as Henry speed towards the hospital was, It's too early.
Next Chapter 16
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