Ever After
by Astra <astraplain@yahoo.com 

She lay pressed against him, her back to his chest.  
Her breathing was slow and steady but he knew she 
wasn't sleeping.  He liked holding her like this, 
their legs twined and his hands resting on her belly.  
He loved the feel of her rounded flesh, marveling at 
the feel of their child growing inside her.

She teased him about this, of course.  He didn't 
expect anything less.  But there was love in her eyes 
that never wavered; an almost adoring gaze that he 
could easily drown in.  He wouldn't trade this, not a 
moment of it, for anything.

"Penny."  She said at last, her voice pitched low.

"You."  he answered, loving this game.

"Lamb." She teased back.

"Dear." Was the response, followed by a kiss to the 
top of her head.

"Love."  She answered, resting her hand on his where 
it lay on her belly.  

"Always." He answered, kissing her again.  That was 
her way of telling him she just wanted to be held 
tonight, too tired to make love.  She said that often 
these days, then thanked him for his patience by 
waking him early and loving him before coffee and 
croissants.

"Eternity." He answered back, shifting to take her 
into his arms.  She helped him, placing her hands 
around his neck.  He carried her the few meters into 
the bedroom and placed her under the covers, tucking 
her in before joining her.

Turning out the light, he kissed her on the lips.

"Sweet dreams."  She wished him.

"Happily ever after." He replied, because that was 
what she deserved.  With Beverly nestled in his arms, 
they fell asleep.

The End : )