Later that night, when Sophie had fed every living soul in the house, she shed her clothes and prepared a warm bath to relax and ease her pain. This wasn't nearly as close to the pain she would be experiencing in a couple of months when her tummy and breasts were swollen, leaving her with a back ache to remember. Sophie sank her slim form into the warm water with a sigh of relief. Her feet was what hurt the most right now from running around trying to keep her mind off of her pregnancy by cleaning every inch of this house. She glimpsed over when she heard a creak of the bathroom door open, finding Howl standing there with a look on his face that was hard to explain. She sank some more into the water, peering over the edge of the porcelain bath tub. "What is it?"

Howl blinked a couple times, but said nothing. He slipped inside without anything to say and started to casually undress. Sophie blinked a couple of times more and stared at this. "What do you think you're doing?" she asked, one of the corners of her mouth starting to turn upward in a smirk.

Howl was in the process of getting his pants and boxers off, setting the clothes in the laundry bin. He advanced on her and nudged her forward, slipping into the warm water behind her with a sigh of relief like Sophie wasn't existent. She soon started to laugh. "Hello, this was my bath."

Howl startled to chuckle, spreading his arms and wrapping them around her. "Oh, is that you? Sorry, I didn't really notice."

Sophie whined, pouting as he took a bin and started dumping water over her hair. She hadn't yet washed and she was relaxing before she started any washing. Before she had any excuses or complaints to say, he was lathering up her hair and piling it on top of her head as he washed it. She sat quietly as he rinsed and allowed him to do as he pleased. After she had the water out of her face and her hair as well, she turned about and grabbed the bin from him. Howl rose his eyebrows at this, holding up his hands as if this would stop her. Sophie repeated the process, washing his hair to get back at him. Not like this was such a big revenge plan. He just sat there with his arms crossed and took it. Sophie sat the bucket to the side with a sigh. She was mesmerized again. Reaching up to touch his face. He stared back at her with such a serious face. How could anyone handle being stared down by a handsome face like his? Sophie was breathless, developing a blush upon her cheeks.

Howl slowly smiled, reaching up and placing a hand on her cheek and caressing it in turn. Sophie's cheeks only burned brighter, looking away immediately and turning back around with her back to him. Now was not the time to be swooning over him. Howl caught her off guard by poking her on the nose, making her perk up. "I asked you a question," he said.

Sophie blinked her brown orbs, the blush on her cheeks deepening. "What was the question?"

"How long has it been?"

Sophie narrowed her eyes and her brows furrowed in confusion. "I don't—"

"The pregnancy test."

"Oh—about… three months," she said, very quietly.

Howl rose his eyebrows. "What was that?"

"Three… Three months," she sighed, frowning and sinking herself into the water and slouching against the wall of the tub.

Howl's eyebrows rose even higher. "Three months?" he sounded surprised.

Sophie nodded slightly, the upset showing upon her face a lot easier than it should have when she was trying hard not to let it show. "Oh, love," he sighed, scooting closer and trying to pull her forward. When she refused to move, he gave another sigh. "Don't worry about keeping it from me. You were scared, I can understand that, but I'm beyond happy and I don't think I'll be angry for an extremely… extremely long time."

Sophie peeked up at him from beyond her eyelashes, a small blush forming upon her cheeks that made his heart skip a beat. He reached out to caress her cheek, watching as she leaned in to his palm with a sigh. "I'm glad, but some part of me was a coward because we were trying for this. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon."

Howl smiled, rubbing her cheek. "No need to worry. The only thing we need to focus on now is the little baby growing inside of you."

After their bath, they had retired to the bedroom and curled up in bed. Despite three months of keeping this from him, Sophie had gone through quite a bit of pain including the guilt. Fighting fatigue had to be the hardest thing she dealt with, so falling asleep tonight wasn't going to be difficult for her as it had been for the past few months. In the morning, Sophie awoke nauseated. She didn't typically get nauseous, but there were some occasions. Sophie swung her legs over the bed and stumbled for the bathroom where she met the bowl of the toilet and emptied her late night snack. She grimaced as she lifted her head and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, sitting back and giving a sigh. She crawled to her feet and wandered downstairs where she met the nauseating aroma of eggs. She covered her mouth to hold a gag back and continued, coming to a stop to see Markl fixing himself breakfast. Now that she thought about it, it wasn't morning. Turning her attention to the clock on the wall, she grimaced. It was half passed twelve. "Good morning, Sophie! Would you like some?"

Sophie looked back to Markl, giving a smile. "No thanks." She said, easing herself down into a chair at the table and sighing in relief. "Where is Howl?"

Howl turned off the eye of the stove and slid his late breakfast into a plate with bacon and bread. He came to sit at the table and glanced up to him, blinking. "He said he had to go out for some things."

Sophie propped her elbow up on the table and rested her cheek into the palm of her hand, chewing lightly at the bottom of her lip. Strange, he typically told her when he was going out somewhere. She remained quiet as Markl ate his breakfast, nodding off. When she came back to reality, she found Howl's beautiful face in front of hers, his blue eyes gleaming when her eyes met his. He seemed to have been staring at her intently as she slept. Sophie straightened her back in a startled manner, wiping a bit of drool from the corner of her mouth. While she had been asleep, Howl had apparently made her some fruit salad. "You're awake."

Sophie eyed him shyly, glancing to the bowl of various cut up fruits and back to his face. "Where did you—"

"Shhh," he said, stabbing a strawberry and pushing it into her mouth.

The sweetness of the strawberry shut her up and she gave a happy sigh, immediately chewing and swallowing. He replaced her empty mouth with another, then a piece of cantaloupe, then some blueberries. By the end of the bowl, she had completely lost her question as she stared at his smiling face. "Feel okay?" he asked.

Sophie nodded slowly, licking some juice from her bottom lip. "You should have told me you were going somewhere."

"I did," he chortled, giving a smirk in her direction. "I guess you were so tired you didn't register my words."

Sophie nodded in agreement, her stomach gurgling as it took in the food she'd just eaten. Howl stood and reached out his hand. "Come with me."

Sophie took his hand quietly, rising and following him upstairs. She was about to ask just what he was up to when he brought her into their bedroom. Before her was a crib set up against the empty wall and a diaper changing station. Her breath caught in her throat. Seeing this, she remembered the question she intended to ask. "Howl…" she breathed, her eyebrows pulling together. Under the diaper station were bags and bags of diapers for the upcoming baby. There were other grocery bags on top of the bed.

Howl tugged Sophie to him in a hug, his hand slipping up and down her back a couple of times before bringing it to her hair, petting lightly. "Sorry I didn't take you with me. I only grabbed a couple of things. The clothes will have to wait," he purred into her ear, petting the top of her head some more.

A chill ran down Sophie's spine and lead to a shiver against his warm body, reaching her arms around him and hugging in return. "You're sweet."

"I know."

Sophie laughed, shaking her head. "You're such a brat."

Later in the day, Sophie was sprawled on the bed on her side, watching as Howl went through the contents of each bag he had bought for their future baby. Baby bottles, toys… It was just too wonderful to have a man that excited. The day he found out, he went immediately the next day to get the necessities. She beamed happily every time she looked at him. Not only did he purchase things for the baby, but he ended up stopping by the bookstore and grabbing books about pregnancy. Her cheeks grew pink at some of the titles. Positions for pregnant women, breastfeeding, and common information about how a woman feels during her trimesters. Howl had been intrigued by the sexual positions, but it wasn't anything new to what they typically did. The rest of the day, Sophie lay on the bed and Howl read up on some information about her and the changes she'd been having. The tenderness to her breasts was a definite sign and the fatigue and pain in various places. Howl ended up pulling her shirt up a couple times to inspect her, just now noticing the bump she had taken on. Considering she had first found out she was pregnant three months ago, it was possible she was just beginning her second trimester. They could find out what sex it was. His excitement was hard to contain. By the end of this trimester, they would definitely be able to feel the baby's movement. As he continued his reading, he noted weight loss or weight gain was common and now that he thought about it, Sophie did look like she lost some weight. It was odd compared to how most women gained and how he saw very few pregnant women slim. Nevertheless, he wasn't worried about it. He would continue to make sure she took in the right amount of meals. That she would eat and stop her persistent cleaning of the house on a weekly basis or sometimes daily depending on what magic Markl was testing out.

It was late into the night when Howl was experiencing drowsiness. Sophie had eaten a sandwich or two and fell asleep curled up next to him. Go through all of the book in so little time and learning so much, he felt a little more at ease. While he was a little anxious about the diseases, abnormalities, and other possibilities that could occur, nothing right now could bring his giddy soul down. He tossed his legs over the side of the bed carefully, hoping not to wake his beloved, and made a quick run to the bathroom and returned, undressing and crawling back in to bed with Sophie. Turning out his bedside lamp, he nuzzled lightly into the curve of Sophie's neck and soon met his slumber.

The following morning, Sophie seemed to wake to the typical Howl draped over her and loving on her in attempt to wake her up. He gave a coo as he felt her stir about, kissing into her neck. Sophie couldn't keep a smile from spreading across her face, turning herself over onto her other side to face him. "What time is it?" she asked, a little groggy.

"After eleven."

Sophie cringed, glimpsing wearily over toward the clock on the wall. "You could have at least woken me…"

Howl shrugged. "It's in my best interest to let you rest as long as you like."

Sophie stirred, sitting herself up and giving a small yawn. Her stomach gurgled hungrily, a change as compared to times before where she woke up needing to retch her last night's meal into the toilet. When she looked back over to Howl, he looked amused, though staring with a gleam in his eyes. "Any thoughts as to what you'd like for breakfast?" He asked, glimpsing her up and down and lingering on the little bulge she had acquired.

"I don't know, everything makes me sick to the stomach." She replied, watching as he stared intently at her stomach. Sophie had had a terrible time trying to hide it. She wore loose fitting shirts last month as it had started to form and it only made her anxious, especially during the times they had spent many nights and mornings tangled with each other. Heat flooded to her cheeks at the thought, but her gurgling stomach made her think of what she should have been thinking about. "What about… chicken and dumplings?"

Okay, so it definitely wasn't a breakfast meal. Howl didn't seem fazed by this request and started to stir from bed. "We'll have to start boiling the chicken for a couple of hours so we can use the natural broth from the chicken for the dumplings. I can assure you that you will have it, Sophie," he said as Sophie had developed a frown. "Think of a snack, or something to keep your hunger at bay until you can have some."

Sophie was still frowning, scooting toward the edge of the bed to stand. She stretched and gave a sigh. "I suppose a grilled cheese wouldn't hurt for now."

Howl slid on a pair of pants, stepping over to her and enveloping her in a warm hug. "I'll get right to it," he said, planting a kiss onto her forehead and leaving her to her thoughts.

Sophie sat back down on the bed groggily, glancing around and reaching for the books Howl had purchased the day before. She picked up the book of sexual positions for pregnant women out of curiosity. She didn't start from the very first page, but the moment she opened it up, she rose her eyebrows. Edge of the bed, scissoring, woman on top… The list went on and on and as she continued, she realized there was another presence in the room. She lifted her gaze to find Howl standing there with a tray in his hands, blinking incredulously at her. His cheeks had become red just by staring at her looking through the book and developing her own red face. Sophie jumped out of her skin and shoved the book to the side. Howl cleared his throat nervously, setting the tray down in front of her. He had made three grilled cheese sandwiches for her and had a glass of orange juice there for her. Sophie reached for the juice first, feeling his stare as she sipped at it quietly and then started for the grilled cheeses. She ate silently, keeping her eyes locked on to the tray instead of at him. She couldn't meet his gaze, there was no way she could. Hell, she would probably burst into flames because she felt that warm from embarrassment.

After ten minutes of silence and her devouring all three sandwiches, finally she had to meet his gaze. Howl seemed to have calmed down. Sophie, on the other hand, was still nervous. She chewed lightly at her bottom lip, averting her gaze from his magnificent blue orbs. The silence was finally broken as Howl settled onto the bed and spoke. "Sophie, there's… There's no need to be embarrassed." He muttered, scratching at the back of his head. "Did… Did you find one you liked?"

Saying this seemed to trigger an instant blush for both of them. Sophie gave a shrug. She had folded the top of the pages she found interesting. Reaching, she handed the book over to him. Just because she was pregnant, didn't mean she couldn't experience sex anymore. It didn't harm anything as long as he didn't breathe into her whenever he went down on her. Howl took the book from her and flipped through the book, taking note of the pages she had folded. The edge of the bed seemed to be one of them. Variations of the infamous doggy-style were also folded. Spooning was the last he noted. Howl snickered to himself, glancing up to her nervous face. "Well, thank you for that," he said, closing the book and setting it back down on the bedside table. He reached for the tray and set it in the floor, crawling over top of her. Sophie's face was warm and red as he touched it, giving a sly grin.

Sophie narrowed her eyes at him, leaning into his hand as he caressed. She hadn't realized all of the hormonal changes had left her hornier than she had ever been. Howl didn't need her permission as he slipped the strap of her nightgown off her shoulder and followed suit with the other. Eventually he had slipped her nightgown down and found her plump breasts. They were the same size as they usually were, but he had no complaints. He caressed one and caressed the other, hearing Sophie's breathing deepen. She was more responsive. Howl tweaked at the nipple in a testing manner, feeling her stir beneath him. He did the same to the other breast and smiled, ducking his head and covering the taut buds with his warmth, sending shivers up and back down her spine to her pelvis. The warmth had settled between her legs. He gave each breast the same treatment, no roughness involved. It was slow, tantalizing, and tender. Her breath became heavier, his fingers tracing down her front and lowering just above her pelvis. Howl retreated, leaving Sophie with a groan of irritation. His mouth came down on hers, his hands clasping her face and caressing gently. Their tongues met and twirled in a frenzy. Sophie gasped for air when he left, forgetting to breathe. He took her breath away. Her brown hues were glossy with need and the corners of Howl's mouth turned up in a smirk. Her heart skipped a beat at the mesmerizing look he gave her, his hand slowly trailing down to her pelvis. This time it didn't stop. He found the folds of her entry, but he didn't slip his long fingers inside. Instead, he ran back up and found her clitoris, rubbing in slow circles. Sophie's eyebrows pulled together and a sigh escaped from her lips. Eventually she started to writhe about beneath him, signaling a release. Howl pulled away and heard the pout, making him chortle. He pulled himself to his feet and started fumbling with his jeans' zipper and button. He shoved them down to his ankles, revealing the bulge straining against the fabric of his boxers. Sophie got to him before he could take his spot over her. She reached for the waistband of his boxers and pulled them down, letting them fall to his ankles like his jeans did. The hard-on sprang free and throbbed. As she glanced up to him, he had a frisky look in his eye but he remained still. The site of her on her knees in front of him looking hungrily at him turned him on, if he could get hornier than he was now. Sophie ducked her head and wrapped her mouth around him, swirling her tongue around the tip and licking away the juice that beaded there. Howl gave a groan, his hands running into her hair and allowing her to go as deep as she liked. As her suckling continue, he had to force her off, giving an apologetic look down at her as she looked up at him, startled. If she continued to taunt him like this, he wouldn't be able to keep his composure and be gentle with her. He didn't want to jump straight into roughness without testing her and seeing what she liked and what she hated in this phase. Howl nudged her down to the bed and curled beside her, watching her closely as she stared back at him.

Sophie's breath caught at his flustered look. Howl nudged her to get her onto her other side, her back facing him. Submitting, she turned, listening as he slipped out of his boxers and pressed himself against her. He wrapped an arm around her, reaching up to caress her tender breasts. His hand ran down to the area between her legs, rubbing her clitoris to test just how close she was. Not only was he in the same position, this would not be lasting a minute. Grasping the length of his cock, he guided it between her legs after raising her leg, finding the warmth. He wanted to plunge right in, but he took his time. He rubbed the head against the wetness, his own breath starting to deepen. He reached back up to her chest and gave a grope, nibbling into her back. He played with her rigid nipples some more as he guided his length up into her. Sophie's insides pulled at him when he stopped to play with her some more. Finally he let himself slip all the way inside, a groan escaping from him. Before, they'd only experience missionary and doggy and on the edge of things, but not once had they spooned. Not only was it comfortable, but it left him hugging her with the ability to touch what he wanted. His hands stayed at her breasts, caressing and giving attention to each one as he thrust gently up into her. With time, he got rougher, needing his release. "Come with me," he insisted, breathing into her neck.

Sophie whimpered in reply. Howl reached down to her clitoris and rubbed in slow circles, continuing his rough thrusts into her. His free hand found hers and their fingers interlaced. Sophie gripped as he rubbed into her swollen clitoris, adding pressure in just the right spots. Howl grunted as he released his seed into her, rubbing her until she came along with him. Her body quivered as he continued to rub until she went limp and tried to catch her breath. "Now you have a new position…" she breathed, glancing back at him with a flushed face, a smile playing at her lips.

"Indeed," he replied, giving a smirk and pressing a kiss to her reddened cheek.


**You can't imagine how many people have been bugging me to get back to this story... Happy now!? Chapter 3 coming soon. -Janel**