*Month 6* September
It was a late September evening and Sophie and Howl decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. Sophie put on a warm purple dress because it was cold outside. Howl too dressed warmly. They grabbed their coats by the door and were off to market Chipping.
"It sure is a lovely evening." Sophie said snuggly as she held onto Howl's arm.
"It truly is." They walked down several streets and said hello to people they knew. It was a very calm evening and everyone seemed to be indoors because of the cold. When walking down Omni Lane, Sophie felt something.
"Oh!" She put her hand on her stomach.
"What is it?" Howl asked quietly.
"I felt a kick. It was a big one too." She smiled. Suddenly, a cold wind came out of nowhere and almost knocked them both over.
"Whoa!" Howl tried to get his balance.
They continued to walk through the fierce wind. While walking down Nixie Ave, a woman came running up to them.
"Sophie? Howl?" Sophie looked toward the voice.
"Hello Mrs. Rogers." She replied as the wind tried to blow off her hat. The woman came running up to them, panting. On her head lay a very exuberant hat.
"Boy, can you believe this wind? It almost blew me out of my shoes! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you congratulations! I know it's a little late but I just found out last week you were having a baby! I was visiting my sister so I haven't been here in a while. How far along are you?"
"Almost seven months I believe." Sophie said in realization.
"Well, I hope you are excited." Mrs. Rogers pointed to Howl.
Howl laughed. "Don't worry. I'm over the moon." He squeezed Sophie.
"I've got to run but I'll see you soon! Sophie let's have tea sometime! Bye!" Mrs. Rogers said as she scuffed away.
"Did I ever tell you how thankful I am of you?" Sophie asked Howl as she laid her head on his shoulder when they started to walk again.
"What?"
"I just mean I'm glad you're excited about this baby. I mean some husbands don't really care but you…you just make it so…special." At this, Sophie started to tear up and soon in to full blown sobbing.
"Hey there, what's the matter?"
"I…I just love you so much Howl and…" Sophie pressed her face against Howl's jacket. "It just makes me so happy the way you care for me. I've never had someone like that in my life." She looked down. "Oh gosh, these hormones are making me crazy." Sophie sniffled.
Howl smiled to her. "Sophie, I've never had any one like you before either. You've really made my life better. Just thinking that sometime soon a little part of you and me will be in this world makes so overjoyed. I love you Sophie. Don't ever forget." He looked into her eyes. They were still wet with tears. He brushed his hand on her face. Then she bent over to sneeze.
"Howl I'm very cold."
"Yes, yes let's get home so we can warm up." They walked towards their home and held each other very close the entire way.