Chapter 11

It had three months since Robert had come back to her. Anna sat up in bed watched him sleep, the moonlight washing over him from the little window in their bedroom. Living with him in this little cottage has been so wonderful, it's like a dream. They would start their days with a walk around the village, then Robert usually would go and help on one of the small farms, just helping out where ever they needed an extra hand. They both felt like they had been taking in by this little community and that was his way of giving back. Now when the people in the village talked about her, she knew they were talking about how she had come here to wait for her husband to return. Anna was sure Filomena had a lot to do with that being enough of an explanation.

Robert is being so wonderful, having him here she knows has made these last months easier on her. When she was tired and couldn't sleep it was his tenderness that always settled both her and the baby. Anna had been so lost without him, they still hadn't known each other a year but in that short time, he had become her everything. After finding that kind of connection she had felt empty without him. It was their little one that gave her purpose, without the baby Anna knew she would have given up. As it was, there for a while Anna knew she hadn't been taking care of herself like she should be to ensure a healthy baby. Late one night it had been Robert's voice she heard laying in bed, 'take care of our little one, Luv,' he had said. Anna remembers the tears that came, she had known he wasn't there that he didn't even know there was a baby, but it had seems so real. She knew she had to start eating better, she had to try and find ways to sleep, and she did.

Tonight their little one was who was keeping her awake so Anna sat rubbing her very swollen belly, the baby would be coming soon. Earlier that week she had received a letter from Sean. So far she hadn't opened it, she wasn't she if she wanted to read it. When she had mentioned the letter to Robert, he had said it was up to her if she wanted to read it. Anna stroked Robert hair, trying to decide if she wanted to know what Sean had to say. They were making plans for a new life Robert had already applied a few different places, he wanted to stay in law enforcement. The most promising sounding one was in upstate New York. They both loved the idea of starting their life together somewhere new, a new family, new job. Anna smiled, thinking about it. They had even agreed that when Anna was ready she could pursue whatever she wanted to, but for now, Robert wanted her to stay home with their baby, maybe babies if there were more to come. Anna loved that as much as Robert wanted to take care of her, he understood her need to do things for herself.

"We're starting our new life I don't want the past hanging over us," she said quietly. Anna kissed his forehead then got out of bed to get the letter from Sean.

Anna put on her robe and left the bedroom, she turned on the light in the little sitting room, then got the letter from the shelf she had put it on. As she sat Anna pulled a blanket over her legs, she opened the letter then read;

Anna,

I understand congratulations are in order, O'Reilly told me that you and Robert are expecting a baby. I know Robert will never forgive me for what I did. I never wanted you to get hurt, not how you were. I know now the type of pain I cause you both was worse than any physical pain you were in. I saw what it did to him. I can only imagine how you were affected. Robert was my friend and all I cared about was that you both had broken the rules. I wanted to keep the best team I have ever seen together. Instead, I lost the two of you and the Swede. I'm sure Robert has told you what I did, how I betrayed you. Anna I don't expect either of you to ever forgive what I did.

You had such potential and I pushed you so hard, I wanted the best you could do and you never let me down. You would have had an amazing career with the WSB. You and Scorpio would have been legions. Never let anyone make you feel like you failed as an agent, we know the truth. Make them know you choose love, I don't understand it but I now see that what you and Robert have is something special. I hope you two will be very happy and that you have a wonderful life together. I know you will have a beautiful little family. Anna, I know I was wrong not to let you leave when you and Robert first asked. I am sorry for the pain I know I've caused.

Regretfully,

Sean Donely

When she was done reading she put the letter down on the end table, she would leave it there, if Robert wanted to read it he could. Anna didn't know how Sean letter made her feel. Clearly, Sean was not expecting or even looking for forgiveness. He wants her to know he had made mistakes, she thought he might actually regret what he had done, maybe. Anna wasn't sure if this was Sean's way of trying to make amends or if this was just to make himself feel better, like the money. Anna decided this was just another step to putting this all behind them.

She got up, shut off the lamp then went back to bed. Anna knows she needed to try and get some sleep but someone had other plans and kicking was her very hard in the side. "I know you'll be here soon. That's why mommy needs some sleep," Anna said rubbing her belly right where the baby was kicking.

"I thought that might be why you got up," Robert said sounding sleepy.

"I didn't want to disturb you."

Robert moved lower in their bed and propped his head up on one elbow while rubbing Anna's belly with the other hand. "Hi little one, it's me, daddy." Anna smiled when the baby kicked right where his hand was, she was sure their baby already knew his voice. "I know we've talked about this sweety, you have to let mommy get some sleep. I know you're excited about finally getting to meet us, we're excited too." Robert spoke in such a soft tune, Anna knew it helped settle the baby. "You are already so loved. You just relax in there, it's should only be a couple more weeks before we finally get to see each other." Robert kissed Anna's belly, "Goodnight sweetheart." He looked up at Anna her eyes were already closed, "You need some sleep too Luv."

"I will try, but I think I need you on your side." Robert smiled and turned taking her in his arms, the last few weeks she had found it easiest to fall asleep in his arms with a few pillows strategically placed for the best support. "I read Sean's letter, I think he regrets what he did to us but doesn't seem to expect us to forgive him. I left it out if you want to read it."

"Mmm. I might but right now I want you to try and get some sleep." He started rubbing her belly again.

"I wanted to read it before the baby came, keep that all in the past. Once the baby's here I want us to focus on the next stage of our life."

"I couldn't agree more. Now close your eyes Luv, we can talk more about this tomorrow." He smiled feeling her already drifting off to sleep. He didn't care what Sean had wanted to tell her but he was glad she wanted to deal with it now. They had both felt so lost without the other now all they wanted was to move one with as little baggage from this part of their lives as they can. He stroked her hair, when he was sure she was sound asleep he let himself fall back asleep.