This is the final chapter of The Sea Calls, I can't thank you enough for all the reviews, the favourites and follows. It means the world to me. I hope you like it, nothing but fluff for this one.
To Lauren: I don't know about The Other Person, several people asked me that and maybe I will write an epilogue as well, just to round things off. I've had an idea for a new story and I already started writing it. Thank you very much for reviewing every chapter.
One person who I can't thank enough, pussycatwithattitude. You're the best. :)
Disclaimer: Same as before
She could feel him leaning over her – reaching for her alarm clock before it even went off - and she had to stop herself from smiling. It had become one of her favourite aspects about him, the way he would wake her up without the need of an alarm. He tightened his grip around her middle and pressed a soft kiss on her shoulder. She knew she had to wake up, but just for a moment she wanted to enjoy the feeling of her husband behind her. The smile she had hidden for a while couldn't be contained any longer as he entwined their fingers - his wedding band cold in contrast to the warmth of his hand. She squeezed his hand softly before turning her head to meet his gaze, a yawn escaping her and she could feel his chest vibrating as he chuckled.
He loved watching her wake up, even though she had often scolded him for the early hour, but it were moments like these that he lived for. They had been married for nine years now, but she still managed to take his breath away, one look from her was enough to send his heart racing every time. Through the years she had only grown in beauty and he wouldn't let a day go by without telling her so. He bent down slowly and brushed his lips gently against hers, whispering a soft good morning as he broke away.
"Are they up yet?"
He shook his head, "I haven't heard a sound."
She frowned, "How long have you been awake?"
"Only a few hours."
She caressed his cheek tenderly, "Are you all right, John? You haven't slept in almost a week."
"Don't worry about me, I can manage. Besides it gave me more time to watch you." He teased her lips with his own, "You're beautiful."
"Silly man."
He raised his eyebrows and she could only smile, he would always find a way to make her lips curl upwards in the morning. She pressed her lips against his – not able to resist him with his sleepy eyes – and pulled him closer, deepening their kiss as his hands wandered over her body. He could feel her hands sliding lower down his body, playing with the waistband of his boxers, teasing him and he couldn't help but let out a soft moan. His body was quickly responding to her touch, as it always did, and he knew he had to break away, before it got out of hand.
He reluctantly broke their kiss, "As much as I want to, I'm afraid we don't have time."
She sighed, "I know."
He pressed another soft kiss to her lips, "Why don't you stay in bed a bit longer? I'll get a quick shower and take them to school."
His offer was tempting, but she didn't want a lie-in without him, "No, it's all right. I'm coming with you, besides someone has to make breakfast."
He gave her another quick kiss, before he got out, nearly stumbling over Anna's nightgown in the process. Her giggles reached his ears and a natural smile formed on his face, remembering their exploits from last night.
She tried to stifle her laughter as he picked it up and threw it towards her, "I suggest you get dressed before you wake the kids, love. Don't want them to know their mother's a little temptress."
"Cheeky beggar."
He offered her a grin, before disappearing into the bathroom. She pulled her nightgown over her head, before tying her robe around her middle. Walking through the corridor she softly caressed her belly, smiling as she thought of the secret she was yet to share with John. She had only found out a few days ago, but she still hadn't found the right moment to tell him. Every time she thought about telling him she imagined his face full of joy, but at the same time she feared he didn't really want another child. It was a bit unexpected and they had never spoken about having another one, but the thought of being pregnant with John's child again made her so incredibly happy.
Her smile never faded as she reached their daughter's room. She was the eldest of three kids and a real daddy's girl. To John's delight she had inherited Anna's looks, but that was about it. Everything else she had from John, including her love for books. Only eight years old, but she was a far better reader than any of the other kids in her class, making both her parents incredibly proud.
She slowly opened the door to see Martha already lying awake in her bed. Like father, like daughter, she thought. Anna bent down and picked her up in her arms, pressing a soft good morning kiss on her crown.
"Did you sleep well?"
Martha nodded sleepily, "Where's daddy?"
"He's taking a shower, he'll be here soon."
The little girl smiled and Anna couldn't resist pressing another soft kiss against her cheek, "Let's go and wake your brothers, all right?"
She put Martha down and took her hand in hers, walking further down the corridor to the boys' room. Henry and Albert were born two years after Martha, identical twins and both the spitting image of their father. At first it was difficult to keep the two apart, but at the age of six Henry was already a bit taller than Albert. Anna loved seeing them with John, her three boys. She smiled as she recalled the doctor telling them they would be expecting two babies instead of one. The look on John's face was priceless – waves of shock and happiness washing over his features as the news sunk in – and she immediately stored it in her memory.
Anna opened the door and Martha let go of her hand to run to her brothers, waking them both up. Henry turned his head and tried to ignore his big sister in favour of going back to sleep, something he had inherited from his mother. Albert reluctantly got up with a big yawn and Anna had to smile at the sight. She sat down on Henry's bed and pressed a soft kiss to his temple.
"Time to get up, Henry, you have to go to school."
She picked him up in her arms – his eyes still closed as he settled in his mother's arms – before she bent down to give Albert a soft kiss on his forehead. She took her children downstairs, setting them around the kitchen table before she started with their breakfast. It wasn't long before the usual chatter took over their kitchen.
"Mummy, is auntie Helen coming tonight?"
"Not tonight sweetie, but they're coming tomorrow."
Martha smiled, "Then I can show uncle Archie my new book."
She was just about to reply when John entered the kitchen, his hair still damp and the first buttons of his shirt open just enough for Anna to see a few hairs escaping. Her breath caught in her throat as she regarded him unabashedly and a small smile crept up her features, he was all hers.
He went around the table giving each of his children a kiss, before he looked up at his wife standing by the counter. He noticed her eyes looking him up and down before settling on his, giving him a big smile. He shook his head and made his way to her, one hand settling on her hip as his other held onto his cane. He still didn't understand what she saw in him, but he enjoyed every second of being with her. He gave her a sweet kiss, mindful of their children in the room, before he set himself down in his usual seat. Anna sat down next to him and she couldn't resist running her hand over his thigh, the adoring look he threw her was all she ever wanted.
Albert tried to get his father's attention, "Daddy can we come to the hotel today?"
"Well, Bertie, you have to go to school today." John noticed the disappointed look on his son's face and he tried to make it better by saying, "But maybe if your mummy allows it you can come and help us when you're back."
Albert looked at his mother with pleading eyes, "Please mummy, can we?"
"I can hardly say no now, can I?" She shook her head at John and he merely smiled.
He knew she loved having the kids with them in the hotel, playing in John's office or behind the reception desk, the sound of laughter spreading through their hotel. Even the guests liked having them around, Anna's heart growing with pride every time one of the guests told her their children were so polite and decent. Martha would prefer helping behind the reception along with June, whom she considered a friend as the boys played hide and seek.
John enjoyed the happy chatter between his children; never in his whole life could he have dreamt about a life filled with so much joy. He turned his head towards Anna, seeing the content smile on her face as she regarded her children and he squeezed her hand softly under the table. Her gaze automatically turned to his as he leaned in closer to whisper in her ear, "I have a surprise for you."
She frowned, but smiled all the same, "For me? What's the occasion?"
"You can't think of a reason?"
She thought for a moment, but she couldn't think of a reason. "I'm sorry."
He smiled, "Doesn't matter. Close your eyes."
"Mummy, why are you closing your eyes?" Martha was the first one to notice something going on between her parents.
John smiled and turned his head to his daughter, "Because your daddy has a surprise for her." He took her hand in his, "Can you make sure mummy doesn't open her eyes until I say so?"
Martha nodded and stood up, making her way to her mother to place both her hands in front of her eyes. His sons got curious as well and made their way to their parents' side of the table, looking on with big eyes as John took out a small bracelet with five little ornaments on. He gently placed it around Anna's wrist and kissed her knuckles, before telling her to open her eyes.
She opened her eyes and gasped as she saw the bracelet now adorning her wrist. Her eyes sought his, tears in her own, as he looked at her with pure adoration. In all those years the chemistry between them had only increased, their love for each other growing every day. Their silent link was broken when Martha tried to get a closer look.
"Daddy I can't see it!" Her brothers were standing in front of her, blocking her view a bit.
"Come here." He let go of Anna's hand for a moment and took Martha's hands to place her on his good knee, his hand searching Anna's the minute Martha settled down, his other hand holding his daughter in place.
Martha gasped as she looked at the bracelet, "Mummy it's beautiful."
Anna smiled, squeezing John's hand softly as he placed a soft kiss on his daughter's crown.
"What are these, daddy?" Henry indicated the small ornaments with his tiny fingers.
"These are all little reminders for your mother to think about when she looks at them." He took the first one in between his fingers, "This is a letter, because your mother and I used to write each other many letters when I was away."
He looked up in Anna's eyes, both thinking back to their letters, and what they meant to each other.
Albert took the next one between his fingers, "Daddy, what's this one?"
"That, Bertie, is an angel. Because your mother is the one who saved me, the one who healed me when I was broken," his eyes met hers again and he fought hard to keep his emotions under control, "She's my angel."
She wiped away the tears from her cheeks, looking on as John placed another soft kiss on her knuckles.
"Mummy, why are you crying? Don't you like the gift daddy gave you?"
She looked down at Henry, smiling, "I'm crying because I'm so happy, Henry, I love the gift."
Henry wrapped his arms around Anna and she pressed a soft kiss on his cheek. She looked back at John, urging him on to continue.
He smiled, "This one is a heart, because your mummy has such a big heart where she keeps us all safe."
"What's this butterfly for daddy?" Martha eyed the ornament curiously.
"That one represents the three of you."
"But daddy I'm not a butterfly."
"I know, Bertie, but your mummy loves butterflies and every time she sees one she smiles the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. The only smile that's even more enchanting is the one she wears when she sees one of you. When she looks at you Bertie, or you Henry, or you Martha, she can't help but smile and she loves you all so much. That's why I chose a butterfly."
"And this key?"
"Well Henry, that's a simple one."
He looked up at Anna, making sure their eyes were locked before he uttered his next words, "That's because your mother is the key to my happiness."
The smile she gave him took his breath away, her eyes filled with tears, but a love shining through he was lucky enough to call his.
The children started discussing the ornaments, oblivious to the emotional moment between their parents.
Her eyes never lost his as she addressed her daughter, "Martha why don't you take your brothers upstairs to brush your teeth, I'll be there in a few minutes to help you."
Martha let go of her dad and took her brothers by the hand, guiding them upstairs, like her mother had asked her to. When they left the kitchen Anna stood up and crawled on John's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, her hands moving through his hair. They looked at each other for a long time, neither spoke a word. Her thumb traced his bottom lip, the smile that formed on his lips as she pressed a soft kiss on his cheek. She remained close to him, her lips moving over every inch of his face, pulling back before she reached his lips. She entwined their fingers and she had to smile, how easy it was to love him.
"I feel guilty for not knowing the true reason."
He smiled a bit shy, "Maybe it's not that special."
"Please tell me."
He wrapped his arms around her and pressed a soft kiss to her temple, his mouth close to her ear as he whispered, "Ten years ago today you sat with me in my garden, holding my hands. We had just left a rather disturbing dinner party, because you didn't want to let me go on my own." He pulled back a little to look in her eyes filled with tears, "I kissed you for the first time ten years ago today."
She allowed her tears to stream down her cheeks, her voice full of emotion, "And you told me you loved me."
He smiled, "I did."
"Oh, John." She wiped away her tears, thinking back to the moment where they finally gave in to each other. They shared a teary smile and he pressed a tender kiss on her cheek, his hands holding her close to him as one moved up her thigh. She rested her forehead on his as she slowly closed the distance between their lips, her hands moving through his hair to pull him closer as their kiss deepened. The familiar feelings of desire bubbled up inside her as his hands continued to caress her body, his mouth stifling her moan as he slowly reached up to cup her cheek and grazed her breast.
She pulled away panting for breath, her eyes still closed as she enjoyed the fire burning deep inside her for him. For a moment she wished she could take him back to their room, showing him exactly what he did to her, but she knew she needed to suppress her desire. She could feel his breath on her lips and she couldn't resist pressing her lips against his, if only for another brief second.
A smile played on his lips, amazed by the effect he still had on her after all those years. "I asked you to marry me a few months after that night."
"How could I forget?"
Their hotel had been open for a month now and she enjoyed every second of it. The longing glances during work, reminding her of their time at the restaurant. The only difference being that she could go home with him every night and enjoy their time together. Oh how she enjoyed it. Ever since that first time it was like a barrier had been broken between them, they couldn't keep their hands off each other. She would wake up, lying with her back to his front and she could already feel it. He would start with a soft kiss on her shoulder, his hand squeezing her hip, his legs tangling with hers and then he would pull away, lying on his back, waiting until she turned. She just couldn't resist him, one tender touch and she would jump in his arms, crushing her lips against his.
The worst part was not being able to be with him while they were working. He would tease her the whole day through, until she couldn't take it anymore, but she knew she was just as bad. There was something about him with his eyes full of desire, knowing that she was the one who caused it.
One day she had taken him by surprise, stepping into his office as he was looking over some papers. His eyes found hers as soon as she walked in and he knew she wasn't there to discuss something about the hotel, his suspicions were confirmed as she locked the door behind her. His protests were weak and of no use, because as soon as her lips met his, he was lost. Lost in his need for her, his desire and it had been all too easy to give in. Ever since that moment he couldn't look at the sofa in his office again without seeing her lying naked, waiting for him.
She loved the playfulness between them, but somewhere in her heart she knew she wanted more. They had talked about getting married long before they came to Ireland, but ever since she arrived he never talked about it again. Until that day.
She was working in the kitchen, when she felt a presence behind her and she turned around, smiling like she did every time she saw him.
"I thought it was you."
"Hello." He gave her a shy smile, realising they weren't alone.
She gently squeezed his arm, "Everything all right over there?"
"Yeah, Seamus should come in any minute now. They'll be fine without us."
"What do you mean? I thought we were going to work late tonight."
"Not today." He took her hand and smiled, "Today I'm going to take you to a very special place."
He winked at her and her heart fluttered, realising the meaning of his words. That first night he had told her he would take her there, but through everything going on around them with the hotel, they still hadn't gone.
"Are you serious?"
"They all know I'm taking you out for the night. There's no need to worry, Alice will be fine here in the kitchen and Seamus will be here soon to help June. They can go without us for one evening, isn't that so Alice?"
"Of course Mr. Bates." The young woman turned her attention to Anna, "You deserve a night out Anna."
Anna smiled gratefully, before she looked back at John. "How long have you been planning this?"
He merely smiled and took her hand in his, guiding her out of the kitchen, but she suddenly stopped.
"I need to change."
"There's no need, you look fine." She raised her eyebrows and he pulled her closer to him, lowering his voice so only she could hear him, "You look beautiful, Anna, you always do." He pulled back to press a soft kiss against her lips, "Now come on."
She followed him through the kitchen after making sure Alice would be fine without her and took his hand in hers, smiling up at him as he guided her out of the hotel.
"Where are we going?"
He grinned at her, "You'll see."
They walked towards the shore, wading through the sand towards a few cliffs a bit further. "I discovered this place when I was about twelve years old. My dad came home drunk again and my mother sent me to my room, but I left the house instead, running away as far as I could."
She looked up at him, but he kept staring straight ahead. She knew his father had left them when he was barely thirteen years old, but she didn't know anything else.
"Ever since that night I often went back there, to be alone with my thoughts. I spent hours there, hidden away from the world and I felt happy." He stopped them just before they reached it and he turned towards her, "It has always been a special place for me and I never shared it with anyone, until now." He bent his head and brushed his lips gently against hers, "I found it in unhappy circumstances, but it has been my safe haven for a very long time."
He took her hand and guided her over a few rocks until they reached a small cove, illuminated by candles. A blanket was spread out in the middle and she could see a picnic basket. She turned around to see John staring at her intently, a small smile on his lips.
He took a few tentative steps towards her, his voice soft as he spoke, "Do you like it?"
She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a tender kiss, "I love it."
The smile he gave her made her heart jump and she couldn't resist kissing him again, this time slow and passionate.
He pulled away as the need for air arose, but he held his head close, "The sunset is beautiful here, that's why we needed to leave earlier than usual."
She smiled, "And I'm glad we did."
He pressed a soft kiss to her temple before he guided her to sit on the blanket.
"Are you cold?"
She shook her head and shoved a bit closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder as she looked out over the sea. The sun cast an orange glow across the sky and she sighed contently, taking his hand in hers. She lifted her head to look at him, before turning her gaze back to the horizon, "It's beautiful, John."
He hummed in agreement, but he wasn't looking at the horizon, his eyes were glued to her. The content smile on her lips, the twinkle in her eyes, her pale skin warmed by the candles, why would he look at the sun when his light was right beside him? He placed a tender kiss on her knuckles, before resting his forehead against her temple. He closed his eyes, simply enjoying her presence.
Looking out over the sea, the man she loved right beside her, holding her hand, she couldn't remember ever being this happy in her whole life. She could feel his warm breath in her ear and her smile grew even brighter, thinking about the nights where she would huddle up close to him and feel his breath ghosting over her body as he explored her with his mouth and hands. She closed her eyes for a moment, simply enjoying his presence beside her.
"Marry me."
Her eyes were open at once, "What?"
His voice had been so soft that she was afraid she might have misheard him. She turned her head and looked at him with big eyes, only to be greeted by his half-smile.
He softly repeated his words, "Marry me."
She couldn't hold back the tears forming in her eyes "Are you serious?"
He chuckled, "I've been meaning to ask you ever since you came here, but somehow it never seemed the right moment." He cupped her cheek and took a deep breath, locking his eyes with hers as they shared a smile, "The moment I met you I knew my life would never be the same. When you asked me to write you, I fell in love for the first time in my life. My love grew deeper with every letter you sent me, whether you were talking about a kite, your aunt's kitchen or just a random fact you read somewhere in a newspaper, I knew I could never love anyone else." He closed his eyes for a moment, willing his voice not to break as he spoke his next words, "I know I hurt you by pushing you away."
She wanted to protest, but he stopped her, "There's no use denying it, Anna." He gave her a soft kiss and wiped away the first tears that had fallen down her cheeks.
"But you make me so happy, Anna." He let out a laugh, "I never knew real happiness until you were with me. The life we have now, I still can't believe it. I wake up every morning, staring at you in my arms and I..." He shook his head as tears threatened to escape him. He could feel her hands cupping his cheeks and he looked back up in her eyes, taking one hand in his to place a soft kiss in her palm. "I just want to spend the rest of my life loving you." He took the ring out of his pocket, smiling as she gasped, "Will you let me?"
The tears streamed down her cheeks freely as she crushed her lips against his. He fell back on the blanket – taken by surprise as she flung herself in his arms – and deepened their kiss as she laid her body on top of his. She kissed him languidly, savouring each and every moment, storing his proposal in her memory forever.
He pulled away panting for breath, a smile playing on his lips, "I take it that's a yes?"
"Of course, you silly beggar."
He entwined their fingers and pressed a soft kiss above her ring, taking her out of her memory.
"We should take the kids to watch the sunset there some day."
She nodded absentmindedly, her eyes going over the bracelet he gave her, "It's beautiful." She turned her gaze back to his, "Thank you, John."
"You deserve it."
Her face fell a little, "I didn't get you anything."
He gave her a sweet smile, "I have you."
She pressed her lips against his and she could feel his smile growing as she tenderly caressed his cheek, "You do know how much I love you, right?"
He was just about to answer when a small voice from upstairs drew their attention, "Mummy, are you coming? Albert and Henry are arguing again."
They shared a smile and John raised his eyebrows, sighing, "They're yours."
She gave him a playful slap, pretending to be offended but the smile tugging at the corner of her lips betrayed her amusement.
Just as she was about to leave the kitchen he pulled her back in his arms, hugging her from behind, his arms wrapped around her middle. He placed a soft kiss in her neck, "I love you too."
She turned her head with a smile and gave him a quick peck, "Now you go and check in on June and I'll be right behind you with the kids."
He released her from his grip and followed her with his eyes as she moved up the stairs. He shook his head and smiled to himself, she would never fail to amaze him.
He cleaned up their breakfast table, before making his way to the hotel. Seamus was still there to give John a full update from his night shift. He was glad to hear there had been no problems and he sent Seamus home as soon as June arrived. He caught up with some paperwork in his office until he heard the distinctive sound of children's laughter, he looked up immediately as Albert ran into his office and took his hand.
"Come on daddy we have to go, else we'll be late."
"Don't worry, Bertie, we're never late."
He picked up his son and walked through to the lobby, where his wife was talking to June. She came towards him as soon as she caught sight of him and Albert, a smile on her lips as she approached them.
"Let's go, mum."
The wink he threw her made her heart skip a beat as he turned and walked out of their hotel, Albert still on his arm. She followed him outside, Martha on one hand, Henry on the other. Together they walked to the local school, their children talking excitedly about the day ahead. As soon as they let go of their parents and said their goodbyes, John's hand searched Anna's, entwining their fingers as they walked back to the hotel.
A new day ahead of them.
Anna had stopped being a full time chef since Martha's birth, but she didn't mind one bit. The time she would usually spend in the kitchen was now spent with her family at home. From time to time she would help in the kitchen with the preparations, but Alice had taken over as chef with the help of their sous-chef, Tom.
Through the years they had developed a certain routine in their work. In the morning Anna would supervise the cleaning of the rooms as John went over the deliveries for the kitchen, like he used to do in the restaurant. They hardly ever saw each other during the mornings, but they sought each other out to have lunch together in John's office. They needed to stay close to the hotel, so their staff could call on them any time, but Anna wanted this moment for themselves. A moment where they would talk about everything or even nothing, as long as they were together.
He smiled as soon as she walked in – one of the effects she always had on him – and he stood up to greet her with a soft kiss.
"How are you?"
She sank down on his sofa and sighed, "Marie and Lucy managed to do the first floor this morning and number four and five on the second are ready for the new guests, coming this afternoon."
He set himself down next to her, a shy smile on his face, "I didn't ask you how the hotel was, I asked how you were."
Her head turned to catch his loving gaze and she couldn't resist leaning in to brush her lips against his, "I'm fine thank you. How are you?"
"Glad to see you."
She shook her head, but smiled all the same, "Charmer."
He stood back up and took the sandwiches Anna had brought with her, handing one to her, "Robert called earlier."
"Did he? How are they?"
"They're all fine, he called to arrange their visit for Martha's birthday." He walked to the small fridge in the corner of his office, "Do you want anything to drink?"
"A bottle of water please." She smiled gratefully as he handed her one, "When are they coming?"
"Two days before her birthday and he asked if they could stay a week. He promised Cora some sort of a holiday."
Her eyes widened, "A week? Do we have room for them?"
"Not in our cottage, that's for sure." He sat back down next to her after getting a bottle for himself as well.
"Thank god for that, I wouldn't survive if they stayed in our cottage for a week."
He chuckled, "I wouldn't survive a day, we already have our hands full with three kids."
She smiled, but the secret she was yet to share with him had her worried for a moment. He always said he wanted a big family, but maybe three was already more than enough for him. She couldn't keep it her secret any longer.
"John there's something I need to tell you."
"What's that?" The smile on his face faded as he noticed her frown, "Is there something wrong?"
"No, it's just..."
A knock on the door made her jump, June entered, "Mr Bates there's a phone call for you, can I put it through?"
"Who is it?"
"It's Mr. Robert Crawley."
He sighed, "Yeah sure."
June nodded and left the office as John stood up to accept the call, though his gaze remained fixed on Anna, worried about what she might want to talk to him about. He reluctantly answered the phone, "Hello, Robert."
"John, Mary wants to come as well."
"Does she?"
Anna looked at him questioningly and he mouthed, "Mary's coming."
"Do you have another room available?"
He was only half listening to what Robert was saying, his eyes still on his wife, "I'll have to take a look, but I'm sure we can arrange something."
She knew she had worried him and she threw him a smile, trying to ease his mind and she was glad to see it returned, but the crease in his forehead betrayed his concern. She stood up and made her way towards him as he was talking on the phone, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. "I'm going to see how Alice's doing."
He held her hand in his, "Robert can you hold for a moment." He placed the phone against his chest, "Anna, we still have to talk."
"Don't worry, John, it can wait."
"Are you sure?"
She rolled her eyes good-naturedly and placed a soft kiss on his lips, "Yes, don't worry. I'll see you later."
He let her go and with one last smile she stepped out of his office, she would tell him tonight and the more she thought about it the more she convinced herself that all her worries would fade just by seeing his smile.
They hadn't seen each other as often as she would like during the day when she left to pick up the kids from school, John being too busy to come along. Since it was Friday they would stop earlier to have a family night, meaning that John had to finish his paperwork earlier than usual.
When she returned to the hotel - the children running ahead of her as soon as the hotel came in view - John was waiting for them in the hall. They flew into his arms and she had to smile at the sight, she loved seeing him as a dad.
"How was it?"
They all started talking at the same time and John looked up in his wife's eyes, sharing an amused smile.
"Daddy, can I help with June?"
"Well, only if you ask her nicely, but we're going home in about half an hour."
Martha smiled and made her way to June behind the reception, her excited squeals filled the air as June immediately said she could. The boys set off to John's office to play with their cars, leaving Anna and John alone.
After making sure his children would be all right, he took her hand in his and guided her outside to the garden bench. His arm found her shoulder naturally and she snuggled a bit closer to him, a content sigh leaving her lips as he pressed his lips to her temple.
"I missed you today."
He smiled, "I missed you too. It's been rather busy."
"When are Mary and Robert coming?"
"In two weeks, we have two rooms available then."
"It will be good to see them again, it's been a while."
He remained silent for a while, thinking about their conversation earlier, "Anna, what did you want to tell me before we were interrupted?"
She looked up at him, but she knew this was neither the time nor the place to tell him, "I'll tell you tonight, I promise."
"Should I be worried?"
"Of course not." She smiled and gave him a quick peck, "Trust me on this one."
"You know I always do." He gave her a soft kiss, showing her he meant what he said.
She nestled her head on his shoulder, enjoying their snatched moment together. But it wasn't long before Henry came out looking for them.
"Mummy, Albert won't let me play with his cars."
John shook his head, a smile on his lips as he shared a look with his wife, "I think it's time to go home."
He picked Henry up and carried him inside, Anna following in his trail.
After collecting their kids and saying goodbye to June, they made their way home and Anna started making dinner. John was leaning against the counter, his eyes following her every move.
"Can I help?"
"No, it's all right, but thank you."
She stood with her back towards him and he just couldn't resist her, in all these years she had never failed to make his heart beat just that little bit faster. He made his way towards her and wrapped his arms around her middle, hugging her from behind as he pressed a soft kiss in her neck. One hand was placed on her belly and she had to smile, but would he feel the same?
She turned around in his arms and wrapped her hands around his neck, "Where are the children?"
"They're watching a Disney film, why?"
"Because... There's something I've been meaning to tell you. I only found out a few days ago, but I just couldn't find the right time to tell you." She looked away for a moment, trying to find the right words.
Noticing her hesitating he tried to comfort her, cupping her cheek tenderly as he pressed a soft kiss on her lips, "I'm only me, Anna. Whatever it is, you can tell me."
She smiled, he was right, this was him. She gently took his hand in hers and placed it back on her belly, looking up in his eyes as she whispered, "You're going to be a father again."
He looked at her with wide eyes, his gaze flickering between his hand on her belly and her eyes, but words failed him.
She looked away, nervous about his reaction, "I know we didn't plan it and I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I wasn't sure whether you would be happy or not. I know there will be a big age difference between our children, but we can work it out can't we? This is…"
Her words died on her lips as he pressed his lips to hers, his voice hoarse through emotion, "That's fantastic news."
She cupped his cheeks with both her hands, her eyes searching his, overwhelmed by emotions as she noticed tears in his eyes, "Are you serious?"
"Anna, this is…" He let out a laugh and placed his hand more firmly on her belly, "This is just perfect." He pressed his lips against hers, wrapping his arms around her, a silly smile on his face as he pulled back, "Are you happy?"
"Of course I am, I just didn't know if you would be."
He frowned, "Why wouldn't I be?"
She sighed, "I don't know. Four children, John."
He grinned, his hand moving back to caress her belly, "I know."
She shook her head and smiled, "You're really happy?"
"In my whole life I never dreamt I could be as happy as I am in this very moment." He placed a tender kiss on her lips, "When you became mrs Bates, I felt the luckiest man on the planet. You are my better half, Anna, and I love every second of the life we have created. Those three little rascals over there…" His smile grew brighter as her giggles filled their kitchen, "brought even more joy to our life and now this little one," he placed his hand on her belly, his adoring gaze fixed on her, "This little one will make our family complete."
A/N: Thank you for sticking with this story.
