A/N: And here it is: I'm kind of nervous about posting this...I tried to find the balance between mature, but not explicit. T rating stands since it is not explicit, but it is a rather strong T...for suggestive/mature themes. So, just be warned...I think it is tasteful...but you all can be the judge. :)
Chapter 21:
Already the others were laughing and making their way back to the mission for the rest of the party- Adelaide thankful that Neil had the foresight to suggest the mission as the place of the wedding and insisting to the others that the shivaree take place at their cabin. Her eyes were on the floor, not quite ready to look up. She felt so exposed standing in front of him in her rather sheer, low cut nightgown.
She could feel Neil's intense gaze on her and in a moment of braveness and determination, she forced her eyes up to look at him. He didn't say anything, but the unguarded, intense way he was staring at her left her no doubt of his want for her...and while that wasn't unwelcome, it made the silence feel completely awkward.
Heat flooded her face as she cleared her throat. She wanted him to say something, yet he was completely distracted.
"Hi Doctor MacNeill" she blurted out, her words breaking the silence.
At the sound of his name, he tore away his gaze to look at her face, which was completely flushed by the sensual way she knew he was looking at her. He met her eyes, and when he searched them, he could sense her vulnerability and complete discomfort at her body being on display for him. He knew that he needed to help her put away those feelings and quickly... He wanted her to feel comfortable with being intimate with him and while he knew that the passion between them was definitely there, getting Adelaide to relax enough to explore it openly with him was what they needed to work on in this moment.
"Why so formal?" he asked, taking care to keep his voice light.
"It was the first thing I could think of" Adelaide admitted, linking her hands together. "And what exactly do you say in moments like these...dressed like this." She gestured to her nightgown. "A greeting seemed like my best option...certainly better than when do you want to..." She paused, "oh, never mind" She shook her head as she bit her thumb, absently.
"Okay, that's fair" He grinned. "Hello, Adelaide. How are you doing today?"
"I got married today" Adelaide told him. "And I just got shivareed..." she paused, "is that a verb? I'm not quite sure"
"I don't think so" Neil responded. "And technically, it's not quite past tense yet"
She swallowed. "Okay, well...true. So what just happened again?"
"Putting the bride to bed" Neil answered. "Though technically speaking, that's not quite over yet either"
"Hmm" she took a breath. "So, there you have it. What's new with you?" she forced a smile.
Neil fought the urge to chuckle. "Well, I got married too today. And I'm about to finish putting my bride to bed"
"Well, that's nice" Adelaide twisted her ring.
"Nice?" Neil laughed. "Not quite the adjective I want to hear from you again when referring to tonight's activities"
"I suppose not" Adelaide looked up at him. "So..." She shifted awkwardly.
"What is it, Addie?" he asked, his voice low.
"I don't know. I'm really nervous now. I'm not sure how to act" she admitted, deciding being blunt was probably their best option. Neil usually appreciated her being direct. "It's shocking, I know"
"Completely fooled me" He smiled at her and strode over to her and reached for your hands, lifting them up to his lips, kissing them, tenderly. "Take a step back. It's just me with you now"
"I know" Adelaide nodded. "But I'm usually not looking like this"
"No, but you look beautiful, love" he told her, earnestly. "When you told me that your mother bought you something to wear tonight, I didn't expect it to be quite so alluring...I just expected something more..." he paused, searching for the word.
"Frumpy?" Adelaide couldn't help but laugh. "Modest? Grandmotherly?"
"Aye" Neil nodded. "This is far from that"
"It sure is...I didn't actually try it on before today...if I had, I don't think I would have worn it. I tried to convince the others that I should change into my flannel nightgown, but they persuaded me against it"
Neil laughed. "Oh, Adelaide, love" he shook his head at her, his eyes twinkling. "It is awfully hot for flannel considering it is the beginning of summer." He dropped a hand to reach to put his fist on her cheek, rubbing it softly with his knuckles. "And you are already so flushed as it is..."
Adelaide laughed and allowed herself to relax a bit more as his cool hand rubbed her cheek, taking away some of the heat.
"There, that's better" He commented as her flush started to recede. "This is surprising, but I do appreciate it. Maybe I should thank your mother the next time I see her"
Adelaide groaned, but Neil could tell it was only half-heartedly. "Seriously, I can't believe this is what my mother chose...she doesn't even say the word sex...it always comes out like sect..."
"Sect?" Neil grinned.
"I know, right? She told me absolutely nothing when I married Simon...and yet, this is what she bought me to wear tonight? This feels scandalous even for me. Does she just like to torture me?"
Neil laughed harder as his hand left her cheek to grip her other hand again. "Maybe she is trying to meet you half way these days and overcompensated a wee bit"
Adelaide sighed. "She could have chosen a different way of doing that" she grumped.
"I'm glad she chose this way and I'm especially glad you didn't change. I like it" Neil told her, frankly. "though I still can't wait to get it off of you"
Adelaide's eyes widened. "Now?"
Neil laughed. "No, not this second...we'll ease into this, I think" He kissed her forehead, brushing his lips softly against it. "Okay with you?"
"Sounds good" Adelaide relaxed and Neil smiled when he felt the tension leave her.
"I want to know something though" Neil told her.
"What's that?" Adelaide asked, curiously.
"What did you tell Ruby Mae at her shivaree, Mrs. MacNeill?" Neil asked, in a low voice, his eyes on her.
"I like that" Adelaide smiled up at him, her eyes shining. "Mrs. MacNeill. It sounds nice, don't you think, Doctor MacNeill?"
"Aye, I do, or Mrs. Doc also has a nice ring to it" Neil responded.
"I love that Creed Allen" Adelaide laughed. "And Mrs. Doc is a great name too"
Neil squeezed her hands. "You are trying to distract me, wife" he growled playfully, "What did you tell Ruby Mae?"
"Are you curious about that?" Adelaide's eyes sparkled, teasing him. "What do you think I told her?"
"Hum" Neil pondered, playing along with her. He led her to the end of the bed to sit down with her. "What words of wisdom could Nurse Adelaide teach young Ruby Mae about the birds and the bees?"
"Well, nothing specific of course" Adelaide retorted, with a wry smile. "According to you, mountain children are born knowing the specifics and you do know everything"
With a swift movement, Neil scooped her up and placed her on his lap. "I do, don't I?" He kissed her, letting her feel the extent of his hunger for her.
Adelaide pulled away. "Wow" she struggled to catch her breath. "I think I was right"
Neil raised his eyebrow. "Now you really have to tell me what you said to her" he said, with mock sternness.
"Alright, if you must know..." She put her hands on his shoulders, his hands around her waist. "I told her it was normal to be nervous, that all women are nervous..."
"Are you still nervous?" Neil interrupted.
"Less so, but yes" she admitted.
"You do remember that you have done this before, right?" Neil pointed out, his voice gentle.
"It's been a while"
"Not as long as it has been for me" Neil responded. "Think of it like stitching up people...you might go weeks or months, but it comes back to you the moment you make that first stitch"
"That's an interesting analogy" Adelaide smiled.
"Aye" Neil grinned. "I thought it would be better for your sensibilities than the riding the horse analogy...too much underlying meaning there...we wouldn't want you to become all flushed again"
She laughed. "Oh, Neil" she shook her head at him.
"I'm glad you still have your sense of humor, lass" Neil chuckled.
"I do love that we can laugh together"
"It is a beautiful thing, isn't it?" he kissed her forehead. "I really do think you will know what to do."
"But it's not just that" Adelaide said, softly.
"Then what is it?"
"I have done this before- but not with you. I never thought I would make love to anybody but Simon and while I love you, this is different for me. You are very different. I'm very different than I was with Simon..."
Neil studied her, carefully. "Does my differentness bother you, lass?"
She shook her head, quickly. "I love that you are different. I couldn't marry someone exactly like Simon and be happy...but with it, I'm not really sure what to expect at times..."
He fingered the ends of her hair. "You'll find your comfort with me, love. I promise. Give us time"
"I think so" Adelaide swallowed. "But you do understand what I mean though about tonight? I love you and I want to do this with you, but..."
"Sex in not new for you, but sex with me is? Are you uncomfortable with seeing me undressed, lass?" Neil fought back a smile, and by the look she gave him, he knew he wasn't that far off.
Adelaide struggled against the temptation to bury her head in his chest at his frank question.
"Uncomfortable...excited, you know..." she gulped and Neil grinned. He loved that she was also excited by it, even if she was nervous.
"Oh, I see" He rubbed her cheek again soothingly. "Are you afraid for me to see you that way too?"
"Well, that's a given" Adelaide nodded. "To be honest, I'm still really insecure about how I look after the baby. That's the real reason I wanted to change"
"I know that" Neil kissed her lips, softly. "But from what I see so far, that is just plain foolishness. Your body has changed, love, but it isn't an unwelcome change. Don't fret on it...and don't be shy about it. You have no reason to"
She reached to touch his face, fingering his stubble. "Thank you, Neil"
He nodded. "Are you still feeling nervous?"
"A bit, but all you just have to look at me and my stomach gets all fluttery" Adelaide admitted to him, and then found her boldness. "But that is also because I am really attracted to you"
"Are you now?" Neil's voice was deep.
Adelaide tried not to blush. "Yes, of course" The look he was giving her was so unguarded that the blush increased in spite of her efforts. "A lot actually"
"Don't be embarrassed by that. I love that you are" Neil told her, gently, tracing his fingers along her neckline. Watching her face, he moved his hand lower, sliding it underneath her nightgown to caress her tenderly, causing her to catch her breath and to squirm much to his delight. "Ahh, do ye like this?" she could hear the pleasure in his voice at her reaction.
She nodded and swallowed hard.
"Finding it hard to speak at the moment? That is a first, Adelaide" Neil asked, in an amused tone.
"Well, usually you aren't touching me like that" Adelaide retorted. "It is incredibly distracting" She caught her breath. "In a good way"
He laughed and kissed her. "I'm glad you are attracted to me. And that attraction is definitely mutual, Mrs. MacNeill- ever since you told me to back down the first time I went off the handle at you"
"Really?" She tried to focus. "That soon?"
"Yes. And the attraction just has kept growing through so much this past year" Neil told her, lifting his hand out from underneath her nightgown and then dropping it to rest on the side of her thigh, rubbing it soothingly. "Don't be nervous though, Adelaide. We might have some learning to do to get to know each other, but we'll work through any awkwardness. Tell me if you don't like something, aye?"
"Okay" she responded, quietly. She leaned forward to bury her head in his shoulder. "I just don't want you to be disappointed. You have been married before too, you know? I want you to be happy with me"
"I can almost guarantee that you won't disappoint me" he kissed her head, before nudging her head up to force her to look at him. "I'll be happy with you regardless of what happens tonight. Making love doesn't dictate my love for you, it just is one way we express our feelings for each other." He paused, before adding, "I understand how you feel though. I feel the same way"
"But why?" Adelaide asked, astonished. Neil was always the epitome of strong and confident.
"I know Simon made you happy in this way...and in many other ways" Neil told her, his voice quiet. "You were so clearly in love with each other. Let's just say, nobody was surprised when we learned you were expecting"
"Oh dear. I didn't realize we were that open about our feelings for each other" Adelaide said quietly.
"Of course you didn't- it was natural for you. But at the same time, it's hard to follow somebody that I knew you were perfectly suited to and made you that happy. Your father was the one who really convinced me that I could make you just as happy if not more than Simon"
"My father?" Adelaide paused, taking in that new piece of information. "Really?"
"Aye" Neil nodded. "He saw something between us from early on- even before we did. He encouraged me to try and I'm so thankful he did. But still, I want to make you that happy too"
"Neil" Adelaide reached up to finger one of his curls. "You do make me that happy. And we have experienced so much together that actually deepens my love for you. You've helped me walk through grief, you saw my child enter the world, you held my hand as we prayed over him when we weren't sure he would make it...I feel like you have seen parts of my heart that not even Simon had and for the longest time, I struggled through feeling like I was betraying him for that"
"Do you feel that now?" he gripped her face.
"No, you are my husband now. I feel like I would be betraying you if I didn't share those parts of me with you"
"That's a fine way of looking at things, Addie"
"I think so" she kissed him. "No more doubts"
"Same to you" He rubbed her back, gently. "Are you calmer?"
"I am, thank you"
"You're welcome" He smiled. "Now what was the rest of what you told Ruby Mae?"
She squeezed his shoulders, massaging them gently. "Well, I told her that while it is normal to be nervous, it is great fun in the end"
Neil threw back his head and laughed at her. "Oh, my wife, you are something. I would have never suspected that coming from you and your repressed Victorian ways."
"But it is true, yes?" Adelaide titled her head.
"Aye, it's very accurate and quite the healthy attitude. I approve" He pulled her in for a deep kiss, before scooting her off his lap, prompting her to stand. He stood too tugging at the top sheet from the end of the bed and yanking it back. Before she could say anything, in a swift movement, scooped her up and carried from the end of their bed to the side and laid her tenderly down on the bed, making sure her head was on the pillow. He went around, lying down on the other side of bed and reached to pull her towards him and gather her up in his arms. They laid there for a bit, entwined, getting used to being in bed together. She curled up against him. He played with her hair and they discussed their day, Adelaide almost relaxing completely in his embrace. Still talking to her casually, Neil started slowly to explore her body, his touch light across her, beginning to stir her passion for him. He did that for several minutes, feeling her response intensify.
"Neil" she sighed.
He gently untangled her from his arms, so he could see her better. Adelaide turned on her side, facing him. He smiled, clearly reading her desire, and whispered in her ear.
"Are we feeling a wee bit impatient, love?"
"Perhaps" Adelaide whispered back, blushing. "Is that bad?"
"Absolutely not" he replied, firmly. "Shall we try to fix that, though?" he asked, his voice deep, and she could hear his want in his voice. He was certainly ready to push them forward.
Adelaide's stomach twisted with excitement and anticipation. She nodded and he gently prodded her to lie on her back.
"Now, Mrs. MacNeill...about all this impatience" he growled.
"Yes?" His response was a wordless one and she gasped as his hands began to roam strategically and more ardently through her light fabric of her nightgown, caressing her in a way that roused her passion swiftly and intensely...and in a way that she couldn't help but respond- his eyes never leaving hers as he watched her reaction.
"Neil" she choked out his name.
"Isn't this fun?" he asked, impishly, leaning down to where his face was close to hers. He was teasing her.
"Oh hush" she gripped the back of his hair and pulled his head down to her mouth and kissed him, silencing him quite effectively. She was bold now too, much to Neil's delight. They kissed as they explored each other through their clothes.
Adelaide pulled away from him and looked into his eyes, her fingers tucked in between the buttons of his shirt.
"What is it?" he whispered.
She looked so unsure of herself at that moment- the propriety she was raised with making her reluctant to be totally brazen with her new husband (at least until they had been married for a few more months at which point some level would be acceptable) yet at the same time, her desire was strong. She had wanted to see him with his shirt off for the longest time. Neil's look was tender when he saw her struggle with her feelings.
"Your desire for me is not bad" Neil reminded her, quietly and reached up to brush some stray hair from her face.
"No" Adelaide shook her head. "But a woman shouldn't be so forward with her new husband...until, hum...I don't remember what the book said about it actually..."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Neil demanded. "And who gets paid to write such things?"
"Well, it's to reassure your husband that you came to the marriage bed not experienced in such things because men don't want wanton wives"
Neil laughed. "Well, I know you are experienced" he pointed out. "I think that technique only works if you aren't a widow with a child, love" he added, teasingly.
"Oh shoot" Adelaide grinned, sheepishly. "I've been found out already"
He chuckled, before growing serious. "You know the propriety you were raised with has no place in our bed" he told her, firmly. "If you want to, go ahead" he prompted. "You don't have to be timid with me. In fact, that's the last thing I want from you."
She swallowed hard and nervously began to fumble through undoing the buttons to his shirt. Her hands which were normally so steady when stitching up people were betraying her in this moment. She got halfway down the buttons to his shirt when she sighed, frustrated at herself.
Neil reached to cover her fingers with his own, rubbing them soothingly. "If you relax a bit more, the buttons wouldn't be such a feat for you to undo" he teased her.
She giggled. "I'm being a mess"
"Aye" Neil replied. "Let's just say I wouldn't allow you to stitch up my hand right now"
"And nor would blame you" She smiled and her hands steadier, undid the last few buttons easily, before reaching up to tug it off of him completely, staring at him.
"Is that what you wanted?" Neil asked, amused. "To have a look?" he teased her as he saw her clearly desiring more.
"Well, not all I wanted" she responded and reached to rub her hand against the hairs on his chest, feeling entirely daring as she explored him without his shirt on- his chest, his arms...she loved touching him...loved the feel of him. His build was completely different than Simon's, but so appealing to her. It took her a good while to feel this free with Simon, but with Neil it was happening right away- maybe it was how open they were about sex in the Cove or maybe it was just Neil- who from the start told her that this is what he wanted from her.
"That's right, Adelaide. No more shyness. No more inane restrictions of how you think you are supposed to behave with me" he said as he recaptured her lips.
They kissed more passionately for a few more minutes before Neil grunted, frustrated at her nightgown blocking him from feeling her completely.
"Let's get you undressed" Neil reached to help her sit up onto her knees. "I want to see my lovely wife"
"Are you sure?" Adelaide asked, her voice teasing him now. "I'm certain we could do this without getting me completely undressed"
"Now, what fun would that be?" Neil asked, winking at her. "Arms up"
He slowly pulled her nightgown off of her and looked at her, his gaze intense. His hands reached for hers and held them at her sides, exposing her fully to him. "I do believe, Adelaide MacNeill, that you are the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on"
Adelaide blushed. "I think you might be a tad biased, Neil"
"Perhaps so" Neil said. "But you captivate me...fully and completely. Thank you for being my wife"
Her throat was dry at his words and the depth of his feelings for her. "I do love you, Neil. I'm overjoyed to be your wife"
"My sweet love" He kissed her forehead. "I want you to give into me completely. Please don't hold back from me anymore" he murmured.
"No, I won't" she promised, as she squeezed his hands.
"Do you trust me?" Neil asked her, his voice steady, his eyes blazing.
"I have always trusted you, Neil MacNeill" she whispered.
He eased her back and slowly but surely, he showed her just how much he did love her...he was thoughtful and giving, encouraging when need be, and most of all, he did not leave Adelaide any room to doubt how desirable he found her and how much he cherished her as they explored their passion together.
"Fun enough for you, Mrs. MacNeill?" Neil asked as she snuggled into his side, laying her head on his chest.
"Quite so" Adelaide replied."My God, Neil" she shivered slightly and Neil reached to pull the sheet up around her.
Neil laughed deeply at her reaction. "Are you pleased and satisfied?" he asked, wickedly.
"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" she groaned.
"Well, you have to allow me some fun with it, lass" Neil chuckled. "Now, can you see what foolishness it was?"
"Well, yes, actually...you didn't seem bothered at all- quite the opposite" Adelaide commented.
Neil laughed. "You are beautiful, Adelaide, especially that part of you. Did your mother stop and think that maybe nursing enhances your figure and that would be appreciated by any man with good sense?"
"Oh my, Neil. Seriously, sometimes I think you have no filter at all...you just say the first thing that pops in your mind"
"Why should I have a filter? I'm with my wife in my bed after what I am pretty sure was quite the enjoyable hour for both of us"
"Okay, that's true" Adelaide conceded. "Now, I have to listen to all your opinions because we are married...before I just tuned you out when you got all know-it-all-ish"
"Know-it-all-ish? Making up words again, Adelaide?" Neil laughed harder.
"I like my made up words" Adelaide giggled. "And it so fits"
"Poor, sweet Adelaide..." Neil responded, "Well, I hope the benefits of being pleased and satisfied outweigh the negatives of having to listen to your poor, tiresome husband"
Adelaide rolled her eyes. "You are neither of those... only quite firm and forthcoming about your opinions to anybody within two feet of you when you get your ire up. And since we are now married, that person will most likely be me"
"You have quite a few opinions yourself, Mrs. MacNeill" Neil pointed out.
"I absolutely do" Adelaide snuggled into him more. "You wouldn't want me any other way"
"Certainly not. That would be boring if you were one of those women who can't think for themselves" Neil rubbed her back and she sighed.
She felt so relaxed as she lay here against him. She could almost fall asleep.
"How are you feeling?" Neil asked, aware of how limp she was against him.
"Deliciously and wonderfully content" Adelaide admitted.
"I'm glad, love" Neil murmured as he rubbed her back, tenderly. "I think I have finally found a way to get you to relax and now we are free to do that often. Anytime you get the least bit anxious, I know what to do to you"
"I'm not sure that will work every time" Adelaide said, dryly. She sighed. "I was so stressed before our wedding, Neil. What was wrong with me?"
"Nothing was wrong with you" Neil reassured her. "This is a big change for you, Adelaide. You are entrusting me with you and your son's future for the rest of your life. It would be enough to give anybody anxiety...it's one thing to marry someone and stay in the same environment that you grew up with like you did with Simon- it's an entirely different matter to marry someone like me and bind yourself to a completely different life than you are used to"
"But not a bad one, Neil" she told him, quietly.
"No, not a bad one" Neil kissed her hand. "The best one I can possibly give you"
She was quiet for a few moments and Neil thought she might be asleep as she was completely relaxed against him, until she reached to grip his hand, bringing it up to her lips.
"Did you know" Adelaide asked softly, "that during surgery I would just find myself staring at your hands and marveling at the amazing contrast of being both strong and skilled, but also tender?"
"No" Neil played with the end of her hair, absently. "I don't think I would have been able to focus on surgery if I noticed that"
"It's true" Adelaide shook her head in amazement. "And not just for surgery, by the way"
Neil chuckled. "You are awfully bold now" he teased.
"Well, that's because we are married" Adelaide grinned. "I can speak my mind freely"
"Oh you spoke your mind freely plenty before" Neil poked her side. "Just not about sex"
She leaned her head up so she could look at him. "Are you happy, Neil? Please tell me you are"
"After what we just shared, you doubt that?" Neil asked, incredulously.
"Not truly" Adelaide responded. "It's just sometimes, I need to hear it just to make sure it's real"
"I'm happy, lass. Beyond thrilled" Neil told her, seriously. "Pleased and satisfied. Now, lay back down"
"Bossy" Adelaide teased and Neil chuckled.
"Did you ever think, Adelaide that we would end up here?" Neil asked.
"No" Adelaide snuggled back into his chest, listening to his heart beat. "I was in such despair after Simon's death and when I learned I was expecting. I truly thought that my life was over. But God picked me back up and gave me you. Your friendship, along with Opal and Miss Hattie, David and Christy, Creed Allen- yall were bright spots in my life- and I know when I delivered Simon in this bed, that I could never imagined I would be back here as your wife"
Neil laughed. "that was quite the adventure"
Adelaide groaned. "I was so mad that you would have to deliver him."
"I remember. It was your own damn fault for going romping around in a blizzard 39 weeks pregnant to begin with" Neil smacked her, playfully, but hard enough to sting.
"Ouch" Adelaide poked him in the side. "How long have you been waiting to do that?"
Neil chuckled. "Oh, a long time, Adelaide"
"I'm sure" Adelaide laughed. "You were so mad at me at the time"
"You have no idea" Neil told her. "I was holding a lot of it back"
"I hated the rift between us at that moment" Adelaide replied. "I didn't understand what I was feeling, but I hated the fact that I disappointed you"
"You cared" Neil commented and Adelaide nodded. "I cared. I just didn't know how much until later"
They were quiet for a few minutes before Addie said, "It was quite a Christmas. Hopefully this one is less eventful"
"That would be nice" Neil told her. "By the way, I have something to tell you about that night"
Adelaide moved away from him so she could see him and they both rolled on their side, facing each other. "What is it?" she asked, gripping his hand.
"When you asked me if I was thinking of Margaret, it was only partly true" Neil admitted.
Adelaide inclined her head. "Really? What were you thinking about?"
"Losing you" Neil replied, "and how devastated I would be without you in my life. I think it was the first moment I realized how much I cared"
"Oh, Neil" Adelaide leaned forward to kiss him, deeply. "I had no idea. I do love you so much"
They kissed like that for a while, growing more intense, Adelaide finding her energy again.
Neil finally grunted and pulled her on top of him. "Show me" he challenged and Adelaide replied, "I'd love to"
"Addie" Neil shook her shoulder, trying to rouse her. "Come on, love. Wake up"
Adelaide groaned, still fighting sleep. "What is it?"
"I'm going to go get Simon" he kissed her head.
"Wait" Adelaide struggled to sit up. "What time is it? Did I fall asleep?"
"You fell asleep- apparently, I am exhausting for you" he said.
Adelaide blushed slightly, but grinned, "oh, but in a very good way"
"Aye. Very good, love" Neil chuckled, pleased with her approval. "It's a little before 10. You didn't even stir for the phone ringing" Neil told her. "Apparently, the poor lad is inconsolable without his mama to rock him to sleep"
She reached out for her nightgown which was draped at the end of the bed and pulled it on. "Is he fussing?"
"More like hollering at the top of his lungs" Neil shook his head. "for about two hours now. I think they tried to wait it out, but he needs you"
Adelaide sighed. "Really? He doesn't usually eat again" she looked up at him and frowned. "I'm sorry, Neil. I'm really surprised that Christy couldn't settle him"
"I thought the same thing. He must be really having a rough night"
"But why? Do you think he is sick?"
"No, lass, I think it's the first night the two of you have ever been apart and he probably worked himself up to where he is hungry...and that requires his mama" Neil shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I'll be back soon. I think David is on his way the babe"
He left her and Adelaide found her robe and put it one. She brushed out and braided her hair, thinking of the past day. Their honeymoon had lasted about three hours, but it was a blissful three hours indeed. She met them at the door and took a screaming Simon from his arms.
"Simon Neil" Adelaide scolded as she snuggled him against her. "What is all this fuss?"
Simon began to hitch his breath as his cries turned to pathetic quiet sobs. She looked at Neil. "Did he scream all the way home?"
"Aye" Neil nodded. "Quieted a bit for me, but it didn't last long. Apparently, his stubbornness comes from his mama"
Simon began to nestle against her, trying to root against her. Adelaide sat down with him and looked to Neil. "I should feed him" she looked around. "I need to find something to cover him with-"
Neil smirked at her as he sat next to her on the sofa. "We are married now. No covering up, Mrs. MacNeill"
Her face flushed slightly as Simon struggled against her, beginning to cry loudly again. "Neil"she began to protest.
"Stop arguing and feed your son, woman" Neil patted the side of her leg. "Before he starts hollering up a storm"
Adelaide groaned, but adjusted her clothes and allowed Simon to feed, which he began to do with vigor. She was clearly still uncomfortable with Neil watching.
Neil chuckled as he watched. "He was hungry" He watched the flush build. He squeezed the back of her neck. "Relax. You being tense is not good for the baby"
She took a breath. "It just different that's all"
Neil smirked. "And our making love wasn't? I saw a lot more then. You ended up being pretty eager for that, once you relaxed that was"
"Neil MacNeill" Adelaide chided.
He laughed. "You know it's true" he teased.
"Yes, well" Adelaide blushed. "You bring out my passionate side, what can I say? You should think that is a good thing"
"Oh I do" Neil said in a low voice. He leaned over to whisper in her ear and she gulped.
"Really? You're insatiable" She fought a smile. "I'm surprised you aren't exhausted"
"The night air invigorated me" Neil told her. "Fill the babe's belly and get our son asleep"
"Our son" Adelaide marveled at his acceptance of Simon.
Neil winked at her. "And then, I'll make sure you sleep well tonight"
Adelaide laughed, "I'm sure you will"
Simon finished nursing and had fallen right asleep. Adelaide stood up and Neil followed her into the lab with him. Adelaide kissed him on the head, before placing him in the crib. "Night Simon" She prayed over him which was her custom since he was a little one.
"Amen" Neil reached down and rubbed his head. "Goodnight son. Sleep well for us tonight"
They shut the door to his room and Neil turned and lifted her up in his arms, before carrying her up the stairs to their room where they spent the next hour enjoying more of their honeymoon. True to his word, Neil made sure that she slept well...her falling asleep almost right away, tangled up in his arms.
A/N: There you have it. Hopefully it was tastefully done... and while this might feel like a good ending, I'm going to continue to add to this and made it one big story...thoughts?