Rose put a hand on her stomach, freezing as she got up from bed.

Like usual, Cal was at work, and she had thought she might go take a short walk in the grounds later, to enjoy the last remaining days of summer after she was dressed and had breakfast.

Just how late was she?

Slowly going into the bathroom, she bit her lip, mind still reeling.

What if she was with child once again? The thought scared her, as well as exhilarated her.

Remembering with vivid force the crushing heartbreak, as well as the violent physical pain of losing their first unborn child, all those long months ago, almost made her knees buckle.

She simply could not go through that again. She would die.

Rose simply brushed her hair out, soothed by the thought that maybe, just maybe, she was simply a few days late.

Instead, she tried to not focus on the nervousness, and instead focused on how happy she was.

Smiling gently, she had to admit that her new life as Rose Hockley was even better than she had thought.

True, there were still the boring obligatory social events every now and then, but, when alone, together, united and away from all first-class society, life with Cal was as enjoyable and freeing and exciting as she ever could have hoped for.

She was happy, and more in love with life than ever. And that was what mattered most. Not her silly fears right now…

Summer had proven to be just as enjoyable as their honeymoon had been, what with frequent trips to the amusement park, horseback riding, and more. And she could hardly wait for fall. Truth be told, she was even looking forward to the silly annual autumn ball this year!

Imagining Cal's smile if she told him she was pregnant once again, putting her hand on her stomach again, her expression faltered. Yes. She would be more than willing to bring a child into this world, and share even more love with Cal. She just knew she could not endure loss once again.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to wait a few days. Then, perhaps, she would know if she was or not.


If anything, nausea wracking her body once again two days later was confirmation enough. As well as a visit from the doctor.

Smiling, she leaned back against the door of her and Cal's bedroom after he left.

Goodness. She truly was with child again! And somehow, she knew, the end would be much different than her first pregnancy.


That evening, she could not wait. He was barely out of his coat when she suddenly entered the room he was in.

"Cal, I'm with child again."

Rose smiled, entire body taut with electricity.

Cal's head snapped up, and he was wide-eyed. Yet, gradually, he smiled, and then was running over to her.

He picked her up, spinning her, the entire sensation like flying, and then kissed her. The entire world spun.

She could not help laughing, and the look on his face said it all.

"I love you so much, Rose. This is the best news I have heard in a long time."

She nodded, completely agreeing. "It is."

And then he was kissing her again, holding her against him, slower this time, and both knew happiness once again.