Thanks to everyone for all of your support! It means the world to us – TheDreamyOne and Gypsy
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Epilogue --
Frank followed Shay into the dark apartment she had rented for the duration of their mission and watched as she solemnly tossed her keys onto the table just inside the door. She had been quiet since rejoining him the waiting room at the hospital. She perked up only when she was with Frankie, Jake and their baby girl. He sighed loudly. Why would she not tell him what was bothering her. What had the ER doctor told her?
Shay walked toward the bedroom and paused midway when she heard Frank's sigh. She was glad he had agreed to bring her here. She needed to be alone with him. She needed quiet. Even the hospital held too much chaos. "Something bothering you, Tiger?" She resumed her trek to the bedroom.
He stared at her as she walked away, disbelieving that she could actually ask him that question. She had been ill almost constantly from the day she was attacked. More tired than anything, but she was hardly able to hold down food. He could not hide the fact that it frightened him.
As long as he had known her, he had never seen her like this. Both of them were sure it was her nerves and the trauma she had been through, but she finally acquiesced to his plea that she go see a doctor in the emergency room while they waited for Frankie to give birth. In his worry he had even called Monica, who suggested that if there was nothing physically wrong with her, she should talk to a therapist. Monica would recommend someone if they felt the need.
He strode quickly to her side and swept her up into his arms and carried her over the threshold like a groom would carry his new bride. He smiled down at her lovingly as she wound her arms around his neck and smiled up at him.
"Put me down, Tiger," she said, giggling.
He chuckled and laid her down on the bed gently, as if she were precious cargo that should not be jostled. He looked at her adoringly and asked, "Do you need to sleep, Ash? Or would you like some company?"
Shay slid aside to make room for him and patted the bed invitingly. He lay on his side and bent his elbow to cradle his head in his hand. She turned on her side; legs bent at the knee, to face him and traced the line of his jaw. "The doctor said I was fine...there's nothing wrong with me."
"Is there a reason for the way you've been feeling?" he asked, kicking off his shoes. He bent his leg at the knee and slid it in between her knees.
She nodded. "Uh-huh. Remember the last night we were together in Chicago before we came to Peoria?"
"Sure," he grinned. They had spent the entire night making love and neglected sleep completely. Neither wanted the night to end. Neither wanted to leave the other's arms. It was a night he would never forget.
"Well," she trailed a finger from his chin down to his chest and began unbuttoning his shirt. "That was one helluva going away present you gave me." With his shirt unbuttoned to the waist, she slowly tugged it loose from his slacks.
"Yes...it was some night, Ashling." Her hand was now at his belt, unclasping it and pushing it to the side. "Are you really up to this, baby?" Heavens knew he was. It was something he could not hide when she eased his zipper down.
Shay licked her lips at the sight of him. Suddenly, she was not feeling so ill any longer. "Yeah, it was some night...but I was talking about the gift you gave me." She slid her fingers inside his slacks and wrapped around him, feeling his silky hardness.
He moaned at the mind-blowing feel of her touch and barely choked out, "Gift?"
"Mmmm Hmmm," she murmured as she captured one of his nipples between her lips and sucked tenderly. She shifted to look up into his eyes, already darkened and glazed with his feelings of rapture. "A son, I believe...I know in my heart."
"A-ah..." he stammered as her hand moved over him. "A...son? But...you sa-said..."
She nipped his chin playfully. "It's not uncommon. That's why there are some women who never suspect they're pregnant for months." She smiled lustfully as he moaned deep from within his chest when she stroked him, circling the smooth tip with her thumb.
"Ash," he growled, pulling her hand away and rolled her underneath him. "Why didn't you tell me in the hospital?"
She smiled wickedly. "Because this time I wanted us to be alone...so we could celebrate in a special way. Are you happy?"
He kissed her deeply before replying. "More than you'll ever know, my darling Ashling. I was so afraid you were seriously ill. A child...another baby," he said, his voice edged with awe. He nuzzled her neck, kissing her most sensitive spot. "I love you.... and thank you for this idea of celebration."
"Mmmm, love you, too" she purred, loving the feel of his hands on her body and his lips suckling her neck. "Now...about this celebration..."
"Let's get to it, babe," he replied, helping her remove her clothes.
"That's my man...ready to protect and serve."
"Yes, ma'am."
Shay grinned, noting his salute was not with his hand.
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~finis~