Erik looked at the sapphire ring in the window of the jeweler's shop. It was emerald-cut with a silver band. Simple, but perfect. It was absolutely beautiful for Malika. Yes, he was finally going to propose to her. Part of it was to complete the charade. They needed to be married because if they were not to have their wedding bands soon, there would be a suspicion. However, he wanted Malika. He wanted to call her wife and have her with him.
When had he changed? He swore he wouldn't love again after Christine, however, here he was about to buy an engagement ring and two wedding bands. He had been changed by a woman who had originally been bought as a slave. She had turned him into a different man. He smiled to himself. He entered into the shop and set himself to buy the rings he sought.
xxxx
Malika listened to the steady clacking of her knitting needles as she knitted the baby's blanket. She eyed her siblings every once in a while. Lukcas had not spoken to her too much ever since he found out about her pregnancy. She sighed deeply. How she hated when her siblings were not cooperative with her. She wanted them to understand that she loved them but she loved Erik as well. He was her everything. She placed a hand over her stomach. "Your father is going to be good to us."
"What did you say?" Linka questioned her.
"I was speaking to the baby." Malika responded.
Lukcas snorted at her statement. "I don't know why you want to carry his baby."
"Because, every child deserves to live. Our baby deserves to live. I am not going to give it up." Malika responded stubbornly. She sighed, first Erik now Lukcas.
"What do you think it will be?" Linka interrupted them.
"I'm hoping for a girl. I think Monsieur Garnier will like a girl. I hope it is a girl. However, I will not mind if it is a boy either."
"I hope it's a girl." Linka commented.
Malika smiled to herself. "You will be a great aunt."
"Thanks sister. I know you will be a great mother." She responded then went back to her embroidery.
Malika resumed her knitting and waited patiently as time passed by. She waited for what seemed forever before she finally heard the door to the foyer open. Erik strode into the parlor looking for Malika. He smiled as he caught sight of her knitting a baby blanket for their future child. "I was wondering if I could speak to your sister alone."
Linka stood up and quickly pulled her brother out of the room figuring that they needed their privacy. Erik smiled then shut and locked the parlor door. He quickly walked over to the chaise she rested on, lifted her feet, sat down then put her feet on his lap. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore and tired." Malika responded as she put her knitting down and watched Erik grasp one of her sore feet and begin to massage. She smiled at him, "When did you get so good?"
"I don't know. Maybe after you gave me that massage." Erik responded.
Malika lifted her other foot in front of Erik's face and smiled as he took her foot and repeated the ministrations on her foot as he did with the other. "You spoil me."
Erik flashed a knowing smile, "I know." He paused then reached inside his coat pocket and presented her with a small black box.
"What is it?" Malika questioned him.
"Open it and see." He responded as he flashed a grinned.
Malika opened the small black box revealing a beautiful silver ring with a sapphire gem. It was on a simple but beautiful setting. "What for?"
"A woman needs an engagement ring if she is to be married." Erik replied, his lips upturned in a secretive smile.
She looked into his eyes as first surprise, then excitement, and finally concern lighted her eyes. "You mean we are going to marry?"
He stood up from the chaise and placed her feet where he had just sat. "I suppose I should make this more traditional." He took the box from her hands and knelt in front of her. "Cherie, will you marry me?"
Malika squealed with delight as he slid the ring on her finger. "Yes! Oh God yes!" She looked at him, eyes confused for a moment, "So you want to be with me? This isn't just for show?"
"No cherie. This is for real." Erik answered with a wide grin.
Malika grabbed his neck and kissed his cheek then lips softly. "Oh Erik. I love you. I am so glad we are getting married."
Erik pulled her body tightly against his and pressed a kiss against her soft lips. "I purchased the wedding rings and am having them engraved so they match your story. They should be ready within the week. I'll send one of the maids out with you to pick out your wedding dress sometime this week."
"I cannot wait to marry."
"Me either cherie." Erik responded then kissed her again. "I love you."
Malika hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek again. "I love you too Erik."
xxxx
Erik gently stroked Malika's stomach as she slept silently. He watched her chest rise and fall slowly as he thought of the future. Was he truly prepared for a child? Was he truly prepared for being married? He kissed the side of her neck softly and wrapping his arms around her waist. She gently slapped his left arm as she turned on her side and faced him then fell back asleep.
He chuckled softly as he pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. Soon their child would be born and he was nervous about how he would be as a father. He had never really had a fondness for children. His own childhood had not been the greatest. Could he be a better parent than his mother? "What are you thinking about?" Malika's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Hmm?" Erik answered as he looked into her azure eyes.
"You always frown when you are thinking about something unpleasant. What are you thinking about that is unpleasant?" She questioned him as she slowly moved her hand up and down his arm.
"Parenting." He replied.
"Oh."
He sighed softly. "No it's not that Malika. I hope I will be a good father."
Malika grinned as she laughed softly. She leaned up and kissed his lips softly. "Do not be concerned. I know you are going to be an excellent father."
He raised an elegant eyebrow, amber eyes stared back at hers. "Oh? How do you know this?"
"You excel at everything you do Erik."
He smiled at her as she snuggled up against him. "Thank you cherie. I only hope you are right."
"I am." She said cheerfully then kissed him again. "Sleep. You'll need it tomorrow."
"Oh, that is right. I continue working tomorrow." He acknowledged with a frown.
"Yes and I have to be in the company of Christine." Malika added.
Erik chuckled in her ear, his breath stirring a stray piece of hair. "You don't like her, do you?"
"No."
"A woman after my own heart."
She smiled then said, "Get to sleep Erik. I will hear you grumbling about work in the morning."
"As long as you sleep with me."
"Of course I will." Malika replied then moved her body up against his. "Sleep well."
"You too cherie."
Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. Sorry for the long update. My sister came in from Morgantown, WV and I got behind on my chapter. Anyway, thanks again.