I woke in Sandor's arms, my stomach not feeling the least bit ill for the first time in forever. Happiness filled my heart, swelling with each moment that I looked at Sandor's sleeping face. I snuggled into his chest, feeling his relaxed breathing. My smile only grew wider as I gave a thought to waking up like this for the rest of our lives. Sandor woke slowly, offering a great yawn, and stretched his arms around me.

His eyes fell upon me, and he let out an amused breath.

"Your hair looks like a flower's graveyard." He gently held a strand up between his fingers, and I saw the bits of stem, leaves, and petals stuck in my hair.

"I send up a prayer for the poor flowers that gave their lives for my wedding day and night," I said, sitting up.

He chuckled softly before unbraiding my hair to make it easier to get all the debris out. I worked on my right side while Sandor helped with my left. I enjoyed the way his fingers ran through my hair and the gentle care he took in extracting the flowers, making sure nothing was left behind, including the debris on our bedding.

I kissed him to thank him once we were done and had collected a small pile on my side table. The kiss gradually deepened until our breaths mingled, and he was pulling me under the covers with him again. It was my turn to chuckle as I felt his hardness pressing against my thigh.

"I'm glad that my husband finds me so desirable," I said in a teasing tone, my breath hitching as he kissed my neck.

"My wife is not only desirable but irresistible," murmured Sandor.

"You're desirably irresistible as well, my husband," I murmured before pulling him down over me for another kiss.

I gasped against his lips as he aligned our bodies and entered me slowly. My ankles locked snugly around his waist, and we kissed indulgently as we made love.

Our pace was slow at first to savor the feeling of one another. One of his arms braced himself over me so his free hand could caress my skin, going from my breasts down to my sensitive nub. I nudged him with my heel to encourage him deeper, wanting to share my release with him. His cock hit the perfect spot inside me that caused my head to fall back against the pillows and made me cry out wantonly. He continued attentively coaxing more delicious sounds from me until we finished together, him spilling into me with a long moan as I squeezed upon him during my orgasm, muffling my cries into his shoulder. We continued our indulgent kisses until our heartbeats and breathing finally returned to normal.

I nuzzled his chest only to be startled by the gurgling coming from his stomach. My stomach hilariously answered back.

Sandor abruptly threw the blankets off of us.

"Come on. We've fucked each other into having an appetite."

I could barely dress from all my giggling, but Sandor and I soon rejoined the living.


I was amused to hear over a late breakfast that Opal chose not to sleep in her room last night and instead offered to babysit Gilly and Sam's two boys, Little Sam and Little Jon, in a guest room that night so that their parents could have a bit of a break. The couple had even slept in that morning. A few others as well had partied late into the night and were still sleeping.

"And I slept well last night without hearing noises through my wall," Opal added.

"Big Dog, you have quite a howl," piped up Tormund by the fire. Sandor growled at him while Opal sputtered on her tea in her laughter.

"He's not that loud!" I insisted. Arya and Jon raised their brows silently from the other side of the table with matching smirks as if they had a different opinion.

"Er, I think you may be too involved in the moment to realize it, sis," said Tormund, a slow chuckle rising. He eyed Sandor. "Are you sure you weren't nicknamed at the brothels? What with all the barking." Sandor continued to scowl as the others laughed in good humor. I glanced at Sandor, a slight, amused smirk on my lips as I gave a thought to his noises of passion in bed. His groans did get enthusiastic at times, especially in response to my sounds, but I'm sure I'd have noticed barking!

"Well, if he is that loud, it just shows I'm doing my part right," I said proudly. Sandor squeezed my knee under the table affectionately while he glared at those that dared to laugh.

Sansa joined us at the table not long after. I noticed her quick smile over her shoulder as her guard held her chair for her. The corner of his mouth lifted before they tore their gazes from each other, and he walked away, joining his peers at an adjacent table. I glanced around the table. I seemed to have been the only one that noticed as everyone was either nursing their drink or nibbling at their meals.

"Did you sleep well, Your Grace? No howling in the middle of the night?" I joked. Sandor's hand subtly pinched my thigh.

"What?" Sansa looked like a deer caught in the crossbow sights. My brow raised as I let forth a smirk, sure my suspicions were confirmed. However, I left it alone for the moment.

"Tormund claims he heard Sandor last night. Just making sure he wasn't heard on your side of the wing."

"Oh, that!" Sansa turned red as she let out a hearty giggle. "No, I was in my room, but I heard Tormund and his lot camped out on the stairs cheering."

"I was too preoccupied," said Sandor.

"Clearly," teased Arya. Sansa threw a smirk back at me as she piled breakfast onto her plate.

"Lady Clegane," she started. "I'd love for you to accompany your new husband to Winterfell. I'd love to introduce you to the court."

"My goodness, I'd love to see Winterfell!" I said excitedly.

"Best travel sooner than later before our pup grows bigger," said Sandor. I nodded in agreement. He turned to Sansa. "We can make arrangements for help around the inn and then set out with your lot."

"Of course. We'd set out in a couple of days from now.

I could only bounce my knee in nervous excitement as I listened to them discuss travel plans. I hadn't traveled a long distance since my trek years ago from Fleabottom.

Arya stood up and announced her departure right after dinnertime.

"Alright, it's about time I go if I want to catch a ship within the next fortnight," she said. She clapped shoulders with Tormund and hugged her siblings.

"At least stay until morning," I protested. "It's dark outside!"

"It's alright. I'm visiting Nymeria. Direwolves are more active at night," said Arya. "I want to see her and her pack before I head back to Essos for the year."

Arya tugged on Sandor's sleeve, pulling him and me into a tandem hug.

"I expect you to visit after our baby is born," I said tearfully.

"Send me a message, and I'll be there," said Arya.

We walked with her to the stables as she readied her horse.

Sandor embraced me around the shoulders and wiped my tears as we watched Arya ride off into the night. We saw movement in the trees following in her direction and heard a joyful chorus of howls.

I noticed Bran's eyes closed with a broad smile on his normally stoic features as we filed back inside.

"Nymeria found her," he said.

"I wish Ghost could've been here," said Jon. "But he never budges from Ned's side. Or Ygritte's."

"I'm sure they'll get a chance to meet again," replied Bran.

The rest of the night was spent with everyone telling tales about past travels. I sat back against Sandor's chest and listened until I dozed off. I only woke briefly as Sandor had carried me up to our bed and kissed my head after he laid me down. I snuggled with him before falling asleep for the night.


The next day I noticed both Little Sam and Little Jon following Sandor around as he made his rounds. I stood in the back kitchen doorway, watching as the boys watched him chopping wood. He had placed the boys a safe distance before starting. The look of wonder on the boys' faces was heartwarming.

"Were your arms always like that?" Little Sam asked, his little arms trying to flex a muscle like Sandor's.

"No," said Sandor. "Had to work hard for years."

"Will my arms be like yours?" the boy continued.

"Maybe. Are you ready for hard work?"

"I want to be strong just like you."

"To start, help your family out—your mother, your father, and especially your brother. And keep practicing on your weapons once you're old enough. You'll be stronger than me in no time."

Sandor went to glance at the boys and only then noticed me watching. His face turned a brilliant red. I grinned at him.

"I imagine you'll both be a challenge once you both are old enough to spar Sandor," I said. I handed Little Sam a sack of carrots. "Can you two take this to Fred in the stables? Ask him if you can help him give some of the horses a treat."

After the boys ran off excitedly carrying the sack between them, I smiled at Sandor.

"Fatherhood seems to be creeping into your mannerisms," I teased. Sandor took a deep breath.

"It's tiring. The boy is so curious and asks so many questions."

"You did well not to tell him to fuck off, my love."

Sandor snorted and pulled me into his arms.

"That's reserved now for the real cunts in the world," he said. "I want to be a good father. And a good husband."

"I want to be a good mother right alongside you," I said. "And to be a good wife to you."

"You always will be," he whispered before stealing a kiss.


We set out for Winterfell early the next day. Opal kissed Sandor and me on the cheek, tears of happiness in her eyes.

"I'm glad you get to see a bit of the world finally, dearie," she whispered to me.

Sandor arranged for me to ride on a cart instead of on horseback so I'd be more comfortable. Samwell and Gilly sat in front while I sat with their two boys in the back. Sandor rode by to check on me every hour. He mostly stayed by the perimeter near us so he could defend us in case of bandits. He wore his old armor for the journey, and I found myself gawking at him and admiring how his build looked in his armor. He caught me staring once and smirked as he quietly rode his horse beside the cart.

"No privacy until Winterfell. Stop looking at me like you want to undress me," he whispered. I smiled at him and reached to skim my hand over his armored bicep.

"It looks like it'll be a challenge to undress you from all that," I said quietly so Gilly and Samwell couldn't hear.

"You won't want what's underneath this until we've had a bath," warned Sandor.

"I'll take you in the bath any day."

"You'll take me?" Sandor chuckled. "It will be the other way around, my sweet."

We smiled at one another, and Sandor looked down where Little Jon and Little Sam were sleeping propped against my legs.

"One of these days, our pups will be like that," said Sandor softly.

"Pups as in more than one? How many do you want me to give you?" I softly asked.

"At least one more." He winked before returning to his place on the perimeter.

That night several fires were built to cook and sleep around. Gilly seemed like an expert in such matters, quickly building a fire and then running off to catch some rabbits in the woods with Tormund and some others. Sandor made two trips with four pails to the nearby creek to fetch water for our friends and ourselves. I made sure we had two pots boiling over the fire at a time. Samwell took his boys to pick herbs, leaving Sandor and me alone for a few moments in front of the fire.

"Are you feeling sick?" He fretted.

"Not yet. Our pup seems to like riding on the cart but doesn't like to stop." I relaxed my middle and giggled at the subtly visible bump that was our child. Sandor put one large hand over it gently.

"Be a good pup and stop making your mama spew chunks,'' he muttered. My heart swelled to hear him talking like that. The pup seemed to heed him until morning when I startled everyone nearby awake with my horrible retching. Samwell kindly poured mint tea into a gourd canteen to last me for the rest of the journey.

In three days, we finally made it to Winterfell. We slowly rode through the gates to see a welcome party standing to the side. It looked like a mix of free folk and northerners alike. A red-haired woman wearing furs and carrying a toddler boy ran into Jon's arms after he dismounted. Jon happily kissed her and the boy over and over. A large white direwolf I assumed was Ghost pranced in circles around them, stealing kisses when he could.

I helped Samwell and Gilly mind the boys while unloading the cart. Sandor started leading the cart's horses and his own to the stables.

Sansa joined me as Sandor returned and gestured to the bustling courtyard.

"Welcome to Winterfell, Kezya."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

"I'll let the maids bring you to your room to rest. We'll have a feast tonight in the Great Hall."

Two young maids escorted us to our room. One started the bath, and I stared, fascinated with the indoor plumbing. The maids smiled nervously at me, their eyes darting to Sandor, who paid them no mind as he started undoing his armor, cursing softly at the straps as he fumbled with them. I thanked them before they left and turned to watch Sandor taking off his breastplate.

"You'd best get undressed," he murmured. I silently watched him take off the rest of his armor.

"Undress me," I said softly, watching him shed his tunic and drop it to the floor. His gaze met mine with interest, and he stepped over to me and started undoing my laces. My bodice and skirts were all tugged off at once over my head, and I giggled as his lips rained kisses on my belly. My fingers edged towards his waistband, but his trousers promptly dropped, and he kicked them aside. I made a noise of approval as my eyes took in his muscular body. He pulled me close and kissed me tenderly as he started walking me back to the bath. He stepped in first and sat in the tub before helping me in. He sat me with my back against his chest and my legs resting comfortably between his.

"This is perfect," I sighed in relief. As Sandor poured water over the both of us, I grabbed a bottle of bath oils from the nearby shelf and poured some into my hand. I turned, sloshing as I got to my knees, and started slathering Sandor's chest with the oil. He sniffed.

"Sandalwood?"

"I'd rather smell that than horse sweat," I teased. He growled softly, pulling me in, so my breasts pressed against him, sliding his arms around me.

"Better lather me up to rid me of the stink." He used his hands to make me rub my chest against his.

"Using me as your cloth?"

"You're much softer than a damn cloth."

I giggled as he continued to use me in such a way. I rewarded him with soft kisses, my hands working to help the lather build between us. He was rock hard when my hands slipped between his legs, and I hummed my appreciation into our kisses as I slowly stroked him. His large hands took up some of the lather and started spreading it generously over my skin. One hand slipped between my thighs, returning the favor.

It was getting harder and harder to concentrate on the task at hand, and we soon hastily rinsed the lather off of each other. Sandor got out of the tub and picked me up. He carried me to the lush bed, laying me down.

He perched on the edge of the bed to bury his head between my thighs. His tongue lapped generously at my center, and soon my hips were bucking instinctively. He added a finger, and after a minute of firm thrusting, I melted in his arms, sighing amorously, my hips slowly riding the crest of my orgasm.

Sandor kissed a trail up my body and then knelt between my thighs.

He slowly entered me, watching me tilt my head back and let out a purr of satisfaction, for I was still feeling good, and having him fill me felt amazing. I bit my lip and watched him thrust into me. He braced his hands on my knees, and I could see the muscles in his stomach rolling as he entered me at just the right angle. He started thrusting harder when he noticed me watching, leaning into me to get deeper, our navels aligning perfectly over and over. I let out a lustful moan and pulled him closer. I heard him making rough grunts that steadily became louder. I covered my mouth with both hands to hide my amused smile. That was the barking noise that had been mentioned a couple of days ago!

Sandor smirked at seeing me cover my face and went harder, grunting all the while. I squealed, trying not to laugh and kill the mood as he was still steadily pushing me toward my second release despite all my silly thoughts.

"Fuck yes. Take it all, Kezya," he rasped, propping my legs on his chest. His breathing and mine were both erratic, yet his grunts became more vocal as we continued, sounding more bark-like.

I turned my head and expelled a loud whimper to disguise a laugh. This encouraged him to become even more vocal as his hips slammed into mine, making me see stars and nearly fly off my edge.

"Oh, yes, Sandor!" I moaned amorously. He gave a long moan in response and buried his face into my neck, his hips never faltering as I came hard around his cock. I held on to him tightly as he continued for a minute more until he buried his seed deep inside me with several thrusts accompanied by vocal grunts.

We lay beside each other basking in the afterglow, my head propped on his chest as my hand idly traced his muscles.

"I'm completely yours, body and soul," I said quietly. He had exhausted me in the best way possible.

"So, I take it you can live with my barking?" The corners of his mouth were turned up in mirth.

I gave a hearty giggle.

"You were playing it up for me!"

"Only a little. I enjoyed watching you struggle not to laugh."

"I wouldn't be able to live without your barking," I insisted. "You're so passionate. I'd rather hear you and know you're enjoying yourself than have you silent like the dead and have to guess about it."

He chuckled softly and kissed my temple.

"You're the only woman I'll ever bark or howl for from now until my dying day."

"You're the only man that I'll let bark or howl for me...and the only one that I'll do naughty deeds with for the rest of our lives."

We were content to doze in each other's arms until it was time for the feast.


It still felt surreal to me that we were in Winterfell. Sansa sent a maid over to help me into a dress she had sent over, and the young woman had also braided my hair in a style popular with noble ladies. Sandor sat in the corner polishing his weapons as he waited.

"Lord and Lady Clegane, I can escort you to the Hall if you're ready."

"I'm not a Lord," Sandor grumbled. "Was never about that high born shit…." I walked over and touched his arm. He looked up at me, and his grumbling trailed off as he took in my appearance.

"We'd appreciate it," I said to the maid.

The maid led us into the Great Hall and guided us to two seats at the High Table on the other side of Sansa. Bran was placed on Sansa's other side, and Jon sat on his other side with his little family.

When everyone in the hall had settled in their seats, Sansa stood.

"Many of us have traveled between here and King's Landing in the five years since the war, and many have stayed at the inn at Casselway. Such a fine establishment faithfully run by Kezya and Opal," started Sansa.

Many nodded, and some caught my eye to exchange a smile.

"As many of you have heard, Kezya has wed my friend Sandor Clegane. Sandor has been a protector of my sister and me in hopeless times when we thought we had no one. Kezya has been such a gracious hostess for many years, making me feel at home even though my home was still several days travel. House Cassel has suffered many losses and endured so much pain just like the rest of us through the war, but Opal and Kezya continued to spread love and warmth to all that crossed their threshold. I wish to officially grant the lands of Casselway to Lord and Lady Clegane and that the right be bestowed upon their children and grandchildren."

Stunned, I looked up at Sandor, who looked equally shocked.

"Giving land to southerners and baby killers now?" An older man huffed.

Several gasps sounded at the man's words. Tormund stood from his bench, which was across from the man, who soon looked like he regretted his decision to speak as the angry man towered above him.

"You have the wrong Clegane, old man," hissed Tormund. "And Kezya has more North in her spirit than you do in one of your tiny balls!"

"Clegane ventured with us beyond the wall and helped us capture a wight," said Jon. "He fought like it was nothing despite never being in the freezing north before. I believe he earned the right to be called a northerner that day. If Kezya was the one to convince him to stay up here, so be it."

"Any more objections?" Sansa asked with a slightly raised brow. A different man stood, who was a seasonal regular at the inn.

"I was a good friend of Turman Cassel, Your Grace, and I was there when he bought this poor girl from her scumbag father. I hope she doesn't mind what I'm saying, but she looked unhappy and sickly that day. But over the years, she's become a Cassel through her heart and spirit. Look at her glowing right now. Casselway will prosper with her as their Lady."

I teared up a little bit, smiling at the man.

"There you have it. My motion still stands," said Sansa. "Raise a glass to the new Lord and Lady of Casselway!"

Many raised their glasses high. The naysayer slightly raised his goblet before downing his drink, his cheeks pink from humiliation and perhaps fear from the tiny glares Tormund kept shooting his way.

The feast went on without a hitch after that. Food, drinks, and merriment were had by all.

Sansa was content to mingle with her guests, her favorite guard by her side and keeping a watchful eye.

Tormund drank from his big horn and flirted heavily with one of the serving girls, letting her sit upon his knee as he told her tales that made her giggle.

I was most amused by how much livelier Jon was with Ygritte beside him. Their son was off playing with Ghost and the little Tarly boys, so they were an amusing sight as they drank, sang, and then later became preoccupied with kissing one another in a darkened corner.

Even Gilly and Samwell were getting comfortable. Their foreheads touched as they seemed to share an affectionate conversation, smiles on both of their faces.

No one except me seemed to notice Sansa excuse herself for the night, and her guard followed several minutes later.

Sandor ate his fill of all the chicken he missed while on our travels with only an occasional sip of ale. I helped myself to a piece of lemon cake, chewing slowly and thoughtfully as I watched between the merriment of the hall and Sandor. He laid a hand on my thigh.

"Is something wrong?" He asked while chewing.

"It's just that this cake seems like it's missing something…." He watched me silently as I broke the cake into two pieces exposing the lemon creme that was inside. I then snatched a piece of chicken from his plate and sandwiched the meat between the cake pieces. Sandor stared at me as if I had sprouted two heads as I took a bite.

"Oh gods, that's good," I sighed in bliss before taking another bite. "Do you want to try?"

"Fuck no," said Sandor, looking at the piece I had offered him like it would jump up and bite him. "Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"I'm fine," I said, giggling. "I think the pup is messing with my cravings." I rubbed my stomach affectionately as I ate the rest of my weird sandwich.

"Gods help me so that my wife and pup will not go mad with sugar," grumbled Sandor.

"Oh, hush," I said, waving him off. "If you hated sweet things so much, you shouldn't have married me."

Sandor leaned over me to steal a kiss, his shoulders shaking with laughter.

"You're not only sweet but savory—the perfect combination for me. I could taste you for hours," he rumbled into my ear.

"Why don't you?" I challenged him. His hand tightened around mine, and we hastily excused ourselves to our chamber, where Sandor generously and passionately savored me for the rest of the evening.


We stayed in Winterfell for the next fortnight. Sandor enjoyed taking walks along the ramparts and overlooking the young squires in training. After much goading from Jon and Sansa, he agreed to participate in a couple of training sessions. I particularly enjoyed watching so that I could ogle his muscles and the way that he moved.

Sansa, Ygritte, and I would often stand on the balcony watching our men show their strength (Sansa still didn't know I knew, but it was unmistakable that she was gawking at her master at arms). One afternoon a day-drunk Tormund flirted with us, calling the three of us 'his beautiful shining rubies to behold.' Our amused giggles did not please our men, and all three glared at Tormund.

I felt like I was in another world when Sandor and I sat in on Sansa's council to discuss the logistics of the small Keep that Sandor wanted to be built back in Casselway. I would have never thought of such a feat, but then again, Sandor was already used to this way of thinking. I hurried to the maester's room after the meeting, Sandor following. I sent a raven to Opal to update her on all of my new happenings so that she wouldn't be overwhelmed upon our return.

We were traveling back with Bran and company, so I once again rode on the back of Samwell and Gilly's cart. Our pup didn't very much like the journey back, and I ended up regularly retching over the side of the cart. Little Sam and Little Jon were quick to learn to abandon play and duck for cover when they noticed my complexion turn green. Gilly played the part of the mobile maester while Samwell steered the cart, and she'd feed me mint leaves to chew and talk soothingly to me. Sandor hovered nearby constantly, and I often met eyes with him to offer a reassuring smile. It did nothing to ease his worried frown.

My spirits rejoiced as the inn came into view. I saw Freddy spot us on his walk back from the stables, and he ran in to tell Opal. Our welcome party filed out of the inn consisting of Freddy, Opal, our extra help, and a few villagers that hoped to see King Bran.

Opal gave a gracious welcome and deep curtsy to King Bran and directed him inside with a serving girl before making a beeline for me and throwing her arms around me before I could even regain my footing from the cart.

"My girl is a Lady now," she sobbed proudly. I hugged her back, my tears flowing with happiness.

"I'm still me even so," I said. Sandor joined us, squishing us together and placing a small kiss atop Opal's head, making her chortle with delight. "And you're going to be a Lady by association as far as I'm concerned. You've always been my family, and I'm not going anywhere without you."

"Well, that's good, my dear. Because I'd miss you terribly. This has been the saddest fortnight of my life," said Opal wiping her eyes. I embraced her tighter as we all started walking into the inn.

"Let us fill you in on happy things so that you can't be sad anymore."


MONTHS LATER

My eyes opened, and it took a while for me to focus my eyesight. I blinked up at the ceiling of our bedroom until it dawned on me. The last thing I remembered was watching the construction of the Keep with Sandor in our clearing. We had started to walk back when I started feeling very faint and realized that water was running down the inside of my thighs before I slumped in Sandor's arms.

"Sandor?!" I called into the silence, trying to sit up but still feeling sluggish. There was a sudden rustling in the corner of the room, and then Opal was there at my bedside, stacking pillows to help me sit up.

"I'm here, dearie," she spoke softly, but her voice was rough as if she had been crying. "How are you feeling?"

"Weak," I replied. My head slowly turned to scan the room and saw there was no one else. "Where is he? And our pup?" Opal poured a cup of water and brought it to my lips.

"They're fine in the other room, little mama. Drink up first, love. You've been out for two days. It was toiling labor, but you pulled through. Thank the Seven."

I nearly spluttered on my water in surprise and nearly frightened Opal.

"Opal, did you just thank the Seven?!" A hint of a smile appeared on her face.

"Well, of course, I did! Sandor's been praying to them ever since you lost all that blood after pushing that babe out! They must be listening!" I laughed and then winced at the soreness in my middle. The door opened, and my heart leaped to see the wet nurse holding open the door for Sandor, who was carrying a little bundle carefully in his big arms. Opal went back out with the nurse to give our new little family some privacy.

"Sandor," I breathed, tears springing up. He approached my bedside, tears welling up in his eyes as he looked upon me in relief. He carefully perched beside me and kissed me slowly and tenderly.

"Kezya, I thought I'd lose you," he said as a tear escaped down his cheek. I caressed his cheek, wiping the tears away.

"I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere, dove."

He kissed me again before joining me in looking down at the little bundle that was making tiny sounds. Big brown eyes squinted up at me in a perfect little rosy face. I counted fingers and moved the blanket aside to count toes.

"Hello there, my beautiful little baby boy," I whispered. "My little dove. My Callum." His tiny fist grasped my fingertip as he gave me a little open-mouthed smile, and my heart was suddenly all his. Sandor placed him in my arms before putting an arm around my shoulders protectively.

"He's going to have your hair," he said, softly running a finger over the reddish peach fuzz at the nape of Callum's neck.

"He has your eyes," I cooed. Callum started to fuss, and I pulled down my neckline to allow him to nurse.

"Damn. I forgot I have to share those breasts now," grumbled Sandor as he watched his son. I giggled.

"Don't worry. You'll have your time with them," I said, giving him a wink. He smiled at me, his cheeks nice and rosy, just like our little son.

"I appreciate it, love, but I want you to heal up down there first so that we can both enjoy it without worrying about stopping."

"We do have that problem of not stopping, don't we?" We shared a smirk.

Opal brought up a tray, and I dug into it ravenously with one hand as the other still held a nursing pup to my breast.

Sandor started helping, holding up pieces of scone and ham for me to nibble on as I comfortably cradled Callum with both hands.

"Big appetite just like his father," I said affectionately.

"You'll have to keep up to keep him fed," chimed in Opal as she folded some bandages and linens at the foot of the bed.

"Imagine years from now having to buy a cartful of chickens just to feed my boys for a week," I joked.

"And maybe some girls," said Sandor.

"'Some' girls? I thought you only wanted one more?"

"One girl. And then we stop." His brown eyes shone with such affection; it would be extremely difficult to refuse him anything.

"Alright. I'll hold you to that."

I sat back feeling the happiest I've ever felt with Sandor and Callum cuddled up with me. I couldn't wait for the years to come, but for now, I was content just holding my little world in my arms.

END