A/N: Greetings! I really wanted this one, I just think the idea is so cute and I couldn't help myself. Just to clarify what my plan is for this story: I want to have several one-shots that take a look into Elizabeth and Henry's past, and sometimes a reflection to the present for comparison. It's not necessarily chronological. Anyway, thank you for the delightful reviews on the first chapter, they are appreciated. I hope y'all like this, and I hope it reads okay. Cheerio!


Laying flat on her back, Elizabeth stared up at the ceiling. It was the only comfortable position. In fact, It was the only position she could lie. She was 30 weeks pregnant, or about that, with her and Henry's first child. The pregnancy so far had been free of complications, but it was only recently that she'd truly began to feel the toll it was taking on her physically. Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably, her whole body was propped arranged strategically with pillows. They'd decided to find out the sex of the baby, and now, Elizabeth knew it was a little girl that was practicing acrobatics inside of her. It wasn't just the physical aspect that was wearing her down; She felt like an emotional hurricane, which again she'd only began to experience recently. Elizabeth had mostly felt level-headed and calm during her first and second trimester, but now her temper was on a hair-trigger. She'd get angry with Henry over the most trivial things. Yesterday when they'd retired to their bed for the evening, she simply could no get to sleep, accusing Henry of breathing too heavily through his nose. Being such a gentle, even-tempered man himself, Henry took all of this in good spirits. He'd pulled her close that night and kissed her silly, silencing her complaints and calming her tense, anxious mind. He was a perfect contrast for her in that moment, the balance she needed so desperately.

She'd also never had a higher libido. Everything turned her on lately. Henry had been sitting quietly on the couch, reading a book. His glasses kept sliding down his nose and he'd push them up absentmindedly. Feeling her stare, he glanced up as she devoured him with her eyes. She watched him lasciviously, and he flashed her a breathtaking grin. It was all the invitation she needed. Elizabeth had practically ran across the room, pouncing and having her way with him.

She groaned again, feeling the baby wriggling. It was a sensation that she didn't think she'd ever grow accustomed to. Placing her hands on her belly, she willed their little girl to stop squirming so that she could rest. "Please go to sleep." She sighed.

She didn't realise Henry had been standing at the door, watching her with an adoring smile. "Hey there, beautiful." He spoke softly, not wanting to startle her.

Looking up and meeting his eyes, she gave him a tired smile, patting the space beside her on the bed. Hey lied down next to her, propping himself up on his side. "I can't believe we're going to have a baby."

"I know. It's gone so fast… Henry?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't know if I'm ready…" She stared up again, her brow creasing in worry.

He took a deep breath, considering his words.

"Hmm, I don't know if you can ever be completely ready for something like this. But I'll be here, with you, always."

She nodded, taking his hand. He rubbed the soft skin in slow, circular patterns. "You're going to be an amazing mother."

Their eyes met again, and a single tear slid down her cheek that she'd tried so hard to withhold. "I miss them." She whispered, swallowing thickly, blinking quickly, willing her tears to retreat.

"Oh, Honey." He scooted closer, pulling her into his arms, moving pillows so that they could embrace. She rarely talked about her parents, but there was nothing he didn't know. She rested her head on his chest and let her eyes fall closed, allowing the warm sound of his voice soothe her.

"They'd be so very proud of you. I know you'll be a wonderful mother, just like your mother."

She breathed in deep, inhaling Henry's scent. He always knew just what to say.

"I wonder if she'll have your beautiful mind." Elizabeth mused. Henry chuckled, and pulled her closer, rubbing her back gently.

She looked up into Henry's soft, gentle features. He gazed back and his eyes shone with such clarity, it was impossible to look away. He leaned in, kissing her softly. His lips were soft and warm against her, it was a feeling she'd never been able to describe. When their lips touched, in that moment, details surrounding became blurred. It was as though time were non-existent and in that moment, the only measurable reality was the two of them. Elizabeth kissed him back, willing to let him take her away, if only for a moment.

"You're so beautiful, and this baby will be just as beautiful." He breathed against her lips.

"I don't feel beautiful. I feel like a whale…" She frowned.

"A beautiful whale." Henry teased, giving her a cheeky grin.

He could see she was trying not to laugh, struggling to keep a straight face. He tickled her ribs lightly, a risky move, he knew. She squealed and giggled, twisting and trying to escape his fingertips. The light, hopeful sound made his heart soar, and he couldn't stop the wide smile breaking free. He tickled her again, and in a burst of energy, she rolled them, pushing him on his back and straddling his waist. She tried to pin his hands down, but it was futile.

She laughed heartily as she gazed down at her husband. He stopped his movements, surrendering his hands and moving them to sit on her rounded belly.

"I think she's finally asleep." Elizabeth wondered aloud. She placed her hands over Henry's.

"I love you Henry. I'm so glad we're doing this together."

"I love you too, sweetheart. Are you hungry?"

"Yes, always." She giggled. She dismounted him and he helped her off of the bed. He pulled her into the best hug he could, given her belly. Henry pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Chinese?" She answered too quickly, unable to hide the hope in her voice as she gazed up at him.

"It will be done." He laughed, pulling her close and kissing her again.

-o-

2016

"We must have done something right…" Elizabeth mused, taking a sip of her coffee. She sat beside Henry at the table, watching their children get ready for the morning.

"Huh?" Henry looked up from the newspaper he was reading.

"I mean sure, I had the occasional wine here and there during the pregnancies, and I did skip a few antenatal classes with Allison and Jason…"

Catching on, Henry laughed. "I think they turned out far better than expected."

"Henry!" She feigned shock, giving him a playful shove.

They were so proud of each of their children. Elizabeth could see Henry and herself in all of them. She smiled now, placing her open hand on the table. Henry took her invitation and gripped her hand in his. Henry turned and gave her a knowing look. He leaned in, touching their lips together, stoking the fire in Elizabeths belly. Forgetting their potential audience momentarily, she gripped the hair at the nape of Henry's neck and kissed him fully and deeply. He moaned and pulled away when they were interrupted by a mock gagging sound, originating from one of their offspring.

"Remind me why we had them again?" Henry laughed, winking at Elizabeth as he stood.

She swatted his backside playfully. "Not a clue, Professor." Shaking her head.