Two Months Later
Aria's POV
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen." Dianne prays as she holds up her golden rosary.
Back in Rosewood, the ladies prayed the rosary on Monday afternoons. In New York, the ladies pray the rosary on Friday afternoons when the gentlemen are hard at work. I usually enjoy the prayer sessions since they are hosted by my mother-in-law and I get to see Spencer, Hanna, Emily, and Alison. Today, however, the prayer session seems to be dragging on forever.
Instead of focusing on the beautiful words of God, the only thing I can think about is the intense throbbing between my thighs. Ezra and I have intercourse every night unless it is my time of the month, and it is absolutely marvelous. Sometimes it feels so nice that I'm convinced my insides are going to explode. I once asked Ezra about this feeling, but he merely blushed and kissed my forehead softly. I am as much ashamed of this feeling as I am in love with it. Surely it is sinful to experience such powerful waves of pleasure as a lady. The Virgin Mary must be glancing down at me with spite this morning. I should not be thinking about Ezra or the things he does to me during prayer, but I cannot seem to help it.
Even if I weren't thinking about intercourse, I still wouldn't be able to focus on prayer. I was supposed to start my cycle on Wednesday, but I did not produce a single drop of blood. For the past week I have been waking up early, and rushing to the plumbing room. Once I get to the plumbing room, I begin to vomit until there is no food left in my tiny stomach. These two things cause me to believe that I could potentially be with child. I want to tell Ezra about the baby, but I do not know if doing so would be appropriate.
"Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!" The group chants, snapping me out of my thoughts.
After the last line of the rosary is uttered, everyone bows their heads in silence. I try to reflect and repent, but I cannot. All I can think about is Ezra, our baby, and the fact that I need to have intercourse as soon as possible. Hopefully Jesus does not hate me for thinking about such things. Surely if Jesus hated me, he would do something to hurt my baby...
"God thanks you for coming today, Ladies. Our servants prepared us tea and sandwiches, so feel free to enter the dining hall as soon as you are done praying." Dianne says, breaking the awkward silence.
I spring to my feet so I can follow Spencer into the dining hall, but before I can Dianne calls out to me.
"Mrs. Aria, do you mind staying behind for a moment? I have important matters that I need to discuss with you." Dianne says in the friendly voice she uses whenever Ezra or guests are around.
"Of course, Mother." I mutter before waving goodbye to Spencer and walking towards my mother-in-law.
"Aria, what is going on with you today? You seemed incredibly distracted during prayer, and surely this does not reflect well on any of us." Dianne growls as soon as everyone is out of the prayer room.
"I-I am sorry. I'm afraid I have a rather lot on my mind." I confess, as I avoid looking into her piercing blue eyes.
"Such as?" Dianne questions.
"I think I might be pregnant." I whisper, even though we are the only two people left in the room.
"P-Pregnant?" Dianne asks, going from annoying to overjoyed in less than a split second.
"Yes, I am quite sure. I missed my cycle this month, and I have been feeling rather ill in the morning. Ezra has also been doing his part at night." I say with a deep blush.
"Oh my goodness, Aria! Surely you are pregnant! You and Ezra are both young, and a pregnancy is the only explanation for these unusual occurrences. Have you told my son the good news?" My mother in law beams.
"No, I'm afraid I have not. I wanted to speak with you before I told Ezra." I murmur.
"Good heavens, child! You must tell Ezra that you are with child as soon as he gets home this evening! Surely he will be thrilled!" Dianne exclaims.
"Yes, I intend on telling him soon." I say with an eager nod.
"Very well. Hurry along and join the other ladies for tea. I am sure you have a large appetite this afternoon." Dianne says with a knowing chuckle.
"Yes, I absolutely do." I say before hurrying out of the prayer room, and entering the dining hall. I quickly spot my friends, and take a seat next to them without uttering a single word to anyone.
"What did Dianne need to speak with you about? She seemed like she was in a rather sour mood this morning." Hanna whispers as she taps my shoulder gently.
"Oh? Fortunately she is not in a sour mood anymore." I say with a wide smile.
"Dianne Fitzgerald not in a sour mood? Surely there is an explanation for such a rare occurrence." Alison mutters with an eye roll.
"There is... I'm going to have a baby." I tell my friends as tears of joy begin to pour out of my hazel eyes.
"Oh my goodness! Aria, this is incredible! Ezra must be overjoyed!" Spencer exclaims as her eyes grow wide with excitement.
"I suppose he will be after I tell him tonight." I say with a blush.
"You haven't told Ezra about the baby yet?" Spencer asks as her eyes grow wide with shock.
"No-no, not yet. I wanted to wait until I was sure." I explain.
"Well, I am sure Ezra will understand why you waited to tell him. Surely he will adore you even more than he already does once you tell him the news." Emily squeals.
I can only hope that my beloved friend is right.
Ezra's POV
I do not stop to talk to my family or any of our servants once I get home from work. Instead I run upstairs to my bedchamber, where I see Aria laying on our bed and reading one of her many books. I missed her so much today. The most joyful moments of my life occur right after work when I get to see Aria for the first time in hours.
"Hello, darling." I say, as I crawl into bed next to her.
Aria doesn't respond with words. Instead, she presses her lips against mine and begins to kiss me forcefully. I moan before propping Aria's petite body up, and removing her lacy corset. Aria and I have intercourse nearly every evening after I arrive home from work. Sometimes if Aria's feeling up to it, we do it all night. Though it took us quite a while to get to this point, I do not think Aria minds it anymore. If anything, I think she enjoys it.
"Ezra please." Aria says with a whimper.
I decide to give my wife what she wants, and thrust into her gently. Within seconds Aria is begging for more, and I speed up my pace. A few minutes later Aria's walls tighten, and both of us come undone. Oh. My. God. That was wonderful. Aria is so wonderful...
"Are you okay, love?" I ask Aria as she continues to breath heavily.
"I am perfect." Aria murmurs before planting a soft kiss against my forehead.
"Good. I am starting to think that you like having intercourse, my dear." I say with a small laugh.
Aria doesn't laugh along with me. Instead she tenses up, and pulls away from me abruptly. What is going on? Why does my wife seem so upset all of the sudden?
"What is it?" I ask her gently.
"I-Is that a bad thing? You know, that I enjoy intercourse?" Aria asks me with a deep blush.
"Why, no. Of course not. How could it be a bad thing? Intercourse is a natural process. We were meant to do it, and that's why we enjoy it so much." I say as I rest a hand on her bare back.
"But Ezra, surely it is not THAT natural. The Virgin Mary conceived Jesus without having intercourse." Aria reminds me.
"You are young, sweetheart." I say with a soft chuckle.
"Why do you always say that? I am seventeen years old, so surely I'm am quite old." Aria says with one of her signature pouts.
"I am afraid you are not, Aria. In many ways you are but a child." I murmur before kissing her forehead softly.
"That is strange, considering I am having a baby in a few short months." Aria says as she stares into my blue eyes.
A-A baby? Aria is having a baby? Surely this is too good to be true. I've envisioned being a father for the entirety of my life, but I cannot believe this is really happening. What did I do to deserve such a blessing? I cannot think of a greater joy than Aria mothering my child.
"E-Ezra, are you okay? You're crying..." Aria starts to ramble.
"Oh darling, I only cry because I am so happy. This by far the most joyful moment of my entire life, and I am so glad I get to experience this with you. I love you, Aria." I say as my wife's jaw drops.
The surprise on Aria's face hurts me a great deal, even though this is only the second time I've confessed my burning love for Aria. I know I should shower Aria with praise and affection at every chance I get, but I do not think Aria enjoys such things. The first time I told Aria I loved her she looked rather uncomfortable, and I don't want her to feel that way around me. Still, I thought Aria knew how I feel about her. Don't my actions speak louder than a million, "I love you's?"
"I-I love you, Aria. I love you more than anything, and I hope you know that." I say as the confidence begins to drain out of my body.
"I know, and thank you. That means the world to me, Ezra." Aria murmurs before kissing my forehead softly.
Part of me hopes that Aria will say I love you back, but she does not. Instead, Aria runs her fingers through my thick curls and cuddles closer to me. Perhaps I am asking too much of my bride. She is young, and she's already giving me a child of my own. If Aria loves me as I love her, she will confess those feelings eventually.
"I like Ezra." Aria whispers suddenly.
"Ezra?" I ask as I furrow my brow in confusion.
"Yes. I want our baby boy to be named after his handsome daddy." Aria says with a blush.
"Well, I am honored that you would even consider naming our son after me. However, I do not know if I want our son to be named Ezra. Besides, how do you know that the baby is a boy? It may very well be a girl." I say as my tone turns serious.
"A girl? Surely this child will not be a girl. The thought has not even crossed my mind until now... You do not think God would give me a daughter, do you? I have been praying for sons since I was seven years old..." Aria starts to ramble.
"Hush, my dear. What would you say if I told you that I have been praying for a baby girl?" I ask my wife curiously.
"I would say that you are a terribly cruel man. You know I want a son, Ezra." Aria mutters as she stares up at the ceiling.
"Yes, I am well aware of the fact. Tell me, Aria, why are you so opposed to the idea of having a daughter?" I ask the seventeen year old curiously.
"Is that even a question, Ezra? No one wants daughters. They're not good for anything." Aria says as she crosses her arms over her chest.
"I strongly disagree." I say as I shake my head slowly.
I expect Aria to make a witty remark, but she doesn't. Instead, tears begin to flow out of my wife's eyes while she tries to hold back sobs. Why is she crying? I thought Aria was happy...
"Darling, what ever is the matter? Please tell me the reason for your tears." I say as my voice begins to soften.
"I-I cannot." Aria says as she begins to shake her head vigorously.
"Why of course you can. You can tell me anything, Aria." I say as my voice cracks in despair.
"My daddy hates me, Ezra. He hates me, and he hated my Momma even more." Aria says as she begins to choke on her own tears.
W-What? Surely Aria is mistaken. What kind of man would even dream of hating his own daughter? Especially a daughter who is as precious as Aria...
"No. Your father couldn't possibly hate you, Aria. Why would you think such a thing?" I ask as I furrow my brow in confusion.
"It is true, Ezra. My daddy hates me because I am a girl. He always wanted a boy of his own, but he got me instead. Daddy resents my momma for not giving him a son." Aria says as she begins to sob into my chest.
"If that is true, your father is a fool. You are nothing but a blessing, Aria. I would rather have one Aria than a million sons." I say as I pull my wife close to me and begin to stroke her beautiful brunette hair.
"That is a lie! You are only saying such a thing because you feel sorry for me." Aria says with anger in her voice.
"That is not a lie, Aria. What I told you was the truth. It's also the truth that I want this baby to be a little girl who looks just like her momma." I say as I stare directly into her tear filled hazel eyes.
"Why?" Aria asks me doubtfully.
"Because her momma is the most beautiful thing in the whole wide world. Her momma has the ability to light up the room with her smile, and make my heart sink in my chest when I stare into her hazel eyes. Her momma is absolutely perfect and I am so lucky she is mine." I say as I tuck a piece of hair behind Aria's ear.
"Ezra." Aria says as her voice softens.
"Sh-sh. I am not done. Before I met you, I wanted sons too. I thought girls were weak, but I was terribly mistaken. You're a girl, and you're the strongest person I've ever met. I've been around plenty of strong men in my life, but none of them hold a candle to you." I tell the woman laying next to me.
"I am not strong, Ezra. I am so terrible afraid. Surely you know this." Aria says with a whimper.
"Yes, I do know this. Sometimes I can see the fear in your eyes, or hear it in your voice when you cry in your sleep. I know you're afraid, Aria. I just wish you'd tell me what it is that frightens you." I confess.
"I just-I never want you to resent me, Ezra. I know you say you want a girl, but eventually you'll change your mind. I don't want you to end up hating me like my daddy hated my momma." Aria says with a sniffle.
"Hate you? I could never hate you, Aria. I only hate myself for letting you believe that I could." I tell her shamefully.
"Do not hate yourself, Ezra. I do not feel that way anymore. You have shown me what kind of a man you are." Aria says as her tone turns seriously.
"Good. I hope you know that I will always take care of you and our children regardless of their genders. I'll always be here, Aria." I say as tears begin to from in my eyes.
"I-I know that now." Aria whispers as she inches her head towards mine.
I respond by leaning closer to Aria and kissing her. This kiss is not rough and desperate like the ones we normally share in bed. It's slower, and far more sensual. I love this woman. God knows how much I love her.
"T-Touch me, Ezra." Aria whispers into my ear.
"I don't want to hurt you or the baby..." I say as I try to keep myself from becoming aroused.
"You won't. We had intercourse earlier and I feel fine. It will not hurt us." Aria assures me.
I respond by rolling on top of my wife and kissing her passionately. Aria kissed me back and I quickly forget that we are on Earth instead of heaven. Heaven surely can't be much better than this...
"Ezra." Aria says as she pulls away abruptly.
"What is it? Are you hurt?" I ask with worry in my voice.
"No-No, I am fine. I just wanted to tell you that you were wrong about me liking intercourse." Aria says with a blush.
"Y-you don't like it? I am so sorry! You are already with child, so we do not have to do this anymore..." I start to ramble.
"Hush, Ezra. You do not understand what I am trying to tell you. I do not like intercourse; I love it. I love it almost as much as I love you." Aria whispers before restarting the passionate kissing and lovemaking.
AN: What did you think? Are you excited about the baby? Boy or girl? Did you like Aria and Ezra's talk? Were you surprised that Aria finally admitted her feelings? Let me know in your review.
Sorry that I haven't updated this story in a while. I'm going through a hard break up, and even though it was for the best, writing about love kind of sucks. I got a lot of nasty reviews on all of my stories, and those definitely didn't motivate me to keeping writing. Im happy that people are so invested in my stories, but you have to understand that I am a real person who has a life outside of writing fictional stories. That being said, thanks to everyone who has continued to support me and my writing. I'll do my best to have an update by next Thursday.