Chapter 56 Never doubt the way

Alex was standing with his daughter in his arms near her crib. 'You gonna sleep in your very own bed tonight, Aislin. And even better, your daddy will sleep in his own bed, well your mummy's bed. That's even better', he grinned. He could see her get sleepy. Alex kissed her gentle on her forehead, when he felt Stevie's presence beside him. 'I hope she sleeps well', Stevie whispered, before caressing Aislin's tiny cheek. 'I hope so too', Alex lay her down, while Stevie covered her baby girl with a blanket. 'She looks very peaceful', the proud parents concluded. Alex looked at Stevie and pulled her closed, placing a soft kiss on her forehead as he just had done with Aislin. 'It's good to be home', Stevie whispered while her hands where moving along his back. She loved it just to have him this near, holding him, smelling his scent and hear his heart beat when her head leaned against his chest. 'It surely is', Alex spoke. 'It was a pretty intense day'. 'But it was nice', Stevie said immediately.

She could remember the girl's faces when she showed them her engagement ring, while Alex had slipped out of the room five minutes later, winking at her, cause the screaming and excitement of the Drovers girls was getting a bit too much. Let alone all the plans they were making about the wedding. Alex knew exactly what he wanted, something simple. Just friends and family and not on Killarney. There was no way he would get married on Killarney ever again. Their wedding day would have to be the opposite of his and Fiona's. It had to feel real, just like their love. But mostly he just wanted to marry her, he didn't really care that much about details, as long as he could take her in his arms, knowing she was his wife, and Aislin had married parents.

Rose had been over the moon about the news. She loved her sister's name, and she also had all kinds of ideas about the wedding day, and the honeymoon, and the dresses, and well about everything Stevie had asked her to lead her down the aisle and give her away, and she had almost screamed the whole hospital together from excitement.Stevie slipped under the sheets, while Alex already had been lying in bed, watching her undress. He just simply loved it to see her like that. Stevie snuggled up against him, her fingers brushing along his chest. 'It's so nice to have you near.' Alex just smirked. She moved up and kissed him. 'I love you Alex.' 'I know', he grinned teasingly. 'Well, don't you say the same thing about me?' 'I'd rather show it than say it'. She caressed the side of his face. 'It's a bit too early for that', she softly spoke, looking him straight into his eyes. 'I know', he gentle answered. 'There's no need to rush it.' She showed him her smile, the smile he so adored.

His hand moved down her body, his fingers passing her stomach. 'Strange to feel you without that big tummy.' She never had a huge tummy, but it surely was a difference. Though it seemed she hadn't gained that much weight during the pregnancy after all. 'At least it's not in the way anymore'. And Alex could feel it right away as she moved over him in a way she hadn't done during her pregnancy. Stevie started to kiss him, gentle, slow and soft, but both couldn't hold it in and soon it changed into a deep and passionate kiss. Alex could feel the excitement starting to fill his body, so he gently broke off the kiss, not wanting her to feel pushed in any kind of way. 'I guess we just should get some sleep, as long as Aislin keeps her quiet', Stevie said softly, knowing what Alex was thinking. He nodded, while Stevie turned around and lie against him. Alex switched off the light, and snuggled up against her back, softly stroking her red curls away. Stevie closed her eyes; enjoying the nice feeling Alex gave her. She really had missed him near her during the night.

Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart

He caressed her upper arm and placed a few kisses on her shoulder. Her hand had taken his, holding it close in front of her. 'Stevie', she could feel him whispering it against her skin. The soft pinch in his hand told him enough. 'I love you ... words can't really tell, but I do love you more than I ever loved anyone.' Stevie's eyes were wide open, she felt a bit surprised with his words. Like he could have sensed her slight doubt that sometimes crept up inside. The doubt that he had loved Claire more. She could hear him say she probably had some competition now with Aislin and she knew he was smiling. He could feel her move in his arms, turning around. Her eyes were teary, but she smiled. The gaze they shared was enough to tell they both understood what he had just said. There were no words needed, just an intense stare that made them feel more complete than they ever had.

Ronan Keating - If tomorrow never comes