§ § § -- November 10, 2003
"You're kidding me," Leslie breathed at Dr. Lambert, eyes huge. She simply couldn't recall the last time she'd been so shocked. "It can't be…"
"It can," Dr. Lambert said and patted her shoulder. "It'll take a while to sink in, I know. I also know Prince Christian's out there waiting for you. Why don't you go on ahead and tell him? Then you can share it."
Leslie nodded, dazed, and slowly got to her feet, her hand going to her mouth. She almost felt her way out of Dr. Lambert's office, drifting down the hallway to the waiting room where Christian had remained, feeling like someone else altogether. She had the most inane feeling of dreaming and anticipated waking up any moment now…
Christian turned around when he heard her steps and came to her instantly at sight of her. "Tell me, right this second," he commanded urgently. "What is it?"
Leslie stared up at him, her hand falling from her mouth finally, taking in his anxious face and suddenly falling more in love with him than ever. "Christian, I…" That sense of disbelief and lightheadedness assaulted her again and she met his gaze. "I'm pregnant!"
Christian froze and his eyes slowly widened. His mouth fell open a little and his grip on her arms tightened. "Pregnant," he whispered.
Leslie nodded. "Yes," she said, feeling her eyes sting with impending tears. "I thought she was joking. But she told me to come tell you. Oh Christian…we're finally going to be parents. I'm really pregnant!"
Joy and wonder spread across his face and he suddenly laughed out loud, then hugged her hard, rocking her back and forth. "My Rose, my precious Rose," he exclaimed softly, sounding as dazed as she felt. "It's a miracle. I can hardly believe it…"
"I know, neither can I," she breathed, tears spilling over.
"It's a gift," Christian murmured shakily, drawing back and cradling her face in his hands. "You're a gift. You, my Rose, you and this baby we'll be welcoming into our lives, you are both the greatest gifts I've ever received. I love you so very much, and I already love our baby. I can't tell you how ecstatic I am." He kissed her deeply, for a long sweet moment, and when he pulled back there were tears in his eyes as well.
They stared at each other wonderingly, and then Leslie said, "We've got to tell Father. Hurry, let's go…I can't wait to see his face." Christian grinned, and they linked hands and half ran out of the hospital to go to the main house.
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A/N: How's that for a surprise? But as always, there is more in store. Next: a trip to Lilla Jordsö that has an unexpected ending for more than one person…