The fact that I was 40 weeks pregnant did not get in the way of my job at The Paradise. I wouldn't necessarily call it a job anymore…Moray and I had both succeeded to take over the ownership of The Paradise from Weston. I cannot describe that feeling in words of conquering something that great. Soon after Weston left in a disgraced state, back into the arms of his dear Katherine I suppose we could rejoice.

That now leads me to the present. It would be imprudent to say that I have had a happy ending because it is not yet over. I have managed to live for the present and forget the follies of the past. That is why I feel even a modicum of respect towards Katherine Glenden- Weston sorry. They have their own little family now, with a little addition of a baby brother…I wonder what sex my will be. Moray and I often think It to be a little girl, she would be head strong and brave, she would make her way in this man's world with ambition and consequent success…she would have power. Of course we would love to have a boy as well, that would be perfect in its own way, who wouldn't want a little Moray running all over the place (hint hint: I would).

John hasn't particularly been happy about me waddling around on my own, he cares deeply for me I know but I cant help but be annoyed, even after that fateful slap little more than a year ago, he stands to be protective. Oh well he is my protective little fool. I rest my hands on my big belly, slightly moving them around, caressing my much loved bump, and I feel a response: the baby kicks its legs and I smile in response. As much as I love this correspondence between us I am ready to see he/she in person. 40 weeks is a long time to be together and when you cannot bend down or when you cannot see your own feet, you want the baby in your arms instantly.

I am currently sitting on the purple armchair in Clara, Susie and Myrtles room. The store has closed but John is still working and I told him to get me when he was done. He must love the fact that I've been so needy recently. Although I'm not sure if he likes it when I order him (nicely) to make me a fruit platter in the dead of night. I just cannot get enough of watermelons and as it's currently the middle of November, there isn't much watermelon around…

"So Denise, have you thought of any names for the baby?" Susie asks me excitedly as she folds away her work clothes.

I sit up straighter for I feel a bit queasy but It must be nothing.

"Uhh yes, but John and I haven't decided on anything permanently, he says he wants to look at the face and decide then, to which I agree but I think…Alexander would be a good name for a boy and perhaps Colette for a girl" I reply.

"Oh that would be so sweet!"

"It would indeed". Moray says. I turn around to seem him standing in the doorway and my heart swells with joy. My smile seems to get bigger every time I see him.

"Finally, you're here!" I respond as I try to get up, but of course whilst carrying another human being, it is hard to do. John comes and helps me up and I don't like to admit it, but I wouldn't have gotten up that quickly if it weren't for him. I put my arm through his after saying goodbye to the girls and we make our way downstairs towards the carriage to go home.

Until the latter months of my pregnancy John and I used to walk home together, it was refreshing in the night breeze, to clear our heads and just talk about the days activities but now, as much as I loved to walk, I couldn't for long periods of time and also I was extremely slow. Though saying that I do love the feeling of knowing that I will have a baby soon in my arms, a perfect mixture of John and I, forever immortalising our love.

Once we are outside the dormitories, we both stop walking and John faces me, we both stand like that for a while, taking each other in; his eyes are full of love. Eventually he puts his arms around me and pulls me close, or really he pulls himself close to my belly. We both kiss and he rests his hands on my stomach.

"I hope you're not putting your mummy in too much trouble" He says with a smile, and his dimples appear, oh he is so handsome!

"Hah you need not worry John, the baby has been absolutely fine, although I do feel a bit different". As soon as I say "different" his head pops up, anxiety setting in.

"Different? How so? You aren't feeling any pain are you, Denise?"

"No, John look at me, I am absolutely fine, there is no pain, and it's just that I feel that the baby will be here soon. I can feel it" I reply soothingly.

I put my hands on top of his as If to reassure him that I am fine, and I am. It's just that my maternal instincts are already setting in.

"Then let us go to the comfort of our own home, where you can explore your feelings more" John replies in jest and we both laugh.

Hope you enjoyed this my darling readers! This one-shot was done on the request of 'mylittlechapion' on Tumblr.

Do excuse any annoying grammatical mistakes I make, as I am falling asleep whilst typing this. I wanted to post it this week, just after the 7th episode of The Paradise aired. I wont give any spoilers for those who haven't watched but these one-shots are meant to please