Lady of the Manor
Daphne breathed deeply of the fragrant air. The scent of blooming fall flowers mixed pleasantly with a salty ocean zephyr, filling her lungs with a calming effect. The view from the second story terrace was magnificent. She sat the cup of decaffeinated tea on the small table and as women since the dawn of time, ran her hands over her protruding abdomen. Her pregnancy had progressed with little trouble. Understandably perhaps, Shaggy had suffered with the food cravings while Fred had lost twenty pounds from morning sickness.
Green Manor was being transformed once more. Work continued in renovating the nursery. They had elected not to know if the baby would be a boy or girl, preferring instead to be surprised. This had meant sex neutral colors for curtains, paint and all the nuances that went to create a cold, nondescript room into a warm, comfortable baby's room.
'Daphne Jones, Lady of the Manor', Daphne thought, 'it does have a certain ring'. The title was honorary as she was neither royalty or nobility.
"Your Daddy is so special," she spoke aloud, "He's always been there for me, he'll be there for you, little one." Daphne recounted some of their more memorable moments together. There had been many mysteries in the past and Daphne was sure there would be more in the future. None would be as important as the one growing in her womb right now.
She sensed his presence before she heard his voice, feeling his arms envelope her waist. "I thought I'd find you up here. Talking to the baby again?"
His arms floated down over her stomach; her hands moved to cover his, her heart beating faster. His lips found her neck as she tilted her head to give him an unobstructed path from neck to shoulder. "Yes, I was telling her a fairy tale."
She turned in his arms, snuggling as close as her tummy would allow, capturing his lips in a prolonged kiss before continuing.
"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, a handsome prince met a princess from a neighboring kingdom. The princess fell in love with the handsome prince almost immediately and with the prince's friends had many exciting adventures.
"Over time the prince fell in love with the princess and wanted to tell her of his feelings but didn't know what to say. He decided to give her an apple; he asked the princess what love meant to her, with the idea he'd learn what to say to the beautiful princess.
"A short time later, he asked the princess to marry and she eagerly agreed. The wedding was everything she had ever dreamed of and they were very happy together. One day, the princess announced that an heir was on the way. This made the couple even more happy and plans were laid for welcoming the new heir.
"Freddie, you asked me what love meant to me," she took his hands, kissing the back of each before placing them on her expanded belly, "this is what love means to me. From the inside out, my soul cries out with love for you and our baby. This is the fulfillment of the promises we made to each other on our wedding day."
He started to move his hand away when he felt a gentle movement. Returning his hand he felt the movement repeated. "She's been active today," Daphne giggled as she replied to his unasked question.
"The guests are arriving, ma'am. Would you like to freshen up before making your appearance?" Margo interrupted, picking up the used tea cup.
"No, thank you, Margo." Fred supplied the needed response, "We will be down in a few minutes."
"I think she's anxious to meet her guests." Daphne laughed. Lightly kissing his lips, she whispered a few words in his ear.
"Best not to keep the little princess waiting. He took her hand, kissing her fingers before placing her hand in the crook of his arm. "Shall we go meet our guests? She's got a fairy tale to live."
THE END