Disclaimer: The Millennium trilogy does not belong to me
Chapter 29
They woke up to Aaron crying, Lisbeth was immediately up and putting on her robe. She went to her son's room and saw him crying his eyes out. He stretched his arms to his mother. Lisbeth picked the boy up and shushed him.
"What's wrong Ari, why are you crying? Did you have a bad dream?" Aaron stopped and sobbed some more.
"It is not real Ari, you are with me." Lisbeth said and started humming to him. Aaron calmed down and laid his head on Lisbeth's neck. He fell back to sleep and Lisbeth placed him back on his bed.
When she went to the kitchen to pour herself some tea Mikael was already making breakfast Lisbeth kissed him good morning and worriedly said, "I think Aaron had a nightmare."
"Love that is normal, we will ask him about it when he wakes up." She nodded and asked Mikael about his meeting with Figuerola.
"I told her we would not be witnesses, I was very firm and she seemed to understand. We talked about our lives and I thanked her, she made me realize I was in love with you."
"That is good, although I would have liked to go away for a couple of months. I know that is not the best option know that we are expecting a baby again." Lisbeth was weighing their options, "it looks like we are staying after all."
Mikael raised an eyebrow and put on his glasses, "Ms. Salander you have a very keen mind, of course we are staying Lisbeth. Everything is solved; we just have to wait it out just like after the trial. You left but I stayed and faced most of the media circus around the case. I believe this time won't be so hard. We are not involved and we are not really related to these men's crimes."
Lisbeth hoped so, "I think we should tell Annika and Holger about the baby first. Last time they were the first so we should keep the same pattern."
"Ok, we'll tell Annika this Sunday when we go for dinner and I think I should tell Palmgren." Mikael said while making toast for him and Lisbeth.
His Sally looked at him and asked, "Why would you want to tell Holger? I don't think he likes you much."
Mikael chuckled and replied; "I think it is better if I tell him, that's all."
Lisbeth shrugged, it was not her business, if Kalle wanted to tell her ex-guardian that was good for her. She wanted to eat strawberry milkshake and tuna sandwiches. Lisbeth was glad her morning sickness had not manifested itself yet. She would have to ask Holm about that.
"Are you going taking Aaron to Millennium?" Lisbeth asked, she wanted to have Aaron by herself today, she felt like her baby boy needed her.
"No, I have to meet with Christer, Harriet and Erika. We are trying to expand ourselves to Norway."
"That's good, I want Aaron to stay with me today. I want to know about his nightmare."
"Love, do not obsess over that. Our son probably won't even remember he had a nightmare."
Mikael kissed her one more time and left for his office. Lisbeth read some more until Aaron woke up and wandered to her room.
The boy climbed the bed and kissed Lisbeth, "hello to you too Ari."
"Did you have nice dreams?" Lisbeth was prepared for a horror story or some trauma.
"Yes mommy, I went for ice cream and cookies." Aaron started and continued his tale of a transformer and a movie called Cars.
Lisbeth breathed a sigh of relief, Mikael was right their boy was fine. The mother observed her child but there was nothing that could indicate any harm or suspicious behavior. Her boy was a happy child, unlike her or Camilla who were skittish around people or who were startled by sudden sounds or loud noises.
Mikael was almost done with his work; he planned to go to Palmgren's and tell him about Lisbeth's pregnancy. His meeting went well, Christer and Erika noticed his high spirits and asked him about his sunny attitude, Mikael simply laughed. He took off his glasses and drank the last bit of coffee and prepared to leave.
By the time he was in Palmgren's apartment he was ready to burst with the news. Palmgren opened the door and made his surprise known,
"Why are you here? Is Lisbeth fine? Palmgren immediately asked, Mikael entered and sat down.
"Sally is fine, in fact she is pregnant again, you are going to have another grandchild." Mikael beamed with happiness, Palmgren smiled and shook his hands.
"Congratulation, Blomkvist how is Lisbeth, is she ok with the news?"
"We were actually trying to get pregnant, she wanted to have a baby after the miscarriage and it finally happened."
"I have to say I'm happy for you both, Lisbeth has come a long way, she is finally happy."
"She's doing great Palmgren, she didn't even freak out this time. I just wanted you to know first. Last time it was rough on both of us but know I think this pregnancy will be easier than the first one."
"I am glad you are going to be a father again but I don't think that is the only reason why you came today." Palmgren looked at Mikael and waited for his response.
"I want to throw a birthday surprise party for Lisbeth. As you know her birthday is next Friday. I want her to celebrate it; I know she doesn't care for social gatherings much but this one is different. It will be just her closest friends and family. Just show up at 7:00 PM Friday night."
"I'll be there, but I warn you it might not be the best idea." Mikael shrugged as he left the apartment.
When the journalist got home he found Lisbeth asleep with Aaron by her side. He kissed them both and went to the kitchen to see if there was any dinner left. Mikael heated some left over lasagna; he drank some wine and called Annika and the others to tell her about Lisbeth's surprise gathering.
Mikael wanted to surprise her; he wanted her to have a good time. They were so stressed from the investigation maybe this gathering would relieve some of the remaining stress. It was also a good opportunity to let everyone know that Lisbeth was pregnant.
The next couple of days went quick, Lisbeth worked on her pending investigations and the appointment with Dr. Holm. The doctor told her that everything was fine, she was two months along, in retrospective she did feel some tiredness and some nausea but she had been so busy she overlooked her health issues.
"Could you check that everything is all right, I mean that the baby is ok. I had a miscarriage last winter and I don't want that to happen again."
Dr. Holm assured her that everything was in order, "your blood results are in order, there is no bleeding or pain and your hormone levels are within the perfect range. Lisbeth do not worry everything seems fine."
Lisbeth nodded and looked at Mikael who patted her hands. They left the clinic and went home. "Mikael, I am going out tomorrow with Mimi and Aaron, she invited us to an art gallery."
"But Lisbeth, tomorrow's your birthday. Are you sure you want to be out all day?" Mikael had enlisted Mimi to take Lisbeth and Aaron away so that he could get everything ready for the evening celebration.
"We never do anything, you are the one who wants to do things, and I am fine. No one ever bothered with birthdays; we always were alone that day. Zalachenko would come and my mother in her anxiety forgot about our birthday."
"Well, then I will wait for you and our son and will have dinner together."
The next day Mikael left early, Lisbeth and Aaron woke up late and met Mimi in the afternoon.
"Mimiiiiii" Aaron yelled on top of his lungs.
"Hey little man, how are you doing?" Mimi picked him up and kissed his cheek, Aaron giggled and hugged her.
"Happy Birthday Lisbeth, I won't ask your age because we all know we will be twenty nine forever." She laughed and walked toward the tunnelbana.
They talked about Mimi's latest girlfriend, and her lack of regard to her feelings. They spent the afternoon in the gallery and then they went for a late lunch. "So, anything new in Blomkvist's life?" Mimi asked.
"Well, he is going to be a father again." Mimi gasped and then squealed.
"Lisbeth, congratulations. Are you happy?" Mimi kissed her in the cheek.
"I am, I think it is the right thing Mimi. I wanted to have another one right after the miscarriage." Lisbeth said, after Agatha died Mimi became her confidant. Mimi did not know anything about the investigation though. The last time Mimi was involved she was kidnapped and badly hurt. Lisbeth would not forgive herself if her best friend were harmed.
"Good for you, so what do you want boy or girl." Mimi started to joyfully ask her friend.
"I think I want another boy, Ari has been great." She looked at her son who was playing with other children in the restaurant yard.
"I think you will have a girl this time. I bet Mikael wants a girl." Mimi teased her friend.
"It wouldn't matter, he already has Nilla. I don't think he cares much." Lisbeth said, Mimi asked about Nilla and her life.
"As you know she is in America for this university course she is taking. She met someone and is very happy with him. Mikael says she is dreading coming back." Lisbeth said, Mimi and Nilla had bonded over Aaron, they were both prime babysitters, both women loved having Aaron over.
"I think it is time for us to go. I will go with you to your home. I want to ask Mikael about an editorial he wrote about economic world trade."
"Why are you so interested in world economy all of the sudden?" Lisbeth was puzzled and needed to know now.
"I happen to be a business owner, I have to keep abreast with the economic trends." Mimi huffed.
"Ok, we'll go. Let me get Aaron away from that boy, I think my son is trying to get him to eat dirt."
They boarded their train and went back to Lisbeth's place; she opened the door and heard people yell "Surprise!" Lisbeth saw all the people in her house. There was Armansky, Palmgren, Annika, Enrico, Malin and some of the Evil Fingers members.
"Happy birthday love." Mikael softly kissed her. Lisbeth looked at all the people and mingled for a while. She was trying to process the fact that Mikael invited most of her friends and organized a small gathering. That made her a little happy, she felt appreciated, she felt loved.
Lisbeth had a great time; she talked to Malin and Mimi. She greeted Armansky who congratulated her on the pregnancy. Yes, Mikael told him about it just minutes ago, speaking of Mikael he was happily downing his whisky and talking to Enrico. Lisbeth heard their conversation.
"What do you want Mikael, boy or girl." Enrico enquired.
"That's easy, I want a baby girl. One just like my Sally, I would like a girl with her red hair and her eyes." Mikael smiled and kept drinking from his glass.
"Lisbeth is a redhead?" the Italian asked.
"Don't tell her I told you." Mikael happily added.
By the end of the party everyone knew that Lisbeth was pregnant and that Mikael was hoping for a girl. The guests left the house, Aaron was sleeping and Mikael was a little drunk from all the whisky he consumed.
He kissed Lisbeth, she was very sober and she was enjoying herself. Drunken Mikael was funny to watch. He rarely got drunk; he hated the morning after and the physical and emotional hangover.
"I love you Lisbeth Blomkvist. That sounds nice, I like the ring it has to it, marry me Lisbeth. Let's make it official; we have shared our lives for about five years. Hell we have a son and a daughter on the way."
Lisbeth giggled and said, "first of all we don't know what we are having. And second of all this is getting old you have proposed at least five times, and what has always been my answer?"
"I believe you have said no four times, but tonight you will say yes." Mikael pulled her to him and deeply kissed her. He grabbed her leg and caressed her thigh. "Say yes love," he was doing great things with his fingers.
Lisbeth caressed his back and removed his pants while he tried to unhook her bra. He managed to get it off and licked her nipples when he let out a snort and fell asleep. Lisbeth laughed and took off his shirt and her top. Mikael sought her warmth and laid his head on her chest.
Mikael was nauseous, his mouth tasted horrible he turned his head to the sweet smell, he buried his face on Lisbeth's neck and waited for the nausea to pass.
"Why did you let me drink like this? I told you last time, never let me have so much alcohol."
She chuckled and pulled him to her; she ran her fingers through his hair. He whimpered and inhaled deeply. "I meant what I say last night. I want to marry you, before you go all crazy on me and refuse to listen to me I think we should evaluate this."
Lisbeth continued her caresses and listened carefully, "We have lived together for five years. Not once have you gone to your other apartment, our relationship is stable enough." Mikael traced the ink on her back and kissed her neck.
"I want our relationship to become legal because of different reasons. First of all I want to marry you because I love you and I want you to have everything. If something happens to me, you and our children would be secured by whatever I have. I know you don't need money or other resources from me to survive but I would like to share everything with you. The second reason is selfish and I probably shouldn't even say it but here it goes, I want you to become Lisbeth Blomkvist."
Lisbeth was sure she would say no, she did not believe in marriage as an institution and the argument of financial security or the fact that Mikael wanted to share his assets with her wasn't strong enough. It was the last statement that made her accept Mikael's proposal. It went against all of her feminist convictions; it never occurred to her that she would want to willingly get married to someone. Lisbeth Blomkvist, it sounded nice, she knew she would be with him no matter what, in these past years Lisbeth learned that it took little things to make Mikael happy. He loved cuddling her and when she made him her unappealing looking but tasty lasagna. If Mikael wanted to get married, she would do so. Lisbeth Blomkvist, she would be legally tied to Mikael. Well, she guessed it wouldn't be so bad; she was tied to him in all other possible ways. He was her lover, the father of her children, her closest friend and confidante.
Mikael stopped and waited for her response, he squeezed her and enjoyed her caresses. Finally after five minutes of her running her fingers through his hair she answered. "We won't invite anyone. We'll get married and then tell people if they ask. No parties or reception, I liked my birthday party but a wedding is a different thing."
Mikael was nodding softly, his head was pounding but Lisbeth said yes. "I love you Sally, don't think I'm not happy if I could I would be jumping up and down but my head is about to burst."
Lisbeth laughed and kissed him on the forehead. She said, "you poor man. Do you want me to give you kisses like I do Aaron when he gets sick?"
Mikael nodded and puckered his lips; Lisbeth obliged him and kissed him in the mouth. She then moved to his cheeks and his nose. "I would love to stay and cuddle but I think I might have to puke myself. I knew this was too good to be true." Lisbeth stood up and monopolized the bathroom for ten minutes. Mikael's nausea had thankfully passed and he served himself a cup of coffee and weak tea for Lisbeth. It astounded him that Lisbeth would deprive herself of coffee but she made it clear the beverage made her nauseous while she was pregnant.
Lisbeth got out of the bathroom and checked up on a sleeping Aaron. She then went to the kitchen and ate some French toast Mikael made for her. "I think we should be able to seal the deal by next week. We get all of our legal documents and apply for the marriage license. Are you sure you don't want a ceremony or something like that?" Mikael asked, he knew what her answer was going to be but he wanted to make sure. Pregnant Lisbeth could be a little unpredictable; Mikael believed a major influence in her saying yes was the fact that she was expecting. He did not feel guilty in the slightest; he could not pass up this opportunity.
"Remember you already said yes, no take backs." Mikael said while trying to find doubt in her eyes.
Lisbeth sighed and answered, "I am one hundred and ten percent sure that I don't want any ceremony or reception."
"Very well then, I will make sure everything is ready for next Friday. What are we doing today love?" Mikael asked, Lisbeth seemed to be contemplating the question and said, "we are going to the park, Aaron has a play date with some kids, then we are dropping him off at Annika's. Arianna is supposed to babysit him while we go to Annika's promotion party."
Mikael almost forgot about that party. His sister had been promoted to partner at the law firm she worked for.
"Ok, but please don't try to run background checks on the other parents. Aaron is supposed to enjoy his playtime." Mikael said half jokingly; in one occasion Lisbeth investigated a mother of a four year old who pushed Aaron from a swing set.
She glared and him and cursed him, Mikael laughed and nuzzled her neck while she washed her cup. "You are a very bad influence, what if our son heard you mmhmm" he continued grabbing her and Lisbeth moved away.
"You are a hypocrite, remember the time Aaron heard you saying, "fuck". He did not stop until we told him big boys don't say those words." Lisbeth taunted him; Mikael rolled his eyes and went to the living room. He started reading a science fiction book. Lisbeth grabbed the laptop and read some news.
Aaron walked to the living room and sat next to Mikael, he turned on the TV and watched one of his favorite shows. "Aaron, did you brush your teeth?" his father asked. The little boy shook his head, "let's get your teeth brushed and then you'll have breakfast." Mikael carried Aaron to the bathroom sink and let him brush on his own.
"Daddy, I want to see Mimi. Is she coming to get me tonight?" Aaron opened his big blue eyes and waited for his daddy to answer him.
"No. You are staying with Arianna and Andreas tonight, mommy and me will pick up later tonight."
"K, but I still want to see Mimi soon" Aaron pouted and looked like he wanted to stomp his feet.
Later that evening, Mikael and Lisbeth left a sleepy Aaron with the Gianninis' children. Lisbeth was not certain of them babysitting but Mikael convinced her to give them a chance. "They have our cellphone numbers and won't hesitate if they are in trouble." Mikael reassured her as he drove to the venue.
"I can't believe Mimi was unavailable, she knows how to take care of Aaron. If she was the one with Aaron I would be less worried." Lisbeth tried to distract herself from all the negative scenarios running through her head.
Annika looked great, she accepted her promotion and enjoyed the party. She saw her brother and Lisbeth laughing, her brother pulled her for a kiss and approached her, "Annika, we have to go. I'm sorry we can't stay longer, Lisbeth is anxious about leaving Aaron with your children."
Annika laughed and nodded, Lisbeth was already heading for the door. The girl improved her social skills but she could slip sometimes.
"Mikael hurry up, I want to get Aaron and then go to sleep," she even yawned. Mikael sighed and tried to please her. They were home in no time; his Sally changed clothes and waited for him to come to bed. Once he was there she turned around and cuddled him.
True to his word Mikael was able to get all of their documents in order and they got married that Friday. Mikael insisted in buying rings so they could wear them, "I don't want gold or anything flashy." He got them silver wedding rings, the only corny thing he did was add the words Sally and Kalle. Hers had Kalle engraved while his had Sally engraved.
They signed the papers and she was his legal wife, she was Lisbeth Blomkvist, who would have thought. That weekend they left Aaron with Mimi; she graciously offered to take care of the boy while they took a mini holiday vacation. Even though Mimi was her closest friend Lisbeth wanted to keep her marital status private.
They went to his house on the beach; Mikael was undressing her with his eyes. "It is time Lisbeth Blomkvist, time to make this marriage real." He waggled his eyebrows and tried to grab her. Lisbeth ran from him, she was giggling and finally let herself get caught by her husband. Her husband, it sounded so wrong and right at the same time. She kissed him deeply and felt him backing her to the wall.
"Is that how you want to take your wife for the first time." She whispered as she bit his earlobe. She felt Mikael nod; he rubbed himself against her hard. She moaned and thrust her hips against his. It was hard to think straight when Mikael caressed her; it never ceased to amaze her how he could wipe everything from her mind and make himself so wanted and needed.
"I want you so much, you're completely mine now." Mikael said in between kisses. Lisbeth chuckled and replied, "Who knew you could be so possessive. Maybe this was a bad idea." Mikael growled and pushed her harder against the wall. Lisbeth let out another whimper, he knew she was joking and wanted to drive her crazy with desire.
Mikael took mercy on her and moved them to the bed they were to share as husband and wife. He kneaded her breasts and was removing her underwear when Lisbeth took over. She straddled him and touched his erection; she wickedly smiled and positioned him. She let out a moan at the contact, "Mikael you feel so good." Mikael kissed her hard, he helped her move and set the pace. They ended up sweaty and satisfied, Lisbeth was insatiable and wanted her new husband to possess her. It even surprised her, the need she felt. She wanted Mikael to claim her and take care of her. It went against all of her beliefs, but being with Mikael made her feel safe and protected, like nothing bad could ever happen to her.
The next few days were fantastic, the newly weds relaxed and enjoyed themselves without their son. They cooked together and sailed, it was like when she was heavily pregnant with Aaron. "Isn't it funny? The last time we were here you were also pregnant."
"Do not think this is going to be a tradition of some sort, this is the last Mikael I mean it. No more children, we will barely fit in the house once the new baby comes."
Mikael smiled and said, "wouldn't it be great if we moved?"
"I guess but you love the apartment, it is close to Millennium and you have basically lived there since Nilla was a baby."
"Lisbeth I got us the apartment next to it. We could demolish the wall and have the smaller apartment for ourselves." Mikael hugged her as they sat looking at the sunset.
"I guess it would be alright, can we afford it? But I want you to demolish the wall soon. I don't want to deal with the rubble and stuff once I look like a beach ball which could happen pretty soon."
"Love, you are only about a two months along." He laughed while Lisbeth punched him.
"Ouch Lisbeth, you can punch you know that right?" Lisbeth smirked and kissed his sore arm.
"All better now, you big baby." Lisbeth snuggled down to him, this was good; she missed her Aaron but being with Mikael alone was something she needed.
"I love our son but I'm glad is just us this weekend." Lisbeth nodded, "I am sure Mimi is taking great care of him. He loves her and would never dare to upset his girlfriend." Mikael chuckled along with her; their son was something else.
"Lisbeth do we really have to keep our status secret? I think my family, Palmgren and Mimi should know about this."
She raised her head, "I don't feel comfortable with them knowing yet. It is not that I don't want them to know or that I feel ashamed of us but the more people who know the easier it is for people to harm us. Am I making sense?"
Mikael sighed, "you are love, I will wait. We'll let everyone know when you are ready."
"I think we should go back to the house. I want to show you something I picked up before coming here." Lisbeth stood up and saw him trailing after her.
Her surprise was new sexy underwear, Mikael convinced her to model for him. They enjoyed each other for the rest of the night. Lisbeth woke up very satisfied; Mikael was still amazing in bed. She felt him kneading her breasts. "I can't wait for these to fill up."
Lisbeth rubbed herself against his chest, "I don't get why you like it so much. I don't think it is that great to begin with." She tasted her milk years ago, just to understand why Mikael liked it so much.
Mikael scowled and said, "You don't know what you are talking about. I will forgive you because you are my source of milk."
Lisbeth glared at him, she enjoyed his caresses until they left for the town. They visited some shops and went to the beach again. Three days later they were back in Stockholm. They went to Mimi's apartment, retrieved Aaron and bid Mimi goodbye.
"Did you behave Ari?" Lisbeth asked while Mikael opened the door to their apartment.
"Yes, mommy. I played and drawed and saw the monkeys at the zoo." Aaron excitedly chattered.
"You drew buddy." Mikael managed to take Aaron from Lisbeth's arms, Aaron continued his tale, "and I missed you lots mommy." Aaron threw himself at Lisbeth who gave him lots of sloppy kisses.
"Did you miss me Ari?" Mikael asked, he was trying not to smirk; he knew Aaron had a very special relationship with Lisbeth.
Aaron seemed to think about it and said "yes!" Mikael picked him up and threw him in the air. Aaron giggled; his daddy could make him fly real high.
"Settle down, Mikael I want sushi." Mikael smiled and called the take out restaurant.