Chapter 21

I don't own Lucian

Ian's POV

I wanted to surprise Lucy with breakfast in bed when she wakes up. With that idea in mind I climbed out of bed after admiring my wife's beauty for over half an hour. Down in the kitchen I got the dogs fed and even slipped them some bacon which they were extremely happy about. Just over an hour later I have a stack of chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, and crispy bacon—just the way Luce loves it—fully cooked and ready to eat. I manage to fit all the food on a tray and have just enough space for two glasses of orange juice.

Jack follows me through the kitchen and up the stairs to our bedroom where I see Lucy remains fast asleep. I sit the tray down on top of the dresser to ensure nothing gets knocked off on the bed by accident.

"Come here Jack, come here boy." I whistle lowly. When Jack runs over to my side. I pick him up and carry him to the foot of the bed. "Wake mommy up buddy."

Jack tilts his head to the side for a moment before I encourage him again to go wake up Lucy. After giving him another little piece of bacon Jack runs up the mattress to Lucy's face where he proceeds to lick all over her face to wake her up. I soon here Lucy's giggles and squeals at Jack's action.

"Jacky baby!"

Lucy pushes herself up in bed to look in my direction due to Jack barking over at me.

"Good morning sweetheart. I made you breakfast. Jack here was my little helper."

With Lucy now propped up in bed resting against a plethora of pillows stacked plush with the headboard I carry the tray of food over to her. Jack lays down at the end of the bed comfortably. I climb into the bed next to Lucy and wrap my arm loosely around her lower back.

"Thank you baby. Good morning to you, too."

We enjoy our breakfast in a comfortable silence with no words needing to be shared. After we finish eating Lucy curls into my side to trace patterns on my chest.

"So what did Henry Campbell want to talk to you about last night?"

I hesitate to reply in fear of her reaction. I stroke her luscious hair rhythmically before responding.

"There is this movie coming up that he's producing and he wants me to be the leading male. He said they haven't gotten started on casting officially, though they have been discussing ideas on who they may want. Apparently he's seen some of my work and thinks I would be perfect for the role."

"Oh," Lucy says softly. "That's a really big thing though if he of all people wants you specifically. Where does the movie film?"

"Right here in LA. I'm not going to take it Lucy."

This causes Lucy to shoot up in bed. "What? Ian you'd be crazy not to take this."

I stare at her in complete confusion. When we had this same scenario a few months ago Lucy flipped out on me, yet now she is saying I can't turn the job down. These pregnancy hormones are really something else!

"I'm sorry. What?"

"Ian, this is the Henry Campbell. It is a huge deal that he hunted you down at a party to personally offer you a role. You can't turn him down. You turn down a man like Henry Campbell and you could get a bad reputation among other producers in the industry, you know that."

"Lucy we said no more long term roles. Brea is about to be born in a matter of weeks; this is not the time for me to be considering taking a lead role in a movie."

Lucy huffs. "I know it isn't ideal timing Ian but look at all the doors this could open for your career in the long run. Think about the beneficial outcome to have the support of someone like Henry Campbell behind you. I know it is something we'd have to know more about first but will you please consider it? I swear I won't be upset if you take it. I was upset last time because I was barely pregnant and terrified about living this pregnancy alone. But this movie is here in LA so you'd be home plus Brea will already have been born by then."

Sensing my uncertainty on the topic Lucy pipes up again. "Just think about it at least, please?"

I nod my head in agreement since it is the least I can do.

"Do you want to go shopping today for some warm clothes to wear during our trip to Memphis? You said you've been needing to go some time and we're running out of time."

Lucy ponders the idea for a moment before deciding she'd like to go shopping. We are leaving to fly out to Memphis in a few days to spend Thanksgiving with Lucy's family. Usually what Lucy and I do is spend part of the Thanksgiving time with Lucy's family in Memphis and the other half of to the time in Virginia with my family. However this year we have a change of plans. With Lucy being nine months pregnant we were all worried about her doing too much flying, especially so close to her due date. That is what brought us to everyone meeting up in Memphis and spending the holiday at the Hale Household. We are flying out on Wednesday and set to leave the following Monday.

Lucy and I slowly get around for the morning not feeling in a rush. Though it isn't too cold here seeing as we live in California, it is still winter so the temperature is lower than usual. Lucy bundles up nice and cozy ready to head out for the day.

Lucy's POV

Ian and I spent our morning shopping to buy me some warm maternity clothes for our trip to Memphis. They've had some very low temperatures lately so I know I am likely to freeze my ass off while we're there. We are almost home and I am ready to drop on the first piece of furniture I see. My body aches, my feet are swollen, and I am tired. Brea has been kicking my bladder throughout the majority of the morning.

"What do you say about getting in the pool? It'll ease the weight off of your back and should lighten the pressure off of your body?"

"That sounds delightful right now." I mentally sigh in relief that Ian and I decided to go with a heated pool we could swim in year round.

When Ian and I arrive to the house Ian walks out to the backyard to check on the pool in order to ensure it is warm enough. Meanwhile I carry all the bags of clothes we bought upstairs to our bedroom. I line all the bags in the corner of the room by the windows to keep them out of the way until I'm ready to deal with them.

Heading into our closet I dig around for a swimsuit to wear. I am startled and release a loud yelp in surprise. Ian slipped up behind me to tangle his arms around my waste.

"The pool is the perfect temperature baby."

I lean back against his chest in content. His lips pepper my neck in kisses causing my body to turn to mush. "I just realized, I don't have a swimsuit to wear. All I have is my pre-pregnancy bikinis and those are definitely not going to fit."

Without even an ounce of hesitation Ian replies. "Then swim naked." His husky voice taunts in my ear before his lips encase my ear.

"I can't swim naked!''

"Why not? There are no neighbors close enough to see plus we have plenty of trees and other large plants around the fence of the backyard that no one could see in over the fence even if they tried. Come on Sweetheart, I'll get in naked if you do."

I'm still debating the idea when Ian starts undressing me slowly. I don't make a move to stop him as each article of clothing is shed down to the pile on the floor. My breath catches in my throat now that I am standing here completely naked. I don't know what washes over me but I find myself turning around to face Ian. My hands skillfully remove him of his clothing.

I reach my hand out to grasp ahold of his. "Let's go."

A giddy feeling overtakes me as Ian and I scurry through our house completely naked with towels in our hands. I curse the distance between the backdoor and the pool. This is going to be cold as hell but once I am in the water all should be fine. Once outside we hurry into the pool, dropping our towels by the steps. I moan in bliss the deeper we emerge ourselves in the water. I swim down to the deep end which is thirteen feet deep, therefore making me have to keep myself afloat in the middle. My body instantly is lifted of the aching discomfort in my back.

"Feel better?" Ian asks knowingly as he approaches me.

"Much better, yes. This was a very good suggestion, thank you."

Ian and I have been outside enjoying the warm water for quite some time now. My body feels completely at ease; free of any and all aches and pains. For the past several hours we have been fooling around in the water playing with one another. Mochi, Bailey, and Jack happily ran around the yard as Ian and I were consumed in our own version of playing.

The storm clouds have been rolling in for the past half hour. Though, Ian and I have been oblivious to such action due to our attention focused on each other rather than our surroundings. However Ian and I become abruptly aware of the stirring storm when it cuts loose raining harder than all get out. I squeal loudly in shock at the sudden downpour.

"Come on Honey. How about we go inside to warm up?"

Ian and I climb out of the pool and wrap up in our towels just as the lightning and thunder begins. We hurry inside the house with the dogs in tow behind us. Not wanting to have the bright lights of the bathroom on, we decide to leave them turned off. Though the skies are clouded over there is still just enough light shining through the large bathroom window for a quick warm up shower. Since my hair is fully wet from our swim I don't bother pulling it up in a bun during our shower. In fact, Ian decides to wash my hair for me without me even asking him to. I return the favor for him as well. Ian had to lean over in order for me to wash his hair though since I'm so short. He actually ended up situating on his knees in front of me bringing his head to the height of my stomach allowing him to talk to Brea. We share many kisses during our lovely shower as well as many caresses. As always Brea kicks up a storm for us during our shower. Especially when Ian rubs the rose scented shower jell over my belly.

Upon leaving the shower we walk into our bedroom noticing it is now considerably dark outside. The rain is pouring down even harder than it had been previously. I walk over to my nightstand to flip on the light however the bulb doesn't flicker on. I look at Ian strangely. Ian repeats the same action to the lamp on his nightstand and it doesn't turn on either. He then picks up the home phone off of its cradle and pushes the talk button before hanging it up.

"There's no dial tone. Power's out," Ian states.

"It's going to get cold in here soon then." I curse the fact I now have wet hair.

"How about you get dressed and start tossing all the pillows and blankets from the bed down the staircase, I have an idea."

I look at him in curiosity for a moment before nodding my head. Ian throws on a pair of boxers, sweatpants, and a shirt. I don one of his cozy t-shirts and a pair of panties then start throwing all the bedding down the stairs. The house is already effulges in darkness due to the lateness of the hour and no aid from the darkness outside. I use the flash on my iPhone to help guide me around safely though I know this house perfectly, even in the dark. Once everything is in a heaping pile at the bottom of the stairs I walk down the staircase to see what Ian is doing.

"Hey honey, can you come shine your phone over here for me please?"

I scamper across the house to the backdoor where Ian is. Upon shinning the light towards his figure I see his arms stacked up with the wood we keep stored in our garage for the fireplace. An instant smile spreads across my lips; we're going to cuddle in front of a fire tonight to keep warm. I shine the light for Ian as we walk into the living room where he arranges the firewood at the best angle to get the fire going. I see he already has the box of matches sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace. Ian lights the fire without any issue. I watch as the bright orange flames grow until the fire is nice and full.

"There, that should help keep the house warm."

"I take it we are going to make a bed right here by the fire to sleep next to?" When Ian nods his head in agreement I turn to head towards the stairs. "Alright, let's go get the pillows."

Ian is quick to shake his head. "Why don't you have a seat on the couch while I make up the bed for us?"

I look at him strangely. "Of course I'm helping. Why would I sit down?"

Ian sighs softly before opening his mouth. "Lucy, you are 9 months pregnant you are supposed to be taking it easy. Please Lucy just relax and let me make up a bed for us?"

Reluctantly I give in to his wishes and take a seat on the end of the couch. I watch as Ian hauls over all of the blankets and pillows from our bed into the living room. He winds up taking all of the couch cushions to build a mattress like base for us to lay on then adding the pillows around it as needed.

Before long Ian has created a comfy makeshift bed for us to sleep on tonight. Ian helps me sit down carefully on the comfortable area causing me to moan in bliss. Ever since we got out of the shower all I have wanted to do is lay down and wrap up in a blanket curled into Ian's arms.

"I'll be right back. Can I have your phone for the light please?" Ian questions walking over to me.

I tiredly hand the phone up to him with a nod. I watch Ian scurry across the main floor over to the staircase and up the stairs. I let out a little yawn hoping to take a nap soon. My eyes flutter open, though I was unaware they had closed, when I hear Ian's bare feet padding across the floor.

"What are you doing?" I ask inquisitively when I see a couple towels in his left hand and my wooden hairbrush in his right.

"I know how much you dislike sleeping with your hair wet since it makes you cold and gets your pillow wet. I am going to dry it for you seeing as your blow dryer won't be operating any time soon."

I stare at Ian in astonishment; he becomes an even better husband each day that passes. "I love you," I whisper to him softly before I crush my lips against his.

"I love you, too, Lucy and our little Brea. Do you want to sit up or lay down while I dry your hair?"

"Mmmm laying down."

Ian and I situate on the makeshift bed with my head in his lap. Ian has the first towel laid across his lap to prevent my hair from dampening his pant legs. I am soon completely comfortable, my head is snuggled in his lap and my body clutching my favorite pillow to my chest. My body snuggles closer into Ian's body out of instinct as my eyes become heavy. I sigh in bliss when I feel Ian's hands massaging my scalp through the fluffy towel as he hand dries my hair for me. The more pleasure his hands bring to my body, relaxing me to my greatest extent, the closer to sleep I approach. It isn't long until I am softly snoring away in a deep slumber.

Ian's POV

Lucy had fallen asleep shortly after I began drying her hair for her. Her hair is now dry and slightly wavy from just being washed. I've brushed through her silk tresses to rid her hair of any tangles causing her hair to be nice and smooth as per usual. Once I had finished drying Lucy's hair I had shifted on our little bed I had made for us. I am now laying down on my side gazing at Lucy who has shifted in her sleep to lay on her back. Seeing as we are snuggled under the comforter from our bed we, or I at least, am still plenty warm despite the fact we have no heat other than from our fire. My hand has carefully drifted underneath the shirt of mine Lucy is currently wearing allowing me to place my hand on her stomach. Brea must be sleeping because I've been slowly caressing Lucy's stomach in hopes of feeling Brea moving around however I have only received minimal movement in response.

It is such a surreal feeling that in a matter of weeks I will be holding a tiny little girl in my arms that has been created out of Lucy's and My love. This pregnancy has been such a new and terrifying yet magical experience for the both of us that I cannot wait until Lucy is pregnant with our second child. Lucy and I said early on we would like to have at least two kids, maybe more, it all depends on when the time comes.

Lucy has overcome so much this past year and I am unbelievably proud of her for powering through all the things she has. I know I wouldn't have had the strength she held for most of it. With the kidnapping and then the reoccurring nightmares. But Lucy was the same strong headed woman I have always known and she got through it with her head held high. Even when tears were shed, she still fought for her happiness and did what was in the best interest of her sanity and Brea.

I know Lucy has become slightly self-conscious from time to time in these last couple months of pregnancy yet I think she is still the most beautiful woman in the world. I think her being pregnant has done nothing but add to her beauty and made her all the more flawless. I really hope Brea comes out looking like an exact replica of Lucy from head to toe. I'd even love if she ended up with her mother's petite height; I've always thought it was adorable though Lucy detests being so short.

We leave for Memphis in just a few days. I know Lucy is through the roof in excitement to see her family again. It's been hard seeing them despite us taking a break from the industry due to her whole family having to work with little to no flexible schedules. Not to mention everyone wants to keep the amount of time Lucy is on a plane to the minimum whilst she is pregnant. We did clear it with Dr. Watson about Lucy being able to fly this late in her pregnancy. Dr. Watson just stressed Lucy needs to remain calm and stress free prior to the flight as well as on the flight as to ensure she doesn't go into labor on the plane. That is the last thing we need happening.

My eyes flash up to Lucy's face when I hear her release a low moan. She stretches her arms out and releases a soft yawn before her eyes flutter open. A smile instantly graces her beautiful face as she casts her gaze over to me.

"Mmmm was she kicking for you?" Lucy's sleepy voice asks just before another yawn escapes her lips.

"Just a little movement here and there but nothing too drastic. How was your nap?" My voice is soft, not as low as hers, but nearing so.

Lucy nods her head and sighs in contentment; her own hands drift down to her rounded stomach. "Very much needed. Thank you for drying my hair for me. You are a phenomenal husband."

"I would do anything for you baby." I push my body up on my elbow to kiss my loving wife. I can feel Lucy's smile in the kiss the moment my tongue swipes across her bottom lip asking for entrance. As always, Lucy parts her lips for me to kiss her passionately. When we break apart from our kiss Lucy toys with my hair.

"Can we see if there is anything we can scrounge up? I'm starving."

"Of course. Is there anything in particular you're craving?" I ask Luce.

I move to stand up and help Lucy stand as well. Lucy says she has a hankering for chicken strips and guacamole. I get to work on making Lucy some homemade guacamole. Thankfully we have plenty of avocados due to the fact that Lucy has grown an even higher desire for them during her pregnancy. Lucy shines the light on her phone granting me the ability to see while making our dinner.

"For your chicken I'll have to warm it up on the stove top," I remind her. Thankfully we have a gas range rather than electric. Lucy grabs a pan for the chicken and the bag of chicken tenders.

I help Lucy sit upon the counter top since she no longer can jump up on the counter like she used to. Once the bowl of guacamole is ready I hand it to Lucy with a fork knowing she'd want to eat some of it while I warm up the chicken. Lucy smiles happily when greeted with the bowl. Once I get the chicken going I move to stand between Lucy's legs. I rest my hands on her bare thighs to caress them rhythmically.

"You know, I actually don't half mind the lights being out. Curling up with you in front of a fire seems pretty sexy to me." Lucy grins seductively at me. Sitting the bowl off to the side, Lucy laces her hands around my neck.

"Oh really?" I raise my eyebrow at her. We can barely see one another due to the darkness enfolding the house. Our outlines are faint from the flames of the fires spreading a light glow to the main floor.

"Mhmm." Lucy nods her head in agreement.

Lucy lightly tugs on the back of my neck to connect our lips. We rapidly get carried away in the kiss. Unfortunately I have to break this kiss when my mind travels back to the chicken warming up next to us. Once her food is ready I help Lucy down to her feet and she saunters off to the living room to enjoy her dinner eagerly.

Lucy instantly digs in to her food fulfilling her hunger. I return to the kitchen to rummage through the fridge until I find a sandwich to eat for dinner. Returning to the living room I snuggle next to Lucy with our backs against the couch while we face the fire. Our feet tangle together underneath the comforter.

Time slips by us as we are absorbed in our own little bubble. Our dishes lay off to the side of the bed out of mind. Our hands tug at the other's clothing while our lips slowly move as if they were acting out an intimate dance. Clothes are quickly shed until we are both completely bare. Lucy and I shift on the pillows to find a more accommodating position. Since Lucy's later months into the pregnancy we've had to find alternative ways that are easier to make love due to her protruding baby bump.

Lucy moves to rest on her hands and knees. I situate behind Lucy where I pepper kisses along her back. My hands rub along her thighs before relocating to massage her back in a soothing manner. Lucy always loves when I rub her back, especially caressing her while we make love.

After our lengthy love making session Lucy collapses on the blankets in bliss. I add several more pieces of firewood to the fire in hopes of keeping it burning through majority of the night. Resting on her side, I snuggle up behind Luce to spoon my wife while we sleep. That night we endured one of the best night's rests we have ever experienced. The fire made the night all the more romantic.

Will the power be back on next chapter? It's not like Lucian mind it being out in the least bit. ;)

I'm sorry for the delay in updates. You guys burned through all of my pre-written chapters with the daily updates. I am almost finished writing Chapter 24. I am hoping to write the rest of that tonight.

Let me know what you guys think! Thank you so much for all of the reviews, they mean the world to me.

If I get to 547 reviews I will update next Friday :)