Chapter 22

I don't own Lucian

Ian's POV

As usual I wake up before Lucy, allowing me to gaze at my beautiful wife as she sleeps. Lucy always squirms around when I simply take moments at any time of the day to consume her true beauty. She says she doesn't understand why I sometimes like to simply take in her beauty. Thus leaving me to admire her while she sleeps. My fingers have been brushing along Luce's soft skin for some time now; I am honestly surprised she hasn't stirred yet. Just as my fingers dance across the curve of her right hip—Lucy's ticklish spot—a faint giggle rings through my ears as if a piece of musical art.

"Are you awake?" I ask incredulously.

Lucy's giggles instantly cease though I see her shoulders shaking ever so slightly indicating she is silently laughing.

"You little nut! I've been laying here for nearly an hour caressing your body and massaging you, when in turn you've actually been awake?" I tease playfully at her. I tug on her body to roll her over onto her back with me peering over her having propped my head up with my hand.

"I've been up for maybe half an hour. Long enough to feel that hand of yours drift pretty low a few times. I'm surprised I managed to suppress my moans." Lucy grins triumphantly—clearly proud of her accomplishment.

"Seems I'll have to try harder to make you moan then." I smirk back in response causing Lucy's eyes to widen. Her tongue darts out to lick her bottom lip.

"I'm uh," Lucy clears her throat and shakes her head in hopes of thinking clearly. "I'm surprised the fire is still going."

Glancing over to the strongly burning fireplace I nod my head. "Mochi woke me up around three this morning needing to go potty. When I got up to let her out I threw a few more pieces into the fire to keep it going for the remainder of the night."

Lucy hums in response. "Did you check to see if the power is back on yet?"

I shake my head in negate though I get up to go check. I pick up the pair of boxers that lie next to our little bed and pull them up to cover myself while walking across the room to flip on a light switch.

"And we have light," I comment upon the light bulbs flickering on.

Though the skies are still clouded over with dark rain clouds it is nice to have the power back on. Lucy and I decide to leave the fireplace burning for the day while we lay around the house relaxing. I know it is starting to drive Lucy nuts not being allowed to be on her feet running around. That's why I'm glad we'll be on our way home to her family soon because I know Lucy is anxious to be surrounded by her family once more. I am equally excited to see my parents and during our trip. Unfortunately my sister already had plans so she can't make it to Memphis.

Lucy's POV

Though it felt like an eternity, the time has finally come. It is the evening before our flight to Memphis. Our departure time is 11:15 in the morning and we are set to land in Memphis just after 5 o'clock. It is roughly a four hour flight no stops with a two hour time difference. Ian and I didn't want to have to get up terribly earlier which is why we opted for a later flight. Plus we figured it would be easier on me if we got in during the evening granting us the ability to get settled into my mom's house before falling asleep for the night. I have no doubts I'll be ready to curl up in bed and do nothing but sleep as soon as we arrive to my mom's house.

I am laying on our bed with a jar of cookie butter in my left hand and a spoon in my right. Ian said I need to remain off of my feet and stress free, especially this close to our flight, so I have been laying on the bed snuggled in telling Ian what to pack. I told him he could pack his stuff first but I think he wanted to get mine taken care of while I'm awake in case I fall asleep—which I honestly feel could happen any time now. Given it is only ten o'clock at night I am always tired and wanting to do nothing but sleep every second of the day.

It's been nice having the option to sleep whenever I desire though it definitely does make me feel as if I am wasting my days away.

Ian is just about finished with my suitcase of clothing after nearly an hour of debate as to what is should contain. Then we had to dive into the aspect of what makeup I needed him to put in the bag. I lay here in a sleepy daze forcing myself to fight the sleep that has been begging to overtake my very pregnant body.

I must have drifted off without my realizing because by the time my eyes flutter open Ian is pulling the now fully packed suitcases off of the bed. The slight movement of the bed must have been what caused me to stir from my light nap. I watch as Ian places the luggage by our bedroom door tucked out of the way to ensure neither one of us trip over it.

"Thank you for doing that, Babe." I mumble lowly.

Ian chuckles in response. He strides across the bedroom, crawls up the end of the bed until he is next to me, and then places the jar of cookie butter on the nightstand.

"I tried taking that from you once you fell asleep but you seemed to have a death grip on the jar."

"Well I do love my cookie butter."

Ian gently cups my face, tucking a few strands behind my ear. "Starting tomorrow we are going to be in a house with our relatives for a week."

"It is either going to go really well, or else some family drama will break out and it will be an unforgettable holiday."

"Let's hope it isn't the latter." Ian laughs lightheartedly. After a silent pause Ian speaks up. "I love you baby." His eyes stare into mine in a loving manner.

"I love you, too, so much."

Our lips slowly connect in a sweet loving kiss. Before long Ian reaches over to his right in order to flip off the nightstand light bringing the room to complete darkness. Ian makes sweet love to me for the remainder of the night until I am too far on the brink of exhaustion and fall asleep. Like nearly every night for the past several years we fall asleep snuggled together in bliss.

The following morning Ian and I are woken up by our alarm clock alerting us we need to get up. I snuggle deeper into my pillow in hopes of falling back asleep.

"This isn't going to be like when we flew to New York last time, is it?" Ian's sleepy voice muses playfully from behind me.

"Mmmm no?" I murmur mindlessly.

"I may be wrong, but that sounded more like a question than an answer Lucy Goose. If you'd like I can always try carrying you through the airport as you're half asleep once again."

I groan in distaste when the alarm clock sounds once more. "No, no. I'm getting up. It's just at a very slow rate."

"I'll go warm the water up in the shower." Ian presses a few lingering kisses to my bare shoulder before climbing out of the bed and heading into the bathroom.

I remain in bed for a few more minutes until forcing myself to get up from the cozy cocoon I am in. Ian and I climb into the glass shower just as the water is steaming warm.

We need to be at the airport in about two and a half hours. Holly, being the wonderful woman she is, will be driving Ian and me to the airport just like she had last time we flew out. She and her family are going to house the dogs at their place while we are gone.

Knowing we don't have an abundance of time to get around we wash up quickly in the shower then begin our morning routine. Ian goes downstairs, with only a towel around his waist giving me some deliciously naughty thoughts, to let the dogs run around and play out in the yard as we are getting around. Unfortunately since we have limited time I had to keep my hands to myself. I honestly cannot determine if this desire for Ian is my pregnancy hormones raging or if it is simply because Ian looks so damn sexy fresh out of the shower with a towel around his waist and hair in every which direction.

I attempt to distract myself from my husband's sexy appearance by brushing my teeth and drying my hair. Once I get my hair curled in perfect ringlets I add my makeup. Meanwhile Ian ran a towel through his hair and had it all dried in a matter of a few minutes. After pulling on some jeans and long sleeved black shirt he goes downstairs to make us some breakfast to eat.

For the past fifteen minutes I have been standing in the closet staring at my clothes unsure of what I want to wear. I texted my mom to see what the weather is like there and according to her is it 13 degrees in Memphis and the temperature is supposed to drop even lower throughout the day. So far I've already found what I want to wear on my torso though I can't decide for my legs. Jeans would look best, especially since I am going to see all of our family, though sweat pants sound highly appealing.

I huff in annoyance unable to decide.

"What's wrong Goose?" Ian's voice causes me to turn and face the doorway.

"I can't decide between jeans or sweats. I know which one I probably should wear, however sweats sound marvelous right now." I pout at my dilemma.

"Wear the sweat pants. You are not going to be comfortable on a four hour long flight in a pair of jeans. I know you want to look nice for when we go see your family but they will all understand you wearing sweats. You're nine months pregnant, plus they will be much warmer."

I nod my head in agreement. "You're right, I know. Thank you babe. Is breakfast almost ready?"

"You're welcome. Yes, that's what I had come up here to tell you. Holly will be here in about half an hour."

"Okay I'll be down in a minute."

I quickly dress in a comfortable yet appropriate outfit then hurry downstairs. I see Ian has already brought our bags downstairs. The table is set and waiting for us to take a seat. Ian and I eat the delicious omelets he made and wash our dishes just in time for Holly to arrive. We thank her once more for all she is doing for us while loading up her car. Our bags are in the trunk packed away. Ian is in the front seat because I wanted to play with the dogs in the backseat. The drive to LAX did take some time due to the traffic though none of us minded it too much. Thankfully Ian and I slipped through the airport easily without any hassle from the paparazzi.

Once on the plane Ian wraps his left arm around me after pushing the arm rest between us up allowing me to snuggle into his side. Our hands rest on my stomach as we feel Brea kicking up a storm in my stomach. As long as she doesn't kick my bladder during the duration of our flight I am perfectly happy feeling my baby girl kicking for us.

Landing in Memphis I instantly get this feeling washing through me of being in at the place that has become my second home. Growing up and even when I was in my early twenties Tennessee always felt as if it were my main home, where my heart lied. However that changed when Ian and I got married; he made LA feel like my primary home because that's where he was and that is where our relationship formed.

It is just shy of 5:30 and I am ready for a nap. Ian and I had talked the entire flight about Brea and Henry Campbell approaching him. Ian is still wary about taking the role. I know I flipped out on him last time, but this time is different. This time I am not a couple months into my pregnancy scared about the unknown changes take place. This time around I am almost to the end of my pregnancy, I'll be home with Brea all the time since I'm not taking any jobs right now so we wouldn't have to worry about no one being able to take care of Brea.

I know Ian doesn't want to take a long term job that would make me take care of Brea by myself while he's working but I am honestly okay with it. It isn't like he's skipping out on us or going to be working around the clock. He'll be with me and Brea plenty while doing the movie on the side. I think he might also fear him being gone to work might cause him to miss out on some things Brea does but I honestly don't think he'll miss out.

Ian said Mr. Campbell plans to get Ian a script once we return to LA. I really do hope Ian takes this role. It will open so many doors for him in the long run if he were to take this role. Ideal timing or not, this is an opportunity he shouldn't turn down. Once he reads over the script to get a more detailed vision as to what the movie is about I'm hoping that'll help sway him.

Right now Ian and I are walking into the terminal right off of the plane. My eyes scan the people lingering around the area in search for my mom and step-dad. A wide smile breaks out on my lips and I tug on Ian's hand anxious to pull him over towards my mom who looks just as eager as I am. I attempt to scurry over to her except my very pregnant stature causes me to waddle greatly slowing my pace. She hurries over to us and pulls me into a hug instantly. My hand lets go of Ian's in order to wrap around my mom. Ian greats my step-dad while my mom is hogging me—which I will never complain of, I can never get enough of my momma.

"I've missed you baby girl. How is my granddaughter been? You look beautiful baby." Mom gushes as she takes in my appearance.

"I've missed you Momma so much. She is doing great! She was kicking a lot for us during the flight."

Mom and I catch up for a few minutes until my step-dad playfully clears his throat wanting to say hello to me as well. Ian and I switch places; he greets my mom while I catch up with Tim. After everyone has caught up Ian and my step-dad offer to gather our luggage at the baggage claim while Mom and I talk. We end up going to get in the car since it is so cold inside of the airport plus that way we can pull the car up to the doors for the guys to put the bags in the car. I was going to climb into the backseat to allow my mom and step-dad to sit up in the front together, however, Momma refused saying she wanted me to ride up front with her while she drove. Thankfully her car warms up quickly which instantly cease my body's trembling.

Ian's POV

Lucy has had this extra glow to her ever since we landed in Memphis, and an even brighter glow when she saw her mom. I can tell Julie is through the roof seeing Lucy again especially this pregnant and in a much better mind set than the last time she saw Lucy.

When we got to her parent's house Tim took our bags upstairs to Lucy's old bedroom from when she was growing up. We're staying in here for the weekend, Maggie and her husband Lewis are staying in her old bedroom, and my parents will be staying in the guest bedroom. My parent's flight doesn't get in until 9:30 tonight; they both had to work today so they didn't get to fly out until after they left work.

Lucy's parents made Lucy's favorite veggie casserole for dinner which she had been extremely anxious for. After we ate dinner I helped clean up despite their protest. We quickly get everything cleaned up and put away then head into the living room where it is nice and warm due to the burning fire. I spare a glance at Lucy who is already sitting down at the couch with a grin of her own. Clearly we are both thinking of what took place in front of our very own fireplace not even a week ago. I take a seat on the end of the plush creamy brown couch with my right arm on the arm rest and my left arm moved back for Lucy to snuggle into my side. She drapes the light blanket over her body then snuggles into my side where her head is resting on my shoulder and her feet are tucked up underneath her. My left hand slowly caresses her bicep as we converse with her parents.

"Since it's almost your due date can we please know the name now?" Julie begs desperately.

"We told you Momma, everyone will know as soon as she is born." Lucy assures her. We decided we were going to wait until Brea is born to tell everyone her full name.

"You're going to make your poor old mother wait until after you three are back in LA to tell me over the phone what my granddaughter's name is?" A pout that is strikingly similar to Lucy's forms on Julie's lips. I chuckle to myself at the conversation at hand, it is just like when Lucy and I are talking and she wants something.

"Hey pouting isn't fair!" Lucy says attempting to prevent herself from crumbling.

I lean my lips down to press them against her ear. "Now you know what it's like when you pout at me. There is no fighting the Hale Women's Infamous Pout."

"Not helping," Lucy groans obviously thinking back to all the times she has pulled her adorable pout on me and gotten me to give in to every single thing.

I lower my voice really soft to ensure only Lucy hears me. "If you want to, go ahead and tell her. She deserves to find out in person."

"You sure?" Lucy tilts her head up at me to double check.

"Positive."

"What are you two whispering about over there?" Julie questions keenly.

"We have decided to name our baby girl Brea Rose Harding." Lucy tells her mom causing her to squeal and cheer in happiness as if she were a little kid. Lucy giggles in response before speaking up once more to interrupt her mom's fit of delight. "We even brought the outfit Ian and I plan to bring Brea home in the hospital in since I knew you were wishing to see it. Well actually there are two. We can't decide which one we like more so we bought both hoping that once we actually see her we'll know which one is the perfect one." At this Julie shrieks even more in joy.

"I can't wait to see them!"

The four of us continue talking and sharing different stories whilst enjoying the time we have together. Apparently my soft caresses to Lucy's arm and her comfortable surroundings seems to have lulled her to sleep.

Glancing over at the clock I see it is just after 8 o'clock. We need to head on over to the airport shortly in order to pick up my parents. Lucy's step-dad offers to drive me since Lucy is asleep and I have no idea how to get to the airport on my own here. I take him up on his offer, appreciative that he offered to drive me all the way to the airport. I carry Lucy upstairs behind Julie so she can show me to Lucy's childhood bedroom. Julie goes straight over to a dim lamp to turn it on filling the room with a faint light allowing me to see easier. Julie then hurries over to the bed to pull back the covers for me that way I can lay Lucy down in the bed. She kisses Lucy's forehead whispering a soft goodnight before leaving the room.

I walk over to the bedroom door to shut it softly. I remove Lucy of her sweat pants since she hates sleeping with pants on then I skillfully remove her bra while keeping her top on. Lucy shifts here and there but nothing out of the ordinary. As soon as I get Lucy settled I place a kiss to her lips, turn off the light, and slowly exit the room. When I return downstairs we walk outside in the bitter cold to quickly climb into the car. I'm excited to pick my parents up. I haven't seen them in so long. I know they are also dying to see Lucy as well. I have a feeling this is going to be an amazing weekend full of all our family.

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Brea is so so close to arriving! There are a lot of Lucy/Momma Hale scenes coming up that I absolutely loved writing. Julie is a very fun character to write for. I want to thank Jasmine for helping me with Brea's middle name. Since I am not the biggest fan of the name Brea I couldn't decide on a middle name that fit. The outfits for Brea are so freaking adorable I am in love with them. I will post the pictures of the two coats (which you will read about in the next chapter… at least I think it's the next chapter) on my fanfic twitter account (EzriaLover4Ever). I will post them when I go to post the next chapter.

I will update again next Friday or Saturday if I have 575 reviews. I just finished chapter 25 last night and I am hoping to write chapter 26 shortly. I have a lot going on right now so I will be going back to weekly updates—depending on reviews.