A/N: Surprise, surprise, surprise, got another one. Well, for an interlude chapter, this didn't take too long, and I did imagine even before I wrote the last chapter how it would go. This, as I said, is back in the present day, with Adam still in Ayana's hospital room. I figured I'd try to bridge the somewhat steamy content of the last chapter to what will come next. Besides, if it takes a while to get the next chapter written, this will have to satisfy.
Interlude: Love and Memories
Adam found himself smiling broadly yet awkwardly as he sat on the sofa that he had previously attempted to use as a bed. The memories of that Friday in March still seemed so vivid, and despite the chill of the tiled floor underfoot, Adam found himself flushing when he remembered the sight of his beautiful Ayana hovering over him. His eyes fell upon the silhouette of his sleeping wife, and Adam could not help but feel some of the same desire for her. He thought of how the rest of that all-too-short but blissful weekend had progressed. Adam shifted in his seat as he glanced at the curves of Ayana's body, hidden by the dark, a small blanket, and her hospital gown but known to him. He continued to gaze at her, thinking of how he had longed for her, just as she had longed for him. Even if her figure had changed over the last nine months, Adam still thought she was the most attractive woman he knew. Adam could not keep himself from visualizing her soft skin and the look painted on her face when her moment came.
Adam quickly slapped his own face, hoping to snap himself out of his fantasy. Somehow, it did not seem appropriate to indulge his longing in a hospital, especially in the maternity ward. Finding that his blow had not helped, Adam pattered quickly but quietly into the bathroom and splashed a bit of cold water on his face. To his relief, the shock managed to chase away the thoughts. Seeing how red his face had become in the mirror, he was glad that the lights were off in Ayana's room. He would hated to have to explain himself if the doctor had entered and saw him.
Adam took to reminding himself that their weekend had consisted of more than just sharing a lover's tryst. He thought of the picnic they'd taken by the lake and a long walk through the local park. And, of course, he loved Ayana for more than just her physical characteristics. Still, he had to admit nine months was a long time to abstain.
Adam lingered in the doorway, still keeping his eyes fixed on Ayana. While he had to keep his mind and imagination off her, he just could not keep his eyes away from her, and Adam supposed that was why he had stayed at the hospital in the first place. When he thought again of that Friday evening, Adam remembered how understanding she had been with him during their argument. To his shame, Adam recalled that her job was not the only source of conflict over the past months. While both of them had said things to each other, Ayana had only ever been loving and caring, and far more than Adam deserved. He knew he'd tried, but sometimes he tried too hard to be the same to her.
"I am one lucky man," Adam uttered softly as he continued to gaze at Ayana. "I have to be the luckiest man on earth to have a wife like you."
A teasing smile appeared on his face, and with a quiet snicker, Adam added, "It's still your fault though. You just had to be too hot to resist." He said no more, as he didn't really want to shock himself again. He also decided not to think about any of the stresses, the arguments, or any of the other negative moments. Tonight, of all nights, was not the time for such things. Tonight, Adam was sure his lucky star was dancing in the skies, and it filled his heart with gladness to think he would share the years to come with the sweet, understanding, and loving woman he had married.
Adam returned to the couch he had slept on, but this time he was just inclined to sit on it. Once again, Adam found his mind drifting backwards. For one last time, he thought of that weekend. He recalled how that Sunday night, just before Ayana would start work the next morning, he had lingered awake, spooned against her back, and running his fingers over the smooth surface of her belly. His mind had grown clouded in blissful happiness, and Adam had foolishly believed that, even with Ayana's new job, nothing about their lives would change; at least not any sort of major change.
"Boy, was I ever wrong," Adam muttered to the air, thinking of how their lives had now changed forever. "Was I ever wrong," he said again, but this time, he spoke with a wide and truly gladdened smile upon his face. Adam knew he would not have traded this night for anything, and he knew Ayana felt exactly the same way.
A/N: Like I said, this was supposed to serve as a bridge. Since Adam took that little trip down memory lane, I figured he'd be pretty...well you know. Plus, he hasn't been able to do anything in that area for nine months. I hope that wasn't too awkward. I will say the roller-coaster ride is about to start.