Chapter 32
~Aaden POV~
Jessica and Spencer had been thrilled with the news of the baby moving. It didn't seem real, because this pregnancy was going very fast, but I was happy. The little life within me was real now, no longer 'unalive' to those who might believe so. I'd smiled the whole time as Jessica and Spencer kept gentle hands on my stomach, waiting for the baby to move again, and eventually, one by one, more members of the household came down to see what was going on. Several seemed shocked, as a bunch of them had been making a lot of runs and had missed most of my pregnancy. Vlad was right after Jessica and Spencer to try and feel the baby move, then Amy, Jared, Ethan and many more. Jared quickly became another adopted uncle, and the protectiveness I saw leak into his eyes was comforting. He was the first one that the baby kicked. Amy was second. After that, I think he or she probably fell asleep, much to everyone else's disappointment. "Who all is guessing the gender?" Vlad piped up. "Wanna make bets?" "No! Don't do that," I laughed, "everyone will be mad when they lose their money!" "And? Some of us will be richer. Our happiness with make up for the sourpusses." Vlad argued, smiling devilishly. I rolled my eyes, but they went on. "I'm going to say boy," Amy murmured, and Jared agreed with her. "Oh come on, she's not getting that big. It's got to be a little girl!" Argued Ethan. Of course, Jessica, Spencer and Vlad all backed him up. "Whatever it is," came Farren's voice from the other side of the room, "it had better come into this world ready to kick some ass." The room broke into a series of laughter. For some reason, I was very attached to the idea of having a boy. I hadn't thought about it much, but I suddenly wanted Amy and Jared to be right. "Amy?" I said, catching her attention. "If you were having a boy…what would you name him?" "I don't know," she smiled somewhat shyly, "I've never had a baby, and I don't think I ever will. Especially with this war." I smiled.
"You'll have a baby. One day."
Her eyes lit with tenderness and she returned her attention to the book she was reading. I had to be right. Life as we knew it couldn't end, we couldn't let it. My child was going to have a chance at life, and a secure, good one, with Derek and me leading him or her.
After another half hour, I had to retire. I was exhausted, as I should be during this time. It wouldn't hurt to speak with Silas later, and try and see if there was anything natural I could take to put a little pep in my step. Yawning, I opened my door, and adrenaline shot through me when I turned nearly into Derek.
"Hi," I spoke gently, walking past him and settling gently on the bed. He didn't say anything, but instead sat down on the bed beside me. I didn't move, I was afraid I'd shatter reality. Derek hadn't been to our room since I was newly pregnant. "Let's talk." He said, and I nodded, somewhat scared to believe this was real.
"I think what you're doing is very stupid," he began, running his fingers through his hair. "Gathered that." I responded. His gray eyes met mine for a half second and his mouth played around with turning into a smile. "But, in light of things, you'll be giving birth within the next four months. If that's the only time I've got left with you…" "I wish you wouldn't talk like that," I sighed, reaching out and brushing his arm. "I have to. Gets me used to the idea of being without you." There was no malice in his voice, but his sadness enveloped me.
It scared me honestly. I hadn't felt this kind of hurt since he spoke about his family. My husband was one of the strongest men I knew, and I wished that I could replace his sadness with the joy I felt. "Derek," I said, waiting until his eyes met mine, "I'm not the smartest. I make a lot of mistakes, and I fail constantly, but keeping our baby was not one of those times. In truth, I think this is the best decision I've must thus far." His eyes went steely, but he said nothing. In a rush, my words came out, "Do you want to feel the baby move?"
I had piqued his interest then. "It's moving?" "Yes, she or he has been. Do you want to try and feel?" Derek's demeanor went defensive suddenly, and he stood. "…No," he said, but there was no anger in his voice. He sat in the chair by the bed then, staring at my risen belly. I sighed, but laid back, rubbing the small mound in the middle of my body. "I picked a name for a girl." I stated. He didn't move, or act interested, but I could feel his curiosity. "Jessica." "Jessica? It can't seriously be after-" "It is, but…Spencer too." "Spencer? We don't know if it's a boy." "It's unisex." "You want to stick Spencer on a girl?" I laughed then at the incredulity in his voice. "Yeah, I mean, they helped me through in the beginning, so why not?" "So…Jessica Spencer?" "Yes. Jessica Spencer Hale. I think it's quirky." "Oh? And what have you in mind if it's a boy?" "Why do you care?" I asked suddenly. He sighed deeply. "I had to finally come to terms with the fact that it is half mine, whether I like it or not. Perhaps I should have a say in its name if it's a boy."
I was completely thunderstruck. He'd never seemed at all like he'd try to get this close to us. I prayed that he was changing his mind, even if it took a long time. "Okay, what are you thinking?" "I heard a name one time, it stuck out. I never wanted kids, but that's kind of inevitable now. If I have to have one, and if it's a boy…" "Go on."
"Galen."
"Galen?" The name was unique, it was short, easy to spell. It was perfect, and it came from the man I love. "I don't suppose you'd let me use your middle name if the baby is a boy?" "No love, I haven't gotten that attached. Use Spencer. He's annoying as shit, but he's alright."
I laughed, and then leaned forward, pressing my lips to his. "Galen Spencer Hale. Man, I hope the baby is a boy." "What kind of woman are you to want a boy before a girl?"
I chuckled. "I'm your woman. That should explain it."
**Hello everyone! It's been a long time, and this is a short chapter, but I hope you like it anyway. I apologize for the lengthy delay. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous! Anyway, you all have wonderful days! Hope the time change isn't bothering you too much.**