"1...2...3. 1..2...3."
Baseema had learned this baking tip from Dahlia on making cookies. She told her it always helped to count by 1's when it came to stirring the batter. Baseema could already feel her arm growing tired and wished that Dahlia would take over, but she was busy with her fairy godmother training with Asha. She told her that she was supposed to bake some cookies to give to the children in school today so Baseema told her she would do it instead much to Dahlia's relief.
So, here she was mixing the batter, with no help, all by herself in the kitchen. Well, she wasn't entirely alone. In front of the table was her stomach that was swelled up with her unborn child. Her and Simon's first child. She was already within her 7th month so the baby's movement wasn't making things easier for her. But she also didn't mind it. It was as if the baby was encouraging her to keep going.
"1...2...3. 1...2...3," Baseema counted again.
That should've been enough. To be sure, Baseema had dipped her finger into the batter to test it. She and the baby were starting to get hungry anyway. She had placed her finger into her mouth to see what she could taste. Baseema smiled. It tasted delicious already.
Baseema looked down at her large belly and gently ran her hand along the fabric of her dress. She smiled affectionately at her unborn child, already feeling slight movement against her fingertips.
"Doesn't that taste yummy? Did you enjoy that, baby?" Baseema cooed to her belly.
The response was a large kick making Baseema giggle. It was obvious the baby did enjoy that and wanted more. She continued stroking her stomach then shook her head.
"These are for the children at school, sweetie. Mother will make another batch just for us later," Baseema whispered to the baby.
The baby's kicking seemed to lessen then, then Baseema had poured the batter into the large pan and had smoothed it out. Once that was done with, she had slid the pan into the huge oven and had closed it.
Baseema let out a sigh of exhaustion. Then she had grabbed a towel and dabbed at her neck where sweat was dripping. She had leaned against the table while waiting for the cookies to bake.
Baseema then had begun fiddling with her locket. She had opened it up and inside was a picture of her and Simon's wedding day. She remembered when Simon gave it to her for their anniversary. The same anniversary where she told him that she was expecting.
Baseema couldn't wait for Simon to return from his royal guard duties. She loved their time together. Always. Simon was reluctant today to leave her alone. That had been happening a lot for the past few months. The moment that she had begun showing, Simon never let her out of his sight.
As if sensing their mother's feeling of loneliness returning, the baby's kicking had brought her out of her distracted state. Chuckling, she gently began to rub her belly.
"Don't worry, baby. Daddy will be with us as soon as he can," Baseema assured.
Outside of the palace, Simon and his troop of guards had just returned to the grounds. Simon quickly stopped his horse then dismounted then he began running over towards the stairs, only to nearly bump into Queen Amaya herself.
"Someone's in a hurry," Queen Amaya said, chuckling.
"Oh, Your Majesty," Simon quickly bowed, "Forgive me, but I..."
"It's alright, I understand, Simon. Baseema is still in the kitchen."
"Is she alright?" Simon asked, concern evident on his features.
"I'm pretty certain baking took her mind off things," Queen Amaya replied, motioning her hand to the steps.
Simon wasted no time in continuing his task of running to the stairs, not even stopping to bow to the Queen. Throughout training the guards, he was on edge, constantly wondering if Baseema and their baby were doing okay and not in any danger. He wasn't going to feel at ease till he saw her.
Inside of the kitchen, the cookies were done, and Baseema was in the middle of making them into shapes. Just as finished the last row, she could hear running footsteps. She recognized those footsteps.
As if reading her mind, the door to the kitchen had swung open and Baseema turned to see Simon, panting, most likely from running at full speed. After wiping her hands with the towel, Baseema had then approached her husband.
"You're here," Baseema said, smiling lovingly.
Simon took a moment to drink in the sight of Baseema standing before him. She was so beautiful. His eyes traveled down to the swell of her stomach. They were both beautiful.
After admiring her, Simon made it over to Baseema in one quick strife then carefully wrapped his large arms around her waist. Baseema had managed to reach up to touch Simon's chest and stare at his warm, handsome face.
Simon, still gently holding Baseema close, had leaned over so that she could place her lips upon his, as Baseema ran her hand along his cheek. After kissing for what seemed like hours to them, but was only a minute, they had pulled apart.
Simon then placed his hands against Baseema's cheeks, gently cupping her face, losing himself in her sparkling eyes. Her entrancing glow. Simon's smile then formed into a frown.
"Are you alright?" Simon asked.
Baseema shook her head amicably then she had pulled Simon into another romantic kiss. She then placed both of her hands onto his chest.
"I'm alright, sweetie," Baseema replied, nodding.
Simon then focused upon Baseema's belly that was between them. Still concerned, he had gently placed his hand onto where their child was growing. Simon looked up at Baseema, he could feel his heart pounding for a second time.
"Is the baby...?"
"The baby's fine too. Feel," Baseema said, softly.
Baseema had also looked down at her belly. It didn't take long for Simon to feel the baby moving underneath his palm. Feeling the baby kicking, Simon's tension had immediately drained.
Sinking to the ground so that he was eye level with his wife's belly, Simon had placed his hands onto each side of the swell, still feeling the ripples of the baby's movement, then had placed his lips below the dip of Baseema's bellybutton, that connected his two loves together. He then lightly pressed his cheek against the bump, still caressing it.
"Hey there, little guy or little princess. Are you showing off for Daddy?" Simon crooned to their son or daughter.
Baseema giggled quietly while she treaded her fingers against Simon's hair, watching the adorable sight of her husband bonding with their child. She knew Simon was gonna be a wonderful dad and it was moments like this that always confirmed it for her more.
A few tears couldn't help but form into Baseema's eyes at what happened next. Simon began to hum a lullaby to their baby. The rumble sound against her also seemed to make Baseema feel content, knowing that Simon was right here, with the two of them.
Baseema felt the baby turning at the vibration of their father's voice. Chuckling, Baseema had looked back down at Simon, still stroking his hair.
"Simon, the baby can hear you," Baseema said, singsong.
Simon had also chuckled quietly then he had stood up then had wrapped his arms back around Baseema then carefully pulled her closer, her belly running along the edge of his armor. Simon placed his hand upon Baseema's cheek.
"I can't wait. 2 more months, sweetheart," Simon said, smiling huge.
"2 more months," Baseema repeated, also grinning.
Simon looked over Baseema and then noticed the pan upon the table then had faced his wife, gently running his finger along the edge of her nose.
"Dahlia decided to do the baking after all?" Simon asked.
"No. She's still training with Asha. I had to make them," Baseema said, shrugging.
"You've been baking all day and never took a break once?" Simon asked, panic seeping into his tone.
"Simon, I don't mind," Baseema said, giggling, shaking her head.
Simon had cupped Baseema's face again, then had leaned over to kiss her forehead, then gently ran his thumbs along the edges of Baseema's cheeks.
"But I do. Something could've happened. You might have fallen over accidentally or burn yourself when putting them into the stove. Sweetheart, I can feel sweat..."
Baseema rolled her eyes then had kissed Simon to interrupt his protective bantering. Simon's nerves had smoothed over as his shoulders slumped then he had returned the kiss. Breaking away for a third time, Baseema touched Simon's cheek.
"I'm okay, Simon. A little tired, but nothing else has happened."
"In that case, I am going to put you to bed to rest. The doctor said you needed extra sleep during the last few months."
Not wanting this to lead into an argument or worry Simon more, Baseema sighed heavily, then nodded. She let out a small yelp when Simon had gently lifted her into his arms. She wanted to point out to him that she didn't need this special treatment but again, didn't want him to be stressed out, so allowed it, wrapping her own arms around his neck and laying her head against his chest.
Simon had carried Baseema out of the kitchen with ease as if she didn't weigh a thing. He knew that she most likely didn't need this kind of help, but she and their baby meant everything to him and he was always going to make certain that no danger came to them.
Simon carried his wife up the stairs and into their bedroom. When he reached the bed, he had gently placed Baseema onto it, as if she was a doll that could easily break. After covering her up, he had sat on the bed then caressed her cheek.
"I will have my men deliver the cookies for you. Is there anything you need right now, my love?" Simon asked.
Baseema shook her head, smiling at Simon, leaning her head against the pillow. She could feel her eyes already drooping. Perhaps she was more exhausted than she originally thought.
Seeing that Baseema was nearly asleep, Simon had kissed her forehead and then her lips then had gotten off the bed. Baseema was so tired that she didn't feel the mattress dip. Her eyes then closed fully, finally allowing sleep to overcome her.
Later that night, when everyone had gone to sleep, inside of Simon and Baseema's bedroom, Simon was in a deep, deep sleep, snoring. However, when he had sleepily reached over to hold Baseema, his eyes had immediately snapped open.
Baseema's side of the bed was empty. Nothing. Where was she? Simon quickly sat up and looked around the darkened room, searching for any trace of his wife. Again...nothing. Simon could feel his heart thrashing all the way against his ribcage, as his eyes grew more and more wide.
Simon, already dressed in his nighttime garb, had thrown off the covers. He didn't mind it when his bare feet came in contact with the cold floor. What if Baseema is feeling cold? What if she tried to find a way to stay warm but something happened along the way?!
Simon's heart began racing faster and faster. Baseema was 7 months along. It was during this time within the pregnancy that she shouldn't have been walking around in the dark.
Simon had hurried out of the bedroom. He walked down the long hallway, holding a candle. Simon checked any place where Baseema could be at, but no sign of her turned up. Simon could feel his heart nearly ready to explode due to his nerves. If it hadn't already.
As Simon got closer to where the kitchen was, he could then hear footsteps behind him. He quickly turned around, ready to confront who was about to sneak up on him, but then...
"Simon?" A familiar female voice called out.
Relief began to wash over Simon when he recognized that gentle, loving tone. Simon had lifted up the candle and the small flicker of light had revealed Baseema staring back at him.
"Baseema!"
Simon put the candle aside then had carefully thrown his arms around his wife to embrace her. Confused, Baseema had hugged Simon back. She became concerned when she could feel Simon's large frame shaking against her.
"Simon...?"
"Baseema, where were you? I was so afraid when I didn't see you beside me or inside the bedroom. Are you hurt? Is the baby hurt?" Simon asked, hurriedly.
Baseema had hugged Simon again to calm him down. When Simon could feel both Baseema laying her head against his chest and the baby kicking against his side, his mixed feelings of stress, concern, fear and dread had disappeared as he melted into Baseema's touch.
"Something's bothering you, Simon," Baseema said quietly, against where his heart was.
Baseema could feel Simon slowly nod then she looked up at him and noticed something that raised her own level of concern. Tears were beginning to well into Simon's eyes. She lifted a hand up to wipe one of them away.
"I think we should talk about this."
Simon had nodded again then had taken Baseema's hand and had leaded her all the way into the kitchen. Since all of the servants had gone to bed, it was just the two of them. Simon had walked over to a chair and sat down. Baseema leaned against him then stroked his hair while Simon rested his hand against her belly, rubbing it.
"Simon...I was only going to the kitchen to get a glass of water, there was nothing to worry about," Baseema began.
Simon sighed then had pulled Baseema onto his lap, not even removing his hand away from her bump, continuing to soothe their baby's movements, then had faced his wife, his eyes slightly reddened from his tears.
"Baseema, being your husband and this baby's father, to me, there were so many things to worry about," Simon said, his voice cracking slightly.
Baseema had never seen Simon act this way. Usually, whenever, he was concerned about her and the baby, she'd just assure him and that would be the end of it. But now, here he was, looking so...vulnerable. Baseema had pressed her forehead to Simon's.
"Simon, what's this really about? You can tell me."
"I don't want to lose my happiness."
"What?"
"Sweetheart, I love you beyond anything else in this world, I love our child beyond anything else in this world. You two make me feel so, so happy. I thought I'd lost that emotion when all the trust I had from our friends was broken when I had done that one act of betrayal. But you...you never gave up on me. Even when we were in love, you stood by my side no matter what. My true armor had always been you. When you then told me we were going to have a child, something had overcome me then. I had not one life to protect, but two...and it scared me. It still scares me. I've been so worried about making mistakes with our child. Anything could happen to it...to you both. If I lost you or our baby..."
And that was when Simon had leaned against the crook of Baseema's neck, sobbing quietly. Baseema swallowed down the sob that had been building into her throat then had held Simon close, allowing him to cry. She now knew why all this time he was extra protective. And guilt plagued her heart that she was the source. But that was another conversation for another time.
"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you any of this before, but I was worried that you would've thought this was all nonsense," Simon managed to choke out.
"No, it's not nonsense at all. And it's okay to feel like this. Anyone would," Baseema said, soothingly.
"I love you both so much," Simon whispered against Baseema's neck.
"We love you too."
Simon smiled a little, sniffling, feeling like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He then looked up and had kissed Baseema softly. Their moment was interrupted when Simon could feel the baby kicking.
"Everything's gonna be okay now, baby," Simon cooed, rubbing Baseema's belly.
Baseema now smiled and leaned her head against Simon's while he kept talking to the baby. She knew that her and Simon needed to work through this but for now, she decided to enjoy being with her husband and child.
2 Months Later
The usual quietness from the palace was now filled with the sound of pained screaming. Baseema's screaming. The day had at last arrived. The baby was being born. The long hours of labor had flown by the afternoon then into the night. Through it all, Simon had not left Baseema's side, doing what he could to help his love. Grabbing her hand, mopping her forehead, muttering sweet words against her ear. Simon being at her side was the only thing that kept Baseema from not wanting to kill herself from the pain.
When the night sky began to become alit with stars, Dahlia, who was helping delivering the baby, had checked Baseema to see if it was time for her to push yet. While doing so, Simon clutched her hand and stroked her sweaty forehead gently.
"You're doing great, sweetheart," Simon muttered softly.
"It hurts, Simon!" Baseema wailed out.
"Shh, shh."
Dahlia had grabbed the candle to see better. Once she did, her eyes widened through her spectacles. She looked over at Baseema while Simon soaked her forehead with the cloth.
"This is it, Baseema!" Dahlia said, happily.
"I can't! I can't!" Baseema cried.
Simon quickly kissed Baseema's lips then had removed a strand of her hair away from her eyes as she looked over at him.
"I can't do it, Simon," Baseema said, firmly.
"You can do it, my love. The sooner you begin pushing, the sooner we'll see our baby. I'm right here, just look at me."
Baseema gave a small nod then Simon had helped her sit up into the right position then Baseema had taken ahold of Simon's hand, gripping it tighter than she ever did in the last few hours.
"Alright, Baseema, push!"
Clutching Simon's hand and gazing over at him, Baseema had begun pushing. Her screams grew louder and louder in volume. Simon's hand was beginning to turn an angry shade of red but his attention was all on Baseema to notice.
"Push, sweetheart, push!" Simon urged.
"Aagh! Make it stop!" Baseema groaned.
"We're almost there, Baseema," Dahlia also encouraged.
By the third push, Baseema began to feel tired already. But Simon holding her and his voice against her ear and neck had kept her going. As she kept pushing, Simon mopped down her forehead but then returned to squeezing her hand.
"One more push, Baseema!" Dahlia chimed in.
The grip Baseema had on Simon's hand had become iron and she let out the loudest yell that rattled the walls of the bedroom. Her scream was soon replaced by the sound of an infant crying.
When Simon and Baseema had heard it, they looked at Dahlia, hopefully. After giving the baby only one or two pats, the cries had turned to wailing. Tears pooled into both parents' eyes and flow down their faces when Dahlia had given them a first glimpse of their child.
"It's a boy, you guys," Dahlia announced.
Simon turned to Baseema as she let out a huge sigh of relief and collapsed against the pillows. Simon kissed her forehead over and over, their tears mixing together.
"A boy, Baseema. We have a son, my love," Simon said, crying.
"We do," Baseema mumbled.
"You'd done it, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you."
"You helped."
Simon had kissed Baseema then Dahlia had held the baby closer to them so that Simon could cut the cord. Once freeing the baby boy from his mother completely, Dahlia had then wrapped him up in a blanket and had given him to Baseema.
"I'd better go clean up and then tell our friends the good news, no doubt, they were probably listening at the door at some point," Dahlia joked.
After giving Simon a small hug, Dahlia had left the bedroom, leaving the new parents alone with their baby. They continued staring down at the baby in their arms. It seemed he had the pleasure of taking after his mother in the looks department, much to Simon's delight. And due to his calm nature, obviously, also took after Simon, much to Baseema's delight.
"Look at him, Simon. Just look at him," Baseema muttered, holding onto the baby's hand.
"He's beautiful, Baseema. Like you," Simon added, planting another light kiss onto Baseema's forehead.
"Would you like to hold him?" Baseema asked, turning to her husband.
"I..."
"It's okay."
Before Simon could react, the baby had been given over to him. Simon immediately froze, wondering how the baby was going to react. Much to his horror, the baby began to fuss. Simon looked over at Baseema, obviously terrified.
"It's okay, he's just scared. Hold him to your chest, calm him down," Baseema instructed.
Simon did as he was told and gently held the baby close to his chest. Once feeling his father's warmth, the baby's cries became whimpers. It seemed to be working. Simon gently kissed the baby's head then shushed him.
"It's alright, it's alright. Don't be afraid. I have you. Daddy has you," Simon murmured softly.
The baby had stopped crying altogether and had fallen back asleep. Simon continued looking down at the baby close against him. He could not believe he'd been so nervous all this time about losing his son or Baseema, they were both fine, and definitely not going anywhere. It almost didn't seem real.
"He's so small," Simon whispered, looking over at Baseema.
"All babies are, sweetie," Baseema said, touching Sam's hand.
When the baby began to whimper, Baseema had carefully taken him out of Simon's arms. As if by instinct, Simon watched as Baseema had lifted down the top of her nightdress, leaving one of her breasts exposed, then had let the baby latch onto it, then he had begun nursing.
"You're amazing," Simon said, caressing Baseema's cheek.
"You're just figuring that out?" Baseema giggled.
Simon had slowly moved onto the bed to be beside Baseema. Baseema laid her head against his shoulder as the baby had kept feeding from her breast. Once the baby had his fill, Baseema had given him back to Simon.
"He needs a name now," Simon pointed out, letting the baby grip his finger.
"What do you suggest?" Baseema asked, kissing Simon's cheek.
Simon looked at the baby then over to the window where he could the stars twinkle in the sky. Simon turned back to Baseema then pressed his forehead to hers, their baby safely nestled between them.
"Bisu."
"What?" Baseema asked, looking up at Simon.
"Bisu. Why not Bisu?" Simon suggested, looking back down at the baby.
"Bisu? Doesn't that mean 'bright star'?" Baseema asked, holding onto the baby's other hand.
"It does, my love. He's our bright star," Simon said, kissing the top of the baby's head.
"He certainly is," Baseema finally said.
"Welcome to Rosa, Bisu," Sam said, gently tapping the baby's nose.
Baseema snuggled closer to Simon as they gazed down at their baby, Bisu. Simon kissed Baseema's forehead then his son's. Simon then looked back out the window and could've sworn that the stars were indeed shining brighter just for the newest member of their family.
"I have a wish," Baseema mumbled, nearly asleep.
"What's that?"
"I wish you won't worry so much about the next one whenever we're ready," Baseema said, yawning.
Simon chuckled then had hugged Baseema and Bisu close to him, and with that, all three family members had fallen asleep. Two of them dreaming about what lied ahead for them next, for them and their son.