Chapter 24

San Francisco, CA - 2022

The constant nausea had finally disappeared, replaced by nights that stretched on endlessly. Halona wasn't sure which was worse. In comfy sweat shorts and a giant sweatshirt, she flipped through channels with a remote in one hand and giant dill pickle and grilled cheese sandwich in the other.

A small bump now rounded her lower belly, a sign that hadn't been there in January. A shiver ran across her shoulders and down her arms, she reached for the remote to turn up the gas fireplace. She smiled softly as she remembered Buck's endless attempts to teach her how to build a fire. It remained a skill that she never did grasp.

Setting the empty plate on the coffee table, she grabbed a blanket and pillow. Sleep had been hard to come by for weeks. Curling up on the couch, she cranked up the TV volume, the mindless chatter drowning out the thoughts racing in her head.

"I feel you there, little one," she whispered, a hand resting on her belly. "Your father…" Her voice trailed off, a dull ache in her chest. "He would've loved you so much. I promise to tell you everything about him, and about your brother and sister. So you'll know them, even if it's just through stories."

With a sigh, she closed her eyes and pulled the blanket tighter. Memories of their last night together flickered in her mind, a bittersweet slideshow. A flicker of relief warmed her – at least he knew how much he meant to her. As the memories faded and sleep finally claimed her, a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"I put Megan to bed," Halona said as she entered their bedroom and kicked off her slippers.

Buck smiled as she closed the door. "She stalls bedtime to get extra snuggles with you."

"Honestly," Halona said, unbuttoning her dress and carefully slipping out of it, "It's one of my favorite times. She's so affectionate and sweet."

"For such a... oh yeah, 'badass bitch' you say you are," he said, trying to recall the phrase she used the day before.

"Still laughing about that, huh?" Halona giggled, pulling off her chemise and pantalets.

"Can you blame me?" Buck chuckled. "Not exactly an everyday occurrence."

"Maybe not for you, but it is back home," Halona said.

"Well, for being such a badass, you certainly let a little seven-year-old walk all over you."

"I know," she smiled, reaching for her nightdress.

Buck's hand gently stopped hers. "No, don't bother with that tonight."

Her smile widened with a playful arch of an eyebrow. "Oh really, cowboy? See something you like?"

His gaze warmed. "Everything," he murmured, his eyes trailing over her.

"Good answer," she whispered, crawling into bed beside him. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer.

"It's so peaceful," he murmured, his fingers gently stroking her hair.

"The sound of the ocean is like a lullaby," she sighed, closing her eyes and leaning into his touch.

A beat of comfortable silence followed, then he spoke softly. "Are you happy here?"

She turned to him, her eyes shimmering. "I'm happy," she whispered, cupping his face and pulling him into a kiss. "With you, with the kids... this is everything."

He traced a finger down her arm, a question lingering in his gaze. "Do you ever miss your home?"

"This is my home now," she murmured against his lips, her voice a soft caress. "With you."

"You know I'm building our new house with five bedrooms," Buck said, a playful glint in his eyes.

She hummed, leaning closer and nuzzling his neck.

"That's two more than we need right now," he continued, his voice dropping a touch.

A knowing smile played on her lips. "Always thinking ahead,"

He grinned, gently capturing her hands. "Maybe. We could always fill them up eventually if you're interested."

Her smile softened. "We already have a full house," she whispered, her eyes sparkling.

"True," he conceded, his gaze lingering on her face. "But there's always room for more,"

Having never discussed children before, Buck traced her eyebrows, a silent question hanging in the air. He knew she adored Isaac and Megan, but did her love extend to wanting a child of their own?

She met his gaze, a thoughtful frown creasing her forehead. "Honestly, I hadn't thought much about it. With Isaac and Megan, it felt like I already had children, you know?"

"And they're lucky to have you," he said, his voice warm. He leaned in, placing a kiss on her cheek, then her nose, before lingering softly on her lips. "But what about you? Do you want more children."

A beat of silence followed, then a quiet confession. "Yes," she admitted, the realization settling over her. "Seeing you with the kids... you are such a good father. Of course I want children with you."

"But?" He observed, his eyes searching hers, he saw the look in her eyes. Hesitation, possibly fear.

"I'm afraid," she whispered.

"You are a natural mother with Isaac and Megan, what are you afraid of?" Buck asked, his voice reassuring and tender.

"Not the raising part, it's the birthing part." She took a deep breath.

Sweetheart, I once delivered a baby in a wagon, out on the open prairie." His smile held a "There's nothing more natural than a woman giving birth."

"But childbirth can be risky you know that." She admitted softly, catching a fleeting glimpse of worry across his face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean - "

"No need to apologize," he reassured her with a gentle kiss. "Things can happen, but you are young, healthy, sturdy… "

"Sturdy?" She laughed, surprised. "Did you just describe me like a horse?"

"Maybe not the best way to put it," he admitted with a chuckle. "But you get the idea, right?"

"Oh, you say the sweetest things baby," she teased, her laughter subsiding into a playful smile. "So, it was my, uh, strong birthin' hips that stole your heart?"

Buck's eyebrow quirked up and he pulled her closer, his grip firm on her hips. Their lips met in a slow, fiery kiss that left them both breathless. As she trailed her nails down his chest, she couldn't help but think about the possibility of getting pregnant if they weren't careful.

"You know," she whispered, "if I do get pregnant, I'll probably put on at least forty pounds."

Buck chuckled, sliding his hands to grab her backside. "I happen to like a little more meat on these bones," he said with a squeeze.

With a playful grin, she climbed onto him and straddled his hips, feeling the heat of his body against hers. She relished in the weight of his full length pressing into her, igniting the fire within. She could feel every inch of him beneath her, throbbing with desire and anticipation. As she leaned in closer, their breaths mingled and their bodies moved in perfect sync. A delicious shiver ran down her spine as she basked in the pleasure of this moment. She knew there was a chance of pregnancy each time they made love, but so far they had been lucky.

"Keep your hands there," she commanded playfully as she placed his hands back on her hips.

"Yes ma'am." Buck moaned, his hands gripping her hips tightly as she slowly moved against him.

"You know," She began, "I worked so hard for this body. Countless hours in the gym. What will happen when I get stretch marks and saggy tits?"

"And you will always be beautiful to me, no matter how it changes." Buck breathed heavily, his own body trembling with need. "No one is seeing this beautiful body but me."

Halona's grip on the headboard tightened as she the heat rising. With each thrust of their bodies, she felt herself on the edge. Just as she neared her climax, Buck flipped her onto her back with a growl and plunged into her with an intensity that took her breath away, every inch of him filling her completely.

"You need to tell me," Buck struggled to whisper between labored breaths. "If you want me to stop - "

But before he could even finish his sentence, Halona arched into him and squeezed her thighs tightly around his waist. She could feel her legs beginning to shake as they continued. Buck's powerful thrusts sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through her entire body, leaving her breathless and desperate for more.

"Don't stop," she moaned.

"Are you sure?" Buck's voice was low and strained as he held back his release, barely.

"Yes…" She gasped. "Oh fuck - "

Buck put his hand to her mouth and with a final, crushing plunge, Buck released within her, his body shuddering in response to the intensity.

For a long moment, they lay there, entwined and spent, reveling in the afterglow of their passion. Halona traced the sweat-damped hair from his forehead and then rolled off the bed. Padding across the cool wooden floor she reached the wash basin and shot him an 'I told you so' look.

"And this is why," She wet a cloth and ran it over her body wiping the moisture from her skin. "Indoor plumbing."

"Honestly," Buck chuckled and leaned in for a kiss on her neck. "I like you all sweaty."

"You're gonna like me a whole lot better when we have running water." She teased with a playful smile.

"How so?" he asked, intrigued.

"You'll find out," she winked, tossing the cloth aside and crawling back into bed. "Just a little motivation to get that house built faster, cowboy."

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "Anything for you."

"I love you, Buck." She murmured, leaning into his embrace.