#princeprincess

And then finally, there was Liam. He came behind you to join the others and you were immediately taken by this gorgeous Greek god. At six foot two and more handsome than anyone you’d ever seen before, you were mesmerized but managed to reclaim your composure and then properly took their order. Each time you visited the table, he was the most respectful and courteous of the four... Always voicing his gratitude for bringing their requests with a genuine smile. This was not how people usually treated a waitress in New York, but something about him told you he wasn’t like everyone else... he was definitely different.

As you served them their meal and drinks, you began cleaning up for the night. Every now and then you'd glance over only to find Liam gazing at you, but he would quickly turn back to the conversation at the table. You smiled to yourself… feeling an instant thrill. You think to yourself, “What is it about this guy anyway? There has to be something wrong with him.” Not that you hadn’t tried... even slightly goading him at one point only to be met with that perfect smile and kind words spewing from his lips. He wasn’t going to take the bait.

As you are leaned over a table to replace the salt shaker, someone taps you on your shoulder. “I think we’re about ready to head out, I just wanted to thank you… and apologize. I know we kept you late and my friends can be… demanding.” You assured him it was nothing you couldn’t handle, and he smiles. “I got the feeling you could take care of yourself” He offered to make it up to you with a drink if you'd play tour guide since they were not familiar with the city. You agreed and said you’d meet them out front when you were finished. After changing out of your uniform, you found the bachelor party waiting for you outside. As you ride in a limo with the guys to the cove a thought kept racing through your mind. "I’ve got to figure this guy out... sweet and good-looking, there has to be a catch somewhere... there just has to.”

This was the night that fate would take over, shaping your future. This was the night that you would begin the greatest romance of your life, even though you didn’t know it at the time. Growing up in Brooklyn, you quickly learned to take nothing for granted, and that every adventure would carry you to places you never dreamed... Life itself is an adventure but… how could you even fathom something so grand…?

You are jolted back to the present when Chance starts chewing on a squeaky toy beneath your feet. You reach down and pat his head as he continues to blissfully bite the toy, unaware of your touch.

You gaze across the desk and find the local newspaper folded neatly and on the front page is an announcement regarding your one-year wedding anniversary to Liam.

Your friends and other nobles have been preparing a celebration, in honor of Cordonia's most beloved King Liam and Queen Catherine.

Tonight, you will be joining your husband for a private celebration and have a surprise planned and the anticipation is almost more than you can bear. Liam left early this morning to meet with the planning commission regarding the new public school that is being built in your honor. It has been your passion that ALL children should have access to better education. As an inner-city child, you understand how important it is that everyone has a chance at achieving higher goals, not just the nobles who can afford private schooling for their children. He agreed to sit in on your behalf so you will have time to prepare the evening.

The funding for this project was initiated and managed by Madeleine who now heads the Public Finance Department for Cordonia. The job you promised in exchange for her assistance as your press secretary almost a year ago. Through fundraisers and other ventures, she has managed to set aside a substantial amount of resources to ensure its completion as well as for the proper equipment that will be needed to open the school. It will be named Beckham Elementary.

After completing the staff schedule and meal preparations for the week, your phone buzzes on the desk. You glance over to see it is Liam. You smile.

CATHERINE "Hello handsome." LIAM "Hello my love. I hope I'm not disturbing you." CATHERINE "Not at all. What's up?" LIAM "Oh, we've taken a short break and I just wanted to confirm our plans for this evening. Are we still on for six o'clock at Valtoria?" CATHERINE "Yes. Do you think you can make it by then?" LIAM "It shouldn't be a problem. If the meeting looks like it might go over, I will suggest we continue it tomorrow. I wouldn't miss this night with you." CATHERINE "Good, because I have something special planned for us." LIAM "Oh? Do tell." CATHERINE "Liam, it's a surprise. You're not the only one with superpowers you know." LIAM "Heh, I definitely know that by now my love." CATHERINE "I'm going to head over there now and help staff get everything set up, but I'll meet you there at six." LIAM "Uh… Should I change first?" CATHERINE "You know I already have clothes there for you." LIAM "Right. I was just hoping for a hint on these plans you’re talking about.” CATHERINE "It’s a surprise, but I promise you won't be disappointed." LIAM "I'm sure I won't be." CATHERINE "How's the meeting going?" LIAM "Oh, you know, which area should be the library, where to hold the ribbon cutting… that sort of thing." CATHERINE "Thank you, Liam. I know this isn't your favorite task, but it freed my time to plan our evening." LIAM "Anything for you my love." CATHERINE "Anything? Hmm, that might make tonight very interesting." LIAM "Ooh, you have certainly aroused my curiosity." CATHERINE "That is the theme, but you won’t need the curiosity...” LIAM "Hmm… I may not be able to completely focus on this meeting now." CATHERINE "Well, at least you have something to look forward to." LIAM "And I do look forward to every moment with you. I'd better go for now love, our break's over and everyone is convening back into the conference room. Until tonight my Queen." CATHERINE "I love you." LIAM "I love you more."

You hang up smiling and sit in silence for a moment until you hear a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opens and Hana steps in.

"Catherine, I hope I'm not interrupting anything." "Of course not." "Good. I've got all the things we'll need packed and ready to go. The staff has gone ahead so if you’re ready...” "Thank you so much for helping with this Hana. I don’t know what I would do without you." "Hey, that's what friends are for. I'm happy to help." "Valtoria, here we come."

You walk over and put your arm around Hana as you leave together, talking and laughing.

Upon arrival to the estate, you and Hana begin to unload the vehicle of the decorations and other essentials for the evening celebration with Liam. You are greeted by Maxwell.

"Catherine, Hana!"

He grabs you both in a hug nearly causing you to drop the things you are carrying.

"Maxwell, let me set this stuff down first, okay." "Sorry, I'm just super excited to see you guys."

You set things down on the counter, as does Hana.

"Okay, get in here, both of you."

Hana and Maxwell gather for a group hug.

"Alright Maxwell, tell me what you've been doing." "I prepared the spa room. I brought the candles and oils that you requested. I wonder if poor Liam’s heart can take all the ahh… activity!" "Maxwell… We are married now. I think we should be able to… enjoy each other's company." "Well if that's what you're calling it, then yeah, Liam is definitely going to be enjoying himself tremendously." "Okay, enough of that. What else have you done so far?" "The hors d'oeuvres are in the fridge, I moved a table for two into the dining room and the staff has it set and ready. Would you like to inspect?" "Yes please." "Right this way ladies."

You and Hana head toward the dining room with Maxwell trailing behind.

"Maxwell, this looks amazing." "Thanks. I know how you like hydrangeas, so I arranged a fresh bouquet for you." "Did you pick these from the gardens out back?" "Yeah. I hope that was okay." "It's perfect. It sets a romantic mood..." "Maxwell, you did great." "For a minute there I thought I was in trouble." "Not for this anyway…" "I'll go see if the cook needs any help with the main course." "Thank you, Hana. Can you check the menu too? I want to make sure Liam's favorite cheese spread is being prepared." "Of course."

After several hours of preparing food and getting the house ready for your evening with Liam, you sit down on the couch. Hana and Maxwell join you and they both sigh contentedly.

"I think we have outdone ourselves." "Yeah, this place looks amazing. Thanks to you guys." "Aww, we wouldn't have done it for just anyone." "I know, and I really appreciate it. You know, it's been a full year since Liam and I were married, and yet it seems like just yesterday." "You know what they say, 'Time flies when you're having fun'. I think that's right." "Hana, I'm so proud of how you've grown over the last year. Your clothing line has really put you in the spotlight, yet you took time out of your busy schedule to help me." "I don't have to be at it ALL the time. I can take time to help a friend every now and then." "I really appreciate both of you standing by me. Our lives have gone in completely different directions, but we still make time for our friendship. It really means a lot." "Hey, we're besties for life. Nothing will ever change that." "That's right. If it wasn't for you Catherine, I wouldn't be where I am. I owe you a lot." "You didn't need my help, you just needed a nudge." "True, but you've always been there for me and I'll always be there for you, no matter what." "Catherine, I just lit the candles in the spa room and they are the long burning kind so you guys will have time to eat before heading up there." "Thanks' Maxwell." "Well, I hate to be the one to break up this friend fest, but I have a dance class to teach and those kids depend on 'Agent Breakdance' to be there on time." "Break a leg Maxwell, or better yet… Don't!"

You and Hana laugh.

"Go ahead, laugh if you must. It was one time and you'll never let me live it down, will you?" "Not a chance." "Maxwell, if you break another leg you'll have to find another profession." "Ha, ha… Catherine, don't wake the neighbors and remember, even a king can only take so much excitement… Later guys."

You throw a pillow from the couch at Maxwell as he dance-walks out the door smiling.

"Catherine I think I'll head out too. Liam will be here soon, so I should get out of the way. Everything looks wonderful and I know he will love the evening you have planned."

Hana notices a troubled look on your face.

"Catherine, is everything alright?" "Yeah, I guess. Hana, after tonight, things are going to change for Liam and me." "What do you mean?" "Well… I wanted Liam to be the first to know but… I have been tired lately and was having a lot of nausea, so I saw a doctor just to find out what could be causing it. I thought it was stress... you can imagine my surprise when I found out it wasn’t that at all… Hana, I’m…" "Oh my gosh, Catherine! This is wonderful... are you telling him tonight?" "That’s the plan…” She reaches to pull you into a bear hug and you begin to sob.

"Oh Catherine, what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy?" "Yes. I’m very happy but… I’m just a little worried... I mean, we didn't plan this right now and with everything that's going on, I just don't know how Liam will react. Do you think he will be happy too?" "Of course he will. He loves you Catherine and having children will only strengthen that love. I know that he will be ecstatic, and not just because of what it means to the crown, but because of what it means to him. Have you seen the way his eyes light up when he sees a baby? It's almost as if he's imagining one of his own..." "Yeah, it is touching… I guess you're right, I'm probably fretting for nothing." "Don’t worry Catherine. Liam is going to be so excited, I just know it." "Thanks for everything, Hana. I guess I'd better go upstairs and try to cover these tears, so Liam won’t worry… and he’s probably on his way now." "Just remember, I'm here for you… anytime you need me."

Hana gives you a quick hug and then heads out the door as you make your way upstairs to prepare for the evening. The staff has all departed, after preparing the house from top to bottom, the table is set, and the food is ready. Once dressed, you walk back down to the dining room and place your gifts to Liam on his plate. Soon he arrives, and you greet him at the door as he makes his way upon the stoop, a dozen roses in hand.

"Oh Liam, they're so beautiful." "Not as beautiful as you, my love."

He steps up and kisses you tenderly on the lips as he hands you the roses. You smell them and savor the aroma and then turn around to step inside as Liam follows. He takes the bouquet and places it in an empty vase, then reaches for you placing a gentle kiss on your cheek. He takes a half-step back to admire your beauty.

"Catherine, you are always beautiful, but tonight, you are utterly breathtaking. What's this radiance I’m perceiving?" "You are looking quite handsome yourself and my ‘radiance’ as you so eloquently put it, is simply because you're here." "I'm a very lucky man indeed." "Happy Anniversary… I love you, Liam." "Happy Anniversary my love... I didn’t think it was possible, but I love you more now than I did just a year ago…"

He kisses you again and you wrap your arms around him. When he pulls back he is smiling.

"Mmmm smells good in here. What's on the menu tonight?" "Well, it's all your favorites but, we should start with the appetizers. Would you care for some Salmon Rillettes?" "That is a wonderful start."

You both walk into the dining room and he pulls out your chair and then takes his seat across from you. He finds your gifts in his plate.

"Catherine, you didn't need to get me a gift. You are the only gift I need." "Well, I wanted to do something special for you. Don't open them just yet. We should eat first." "I have a gift for you as well so, we can open them together." "I didn’t see you bring anything in. Where is it?” “I asked Maxwell to bring it with him when he came to help with the preparations.”

As Liam looks around, he sees the box he used to conceal the gift in case you got curious.

“Ahh, there it is.” “I thought that was just an empty box he used to bring in the...” You trail off. “To bring in what?” “Never mind... Shall we eat?" Liam smiles, knowing it has something to do with your surprise so he doesn’t push. "I am a bit famished…" "Let's not wait then."

He places the gifts aside as you each begin enjoying the hors d'oeuvres and talk about the meeting with the planning board regarding the new school.

"So it wasn't completely boring then?" "No, not at all. I actually enjoyed it once we got past Mr. Evans' allergy attack." "An allergy attack? Poor thing." "Yes, he went into a sneezing fit and nearly turned the table over." "Sounds hilarious." "Heh. That's not the best part. As he reached the end of what I presumed to be the last sneeze… his dentures flew a few feet away landing in the floor."

You both break out into a fit of laughter.

"We all just sat there not wanting to make eye contact for fear of bursting out in laughter. Honestly, it was all I could do to keep my composure. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, and carefully picked them up and then headed toward the facilities." "What happened after he left?" "You can only imagine..." "Poor thing. How did he act when he came back?" "He obviously knew how comical it was, so he made a few jokes, and we all had a good laugh. After lunch, the afternoon was much more relaxed."

"I bet Mr. Evans really sank his teeth into it, eh?" "Maybe, but I think he bit off more than he could chew."

You both laugh again.

"It was quite the afternoon, to say the least, but enough about that… how has your day been my love? Busy I assume?" "Not as exciting as yours… but it's better now that you're here." "Honestly, you're all I've been thinking about since I left this morning." "Liam…"

He reaches across the table and takes your hands, looking at you lovingly.

"Having you as my wife has been the best thing that ever happened to me, Catherine. I couldn't have dreamed a better life for myself, than the one you have given me. You are the best part of me you know." "Liam, being married to you has been the easiest thing I've ever done. You are the only thing that makes sense in my life and I look forward to waking up every morning because I know you are there. Every day with you is like a gift within itself."

He holds one of your hands up and kisses it tenderly, his eyes never straying from yours.

"Happy Anniversary, my love." "Happy Anniversary, dear heart."

He notices the bottle chilling in the ice bucket and takes it out to inspect.

"This isn’t our usual celebratory chardonnay. What is this love?" "It's non-alcoholic wine." "I'm not complaining but why non-alcohol?" "Well, you know how I get sleepy if I have too much to drink and I didn't want that to get in our way tonight…" "Hmmm… interesting."

He eyes you for a moment but instead of protesting, he deftly pops the cork and pours a glass for each of you. You take your glass and wait for Liam to take his and begin the toast.

"To you, Catherine. My life, my love, and my world. May the next year of our life be as blissful as this one." "To you Liam, my heart and soul and proof that dreams do come true."

You clink your glasses and drink. Liam swirls his around in his mouth for a moment before swallowing.

“So, what do you think?” “It’s not terrible by any means… and I certainly want to keep my wits about me this evening.” He smiles mischievously at you.

"So, would you like to share your plans for tonight?" "Now that you're here I suppose I can tell you. After dinner, I'm giving you a proper massage. After everything you do for me, I wanted to do something special for you." "Sounds wonderful love, but it is our anniversary and you deserve some attention as well. What do you say to a couple's massage?" "I wouldn't say no."

He smiles as you lift the covers off the main dishes. You each serve yourselves and begin eating, making small talk about the day. Once the desert course is finished, Liam sighs contentedly.

"That was amazing. All my favorites in one meal. You have made this evening extra special." "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

He stands and offers you his hand. You take it as he pulls you up embracing you in a kiss.

"Happy Anniversary my love." "Happy Anniversary Liam. I can't believe it's been a year already. It seems like yesterday that I said, 'I do' to the man of my dreams." "Am I still that for you Catherine?" "Even more than before Liam. I can't imagine life without you." "It's hard to believe we've come this far after everything we went through." "I know, but we belong together." "I am so thankful to have you here. You are still the greatest gift I've ever received."

He leans into you kissing you passionately and you respond by wrapping your arms around him. After a long moment, he pulls back.

"Now, about that massage…?" "Impatient huh?" "Not really. It's just… I have been a bit tense in my shoulders lately." "I'll make sure to spend extra time there then." "Well since you're in a generous mood… there may be a few other areas that need some attention…" "Oh, I’m sure of that…" Arm in arm you head upstairs to the spa room. When you enter, the candles are burning, giving off a light scent of jasmine and vanilla. You walk over and kneel to turn on the water. When you stand and turn, Liam is waiting… he takes you in his arms and kisses you fervently. You lean into him responding with a moan.

"Mmmm…" "I've been waiting to do that all day." "It was definitely worth the wait, but… before we get carried away I need to get our gifts. We should open them in here." "Okay, my love."

He kisses you again before going down to retrieve the gifts. Once you arrive back to the spa, Liam has already stepped into the tub and is laying back relaxing.

"Would you care to join me?" "I will in a minute, but I want you to open your gifts first." "I can't wait to see what you'll give me." "Well for the first gift, it is in keeping the tradition of a one-year anniversary, which is paper." "Should I get out and dry off first?" "No but here, dry your hands. Just in case."

He takes the towel and dries his hands, then begins to unwrap the gift to find a framed map of New York City.

"Catherine, this is a map of New York and it points to all the places you and I have visited. It even has the places you took me to when we first met! This is very special, and a perfect gift for our first anniversary together. I will cherish it always."

He leans over the tub to give you a loving kiss.

"Well, it's only the first part of the gift. The other part is attached to the back of the frame."

He turns it over to find a receipt for the advanced purchase of a First Edition book that is set to be released soon and he has been talking about non-stop for months.

"You got it! This is just icing on the cake… thank you so much, Catherine. These gifts are almost as perfect as you."

He leans toward you and you meet him in a tender kiss.

"Now, it’s time for you to open your gift."

You open the box and take out a wrapped package inside. You carefully peel back the paper revealing…

"Oh, Liam! It's a photo album!" “I hope you like it.”

You begin looking through the photos of memories of the past. They range from the first night you met to your exclusive honeymoon and many in between that you haven’t even seen before.

"I love it, Liam. It's perfect." "I must admit, Maxwell gave me most of the photos from his collection, but I wanted something to commemorate our life together so far. I hope that was alright." "It's lovely Liam. You are so thoughtful." "Only where you're concerned my love." "Aww…"

You lean over the tub and kiss him, and he smiles warmly.

"Well, I do have one more gift… I saved the best for last.” "I can’t imagine anything better than what you’ve already given me." "This gift is… well, it's for both of us actually. It’s a special gift..." "A special gift for both of us? I am now very intrigued.”

He opens a small box to find something wrapped in plastic. He holds it up to examine the contents with a puzzled look.

"I'm not sure what this is… it appears to be a wand of some kind." "I figured as much, so I placed a card in the box to help explain it."

Smiling curiously, Liam reaches inside the box to pull out the handmade card you crafted for this special occasion. You watch in anticipation as he reads it aloud.

"It has been a year of wedded bliss with you, my husband and my king And in that time, you have given me more than just a kind and generous caring You’ve given me life, hope, peace, and love. None of which I cannot part You’ve blessed me more than I deserve, and I love you with all my heart."

He glances at you with a mist in his eyes.

“Catherine, this is beautiful.” “There’s more inside.”

He smiles sweetly as he opens the card and continues reading...

“As your queen, it is my duty to stand firmly beside you each and every day As your wife, it is my honor to care for and love you in my own special way Today this beautiful journey will take us to a place we’ve never been before I know without a doubt that we’re both ready for what fate has in store.

His breath wavers as he reads the last sentence.

“You are the air in which I breathe… breathing life into the heir that we conceived…”

Tears well up in his eyes as he looks at you in shock and disbelief. “Catherine… are you…?” “Yes! You’re going to be a father!”

Stumbling to find the right words to express how he feels, Liam suddenly pulls you into the tub and onto his lap holding you gently but firmly as he buries his head into your neck and begins to sob uncontrollably. His body shaking.

"Liam?"

You hold him close, not completely grasping what this means to him…

"Please say something… Liam?"

The shaking stops and as he catches his breath he slowly meets your gaze… your hand on his cheek as he finally breaks the silence.

"You couldn’t have given me a better gift than this…"

He places a hand on your stomach, caressing it gently. You breathe out a sigh of relief. "Good… I was worried there for a minute." "I'm sorry, my love." “It’s okay…” "This explains the bouts of nausea and tiredness you’ve been feeling lately. I’m relieved to finally know why. And I probably should have realized something when you presented the non-alcohol beverage tonight.”

He pauses, taking a deep breath and you smile, wiping the residual tears from his cheeks.

"How long have you known?" "A few days but I wanted our anniversary to be special, so I waited until tonight." "It couldn’t be more special than this...”

He smiles pressing his lips to yours, kissing you tenderly.

“I always knew I was expected to marry and produce heirs… but what I didn’t know was that I would meet and fall in love with the most beautiful and amazing woman on the face of the earth and that she would return that love… I can’t tell you how blessed I feel from that alone. And now…”

He gently brushes a strand of hair out of your face as you look intently into each other’s eyes.

"…I already love this baby so much, Catherine. And to know that it was conceived from our love is a true miracle from the heavens. It is a part of me… and a part of you…"

You begin to cry when you hear Liam's words and he takes your chin in his hand tilting your face, so you are looking in his beautiful blue eyes.

"Catherine, don't cry…" "I guess it’s hormones, but I have been worried that this may not be the best time for us with everything that's going on right now and…"

He cradles you in his arms as you lay against him in the water, fully clothed.

"Oh Catherine, I'm so sorry… I know things are a bit hectic right now, but this is a perfect time for us to welcome a baby into our life."

Liam kisses into your hair.

"We have so much to plan for." "Yes, I know. The school, your renovations and negotiations, our Anniversary Celebration, and now we're adding a pregnancy into the mix, there is a lot to do." "I didn't mean that. I was referring to preparations for our growing family… As for your concerns, I think we can delegate a few projects to some of the other nobles. They enjoy taking the reins now and then and I wouldn't mind taking a few days off here and there to help prepare for our bundle of joy to arrive." "Really?" "Of course. I want to be involved in everything... from picking out a crib to accompanying you to the doctor, and everything in between." "I'm so relieved." "We will do this together..." "Can we get out of this tub now? The water is getting cold and it’s time for that massage I promised." "Let me do the honors first. You've been carrying much more stress than I have these last few days. And besides, I don't want the mother of my child to feel anything but relaxed." "Okay, but only if you promise that I finish with you. I did have a few plans, remember?" "Oh yes. It completely slipped my mind." "Liar."

Liam laughs as he lifts you out of the tub and onto a rug, handing you a towel to dry off. He grabs another for himself and once dry, he wraps it around his waist. After you dry off some, you slip out of your wet clothes and Liam finishes drying you. He leads you to the massage area where he picks you up gently, sitting you on the table. He pulls you close and kisses you tenderly, running his hands down your back.

"I am the happiest man alive right now… thanks to you." "I'm happy too, Liam." "That's good… now, I believe it's time for that massage, my queen."

You turn over, laying on your stomach as Liam begins inspecting the oils.

"What flavor of oil does Her Majesty desire?" "Use the orange one. It smells fantastic." "As you wish."

He pours the oil into both hands and starts with your shoulders, slowly working his way down your back with a gentle, yet firm touch.

"Oh, this is nice." "I'm glad you are enjoying it, my love."

As he works out the knots in your back, he leans down and gently kisses your neck, lingering for a moment and then slides his hands down to your legs. With circular motions, he works out the tension, one leg at a time. Every now and then his hand delves in between your inner thighs, causing a wave of pleasure throughout your body.

"You are so good at this." "I live to serve you, my queen."

A while later, Liam finishes by running his hands up your whole body and then back down again as you sigh.

"How was that my love? Relaxed?" "Yes, perfect." "Just like you..."

You sit up to face him and he leans in to kiss you. His hands on your back pulling you closer. He moans as your body pressed against his.

"It's your turn now." "Mmmm… ready whenever you are my queen."

You walk over to put on your robe, then return to Liam who is already lying on his stomach.

"You might want to toss the towel." "As you wish."

He deftly removes the towel tossing it on a nearby chair. You admire his body for a moment, thinking you are definitely a lucky girl, and then reluctantly turn to the oils.

"What flavor do you want?" "The same as you. It does smell wonderful."

You pour the oil into your hands and begin working at his shoulders.

"So, is this where you're most tense?" "Yes… Right there." “Wow, you weren’t kidding.”

You proceed to massage pressure to the area that Liam indicated until the knots are gone from both his shoulders. You then work your way from his neck to his back. Finding it a little difficult to maneuver at this angle, you climb onto the table and straddle Liam so you can get in a better position.

"Ooh, this is nice." "It's easier for me to really get in there in this position." "I'm all for being in a position to getting in there." "Shush…"

He chuckles, and you smile.

"I’m trying to perform some serious massaging here." "I'll say."

You work your hands around his back massaging with firm pressure. You feel him relax as your fingers slide down each side of his spine. Once all the knots are gone, you start to get up. Liam reaches to hold you as you slide off the table.

"Thank you." "You are most welcome."

You pour more oil into your hands and begin rubbing Liam's legs. Soon he is completely relaxed, as you finish by running your hands from his neck to his feet with slow but precise motion.

"This was so relaxing. I could just feel all the tension leaving my body. Thank you, my love." "Then mission accomplished..."

He sits up and reaches for you. You stand in front of him looking into his eyes. He bends down to kiss you passionately as you wrap your arms around him. He lifts you onto the table where you spend the next several hours exploring each other in ways you never thought possible…

…afterward, you lay wrapped in each other’s arms. You feel Liam slightly tense for a moment and when you lean up to look at him, you notice a single tear streaming down his face as he stares at the ceiling.

"Liam... what's wrong?"

His eyes meet yours with such love that it warms you instantly.

"Nothing's wrong my love. I'm just happy... I was thinking about our precious gift and how I already love him or her so much." "I'm happy too. I just hope little Liam has your beautiful blue eyes." "So you are hoping for a boy?" "Not really... but if it is, I want him to look like you." "And what if it's a girl?" "She’ll probably look like you too... either way, they will be gorgeous…" "Well, if she looks anything like you, I'll be busy trying to keep all the noble boys away..." "I don’t know about that, but if she has my personality, we'll have more than that to worry about..."