“No, I’m sorry that I didn’t trust us. That I was too scared. You were right. I saw the pain my father went through over the years. It’s been so long and he’s only just started dating again. I don’t want to go through that. I can withstand a lot of crappy stuff,” she laughed, then turned serious. “But I don’t think I could stand losing you, Malcolm. You’re right. I was afraid. But I’m willing to do this as long as you’re with me.”
“Every step of the way!” he vowed.
Another knock and they both laughed even as they rolled their eyes. “Let’s go get this stupid award,” she told him. “Then I want you in bed for the next several days.”
“Not going to happen,” he argued. He opened the door as he said, “Remember? We’re getting married tomorrow.”
That was the picture that everyone saw in the newspapers the following day; Ella laughing up at her fiancée, a gloriously huge ring on her finger, prominently displayed because her left hand was on his shoulder as they left the hotel manager’s office.
Epilogue
Ella walked out of her office and paused, listening for a long moment. Silence? Silence was always bad.
At that moment, Malcolm stepped out of his office as well. He’d been working from home more often as the due date for their fourth child drew near.
“Silence is bad,” he said, looking at her from across the hallway.
Ella’s hand rubbed over her round belly. “Silence is very bad,” she groaned, then waddled around. “Stacy was with the boys this morning,” she said, referring to their nanny who took care of their three boys. They were all around two years apart, although this fourth one had been a surprise. Ella and Malcolm had decided that their family was large enough with the three sons and he’d gone through the surgery to take care of the issue. Unfortunately, that exact same day, Ella had discovered that she was pregnant again after fainting when the nurse told her that Malcolm had come out of the surgery and was doing well.
Malcolm moved closer, reaching out to caress her belly. “You, sit down. I’ll go find out what’s happening.”
Ella watched with love in her eyes as Malcolm walked around the corner towards the main part of the house. With three boys, she and Malcolm had designed their current residence so that their individual offices were away from the main part of the house, which had been an excellent idea. Their boys were rowdy, rambunctious, and loud! At ten, eight, and five, her boys were a handful, but she loved every chaotic, crazy moment.
It wasn’t until he’d disappeared around the corner that she felt the first pain. It was so strong, she actually doubled over as the contraction rippled over her back and belly. Grabbing onto the wall, she took a deep breath, trying to ride the pain. “Malcolm?” she called out.
Too late. He was gone in search of their brood of loveable hellions.
With careful steps, she walked down the long hallway, relieved when the contraction eased and she could breathe more easily.
Stepping into the great room, she looked around and called out. “Malcolm?”
He appeared on the upper balcony, one boy under each arm and another on his back. All four of them were laughing. Obviously, her boys had ambushed Malcolm, something they loved to do but so far, they’d never managed to pin him down, although the oldest was getting taller and stronger by the day, so their efforts were getting better.
Malcolm took one look at Ella and knew what was going on. “Boys! Starlight!”
With that one word, all three of her boys froze and turned to stare at their mother.
A split second later, she heard all three of them screaming, “Starlight!” Then they were scrambling out of Malcolm’s arms, heading towards…she had no idea where.
Malcolm was sprinting down the stairs towards Ella, taking her hands and looking at her carefully. “You think it’s time?”
Ella bit her lip, trying to hide her nervousness. “Yes. I think it’s time.” One would think she’d have this pregnancy and birthing thing down by now. But ever since the moment she’d realized that she was pregnant, this pregnancy had been different.
There was another commotion on the balcony and Ella looked out, seeing her three boys carrying her suitcase down the stairs. One of them could have handled it, but because her boys were overly protective, alpha-male-wannabees, they each carried one corner while Stacy, the nanny, looked on with affectionate concern.
“I’ve got