Eve laughed, “I love how wonderful that sounds. Finally, after all this time, we are husband and wife, just like it was always meant to be.”

Julian unlocked the suite and swung open the door. Before Eve had time to think, he swooped her up in his arms, and true to tradition, carried her across the threshold, kicked the door shut and carried her to the bed. “Meant to be, I like the sound of that. That out there, somewhere, someone is looking out for us, leading us to each other, no matter what mistakes we make.” He lowered her onto the bed and lay down next to her.

“I love you, Julian.” She whispered.

“My sweet love, I love you! And tonight, I am going to show you just how much.” He grinned as he bent and kissed her. “But first, a toast,” He got up and walked to a table that had been set up with champagne, sparkling water, flowers, fruit, and all kinds of different chocolates from all over the world.

“This is such a beautiful room, Julian.” Eve said as she surveyed the place. The bed stood against one wall, complete with a canopy, lace and deep burgundy silk. To the left of the bed was a stone, gas, fireplace, which was burning not for the warmth of it, but rather the romantic effect. Balcony overlooking the ocean was to the right of the bed, while a spacious living room was located at the foot of the bed, as well as a kitchen, bathroom and a dining area.

Candles had been place sporadically placed around the room, and Julian had had the staff light them all just prior to their entrance. A soft, warm, orange-yellow glow filled the room, and Eve sank back onto the large king-sized bed, her heart overflowing with joy.
He brought her a flute of sparkling water and some champagne for himself. He placed the glasses on the nightstand and sat on the bed, reaching out to help her sit up.

“Thanks,” She said, patting her stomach. “It is getting harder and harder to get up.”

He leaned closer and kissed her. “Hmmm…” He murmured against her lips. “Kissing you is like tasting fine wine, or breathing fresh air…a pleasure that is just beyond words.” He smiled.

She smiled in delight. “You say the sweetest things, but you know, I was just thinking the exact same thing about you.” She traced his bottom lips with her fingernail.

“Really?” He teased, as he caught her finger in his mouth and smiled as her lips parted at the sudden pleasure of it.

He dropped her finger and grinned. “Toast first.” He said as he reached for the glasses and handed hers to her. “Mrs. Eve Crane…” He smiled. “Words I never thought I would ever be able to say. To you, my love, you have made me the happiest man on this planet, the joy you bring me is beyond measure.”

She smiled, “Hmm, I remember you telling me that not so long ago. I feel the same way, I feel truly complete having you in my life, and our baby.” She rubbed her growing belly as they both sipped from their drinks.

He placed his hand on her stomach too, feeling for any movement the baby might make. “Sometimes I wonder what our lives would be like had gotten married years ago? Had I had the courage to ask you to be my wife back then?” He said quietly.

“Oh, I think it would have gone something like this…” She leaned over slightly and kissed his cheek. “And like this...” She moved to the corner of his mouth.

He brightened. Taking her glass he placed it on the nightstand next to him. He wrapped his arms around her and said, “I think it would have gone like this…” He kissed her passionately as he leaned her back against the bed.

A few moments later, she murmured, “Yeah? I think it would have gone a little more like this…” She slipped her hands to the base of his collar and started unbuttoning his shirt, her lips grazing his. She smiled wickedly as she pushed against his chest, encouraging him to lie on his back.

She then struggled to get up. Finally sitting up, she turned and looked down at him and laughed. “It’s not easy getting up when you are seven months pregnant.” She explained, smacking her hand on his chest when he raised his eyebrows in amusement.

She got up on her knees as he lay on his back grinning up at her. She smiled and straddled his stomach, surrounding him with the train of her wedding dress. “I am going to make you pay for making fun of me.”

“Promise?” He asked wickedly.

“Oh yeah,” She placed her hands on his broad shoulders, then moved and slid them inside his shirt, slowly sliding her hands up to the base of his throat. She tried to circle his throat with her hands.

“Too much for you, darlin’?” He teased.

“Wonderful, strong, and sexy I might add.” She smiled as she massaged his muscles.

He groaned with pleasure. “That feels great, love, I didn’t know you were a masseuse.”

She laughed, “You must really be tight if you think that was great.”

“Well, it’s been a long day, and only a little stressful.” He admitted.

“Really? Did anything happen that you haven’t told me?” She asked in concern.

“My father called, right before the ceremony.” He said.

“Oh, no. Did he give you a hard time?” She felt so bad for Julian.

“He tried, but I hung up on him. I vowed never to let him interfere with my life, now our lives again. So I am not sure what he is going to do. Disinherit me probably.” He said looking up at her still sitting on his stomach.

“So what if he does. You will be better off without him anyways.” She smiled.

He grinned, “You’re right, my love, I don’t need him…we don’t need him. If he is out of our lives and our children’s lives that is the best news I could ever have. Financially speaking, we don’t need Crane money either; I have enough of my own money invested to make a great life for us for the rest of our lives.” He smiled deeply, reaching up to circle her wrist.

“I don’t care about money. I only want you.” She leaned down and kissed him, her hands on the sides of his face, caressing him.

She sat back up and grinned at him. “Now where were we?” She asked.

“Hmm....” He smiled.

“Ah, Yes. I remember.” She smiled as her hands moved to his breast. She circled his nipple with her finger, slowly seductively; then, she bent and kissed him there, biting lightly down on his nipple.

He sucked in his breath as she kissed his chest, moving from one side to the other.

“Eve…” He whispered.

She looked up and smiled seeing the need and desire in his eyes.

He propped him self up on his elbows. With one arm around her waist, he maneuvered so that he was sitting with her in his lap.

“Mrs. Crane, I believe you are trying to drive me mad.” He nuzzled her neck, his lips them moving to her ear, kissing it, tugging tenderly on her lobe. “What about the baby? Will he or she object to our…well how shall I put this? Well let’s just say it like we always have…setting the bed on fire.” He smiled.

She shivered with pleasure and reached back and grabbed his champagne and drank it.
He raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“There, give him half an hour and he will be sound asleep for the rest of the night.” She grinned.

“Are you sure that is ok?” He asked.

“Why not, I didn’t drink the whole bottle. A little never hurt anyone. Excessive alcohol is dangerous, but not one glass.” She assured him.

“Well in that case. What shall we do while we wait.” He grinned at her mischievously.

“Well the baby is quiet now, no reason to wait.” She smiled. “Why don’t we…” Her face twisted in pain as she gasped and clutched her stomach.

“Oh God, what’s wrong?” Julian panicked.

“I don’t….know.” Eve cried. “I think it might be labor...”

“What? Isn’t it a bit early?” He helped her lie down.

“Yes, two months early. I think you better call the doctor, Julian.” Eve moaned.

Julian jumped up and raced for the phone. He called the front desk and asked them to call a doctor. When he was done, he returned to Eve’s side and took her hand in his. “It wasn’t the alcohol I hope.” He said in concern as he stoked her hair from her forehead.

“No, don’t worry about that. Maybe just too much activity for our baby,” She smiled weakly.

“Well the front desk said there was a doctor living nearby, he will be here shortly.” Julian knelt beside the bed, and tried to sooth her pain by gently rubbing her stomach.

“Thank you, Julian. Try not to worry. I am sure it is nothing serious, but just to be safe I want to see a doctor.” Eve caressed his cheek. He tried to look calm for her, but she could see the fear in his eyes.

Eve cried out again as another wave of pain flooded her weary body.