CONCLUSION
Lee sits on the side of the bed in the house in Arlington. He is watching her sleep. She was seen at a nearby hospital and released into her husbands care. He insisted she also be checked by Dr. McJohn at the Agency. After a thorough exam both Amanda and their unborn child were declared healthy but exhausted. She was then ordered home to bed for two weeks. Lee placed her there himself and was watching to make sure she stayed there. She had wanted to go immediately to the safehouse where their family had been moved when Lee had left to come and rescue her. But Lee had sent a car for them instead. They would be home in a couple of hours and he meant for her to stay in bed until then.
When his gaze swept down her body and rested on the rounded curve of their child he could not resist laying his large hand over it. She moved restlessly when she felt his touch and opened her eyes to see tears rolling down his face. “Lee, I love you so much. I never thought I would have to say to you the things I said today. Please tell me you know just how much you mean to me. I would never leave you.”
Lee leaned over and gathered her in his arms and held her in his lap. “I know. I never believed any of the terrible things he said to me about you. You are the one constant in my life. You and the boys and our family.”
Amanda smiled and placed her hand over his as it rested protectively over his child. “Don’t forget our daughter.” Lee looked up and said, “Do you think it is a girl?” He looked so hopeful she chuckled. “No…… I know it is. Dr. McJohn insisted on an ultrasound at the hospital and he said he was 99 percent sure it was a girl!”
Lee kissed her tenderly and said, “It really doesn’t matter. As long as it is healthy and looks like you.” She leaned in and kissed him again. The kiss became more urgent and she let her hands roam over his chest and around to his back. She moaned low in her throat as he gently cupped her breast in his hand. He caressed her face and throat and kissed his way down to the open neck of her gown. He pulled back suddenly and said in a rough voice “Is this safe for the baby and you? I won’t take a chance on losing you again.”
Her answer was to pull him down to her and kiss him breathless. “I guess that is a yes.” He quickly stands and removes his clothes then helps her out of her gown. He leans over and places a quick kiss on her abdomen and whispers “I love you baby girl Stetson.” As he makes love to his wife he counts his blessings and prays that he will never be without her again.
A few hours later he wakens her gently, and says “Hey gorgeous. There are three people downstairs who are going to murder me if you don’t make an appearance soon.” She stands and dresses and starts to walk down the hall only to be picked up in his strong arms. “Oh no you don’t. Bed rest is what the doc. said and if you won’t stay in bed I will just have to carry you for the next four and a half months.”
She only shook her head and burrowed closer to his chest. It just felt to good to argue about it. Downstairs she was greeted with hugs and kisses from all and the welcome news that the boys already knew about their stepfather and had readily accepted him. They were equally excited about the news of a new sister in a few months. Dotty was overjoyed at the thought of a granddaughter to dress up and spoil. Lee stood back and enjoyed the sight of his family. When Amanda looked up and caught his eye she held out her hand and he went to join his love and his life….finally.
THE END
