Predestined Hearts

“But … I can’t, Irene. I care so very much Devlin and he has been amazing. So amazing. He has not pushed me into anything I was not ready for. I just miss Danny so much. I dream sometimes he is still making his way home to me.” Closing my eyes, I whispered, “He did promise me he’d be back.”

Irene pulled me into her arms as I cried. It had been the first time in over a month I cried over Danny. I had gotten good at pushing it aside. Burying it deep down, but being in Danny’s home, sitting with his parents, it was all too real.

After talking more with Daniel’s parents, I stood and bid them my farewell. “I love you both, I hope you know that. Never will I forget how you loved me and took care of me. I shall miss you so very much.”

“Then you shall come visit us, and often. Bring the baby as well.”

Pulling my head back, I looked at Irene and whispered, “How did you know? I haven’t spoken to anyone about it.”

Tears formed in Irene’s eyes. “I’ve seen that glow on your face before, darling. Take care of yourself, and tell Devlin right away. It’s all going to be okay.”

Feeling a sense of relief, I nodded my head. “I will.” Grinning, I gave Irene a kiss on the cheek before turning to Chester and hugging him. Stepping back, I gazed upon Danny’s parents. I saw a part of Danny standing before me and my heart felt like I was losing Danny and our child all over again. How I wanted to give them a grandchild. Danny’s child. Fighting to hold back my tears, I gave them a weak smile.

Life goes on.

Making my way back to the carriage, I decided I would tell Devlin about our baby, before the ball. I wanted to see him smiling the rest of the evening.

The carriage door opened and Devlin held his hand out for me. His silly grin caused me to laugh. “You are in a good mood, Devlin.”

Nodding his head, he placed his arm around me as we climbed the stairs to his home. Our home. “Indeed, there is something in the Savannah air that causes me to smile today.” His smile faded briefly while he asked, “How was your visit, darling?”

Feeling my stomach drop, I slowly nodded my head. “It was good. I needed to see Irene and Chester. I’ve missed them so.”

Following behind me, Devlin spoke. “I’m glad you went to see them, sweetheart. I know how much you love them.”

Walking into the parlor, I stripped my gloves off and placed them on the table. Reaching up, I let my hair down and watched as Devlin’s eyes lit up. “I think I shall soak in a hot bath.”

Devlin’s mouth parted open as he nodded his head. “It would relax you before the ball, that is most certain.”

Walking over toward, Devlin, I gave him a naughty grin. “I know something else that would relax me.”

Leaning against the piano, Devlin raised an eyebrow. “What naughty thoughts are running through my wife’s mind right now?”

Slowly licking my lips, I stopped in front of him. His chest was moving up and down and I could hear his breathing increase. He pretended to not be affected, but I knew better.

“Mr. Covington, I think you should join me in the bath.”

Closing his eyes, Devlin let out a moan.

Taking a step closer, I pushed my body against his, feeling his hard cock pressing into my stomach. My heartbeat increased and I was not sure how Devlin would react to the news I was about to share. I knew he would make an incredible father. It was evident with how much he loved Annie and was so good to her. Swallowing, I slowly breathed in as I took in the smell from his toilettes. “Then after our bath, I think you should make love to me all afternoon to celebrate.”

Devlin’s eyes danced with desire and lust. His voice cracked as he asked, “Celebrate what, my dear, Sophia? How you bewitch me with your eyes, your voice, and your breathtakingly beautiful body?”

Wiggling my eyebrows up and down, I said, “Hmm, your words will get you extra attention this afternoon, Devlin.” Moaning, Devlin’s eyes rolled back in his head and my body came to life. “But no, that is not why we celebrate.”

Laughing, Devlin asked, “Why do we celebrate then my love?”

Casting my brown eyes upon his, I whispered, “I’m with child, Devlin.”

For a brief moment, he seemed confused. Then the knowledge of my words spread across his face. “Sophia, you have made me the happiest man in the state of Georgia.”

Reaching down he picked me up and carried me to our bedchambers, where he placed me gently on the bed and spent the rest of the afternoon showing me just how happy he was.

“Mother, she is weak. I’m frightened for her and for the baby. With the epidemic sweeping through Charleston, I worry it will be in Savannah as well.”

Devlin’s mother peeked over to me as I placed my hands on my stomach. I was almost nine months pregnant and I would not deny that I was tired. “I’m not weak, Devlin. I’m tired. You carry around this baby and tell me how you would feel.”

Devlin’s frown vanished as he walked over to me. Leaning down he kissed me … passionately. Pulling back he said, “I’m glad we came back to Savannah. I feel better knowing the doctor is close by.”