Page 35 of Alessandra (Chisholm Manor #1)

After waking and breakfasting the next day, Alessandra looked at Edward across the dining table and spoke, breaking him out of deep thoughts.

"Edward, if this is to be the last day you and I have completely alone for a long while, would you be upset at the idea of us not going anywhere today? I would very much like to just be with you, without any restrictions or plans," she said tentatively.

He looked closely at her before responding.

"Are you well, Alessandra? You do look pale."

"Oh, yes, I am well, however I do not feel like being around people today," she replied.

"I just want to be with you."

Edward nodded, took her hand in his, and stood up to leave.

"Come then, my lovely wife.

Let us return to our room and relax," he said quietly in an effort to keep her calm.

"Relax?" she asked in her teasing manner, making him laugh at her attempt to get him heated again.

Through the day, they lay around on the bed, and had meals delivered to their room when they desired to eat.

For the whole day, Alessandra felt like they were in their own little universe that no-one else could touch.

As she lay back on the bed, even though there was no large physical bump yet to indicate her being pregnant, Edward gently caressed her belly.

It was a small movement, but soothing to her.

When he started to talk to the little life inside of her, she giggled.

"There is no harm in telling him early on about the world, my love," Edward said with a humorous tone to his voice, as he raised his head from her belly.

"Him? Oh, I see you already know that this is a boy," she teased him back.

"No," Edward said.

"I know people always say boys are more important as heirs, but all I want is for you to be safe and well, no matter whether we have a daughter or a son."

They both lay quiet, thinking about life to come.