The house is almost finished, and we love it. It replaces the timeless farmhouse with a modern house, suitable for a large family. It has five bedrooms, a parent’s wing, a huge open plan family area, along with a formal lounge and dining room. It’s going to be amazing when it’s finished. I’ve decided to sell my house in town. We won’t need both and it looks like Sarah and Micah may be interested in buying it. That would be a great outcome. They get to stay out here with us and we can stay in town with them anytime. I’ve taken a step back from the shop temporarily. Sarah manages it fine on her own and right now I need to concentrate on Milly and my new life with her father. I’m loving spending time with them both and I thank God every day for my freedom to be able to do it. My old life of jet-setting around the world seems like a dream now and I know I’m much happier now than I ever was when modelling.

“Can we have a picnic Haven?” Milly asks whilst I’m driving out to the farm for the day.

“A picnic? We’d have to go back into town to get some food, but I suppose we could. Let’s see what Dad is up to, ok? If he’s not busy then I don’t see why not.” I say as the new house comes into view. It’s at the lockup stage, most of the hard work has been done. Just needs the fit out inside now.

As I pull up alongside I see the electricians have arrived, along with the cabinet makers for the kitchen. I’m excited to see my new kitchen. It’ll be the hub of the house and I can’t wait to use it. I love cooking and Dalton does too so we had specific plans for it. We both wanted a large stove and refrigerator and a walk in pantry. Our kids will be teenagers later on and will need a lot of food. A large preparation area is a must also because I like to bake my own bread and pastries. Dalton and Milly love to eat them so I enjoy treating them. My long term plan is to be as self-sufficient as possible. A vegie garden out back, fruit trees. Milly has a dozen chickens that she loves to feed and care for so we always have fresh eggs. The less we have to buy the better it is for us. I want totally organic food as much as possible. Thank goodness Dalton’s happy for me to oversee the house build and add to the garden, so we can have what we want.

Turns out Dalton has time for lunch, so I slip into town to grab some supplies and return to find them both up on the small hill behind the house. It has a view over the valley and is a great place for a picnic.

“Hi” I say breathlessly as I sit beside him.

“Hey” He says, leaning in for a kiss. “Mmmm, you smell like choc chip biccies.”

“I had one!” I say, feeling guilty. “They smelt soooo good.”

“Uh huh.” He replies, taking another kiss. “What did you get us for lunch Babe?”

“Subway.”

“Oh yum. My favourite.” Milly says, leaning in to grab a sandwich.

“I got you your favourite Missy.” I tell her handing her a wrapped sandwich. “And yours” I say, handing Dalton his.

“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” he says, landing a kiss on my forehead.

“Yes, but feel free to tell me again anytime.” I reply with a broad smile.

“Oh don’t you worry about that. I’ll be happy to prove it to you tonight.”

“Ooooh I can’t wait.” I say happily.

The house is finally finished and it’s move in day. Dalton arranged for the furniture to be transported from the house in town to the farm. We left a lot of the furniture for Sarah and Micah, which they appreciated.

Our first night in the house and we’re exhausted. We’ve both worked extremely hard today, especially Dalton, who was up before dawn to get some seeding done. Doesn’t seem months ago that we started building the house, but I’m happy it’s complete at last. It’ll be nice to sleep in our own bedroom for a change. Milly has already given the house her seal of approval. She loves it and has been happily playing for hours now.

After dinner I give her a bath and put her to bed, anxious to spend the rest of the night in my new bedroom with my husband.

He falls into bed after a shower to wash off his long day and reminds me of our deal about starting a family. I’ve already seen how excited he is about working on a new addition to our small family, so we spend most of the night trying to make it happen. Even though we’re both tired, I need him as much as he needs me. and our lovemaking is our way of deepening our connection. Nobody makes me feel as alive as he can. Nobody knows my body like he does. Nobody has ever taken me to the heights that he has, and nobody ever will. He explores and satisfies me like no-one ever has, and I adore him for it. The intimacy we share is not just about sex. It’s the connection we have that’s more than physical. He proves to me every day that I’m his world, as I try to do the same for him...and Amelia.

The next morning, I’m up at sunup with Dalton. He has a long day ahead of him on very little sleep, so I make him a quick breakfast, and after he leaves I sit and enjoy the solitude. Milly will be up any moment so I watch the sun come over the hill and take in the beauty surrounding us. I love this house, this farm, this child and this man. I can’t imagine my life without them. I don’t ever want to. Without Dalton and Milly, I’m nothing. They give me a reason to get out of bed every day and put one foot in front of the other. Milly is adorable and I love her like my own. I’d do anything for my man and my child.

“Hey Baby Girl” I say as she sleepily wanders out rubbing her eyes. “How did you sleep in your new room?

“Good” she replies, sitting up at the table, ready for breakfast.

I walk over and give her a kiss on her messy hair, loving how she smells so wonderful. “What do you want for breakfast today? We can have whatever you want.”

“Ummmm.” She says, thinking for a moment. “Pancakes. With chocolate sauce and sprinkles.”

Moving to the fridge, I get out the ingredients and start preparing our feast.

“Pancakes for my Princess.” I say, as I present her with a small plate containing more food than she’ll ever eat. There are strawberries, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, a small sliced banana and a dollop of cream. This is not a typical breakfast, but we’re celebrating our first day in our new home so anything goes today.

“How about we take some of these up to Daddy after we’ve finished ours?” I say around a mouthful.

“Mmmmhmmm” she replies with a nod.

We find Dalton in a large paddock and wait at the gate till he notices us. He jumps down from the tractor and strides towards us with a smile.

“What are my two favourite girls doing out here huh?” he says, swinging Milly up into his arms.

“We bought you pancakes Daddy.” She tells him with a laugh, as he leans in for a kiss.

“Pancakes huh? How can I say no to that? How did you know that they’re my most favourite thing to eat?”

“I knewed Daddy. Haven cooked them...but I helped her!”

Laying out a picnic blanket we sit and watch him devour the pancakes as if it’s his last meal. “Hungry much?!” I say on a laugh.

“Mmmhumm” He replies with a nod and a smile.

God I love this man. My life couldn’t be any more perfect right now. The sun’s out. The air is clear. The only sounds are the crows in the distance and I’m here with the loves of my life.

Perfect.

As we drive into town later I start feeling a bit queasy but put it down to eating too many pancakes. By the time we make it to Dalton’s parent’s house I barely make it to the bathroom before I lose my breakfast. I HATE throwing up. Detest it. I didn’t think I ate that many, but I must have. Milly seems fine as I wander out slowly, apologising to my in-laws.

“Don’t worry. I had severe morning sickness with Dalton, so I know how you feel.” His mother says as she hands me a glass of cool water.

My shocked expression causes her to look at me closely. “You didn’t know?” She asks quietly.

“No. I can’t be. I think I ate too many pancakes.”

“Really?” she says, raising an eyebrow in doubt.

“No. No...No. It can’t be that. It must have been the pancakes.” I tell her, quickly trying to remember the date of my last period. I can’t, so I begin to panic. My breathing rate picks up and the colour drains from my face. I reach behind me for the chair I know is there and sit hard, shaking my head in denial. “No.” I whisper. “No. I can’t be.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll get used to the idea quickly. ‘Fraid you have no choice. Babies happen when they happen. I thought you were pregnant when I saw you the other day but this confirms it.”

“No. I can’t be.” I say, wracking my brain trying to pin down a date. I can’t. Consulting my phone calendar, I realise it’s been more than two months. How could I not have noticed that?

Two months?

“Oh geez.” I say quietly, realization finally dawning on me.

Pregnant.

How could I be pregnant and not know about it?

I need to get to the supermarket and get a pregnancy test on my way home. Till I get the results I’ll stay in denial.

Leaving Milly with her grandparents, I drive slowly into town, my brain on overload right now. I need to find out one way or the other before I tell Dalton about today’s nausea. Being pregnant never crossed my mind till Dalton’s mum mentioned it.

I’ve had no other signs.

No morning sickness before today.

No mad cravings for pickles and ice-cream.

No tender or swollen boobs.

Nothing.

Not till today.

As soon as I get home I grab the paper bag containing the pregnancy test and resolutely stride to the bathroom.

I nibble my fingernail anxiously as I wait for the result. When the word Pregnant appears, I nearly lose my breakfast again.

Not sure if I’m ready for this, I pace the house trying to calm myself before Dalton gets home.

I keep myself occupied cooking dinner and cleaning Milly’s bedroom. She’s very tidy for a child, but I strip her bed linens and put them out to wash and remake her bed.

As I turn to leave the room I find it blocked by a large male body.

My male.

My husband.

He fills the doorway with his broad shoulders as he stands studying me intently.

“C’mere.” He says softly, opening his arms.

“Dalton.” I say, as I fly into them, needing the comfort of his big body. I know that he’ll be over the moon with the news, but I’m still coming to terms with it. I’m not sure if I want to tell him right now or wait until I’m on board with the news also.

“I’m pregnant.” I say, wrapping my arms around him tightly and wonder where that sentence came from. So much for not saying anything yet.

I feel his breath hitch as I lay my face against his chest. “Well, hello to you too.” He says and I can hear the smirk in his voice without looking at him.

“Dalton, I’m sorry. I had no idea till today. I did a test and it came up positive.”

Lifting my face and locking eyes, he doesn’t talk for a minute or two and I begin to dread what he’s going to say.

“Are you certain?” he asks quietly.

I nod my head slowly, my gaze still locked with his.

“I’m really gonna be a Dad again? No kidding?” He asks in surprise, his grin widening.

“No kidding.”

“Wow. I can’t believe it.” He says, swinging me up into his arms and carrying me out to the lounge room. “I’m gonna be a Dad.”

“Uh huh” I nod seriously, happy that he’s taking the news so well. I was worried that he might think it’s too soon. We’ve only been married a few months, after all.

My heart is about to burst as I realize that despite my initial misgivings, I’m as elated as he is about giving Amelia a baby brother or sister.

“Are you okay with this? You don’t look really happy. If anything you have that worried look that I hate seeing. Talk to me Babe.”

“I think I’m just getting used to the idea. It was a bit of a shock, that’s all.” I give him a small smile, but it doesn’t fool him.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours? Aren’t you happy about it? Are you sick? What’s wrong?”

I take a minute before answering, hoping my words satisfy him. “I’m fine really. I had to throw up at your parent’s house this morning and straight away your mum told me I was pregnant. How did she know that? Is it a mum thing? Besides that, I feel fine. I’m still getting used to the idea, that’s all. Give me some time and I’ll be as happy as you are.” I tell him running my finger down the side of his face.

“Darn right I’m happy. I’m fuckin’ over the moon. You have no idea. Milly’s gonna be ecstatic about this too.” He leans down and kisses me passionately. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”

“Umm. Not today. No” I say with a wide smile.

“I bloody love you to eternity and beyond. In every minute of every day in this life and every life afterwards as well. You’ve made me the happiest bloke on earth. In fact, if you weren’t pregnant I’d break out the Moet champagne.”

“Oh I love Moet. Shit, this means nine months with no alcohol. Didn’t really think this through, did I?”

His loud laughter fills the room. “You’ll cope. I’ll even join you if it’ll make you feel better. No booze for me for the next nine months. Wait. What date will that be? It’s October now, so that means if you’re two months pregnant, then we’ll have our son about May next year?”

“Our son huh?” I ask raising an eyebrow and a grin splitting my face. “You sound pretty sure about that.”

“I know it. It’s gonna be a boy. God wouldn’t give me a house full of females. We need some balance here.” He says, peppering kisses all over my face.

I raise my face to meet his as I absorb the happiness emanating from him. I hope for his sake this baby is a boy. Though another girl would be wonderful too.

“I get to set up a nursery.” I say. “I’ve never done that before.”

A grin’s fixed on his face and nothing can remove it. “I’ll even make you a cot. I saw a design in a magazine and want to have a go at making it. This is a good reason. I’ll even leave it white until we know what sex the baby is.”

“I’m still stunned. I had no idea when I woke up this morning that our world was gonna change today. It’s kinda surreal.”

Leaning in for another kiss, he says quietly. “I can’t wait to see you round with our baby. I promise I’ll help as much as I can. Whatever you need. You just tell me.”

“This is gonna hurt isn’t it.?” I ask, screwing up my face. He laughs at my expression.

“Not for a long while yet. Believe me, by the time it happens, you won’t care how much it hurts.”

“Wanna bet?” I say with a laugh. Only a man would say that about childbirth. “I think we should wait to tell Milly. Make sure that it’s safe first.”

“Okay. We’ll hold off for a little while. That’s the smart thing to do. We’ll wait till you reach three months before we say anything to her. My mum and dad already know so now we have to tell yours too.”

“We could invite them over for dinner tomorrow night. Wait till Milly goes to bed and then tell them.”

“Good thinking. We’ll do that but I’ll cook and you’ll rest. I don’t want you doing any unnecessary work. Just take it easy for a while.”

As expected Mum and Dad are over the moon at the news. They adore Milly and can’t wait for more grandchildren. Dalton takes Dad out to the new shed to show him the plans for the cot. I’m not allowed to see it till it’s finished but that’s gonna be hard. I’m already busting to see what he plans to do. I always figured that when the time came we’d just order some online furniture and be happy with that. After seeing what Dalton did for the shop counter, I’m looking forward to seeing what he has in mind for this project.