Page 40 of Destiny Reclaimed
Chapter Eleven
Gwen woke to find thespot next to her on the bed empty. The indentation on Jack’s pillow was still there, but the area was cool to the touch. Her heart sank a little. How could he, on their four-week anniversary, not have her wrapped in his arms when she woke?
Looking at the clock, she knew how. It was 10:00 a.m., way past his usual wake time, and hers on mornings where she hadn’t pulled a double shift the day before. Thankfully, she didn’t work many doubles, but she did when asked. Yesterday though had been a struggle. She was so unbelievably fatigued. She giggled, though she and her spouse went to bed early most nights, they didn’t get much sleep.
Reaching over, she snagged her husband’s pillow and pulled it to her body, burying her nose in the soft material as she took in the leathery aroma—Jack’s tantalizing scent. She’d rather be taking in that sexy scent from him directly, but the cozy warmth of the covers had her pinned into place rather than sliding out and seeking him. Maybe with any luck, he’d come up to check on her. If he did, he wouldn’t be getting out of this room any time too soon that was for sure.
She inhaled a long breath, released the pillow, and swung her weary legs over the side of the bed, slipping her feet into her fluffy slippers to avoid the cool wood floor. In the same motion, she rose to her feet, causing a rush of lightheadedness followed by a hint of nausea. Reaching out, she grabbed hold of the edge of her chest of drawers to steady herself. After a few calming breaths, her head and stomach straightened out.
Gwen eyed her naked body in the full-length mirror on the back of the bedroom door. She focused on her stomach, then rose to her aching breasts that already looked fuller and felt heavier. She winced, yet smiled when the silky material of her bra pressed against her tender nipples as she slid it on. It was the same reaction when she pulled her shirt over her head.
This time, she was positive Jack had planted his seed. There were too many noticeable changes to her body and mood for her period to simply be late again. Plus, this time she was twelve days late as opposed to a day late the month before.
Splaying her hand over her stomach, Gwen wondered if her husband had a clue. She giggled, probably not, and she couldn’t wait to tell him. All she needed was the perfect moment.
After she finished dressing, she headed downstairs to find her mother-in-law in the kitchen, kneading bread on the counter.
“Morning. Did you sleep well?” Ruth asked.
“Yes, thank you,” she replied as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
“There’s some blueberry muffins on the table if you’d like some.”
She nodded and snatched one off the plate. Gwen swung her gaze around the kitchen. She loved it here. At first, she thought it would be odd to move in with her in-laws, but honestly, she enjoyed it, and absolutely loved the big, stone house. She supposed the size made it easier for her and Jack as newlyweds. If they’d moved into her parents’ home, they’d be stepping all over each other.
“I think Jack and his dad are in the study playing with the train. It’s like they’re kids again,” Ruth said with a giggle.
“Can I help you with anything?”
“No, I’m almost done. Do you and Jack have any plans for your day off?”
“No, not really. It’s too chilly to do anything fun outside.”
Her mother-in-law nodded.
“Maybe we’ll go see a movie or something tonight. Get out of your hair.”
The kind woman smiled, turned and placed the dough into two bread pans, then popped them into the oven and set the timer.
Gwen snagged another muffin off the plate. The first seemed to help settle her stomach. Instinctively, she placed her hand over her belly and looked at it for a moment before she realized what she’d done in front of her mother-in-law. This good news was not something she intended to share yet. In this very moment, she had everything she’d ever asked God for. The love of a husband, and a family on the way. She dropped her hand to the side, but caught Ruth staring at her stomach. The woman’s curious gaze met hers.
A knock sounded on the door, breaking Ruth from the inquisitive attention she’d placed on her.
She heard footsteps coming down the hall, then they stopped, and the front door creaked open.
