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With a stretch of his arm he managed to draw her in closer. The curves of her body warmed his flesh with the increased contact. Energy full of promise and perhaps something deeper than had been present before found it’s way in his thoughts. He shifted just enough to press the caress of a fleeting kiss over her cheek as soon as he was close enough. He breathed in slow and deep with the intimacy of moment and held the scent of her as he knew her. A dark, silk ribbon of her hair found his shoulder and he briefly lifted it to be sure he didn’t trap it beneath in any future movement.

“I am ready right now. Tomorrow? Next month? Pick a date and it shall be.” His words were gentle and rich with the truth he was known for. There was no doubt or question. He had been committed longer than perhaps he was prepared to ever admit until he produced a ring shaped with his own hands and the fire they created. But the one who would be having his full consideration on the topic was the lioness forming beside him. “All I ask that we have it here surrounded by family and friends that wish to attend if you are open to that?” His fingers caressed lazy patterns over the rising swell of her bare hip while his mossy orbs fixed on her own. “And living space is always abundant and accommodating here. von der Marck children have been present before and thrived within these centuries old walls. They shall again. Our blood and spirit runs deepest here. I want this to be where our child draws its first breath just as I did and will eventually draw my last.”

The blissfully happy Keeper’s statement was so solid it could be carved in stone and preserved the centuries to come. It did not mean he was not taking into account that Leonie had lived in far more comfortable surroundings while away from the manor. It was not unreasonable if she felt some of that would be what she desired as her condition progressed. Future and unforeseen compromises may need to happen and he would do so if that becomes the case. She would know this too as their time together grew with their unborn child.

“If your desires change with time just let me know. Whatever you need I will do my best to make it happen. As for here, a pool in the living room can happen.” His eyes dipped to the path of his moving fingers. “I can turn this room into an impenetrable enchanted nursery. If that is not enough I will chase the moon and lasso the stars to stand guard if need be over a cradle fit for the future center of our shared world. As for us, M’lady, I can build a set of poolside bunk beds fashioned out of von der Marck woods for our sleepless nights if you wish. Of course you will rest peacefully on top and I below to be battle ready for whatever dares to challenge the honor or sanctity of your reign within these four modest walls.” The casual wink of his eye was playful but not the kiss to her lips. A world of promise was behind it and she would know this. “Foremost, I do suggest telling the family soon. There is nothing to hide. Not sharing the joy would be selfish. Perhaps we should pick the date and offer that with the announcement of us expecting?”

In the silence between them so much was spinning in his mind. The thoughts that naturally came were fitting for the moment at hand. The sounds of laughter,well wishes and even the hush to surprised whispers. Sweet melodies and a few welcome tears perhaps would come as well. A lingering ache surfaced for those who would not be physically present but subsided with the awareness that where their bodies would be out of view they still would be there witnessing the moments to come. Those not truly gone or fogotten would know what was present between his body and hers. A life force growing with the blood of centuries of promise within its veins never stayed hidden for long. Certainly not a von der Marck.

“Then it is settled.” Mossy orbs held her as his hand found her face, cupping the hard line below her ear. The surface of his thumb traced the petal soft border of her lower lip. “We shall announce this before another night is spent.”

He breathed in and found her presence sinking into him through air, taste and of course the contact of hand to face. Even then, that close didn’t seem enough. Not when their lives were joined between them in flesh and bone within her. It left him wanting her even more. He understood her expressions and appreciated them for what they were. Perhaps even more than he thought possible now that they were to reveal what would be sooner than later.

“There is no reason to wait. We are the ones that are joining and making a commitment. It will be on our time. With consideration to verbal announcement to Alaric and family I see no reason we cannot move forward.”

Louvel felt no loss with Leonie’s preference of skipping the lengthy planning and detailed mass event a family wedding can be. Especially a family as large as the von der Marck’s. He wasn’t exactly the tux and silver spoon sort of guy. Generally his cousins tended to get after him until he suited up and even then checked in to make sure he left the hiking boots in the closet. The keeper cleaned up great so he had been told. He knew the difference between the salad and dinner fork as well as where to find them in the formal place setting. Unless someone managed to hide them or switch them up like they were known to do back in the days of cousins pranks and hijinks. Even then under unpredictable conditions he could get through it without standing out for the random good spirited challenges presented. But this was different. Far more intimate than celebrating another successful round up of relatives old and new.

“Those that want to join will be welcome to. Those that find reasons or commitments that cannot be shifted on short notice shall receive our understanding.” His eyes trailed his thumb as it finished the gentle tour of her chin which was followed by another kiss to the spot that was abandoned. “I will say that I doubt any paper, or words of acceptance in church or court could add any more certainty to what I already feel.” The warmth of his hand found her hip. The connection filled him with a calm and purpose he never quite knew of before. Wanting more of what felt that good his fingers splayed on her skin. His eyes witnessed the connection provided with the loving caress over the space between two strong generous curves settling where a new life was safely cradled. “We are joined. No laws or man can change that or come between it.” His lips paused a breath away from hers. "You are the keeper of my heart, Lioness."