Anna Stafford's bedchamber

I sigh and bit my lip again.

Perhaps I should rest a bit. Thes days have been rather stressful and tiring!

"Charles nodded while removing slowly his arm around her shoulders"

Yes...I think you should, in your conditions. You should sleep...

"He answered, caressing softly her cheek"

I smile as I look up at him.

Perhaps we can soon have a family meal. Would you like that?

"He stood up and looked smiling at her"

It would be lovely. Maybe...tomorrow evening?

"He suggested, playing with her curls"

Smiling as he plays with my curls, I nod my head and caress his cheek.

Tomorrow night is wonderful, darling. The children will be pleased to see you and to dine all together.

I sigh as close my eyes for a moment, feeling emotional about this bittersweet moment.

"Charles smiled and leaned on her. He kissed tenderly her forehead"

It's better for you to sleep, darling. It's necessary you to be calm for our child's health. And please...see a midwife as soon as you can. I'll come back tomorrow for our dinner...

"He said with a tender smile, looking at her tired face"

I smile at him, eyes filling with tears at his kindness to me. I nod in agreement.

Yes, Charles....I will see her soon. I promise i shall care for our unborn child.

I take his hand and place it gently on my stomach.

"Charles sighed deeply as she put his hand on Anna's stomach. Even if he already had children, he felt a big emotion inside him. It was his new child. He smiled and caressed gently her stomach. Then reached her lips with his and walked towards the door, leaving silently her room"

"After preparing himself carefully and wore his best clothes, Charles reached Anna's chambers for the family's dinner. He was anxious to see all his four children together. He knocked impatiently at her door"

Anna...may I come in?

I smile as I instruct the children to greet their father. I fix my hair and smooth down my gown as the servant opens the door. I smile and curtsy to him theen walk to him to greet him.

Charles, I am pleased you could make it!

I watch as the children politely greet their father by bowing or curtsying.

"Charles entered in the room after the servant opened the door. He smiled warmly at Anna, who looked beautiful in her elegant gown. He saw little Jane running towards him and he took her in his arms. She was two years old and she could already walk"

Jane...my little princess. I missed you so much...

"While he was greeting Jane, Charlie approached him opening his arms. He was already 15 years old, now. "Father...". He hugged him tightly"

Charlie! Let me look at you...you're almost a man, now!

"Charles patted softly his shoulder while smiling, and turned his eyes towards the twins. They were 13 yearld old. Edward and Catalina bowed at him"

Edward, Catalina...come next to me! I want to hug you tightly too...

"He exclaimed smiling, still holding Jane in his arms"

I smile widely as i watch Charles and the children reunit. Jane happily babbles while in his arms, happy to see her father. This moment is most precious to me. We are all together, a family. I walk over to Charles and kiss his cheek and smile at him and Jane.

Darling, the children have missed you so. And....so have I!!

"Charles let Anna kissing his cheek and smiled joyfully"

It's wonderful for me staying all together. Having all my children next to me. You're beautiful, Anna...

"He added whispering, while caressing softly Catalina's hairs"

I smile softly as he tells me I am beautiful. I caress his cheek as i whisoer back.

Thank you, darling! And you are handsome as always.

I then turn my head to my children[i]

Shall we dine? You must be all hungry by now! We have a delicious meal prepared specially for us.

"Charles nodded while smiling and walked towards table with little Jane in his arms. He made her sit on the chair with a kiss on her cheek, and he sat next to her. He saw Charlie, Edward and Catalina around the same table too. He smiled with joy"

It's...a big emotion for me having you all at the same table, my children. I love you all. And you're a wonderful mother, Anna...

"He said proudly, patting softly Edward's shoulder"

My eyes fill with tears as I see the joy in his eyes, to be reunited with all his children. I know he loves them dearly. I touch his hand , smiling at his words as the servants begin to serve our dinner.

And we all love you too, darling! You are an amazing father!

"Charles smiled and squeezed softly Anna's hand"

Do you think...it's time to give them the news, darling?

"He asked whispering, glancing at her belly"

i smile uneasily and nod softly as i squeeze his hand, afraid of the children's reaction.

Yes, darling! Will you do the honors?

"Charles nodded and turned smiling to them"

Ehm...my beloved children, your mother and I have an important thing to tell you. Very soon...you'll have a new brother or sister...

"He finally said, noticing their surprised face"

i smile as I see the look of shock on their faces. Jane is indifferent, being still a baby herself but I worry as i know catalina had difficulty accepting Jane. I look at Charles then them again.

Tis a surprise, children but a splendid one nonetheless and we love all you the same. The new baby will not take any time or attention from any of you!

I take a deep breath as the room remains silent.

"Charles noticed that children remained speechless. Then he smiled warmly at them"

It's true, my children. Nothing will change. Your mother and I love deeply each of you. I'm sure you'll love the new baby when it will be born...

"He said with a reassuring smile, looking especially at Catalina"

"Charles smiled at Anna and kept on eating his meal. He then turned to Charlie, his eldest son"

Your teacher wrote to me many good things about you, my son. I want you to know that I'm proud of you. I'm proud of all of you...

"He added, looking at his brother and sisters"