Broken

.42.

"Alright then." He scooped me up into my arms quickly and I gave a small cry of surprise.

"Put me down!" I still had my ability to walk and I would continue doing so until it became apparent that I couldn't.

"I am taking you downstairs. The guests will all be ready to leave by the time you finally make it down them yourself." At the teasing joke I tapped his cheek lightly in reprimand. He chuckled and carried me down the stairs regardless of my protests. He was a large protective pest. I huffed as he set me on the couch before crouching in front of me. "Are you going to pout?" He gave me a half grin that bunched up his scar and almost made me melt but I crossed my arms over my chest and looked away from him.

"Liviya, there is no need for this." He grasped my hand, amusement coating his tone as he kissed it softly. I humphed and pointedly looked away from him. "Just because you are mad it does not mean you do not love me." He kissed the back of my hand again and I fought to keep my expression from softening. He stood up and kissed my cheek, grasping my chin to pull my face towards his when the doorbell rang. He let out a small huff of irritation before giving me a quick peck on the side of my mouth.

He left to go answer the door and I couldn't help but gaze after him, a small smile tugging up the corners of my mouth. He was such a handsome man. I was happy in my life. I truly was. I could gripe and complain and feel anxious about what I was going through but with Rhex by my side it made it all worth it. Even when our daughter kicked me hard enough to make me lose my breath because each twinge of pain, each bruise, reminded me that I was carrying a bit of both of us within me, a miracle for the Orrian species.

"Rexy!" Bruce's jovial voice filled the entry way and he came around the corner, a wide grin splitting his face. "Lovely to see you, darlin'. Look at you!" He moved over, pressing his hands to my belly in welcome. "Oh she is getting big!" He smiled at me, his shaggy hair falling into his face as he gave my stomach and affectionate pat. "I can't wait for Ami'la to get this big." There was a twinkle in his eyes and I gasped.

"She's pregnant?" The happy excitement boiled over in my veins and I smiled broadly as he nodded.

"She is. We found out last week. Two months along." His grin was a proud one as both Ami'la and Rhex came into the living room.

"Congratulations to you both." Rhex slapped Bruce's shoulder and I opened my arms for Ami'la as I tried to make my way off the couch. She grasped my forearms and pressed her cheek to mine before she embraced me tightly. I held her back as tightly as I could. This was amazing news and when she pulled back there were tears in her eyes.

I touched her currently flat stomach with a large smile. "There is a baby in there." I looked up at her and she looked half a breath away from crying.

"This- I just-" She pressed her face into my shoulder, her own shaking with emotion.

Bruce made a slight face and grasped her gently. "Oh, love." He gathered her into his arms and I heaved myself off the couch to stand beside Rhex to give them some privacy. There was a heavy banging on the door and I moved towards the front door. Rhex hovered behind me and I waved him off as I pulled the door open.

"Surprise!" Nadila gave me a wide grin and threw up her arms. My mouth dropped open in shock as I stared at her.

"Nadila!" The last time I had seen her, she was being sent back to Oria and while I had been able to talk with her she never told me she was coming back.

She laughed and gave me a quick kiss to my cheek. "Close your mouth, you will swallow a fly." She kissed my cheek once more as she lifted my jaw, helping me close it.

"I can't believe you are here." I was stunned. She was supposed to still be in Oria. I couldn't believe she would trick me like that. I paused for a moment, I totally believed she would trick me like that.