Ian froze.
His mind raced, spiralling in shock and then disbelieve, wonder and then something close to joy. All sounds around him faded into a distant but her breaths only. He removed his hand hesitantly, trying to make sense of what Shelby had said.
It took a short moment before understanding dawned on him and in just a few moments, a slow smile spread across his haggard face.
"Do you mean it? Really?"
'Is my Elfin really carrying my child?'
Shelby lay there in all her naked glory, smiling at him as she nodded,
"Yes."
Ian couldn't contain his excitement. His heart soared. A baby! Their baby! A little being, untouched by all the uncertainties and ugliness of the world! … maybe with her smile? And his eyes…. No, hers was better…. maybe his decisiveness and stubbornness could be inherited by it?
