Chapter Nine

Diana placed her hand on her swelled belly, feeling the baby move and kick vigorously. Smiling, she turned her attention back to the freezer of frozen goods. Staring at it for a moment Diana decided on corn and pulled a bag off the shelve and tossed it into the cart. Ace giggled as he kicked playfully in the front of the cart. "Having fun little man?" Diana said, tousling his curly brown hair. She was amazed at how quickly he was growing. Eighteen month old Acelin was looking more and more like his daddy every day, with his dark, curly, brown hair and hazel eyes. He was handsome just like Sidney and every time she looked at him, Diana could feel a flutter of butterflies in her stomach.

She was so proud of her family. Everything she'd ever wanted or dreamed of was right there. Sid was the love of her life and every day she loved him even more then the day before. Acelin was a gift that she was so thankful to have been given. He was strong, healthy and handsome; the best son any mother could ask for. Walking down the grocery store isle, Diana felt the baby kick again. Her due date was getting closer, and she was anxious to finally be able to see her baby.

"Mama, can we get fruit loops?" Ace asked as they turned into the cereal isle.

"I guess we can buy a box of them today." Diana smiled at her son, as she grabbed the box of fruit loops off the shelf. Just then her phone went off. Tossing the box of cereal into the cart, she reached into her purse. It was Sid.

"Hello love."

Sid's voice was soft and gentle on the other end of the line. " Hi beautiful, how are you feeling?"

"I'm alright, just grocery shopping right now. How are you? What time is your flight?" Diana asked, leaning against the cart.

"I'm good. Anxious to get home to you and the little man. Our flight leaves at 11:45, so I'll be home late."

Diana sighed and continued down the isle, pushing the cart. "Okay, Ace will be disappointed but oh well. Please wake me when you get in though okay honey?"

"I will, I promise love.  Je t'aime mon ange!" Sidney said gently.

"Je t'aime trop, Sid." Diana placed the phone back in her purse and looked at her son. "Daddy won't be home until after you're in bed. Sorry buddy, I know you really wanted to see him."

Ace looked at his mommy with a frown. "That's okay Mama."

When they finished shopping, they left the store and Diana started putting the groceries in the Rover. She smiled at Ace as she buckled him into his car seat. Handing him his snack, she closed the door and climbed in behind the wheel. Her belly had grown so big, that she had to have the steering wheel higher then usual. On the way home, Ace sang along to the radio and Diana laughed as she watched him in the rear view mirror.

After putting the groceries away and figuring out what to make for dinner, Diana settled down on the couch and turned on the T.V. Soon she was fast asleep. Ace quietly pulled the throw blanket over her and kissed her cheek.

"Sweet Dweams, Mama." He whispered, then went and played quietly in his room.

Diana awoke with a start a few hours later. Sitting up she wondered how long she'd been asleep. Slowly she got up and walked toward Ace's room to see what her son was up to. Opening the door, she found Ace fast asleep on the floor clutching his stuffed penguin. She smiled and quietly shut the door. She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of orange juice. Glancing at the clock, she decided to start dinner. On days like this, when Sid was away it seemed almost pointless to make dinner. She longed for him to be at home every evening with her and Ace, sitting at the table eating and laughing together.

Of course, she had known the sacrifices she would have to make long before they married. It had been no surprise to her, yet it was still difficult to take. Even after all these years, it still hurt for him to be gone. Diana was so deep in her thoughts that she didn't hear Ace come in and sit on a chair. He watched her silently for a few minutes, before his little voice brought her back to reality.

"Whatcha thinkin' Mama?" He asked softly, his legs swinging over the edge of the chair.

Diana turned and smiled, "Oh, I was just thinking about your Daddy is all."

Ace sat quietly for a moment, then jumped up and threw his arms around his mommy. " I wish he was already home, Mama. I miss him!"

Leaning slightly to hug him back, Diana kissed the top of his head. " I know honey, I miss him too. But he'll be home before you know it!" It seemed like a long way off to her, but she said nothing.

The best thing to do, was to keep Acelin distracted. Diana tried her best to keep his mind off the fact that Sidney was away. It was just as tough on the little guy as it was on her. She was grateful that she had Acelin to keep her company while Sid was gone. Diana didn't know what she'd do without her little boy.

Later that evening, after dinner was done and the kitchen cleaned, Diana and Ace cuddled together on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and watched a movie. How she loved those precious moments with her son. Just the two of them, spending time together and strengthening the bond between mother and child. Diana felt blessed to have such a smart, beautiful son and couldn't wait to hold their second child in her arms. While they watched their movie, they laughed and played. Acelin laid his head on his mommy's tummy to listen to the baby. The baby kicking in response to Ace's voice.

"I think she knows it's me Mama." Ace said looking up at Diana, his eyes shining with excitement.

"You know what? I think you're right!" She replied, smiling and running her fingers through his curly brown hair.

Ace pursed his lips together, as though he was pondering something. " Ya know what Mama? I think it's a girl."

Diana smiled, "You think so huh? Well you might be right! I guess we'll find out soon enough." She kissed his head as he layed against her, putting his hands on her belly so he could feel the baby moving.

Late that night, Diana was awakened by a gentle hand on her shoulder. Opening her eyes, she looked up into her husband's beautiful eyes looking down at her. She smiled, as she sat up and turned to him.

"Hello my darling. I'm home." Sid said softly, smiling as he kissed his wife.

"I'm glad! I missed you, my love." Diana's arms wrapped around his neck, her lips smothering his face with kisses.

Gently she pushed him onto his back. She then climbed on top of him, her legs on either side of his hips. Sid looked up at her smiling, his hands pulling her gown up over her head. He slid his fingers gently down her arms, then across her swelled belly. Diana leaned forward, her mouth hungrily capturing his.

After getting undressed, they lay there kissing softly. " I love you Diana." Sid whispered against her neck, as his lips grazed her skin.

As they made love, Diana moaned, how much she loved him softly into his ear. Then they lay close together, Diana curling her body into his.