Recent Posts

"Please, Oliver, we both know that is not true!"

Some women reject praise only to be praised again, to feed their vanity or insecurity. But to Oliver, Yassia was simply, although absurdly to him, being honestly modest. The lady doesn't know exactly how beautiful she is and how she is affecting the people surrounding her. It only added more to her allure and the attraction that she holds to others. Yassia was definitely not the usual stuck up or spoiled royal brat. He had certainly heard both whispered and loudly expressed adoration for the princess from the servants and nobles alike. A great deal of jealous gossip from women in the noble circles had also reached his ears about the foreign princess merely playing with the hearts of both Mercian princes to her advantage. Oliver only laughed and dismissed these. What do you expect really? These noble women are feeling completely upstaged that a foreigner was getting all the attention after only a few weeks in the kingdom. Oliver was definitely not lying when he told Yassia that Mercia could learn a thing or two from her.

"Maybe you don't, but I certainly do," he replied, his voice warm and sincere as he turned to look her straight in the eye, letting her know that was not lip service at all. "Beauty is power, princess. You could certainly use that to your advantage," he added with a chuckle. Was he telling Yassia the secret to disarming Edmund? For what purpose really? Edmund is already enamored by her. Hell, she need not even pretty herself up. She only needed to sit there, listen to Edmund pour his heart out, and she'd only nod or say Yes to get what she needed. It certainly took a great deal of control for Oliver not to show any indication of what was going on inside his head that minute, so when Yassia brought up the subject of his mother, he immediately jumped into the wagon.

"She is a class of her own, my mother," Oliver replied with the obvious respect and love in his voice that a dear son could have for his beloved mother. "But may I be so bold to tell you that you are giving her a run for her money...the way you hold yourself in the Mercian court. My mother doesn't mind actually. She likes you." And that was understating it. Lady Adelaide adored Yassia so much she wished she had a daughter just like her. The queen had gushed about the princess during one of her visits to Oliver when he was still confined in his room after the sword incident with Edmund. Marcus had told the queen how an expert at healing the princess was and perhaps many other things about her. Of course, Lady Adelaide was no fool. It didn't take long for her to put the pieces together concerning her youngest son and the princess, and to connect it to the hunting stories Oliver had told her. Of course, Oliver had made her understand that Edmund needed and wanted Yassia, for the good of the kingdom. The queen only pursed her lips at him then.

"And this idea doesn't take your fancy?"

"It doesn't matter what I think. It is what is best for you and your people," he replied as stoically as he possibly could. Yes, it was the best for Yassia, nothing else should matter, especially not his feelings. Oliver then heaved a deep sigh, and then finally turned to face her. "If you need or want anything, anything at all, Yassia, you know you can always come to me. Despite and inspite of everything, I am your friend, and I am here for you." It was simply a confirmation, to assert himself again as her friend. He even dropped mentioning her title and address her by her first name to show her how sincere he was. But to Oliver, it sounded a lot like saying goodbye. As soon as he knocked on that door, he knew she will forever be lost to him. She will accept Edmund's proposal, and Oliver will be reduced to nothing but a hurting admirer, practically a nobody. Who was he fooling when he thought he had been preparing himself for this? To lose her like this, to Edmund, in favor of his duties and responsibilities as a son of Mercia, it was torture. Nothing can ever prepare him from losing Yassia forever.

And before he could change his mind and whisk Yassia away from the castle, Oliver knocked on Edmund's door.

"We have arrived, Your Grace."

Oliver, Duke of Richmond, looked up from the Game of Thrones ebook he was reading on his iPad when his assistant called his attention. He leaned closer to the window of the Jaguar XJ ride he was on, and smiled as he saw the all too familiar facade of his beloved alma mater. So many childhood and teenage memories had been created here, and it was one of the many places that the young duke hold dear to his heart. Hence, of course, his generous donation to the school this time. While he had offered money every now and then for the school, Oliver wanted a more lasting legacy. No, not one that would have his name written all over it. (He had vehemently disagreed to have his name inscribed anywhere near the new gymnasium). Oliver just wanted to give something back to the school and the educators who have molded him and have made his younger years spent at school totally memorable. The old gymnasium had seen its share of wear and tear throughout the years. He had spent most of his teenage years playing basketball with his pals there, and Oliver thought it would be a fitting gesture to give it a complete facelift--no, an extreme makeover so to speak.

And now, it was all ready to be inaugurated and opened to the students. Believe it or not, Oliver was probably just as excited as those lot peeking out of their school windows and gathering in the courtyard to try out the new place. Maybe in fact even more. He had only seen the plans of the gymnasium. He wanted to see it all for himself now. Maybe shoot some balls with the younger kids. And perhaps skate for a few rounds later in the skating rink. He had specifically made sure that nothing but top of the line, world class equipment would be bought for the gymnasium.

"Sire, remember, you have two hours here for a quick speech and a brief tour before we move on to your next--"

"Yes, Bauer, I heard it all the first time. I'm not a kid anymore you know," he said handing his iPad to his assistant and putting his gloves on just as his ride stopped.

"Sometimes you still are, you know," his assistant mumbled teasingly.

"I heard that," Oliver remarked with a playful smirk. Bauer was really more like an older brother to him that their relationship was more light and brotherly than anything. He had been taking care of Oliver since he was young boy, and Oliver had declined all other offers for a younger assistant. Well, he did have another one. Technically, he was more like his assistant's assistant.

"I got this, Ben," he told his driver as Bauer only shook his head with a smile. Oliver opened the door himself and stepped out of the car. The young duke was not really the type who wanted to be waited upon or the sort. He'd rather do things on his own if he could. His assistants, servants and bodyguards already have enough on their plate as it is. He pulled the black coat he was wearing tighter as a strong gust of wind howled by, and two of his bodyguards immediately flanked his sides as they made his way, head bowed, towards the group of students crowded around the courtyard. "Tea or chocolate?" he remarked randomly, which didn't surprise his guards at all.

"We reckon they'd offer you tea, Your Grace," one of them replied. The other nodded.

"I say hot chocolate. One day off for each of you, if you win. Otherwise, you play basketball with me later," Oliver countered with a playful smirk.

"You have a wager, sire." As it turns out, it wasn't exactly a random comment as it was a game that he and his bodyguards usually play before entering an event or something similar.

Oliver then scanned the crowd to look for the school rector or maybe even the deputy rector waiting for him, but none of them were there. A worried frown appeared on his face, hoping none of them were down with sickness with the weather being nasty and all these past few days. He noticed not one of them to be familiar...and then his eyes fell upon a young lady standing with the students, and he felt something instantly click inside his head. He remembered exactly who she was. Who could forget that beautiful face? He wondered if she remembered him at all though, the state she was in the last time they had met. Instantly, Oliver felt elated at the sight of her that it didn't even occur to him to wonder why she was in his old alma mater. It didn't matter.

Oliver had been rather pre-occupied with his boots trying not to think too much about the situation that he immediately looked up when the door to Yassia's chambers opened. He smiled at the handmaiden Talia when she greeted him with a curtsey. It was obvious she was surprised to see him come fetch Yassia. What did make him come indeed? Honestly, he didn't realized he was thinking about offering to get her until he did back at Edmund's room. Perhaps, it was because he just wanted to be out of that room soon. Or perhaps, he wanted to see Yassia one more time before she becomes betrothed to his brother. Or perhaps, he just wanted to see her. Period.

"Is the princess..." He had barely finished the sentence when a movement from the corner of eyes caught his attention. He turned to see Yassia all glammed up looking back at him with those bright wide eyes that also spoke of...what that surprise? No, anxiety? There was a small hint of distress there, and Oliver's heart automatically went out to her, knowing what was waiting for her tonight. And he couldn't help but frown for a second. But then he caught himself not soon after. He turned the frown into a quick smile and focused on how breathtaking Yassia looked tonight. Of course, she was beautiful. There was no denying that. And Oliver tried very hard to quell the jealousy that had already been growing inside him ever since.

Oliver seemed to have forgotten his manners when he found himself stepping into the room without an invitation, just looking at Yassia, awe and admiration clearly written all over his face. He closed the distance between them, and gave her a small bow, boldly taking her hand and planting a soft lingering kiss on the back of it. "You look beautiful, princess. My brother would be delightfully enchanted." As I am. For a few heartbeats, he just stood there, still holding her hand, looking at her, admiring her--wishing that it was him that she was all dressed up for, that it was him who would be dining with her tonight, that it was him who would be proposing to spend forever with her. "Are you ready, my lady?" he finally asked, trying to hide his sadness with a small smile.

“Tell me do I look the part of the dashing debonair suitor, my dear brother?”

“You know you do.”

Edmund, Crown Prince of Mercia, turned away from the mirror to glare at his younger brother Oliver who was standing by the balcony with a glass of wine in his hand. As expected, Oliver was looking out, paying more attention to the setting sun than to his brother who had just asked him his opinion on how he looks. Edmund’s servant was putting on the finishing touches on his master’s suit for the night, making sure the prince looked every inch as regal as he is handsome. And Edmund was indeed very particular about that, for tonight was no ordinary night. Not to him.

Prince Oliver himself was feeling rather conflicted as he stood there watching the sun turn into varying shades of orange and red as it started to descend in the horizon. In parallel, he felt like his own life was also descending into the pits itself. Tonight, Edmund was going to ask for Princess Yassia’s hand in marriage. And Yassia would accept. And Oliver would be left to wallow in all the pain and hurt that his heart could most definitely not handle for the rest of his life. There’s nothing he could do about it really. Or is there?

“Do you really love her?” he asked.

“You know I do,” Edmund replied in a mocking tone mimicking his brother’s own response earlier. He had turned back to look at the full length mirror before him, adjusting his collar, just as his servant continued to fuss over him.

This time Oliver had to abandon his spot by the balcony and turned to walk towards his brother. He finished the rest of his drink. Whether it was for courage or merely to drown his misery, he didn’t know. He just needed to say something to Edmund before it escapes him.

“Yassia is a beautiful person inside and out, brother. She will make a good Queen. She will make you a good wife---“

“A good wife indeed!” Edmund cut him off. “That soft skin, those luscious lips…Tonight, she will be mine.”

Oliver took a deep breath. He could feel his hands shaking at his brother’s obvious nonchalance at the matter at hand. Edmund was about to propose to Yassia. To Yassia! But he seemed to be taking it all in stride, as if it was nothing. As if Yassia was easily handed to him on a silver platter. And it angered Oliver to no end. The future of Mercia rests in this one night, and the future of one seemingly homeless princess as well. And not just any princess. She was the princess of his own heart, the one his world revolves around in, the one he loves. To see Edmund take her for granted like this…it tore at Oliver’s heart. For the love of Mercia, Oliver had reluctantly accepted the fact that Yassia would make a good Queen to Edmund. And for his own love for Yassia, Oliver had accepted that Edmund would be able to give her what she wanted and needed for Ailantha. Oliver had reluctantly stepped aside. Now, the least Edmund could do was appreciate the gift, to act like it mattered—like she mattered.

“You don’t even know her.”

“We’ve talked about a lot of things since she has arrived here, brother. I know enough to decide that she is the one.”

“The one for what!” Oliver could no longer hide the disbelief on his face.

“The one for me!”

Oliver couldn’t help but scoff at Edmund’s reply this time. “After barely a month, you confidently say that she’s the one for you? Did you even stop to think if you are the one for her? It is supposed to be two-way, you know!”

Edmund turned to Oliver and closely examined his brother and his brother’s words. “Do I detect a hint of jealousy?”

“You don’t love her, Edmund. It’s all just a game to you.”

“She is going to be my future Queen. And she will make a good Queen. The future of Mercia and her own country lies in her hands…her hands in mine. How could it be a game to me?”

“You don’t care about her! All you care about is having a beautiful Queen standing beside you—“

“Sure, father has been breathing down my neck for ages now, but I also like Yassia. I am utterly captivated by her. I can’t say much about her feelings towards me, but what choice does she have really? She needs me and my army for her country. She is practically a penniless and homeless princess! My proposal, if she accepts it, would be a boon to her otherwise dismal status. If she is indeed a dutiful princess, she will take my proposal and she will thank me for it!”

Oliver clenched his fist and tried hard to stop himself from swinging a well-aimed blow to his brother jaw. From what Oliver knew about Yassia, she would never stoop that low. But then again, Yassia had always wanted to go back and help her country. And Oliver had no idea exactly how desperate she was to get what she wanted. Perhaps it was this last thought that made this conversation with Edmund all seemed futile. Whether Yassia loved Edmund or not, she was going to accept the proposal because it's going to pave the way for her to get the help of the Mercian army to take Ailantha back from her usurper uncle.

To Oliver, Yassia was not exactly the type to play along with anybody's foolish and nonsense games. But somehow, he was happy to see that she would, just as easily and gladly, ride along with his crazy antics, ridiculous they may be. And it was no one-way road either. Yassia also knows a few tricks up her sleeves that never fail to keep Oliver amused. Other than that, she also keeps him grounded and well-behaved when the need arises. She keeps him in line when he gets overboard over certain things. They complement each other, two halves of a truly wonderful whole. ” “Though really, I might just as well go down with you. It’d be boring without you around.” “That’s my girl. For a moment there, I thought you’d be content to just let me go and die in vain. I have chosen well,” he replied, teasingly yet again, because he knew exactly how Yassia feels for him, how he could always rely on her to always be there for him in both the good and bad times.

Listening to Yassia speak about the meaning and significance of their agreed gift to the twins, Oliver couldn’t help but love the idea more that he wanted to continue what her father has started with her. It would be a legacy of sorts, exactly how she felt with her own cherry tree. “I’m sure Caitrin and Griff will love the seeds that we will send them and appreciate the meaning behind them. It will be a symbol of our commitment as godparents to the twins as well,” he remarked. Then he noticed the wistful look on her face as she spoke more about the cherry tree her father planted for her. “Why am I learning about this cherry tree only now? I need to see it to believe it,” he told her with a wink. Of course, he believed her. While he had seen and known a lot about Yassia’s family since they had taken over the castle, he thought the cherry tree was much more special than all the family portraits that hung all around them. It was more personal, and it spoke tons about the man who once ruled over Ailantha, the man who sired his lovely wife, the man Oliver wished he had personally met.

Oliver knew he would never succeed in his mischievous little trick. He knew that Yassia wouldn’t want to be easily beaten and would retaliate. And retaliate she did. Quite unfairly, he might add. Just as he knew her arms was one of her weak spots, Yassia too knew the back of his ear was his own Achilles heel in this department. And he had the feeling that she was going to attack that area when she started tracing his jawline with her oh-so-luscious lips. When she felt her lips touch the delicate skin behind his ear, Oliver tried but failed to suppress a low moan which he immediately turned into a chuckle. “Okay, that’s just not fair,” he expressed as he gently pulled away, a wide grin on his face. ”You can’t make me all excited like that…not while you’re all…” Oliver added gesturing at her swollen tummy, amusement written all over his face. Of course, it didn’t escape him that he was the one who started all this teasing in the first place.

”Even though I felt so ashamed of myself for running off, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.” He took her hand, brought it his lips and placed a soft lingering kiss on her fingers. He could just as easily guess what was going on inside her head at that moment. “If you hadn’t ran off, I never would have come after you, and I never would have gotten the courage to tell you how I truly felt about you. If you hadn’t ran off, then we wouldn’t have this, we would be here together now. ” Oliver didn’t know it then, but he realize now that he was subconsciously waiting for Yassia to reveal her true feelings for Edmund. And her running off after Edmund’s proposal was so clear a message that it was already too hard for him to ignore. Oliver had already wasted too much time playing cupid for her and his brother, he felt no qualms about finally telling her his feelings right there and then. Such a joyful day that turned out to be for both of them.

Yassia always knows the right things to say at the right time. To him, at least. Oliver felt like Yassia could say anything and everything, and it will ease all the worries and anxieties in his mind. Add to that a gentle caress of her hand or the feel of her body just leaning comfortably against his, and everything feels right again. It was no question she had that effect on him, and it was an even bigger no-brainer that he wanted it that way. She was his drug. One that he could knew he could never survive without. “You’re right. We wouldn’t have appreciated what we have now as much as we do if we didn’t go through all those hardships. But I still want you to know that I will do everything that I can to not let you go through all that pain again,” he replied with a smile.

Oliver reached a hand out and gently caressed her cheek when she spoke of her experience with Morgana. The witch didn’t seem to have made any lasting traumatic effect on Yassia, but Oliver had to be sure. “Did she hurt you as much as she did the others?” His thoughts went back to Caitrin and Griff, and could only just imagine what they had to go through in Morgana’s clutches being citizens of Camelot. Oliver knew the devastation and destruction her immortal armiy had laid waste to the lands that they had passed through from Cenred’s kingdom on their way to Camelot. Mercia had counted itself fortunate they were up north to be spared from the slaughter. ”We should send something for the twins. I’m sure Cait and Griff would appreciate it. What do you think would be a good gift?” he then blurted out, hoping Yassia wouldn’t be surprised by his abrupt change of topic, hoping she had guessed the thoughts that were swimming in his head.

“Well, I was trained by the best…My brother, you… that’s more than I ever would aspire. Don’t worry, I don’t have any ambitions to compete with you and beat your poor ego.”

A laugh came out of Oliver at Yassia’s playful attempt to patronize him. He always finds her cute when she does that. He knew exactly what his wife was capable of in terms of weaponry. He had been at the receiving end of one of her dagger throws after all. And he had personally seen her progress with the bow and arrow. “Oh, don’t tempt me now, woman. I could just take you up on that challenge right now.” Yes, this was just one of their many favorite games to play. The bantering.

He laughed when she called his bluff, and couldn’t help the memories of that one particular gyspy that Oliver had once loved in his teenage years come to him. Yassia knew all about her and the influence she had in his life growing up. But all of that were now fond memories of his past. Oliver was now with his present and his future. He couldn’t ask for anything more. “Not when my heart yearns for you. I’d be truly miserable…” Then a sly smile appeared on his lips. ”And I know you will be, too. Edmund is not just one haughty prince, he’s as vain as a princess, too. His room is full of mirrors, and I think he wears powder. He’d beat you in that department for sure.” Oliver always loved making fun of his brother. He always has ever since they were kids.

Why did circumstances between him and Yassia have to get all twisted and mangled like it had been? Why did they both had to suffer through so much to get here? Had Oliver known who Yassia was from the beginning, it all would have come easy for him, for both of them. Unbelievable as it may, had they not confessed their feelings for each other the first time they met? They would have saved themselves from all the torture they had subjected themselves into and get their happy ever after right there and then. Oliver knew all of the reasons why. It was as clear as night and day. He and Yassia had to go through all the hardships of their past to appreciate the wonderful gift of their future. They had to experience how it felt to be without the other to be thankful for each other now. They had to know how painful it was to lose the other to not take each other for granted now. The stars sure have a funny way of doing things. And Oliver just have to trust them to lead him to the path they had destined for him. And they did. They led him to Yassia. He could never have been any happier and grateful.

“I was ignorant and I was stupid. I let my anger get the best of me, and even after I have apologized for that, I stuck to a promise not knowing I was hurting you in the process. My heart never stopped crying out for you, my love, but I was so keen on helping my kingdom find a future queen that I threw it all aside,” he replied. He caught her hand when it reached up to his ear, and turned his head to plant a long and lingering kiss on her palm. Then he leaned his head to rest his cheek against it, his hand holding hers that was now cupping his cheek.

He nodded, imagining the cruelty Caitrin and Griff must have gone through in the hands of Morgana. The news of Morgana’s ruthless takeover of Camelot had spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms, and Oliver had to admit that they had all been anxious as to what it would mean to Mercia’s relations with Camelot had it continued to be successful. Of course, Oliver knew Bayard would try and strike up an alliance with the witch as well, not wanting to go against her immortal army. “I’m glad they had come through it unscathed. I dread to think about what Morgana had done to them. Were you in Camelot when she had taken over it?” Now, Oliver was curious.

”Well, just remember that this time I will be too occupied with my own affairs to give you the Kiss of Life, if it’s that you were speculating on!”

Oliver couldn’t help laughing at that, remembering his harmless little shenanigan back when they were still in Mercia. Him pretending to drown in the river, and Yassia, the healer that she is, trying to revive him with “the Kiss of Life.” He had not expected it, but when her lips touched hers, he was totally lost and kissed her back. “Hmmm….” Oliver remarked squinting his eyes at Yassia. Of course, he would feel uncomfortable with the thought of Yassia fighting. He would be endlessly afraid for her safety like he had been when were taking over Ailantha from her uncle. “…no.” he ended with a wide smile on his face. ”But I’m content to know that you can defend yourself should the need arise.” Yassia was quite skilled with the dagger and now knows quite well how to handle a bow and an arrow to be able to protect herself should it happen.

“Queen of Mercia, instead of Queen of Ailantha…Tempting… oh, so tempting indeed!”

Oh, Yassia knew all too well where to hit him where it hurts…or tickles. It was one for Oliver to tease Yassia like he always does, but for her to give him a dose of his own medicine…well, let’s just say, she could always tell quite well exactly how to do it. He dropped his hands away from Yassia and leaned against the seat, looking at her with a hurt expression on his face. Then he turned his head to look out of the nearby window and the bright blue sky outside. Oh, he knew perfectly well that his lovely wife was joking, and he knew how to play this game as well. ”Then I’d be left to wander the Seven Kingdoms all my life, all sad and alone, nursing a broken heart, never healing…until I fade away...” he expressed rather sadly, rather exaggeratedly, too.

Oliver’s fingers met Yassia’s on top of her belly and willingly played with them as well. Little gestures, little actions. But they all meant a lot to him, and he knew to Yassia, too. Everything was precious to him now after all that they have been through, and Oliver knew too well not to take them for granted. If any, he cherished each and every bit of the wonderful moments he was being given with Yassia.

“Not my fault if you’re so easy to ensnare and bend to my will”

“I’m only human. Are you sure you’re not a sorceress? Because I know you have thoroughly enchanted me with your feminine wiles,” he replied as he leaned in and touched the tip of his nose against hers. He’d welcome it with open arms, if she were. He’d gladly get himself enchanted over and over again if the enchantress was Yassia herself. The thought made him smile inwardly. How far gone was he? He still couldn’t believe that he would love someone as much as he loved Yassia. He was overflowing with such strong affections for her that he felt like he could burst any second with all these wonderful feelings he had inside. The love he felt the first time they met in the Forest of Balor had never waned, instead it intensified many times over. He doubted it would wane at all. The thought of not loving Yassia was just so absurd, so ridiculous. He knew now he was meant to find her, to go through all those crazy times with her, because in the end, it all led to this. After everything, it all felt like finally coming home.

Oliver truly felt honored that Caitrin and Griff had thought about making him and Yassia godparents to the twins. Despite the time and distance they have away from each other, they have always managed to stay in touch and in each others' thoughts. For a fleeting moment there, Oliver almost wanted to go back to Albion, to Camelot, to see little Esmae and Arthur. But he knew it would take a lot of preparation now that he and Yassia are taking charge of an entire kingdom. Perhaps someday they could go back and touch base against with friends and family, but for now, they just have to find another way to show their gratitude to the new parents. When Yassia asked him which twin he would want to take, he didn’t even have to think twice. “We should both be godparents to both Esmae and Arthur. I really don’t think it matters, does it?” he asked, a smile playing on his face when he felt Yassia’s tender kiss against his temple.

Wrapping his arms around Yassia as she snuggled closer, Oliver guided Yassia’s head to rest against his shoulders. Then he took her hand and laced his fingers through hers. “I know you can do it, my love. And you know I will be beside you when that time comes,” he told her. Yes, he had just made the unconscious decision of being there with her when she delivers their baby. The nurse may shoo him out, but Oliver had already set his mind on holding Yassia’s hand when the time comes for her to push their baby out.

When she asked about any twins in his family, Oliver paused to think, to try and remember if anyone on the side of his father or mother have had any twins, or triplets, or quadruplets. The thought about Yassia giving birth to more than one children was already starting to make Oliver feel lightheaded. “No, I don’t think so…unless you count Edmund as twice or three time the pompous idiot that he already is,” he replied with a grin. To Oliver, his brother most definitely inherited all the conceit and haughtiness that two or three or even an entire line of Strathmores could possess in this lifetime and the next. Of course, underneath it all, Edmund was still his brother, and they had nothing but love and respect for each other.

If he were to have it his way, Oliver would rather want to spend every minute of everyday with Yassia. But as they both have duties and responsibilities now as rulers of Ailantha, sometimes personal wants take a backseat in favor of the country and the people. Their alone times are often always relegated to the evenings. Still, Oliver was determined not to let their busy schedules drive them apart. Small moments like this are precious, and he knew he would never tire of telling or showing his wife just how much he loved and appreciated her.

“The one inside me is kicking the living daylight out of me. Are you sure you didn’t father a little goat or a bull?”

And he loved the fact that she was enjoying this, too, and was allowing herself to indulge in the moment. It seems both of them are alike in that aspect. After all that they have gone through to get here, they have both learned to appreciate the wonderful gift that they have been given—each other. And then there’s one more coming their way. Quite eagerly, he may add. Oliver was determined to add more to that, grow his family to as big as he and Yassia could manage it. The thought made him chuckle. “I will love that little goat or bull nevertheless,” he replied before moving the hand on her belly to cup her cheek, and leaned in for a soft, gentle kiss.

“Will you listen and behave, or shall I go?”

This time Oliver feigned a calculating look. Yassia knew his weakness. She was his weakness. And she knew quite well how to manipulate it to her advantage. Shrewd woman, he thought amusedly. “Fine, you win,” he expressed in mock defeat. His arms then moved to tighten around her, holding her close to him. “What shenanigan is Griff up to this time?” he added with a wide teasing grin, not that Griff getting in trouble would be good news. He loved teasing Caitrin about Griff. He knew how dearly Caitrin loved her husband, and Oliver just couldn’t resist acting like an annoyed big brother. Of course, he was happy for both of them, especially for Caitrin who had found the love of her life, that one person who completed her and made her the happiest she could ever be.