Roman POV

The flames in the fireplace had long since died out, but there were still a little bit of embers. The faint red glow cast long shadows in the room. Nevertheless, it was still warm and cozy. Just as Amali had imagined it a few months ago. And I had actually managed to take it one step further.

I could hardly wait to marry this wonderful woman. It was something I couldn't have imagined for myself before I met her. After everything that had happened in the last few years... But here I was. Here we were. In love and even engaged.

Amali was snuggled up to my side. Her head rested on my shoulder while her left hand rested on my chest. Her breathing was slow and even as she slept. I placed my right hand on her left and held her close. My free hand stroked slowly and tenderly over her bare skin. From her ribs down to her thigh and back again. She felt like velvet under my fingertips. Amali sighed deeply and snuggled closer to me. Hopefully she wasn't getting cold now.

Without much thought, I stretched my arm towards the blanket on the couch. I just about reached it. I quickly covered us with it before resting my hand on her skin again. Involuntarily, it moved to her stomach. Lost in thought, I drew small circles with my index finger.

"Do you still have baby fever, Ro?" Amali suddenly asked me.

She didn't sound a bit sleepy, which led me to believe that she hadn't been asleep at all. Maybe she had just enjoyed the moment and our closeness. I could understand that. I had also soaked up every second of it. After all, it was rare that we were really completely alone. Without anyone in the next room and without obligations.

She gently placed her hand on mine and held it on her stomach. I heard her humming softly. Amali stroked me with her thumb and I could almost feel the smile on her face against my shoulder.

"I've had to think about it a lot lately, yes. You know I love my big family. And like I told you before. It would really be a blessing to have a little you." I replied softly before giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"For my part, I wouldn't mind a little you. And I love children. Especially yours. So I think it would be wonderful to have a baby with you, Ro. And I think in terms of timing, it would be perfect to start now. Don't you think? Since I'm taking a break anyway. If we do it right, it will simply be a longer break. Plus we have a wedding to plan," she said as she finally propped herself up on her arm to look at me.

Smiling, I lifted my hand and smoothed her wild hair before placing it against her cheek. Amali smiled too as she nuzzled her face against my hand.

"I agree. You know... Maybe we already have one on the way..." I replied.

"Oh, the way we're behaving, I wouldn't be surprised. But don't be disappointed if we have to practise some more." she laughed.

"I'll never complain about that, baby girl." I said and then wrapped my arms around her so that I could pull her close to me.