For the moment, Vevina wished to merely bask in the thought of growing large with child. Her maternal instinct was growing strong, and she felt both depleted and ashamed for wanting to have a baby when she was with Astrid, a woman. Astrid would make a good parent though and she would make a good mother too.
"Daydreaming when you should be tending your duties?" Robert accosted. Vevina stopped abruptly and realized Marley had been barking, attempting to alert her to her stepfather's approach. She silently chastised herself for not being attentive to her surroundings, since she stood much too close to her stepfather, making her more accessible to his quick hands.
"I tend my wife well enough," Vevina informed him, and took a casual step away. He quickly bridged the distance and stood nearl
