Birthday Surprise {Stacey}

[brendan]

**Continued from City Of Love**



30th June, 2009 - 6.50pm

After a short ride in the taxi, they had arrived at the train station in Paris with fifteen minutes before the train was due to leave for Rome. Yes, this was the big surprise for Stacey. He had gone searching to see how easy it would be to get to Rome without having to fly, and it turns out they have over night Euro trains. So Brendan had booked them a First Class Private Cabin, and the train was due to leave at 7.06pm and it arrived in Rome at 9.42am which would give them a day and a half in Rome.

Oh he knew Stacey wouldn't feel too good in the morning, but the soon as she was feeling better, they would have the best part of two days to just relax around the sights of Rome, before they would have to head back to Paris in the evening of the 2nd July.

The Train



The First Class Cabin {With en-suite shower/bathroom}

Looking at Stacey as they now stood on the platform in front of the train they would soon be on, he turned to her, "So, how's this fer a birthday surprise? Well, part of it at least, am takin' ya to Rome." He certainly hoped she would be happy, that was all Brendan ever cared about with Stacey, was her happiness.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey had loved the relaxing day. Of cause the beginning had been a bit of a downer, what with the morning sickness and all. It kicked in a bit earlier for her this time, making her not have as much sleep as she had wanted. Once again breakfast had consisted of dry biscuits, which Stacey had hoped would not be her normal breakfast for the rest of the pregnancy. After she was right, they spent from late morning through to mid afternoon at the pool at the hotel. Relaxing with Brendan out in the sun was nice, and thought about the previous day when they were meant to have done this, but it never eventuated.

For an early dinner, Stacey was lucky enough to get her spaghetti, knowing that this was something that she was able to eat the night before. But could she live on this for the rest of the pregnancy? Surely, she would have to test out other foods to see what she could and couldn't eat. Though this time, Stacey made sure that she didn't shovel in the food, even though she was a bit hungry again. She didn't want to get indigestion from eating too quickly.

After the meal, Stacey laid down on the bed, propped up with pillows, working on that email she wanted to send to Brendan. She knew what she wanted to say, and hoped that she would get it all down. Stacey always hoped that Brendan knew that she loved him. Well, she said it every chance she got, but this email would mean a lot more to her. He had written a few songs now for her, and she wanted to write something to him. Stacey wasn't as creative when it came to writing songs, like Brendan, but she hoped that he would love what she said.

Just as she hit the 'send' button, Brendan asked her if she was ready to leave. She spotted in his hand that he had a bag. Stacey frowned. "Where are we going?" She knew that he hadn't forgotten about her birthday, which was tomorrow, but wondered what he had planned for tonight, as it technically wasn't her birthday till after midnight. Without answering her, he phoned in for a taxi to be ready to come and get them.

Soon enough they got into a taxi and headed away from the hotel. The ride was only short, and the taxi came to a stop. Stacey looked out the window of the taxi, seeing where they were. Now she was totally confused. Where was Mr. Brendan Harris taking her now? She didn't have the energy to ask, deciding to just go with the flow.

She followed Brendan to one of the train plateforms, and was soon face to face with a rather flash looking train. This was nothing like the trains back in America. Most of them were grey and boring looking. This one was very much like something from the future. Brendan looked at her, and Stacey just looked, still wondering where the hell they were going. He then told her that he was taking her to Rome for part of her birthday surprise. She looked from him, to the train, then back to him. "Your shitting me? Right? I thought going to Paris was enough. You are spoiling me too much B." With that, Stacey gave him the biggest hug she had ever given him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

[brendan]

When Brendan had asked Stacey if she was ready to go, he knew that she would ask where they were going simply because he had an overnight bag in his hand. He didn't actually answer her, at least not right away, he just phoned for a taxi. He didn't really want to give anything away about where he was taking her, but he also didn't want to be ignorant to her question. So, he looked at her, grinning at her mischievously, "Ya'll find out soon enough sweetheart, wanna keep a secret fer as long as possible, an' don' worry, no flights involved." He winked at her than, and they soon made their way to the taxi.

During the taxi ride to the train station, Brendan wondered what was going through Stacey's mind. He knew he was spoiling her way too much, but he didn't care. She was the love of his life, she deserved to be spoiled. At least that was the case in Brendan's opinion anyway. And he did indeed intend to spoil her on her birthday, and for the rest of her life in fact. Or, that probably should be, for the rest of his life, as he was hoping Stacey wouldn't be the first to go between them, he knew he wouldn't be able to live without her. Damn, why are we getting morbid? Anyway...

After a short journey in the taxi, they had arrived at the train station, and they were soon standing on the platform in front of the Euro Star train. Finally, Brendan had told Stacey where he was taking her, he really couldn't have held it off any longer. He had, after all, been desperate to tell her for the best part of the day, but didn't want to spoil the impact of the surprise. When Stacey replied to what he had said, he could only chuckle lightly, as his eyes sparkled with joy. She seemed so happy, and that was all that mattered.

"No, Stacey, sweetheart, am definitely not shittin' ya." He chuckled all the more then, before breaking into a grin. Stacey then said he was spoiling her too much, before wrapping her arms around his neck giving him the biggest hug he felt he had ever had from her. "Yer alrigh' Bambi, ya deserve to be spoiled, an' I can guarantee it ain't anywhere near over yet." He was referring to the rest of her birthday surprise, but that wouldn't actually happen until they got to Rome. He couldn't wait to show her the sights, well some of them in the time that they would have there, once Stacey was feeling good enough to get moving around.

He wanted to take her on a gondola, visit the Pisa tower, the old coliseum and hopefully take a walk around St. Peters Square where the Vatican was. With a bit of luck they would be able to get all of that done, over the two days they would be in Rome. He had initially planned for them to head back to Paris on the evening of the 1st July, but decided at the last minute, to change the train he had booked to come back on the 2nd July instead, giving them a full day and night, and the best part of the 2nd to see everything he hoped they would both want to see in Rome.

When Stacey broke away from the hug she was giving him, he took her hand and walked her toward the train. They had basically five minutes now before the train was due to leave. He immediately headed to the first class cabins and once on the train, their cabin was the second one along from the door. "There we go sweetheart, now this is wha' I call luxury fer a train." He laughed then, thinking of the trains back in America, they were so grey and, well definitely not as cheery looking at this one.

[Anastacia Potter]

All Stacey could do was roll her eyes, when Brendan finally answered her question. Just seeing his michievous grin was enough for her to want to just slap him, and just tell him to tell her already, but no, she had some self control over her actions. Well, maybe not over her moodswings, but anyway. "Fine B. I will just have to go along with whatever you have for me." Stacey crossed her arms, and then just walked after Brendan out the door.

When Stacey asked him if he was shitting her about what he had just told her, he said that he wasn't. He continued to chuckle at what she was saying, and then she wrapped her arms around him. Whatever was to come next would probably knock her off her feet. Just seeing the outside of the train, made her feel that she was just the dressed in rags Cinderella, who was being swept up by the prince, and being slowly turned into a princess. She had never, ever, been treated like this, but never wanted to take any of it for granted. If she did, Stacey wondered if it would all disappear in a puff of smoke.

She smiled, when Brendan said that she deserved to be spoiled, and he could guarantee that it wasn't anywhere near over. Stacey would definately have to do some secret research of her own on Rome, and try and figure out where he might be taking her when they get there. Stacey had seen in movies where people went to Rome. The old buildings and structures. It was just as romantic as Paris. Well, from what she had seen in movies anyway.

Once they parted, Brendan took Stacey's hand, and walked her to the train. Soon enough, they were inside, and heading to the section that Brendan booked. Looking at a sign, it said 'First Class Cabins', and Stacey smiled. Only the best for Brendan, she thought. They stopped in front of one of the cabins, and went into it. All Stacey could think was that it was just too much. Entering the cabin, she saw two beds, a desk, and a couple of chairs. Then a door, leading to their own bathroom.

Stacey went back to look at the two beds. She turned to Brendan, and said. "Two Beds? Nothing with one bed?" Stacey smiled, and then waited to see what Brendan would say to that. She then went on to say. "Maybe we could just share one and snuggle. Makes more sense." But then Stacey remembered that maybe it would be better to sleep in two, as then she could easily get out of the bed, without disturbing Brendan, when she got up to go to the bathroom, when she felt sick.

[brendan]

{ooc - that was the best first class cabin pic I could find - but I think the one to the back is a double bed and the one to the side is a single. Least that's what it looked like to me lol}

Brendan was finding it very difficult not to burst out laughing at Stacey's reaction when he told her she'd find out soon enough when she asked where they were going. If he thought she was about to throw one of her moodswings at him, he'd give up and tell her, even though it would spoil the surprise. "Damn, Stacey, ain't a man allowed to surprise his woman anymore?" He was teasing her, and so he shook his head and continued to chuckle as he watched her cross her arms and walk out the door.

Once the secret was out however, it seemed all the suspense and secrecy was worth it to Brendan, just by Stacey's reaction to it. He loved spoiling her, but more than anything, he just loved to see her happy. There was so much he wanted for the both of them to do during their short stay in Rome, he didn't want to keep it from her, as he wanted her to be prepared for that much, as the sights weren't really part of the surprise. Far from it.

As they reached the cabin, Brendan couldn't help but chuckle at Stacey's words as she pointed out the fact there were two beds. "Yeah, sorry abou' tha' sweetheart, but when I booked they only had family cabins left, I'll think ya'll find, tha' one is a double and the other is a single, though, from this angle, maybe am wrong." But the idea of snuggling up if it was indeed two single beds didn't sound like a completely bad idea anyway. "Snugglin' sounds nice though, don' ya think?" He grinned and winked at her. He put the small bag he had packed with change of clothes and underwear and their toiletries under the small table and then proceeded to sit down on one of the chairs.

"Well, we ain't headin' back until the evenin' of the 2nd July Bambi, so we'll have the best part of two days to see some of the sights. Was thinkin' if yer up fer it tha' is, of visitin' the old coliseum, the Pisa tower, the Vatican at St. Peter's Square, oh an' maybe fit in a gondola ride. Ya jus' can't go to Rome an' not get on a gondola." He chuckled lightly, he was really looking forward to this, he just hoped that the whole thing wouldn't be too much for Stacey.

"It's a helluva long train journey mind, we ain't gonna get into Rome until 9.42am, but it was the best way to get us there, wha' with not bookin' flights." He wasn't meaning to be nasty about the flight thing, she had a fear, and there wasn't anything wrong with that, hell he had a fear of spiders. He was just pointing out the bear facts to her that was all. There was still so much he wanted to do and he couldn't wait until the day of her birthday actually arrived, then he'd be able to splash her with the other gifts he had bought for her.

"Anythin' ya fancy doin' to help pass some of the time? Was thinkin' maybe jus' goin' fer a snuggle up maself." He winked, and grinned as he eyed the bigger of the two beds.

{ooc: For some reason, I can't seem to pull a bigger post - not without either god modding, or skipping time - however if you agree to skipping some time, I can do that in my next post for sure.}

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey just pursed her lips, and looked at him with her eyes glaring at him. She hoped that he knew she was teasing him, with what he said, saying that isn't a man allowed to surprise a woman anymore. Stacey then just crossed her arms, and walked out the door, hearing him chuckle. She then just smiled slightly to herself.

When they had reached the cabin, Stacey heard Brendan chuckle when she had commented on the beds. On the angle she was looking at, it did look like two single beds. Brendan then went on to say what happened when he booked the cabin for them. He then pointed out to her that one bed was a double, and the other a single. She looked a bit further in, and it did infact look like just what Brendan had said. Stacey then smiled when Brendan responded about the snuggling sounding nice though. "Yes it does. Can't wait for that." She then watched as Brendan put the bag down under the table, and then he sat down.

Stacey then settled down to sit on the bed opposite the chair Brendan was sitting in. She slid back enough to rest her back on the wall of the cabin, and lent her head on the wall as well. The bed was comfy enough to sleep in right now. The day wasn't that big like yesterday, but still she was getting tired earlier now. Maybe her body was still getting itself used to being pregnant. That would definately explain it right now.

Then Brendan spoke about the trip to and from Rome now, and what he had planned for them. She nodded at a few things that Brendan mentioned, knowing that she wanted to see a few of those things. The main one was definately The Tower of Pisa, and the old coliseum. Stacey then came out with a wide smile then, when Brendan mentioned about a gondola ride. When Brendan finished off the list that he had planned for them, Stacey knew she had to mention about the thing she couldn't wait to do. "I am glad that you mentioned about the gondola ride, because that is one thing that I would love to do." It would definately be a romantic moment between them. "Maybe we could do that late afternoon, just as the sun is setting or something. But whenever you have that planned is fine with me."

Stacey then listened to how long the train ride would be for them. She was fine with it, and had to smile sheepishly, when Brendan mentioned about not booking flights. "Sorry about that. I am still kind of wondering if being sick had anything to do with the fear of flying, or the morning sickness. But I suppose it is better not to take any chances. Though might have to test out that theory after the baby is born." That might be a good idea, thought Stacey.

She then began to think, after Brendan asked her what she fancied doing to help pass the time. The thought of snuggling with Brendan did sound nice. She was feeling tired, but not enough to go to sleep straight away. "Maybe we could do some of that then. I am feeling a little tired. But maybe we could talk for a bit, while we snuggle." She hadn't done a lot of just that with Brendan for a few days at least. She was either too tired, or not feeling the best, when it was the perfect time to just snuggle and talk.

{ooc: it's okay about the not so big posts Mands. We could skip time if you wanted, and you can go ahead with what they had been up to - I give you permission - lol}

[brendan]

{ooc - glad you don't mind me skipping some time, and I think we're both of the same opinion that we want to get things moving on with them anyway. Like back home for the wedding discussion thread haha}

On closer inspection of the beds, it was as Brendan had thought, the one to the back was a double, not king size like the king size one he had at home, but a double bed just the same. Probably why it looked like a single bed. Brendan winked and smiled at Stacey when she said snuggling up sounded nice and she couldn't wait. When Brendan sat down on the chair at the table, he watched as Stacey sat on the bed opposite the table with chairs. She leaned back, so that she was leaning against the wall of the cabin. Looking at her, he wondered if she was beginning to feel a little tired now. They both knew that was an aspect of the pregnancy.

Brendan had then began to tell her what he had planned for their time in Rome, well, Italy to be more precise, seeing as they would have to travel to Venice for the gondola ride. But now they had the full day of the first, and part of the second, they'd be able to hopefully fit it all in. Then they would have the 3rd to visit Euro Disney, so Brendan could get some things for Libby before they were due to travel home on their cruise back to the States on the 4th, Independence Day, and they weren't even going to be in the States for it. How ironic.

He watched as Stacey nodded her in several places, and then when he mentioned the gondola ride, he saw a big smile spread across her face. So, that one hit the right note had it? He grinned back at her then. Stacey then suggested doing it as the sun was setting, then added if he had it planned for another time, that was fine. "I ain't got no time planned fer it Bambi, an' tha' sounds perfect to me an' all." Just the two of them on a gondola as the sun was setting, closing his eyes briefly to see it, it really was the perfect picture. Now he couldn't wait for that to happen.

As if on cue about mentioning the non booking of flights to get them through to Rome from Paris, Stacey apologised. He was about to say something, when Stacey continued to talk. When she was finished, he gave her a bright smile, "It's alrigh' sweetheart, an' I rather we travelled by other means until we know fer sure. So ya ain't got nothin' to apologise fer, so stop frettin', besides this way, we get to see some scenery." He winked and chuckled then, it was true, they'd be able to see out the windows of the train and look at the different places the train would go by.

"An' yeah we can test the theory out when Tadpole is born." He grinned, showing off those dimples, as he mentioned the name he'd called the baby growing inside of Stacey. After all, in the early stages, that was all a baby looked like, a little tadpole. Naturally, he'd pick a better pet name for the baby once he/she was born of course.

When Brendan had asked if there was anything she fancied doing to pass some time, he had mentioned the whole snuggling thing, and he was pleased to hear the suggestion had gone down well with Stacey. "Well, am up fer tha' then." He stood up from the chair, and took off his shoes, and jacket and shirt, and placed them on the chair, and then he reached his hands out for Stacey to take and gently walked her over to the bigger bed, and sat on the edge of it, dropping her hands to allow her to do what ever she wanted to do to get comfortable, and once she was, he reached out for her again, and turned so that he'd be facing her.

***1st July, 2009 - 7.30am***

It was now the morning of Stacey's birthday, and the evening on the train had went well, with both of them talking for an hour as they snuggled together, just talking about what they were going to do during their time in Rome and Venice. Of course, this was done without Brendan giving anything away for what he had planned for her birthday. After about an hour of talking, they had both fallen asleep. Brendan had only slept for about an hour, and had gently, without waking up Stacey, moved to the chair, and brought out his book and began to read it. He had only managed to read his book for a couple of hours, before heading back to the bed and turning in for the night.

When he did waken up, it was only seven in the morning, and he quietly got out of bed, and went to the bag, opening up the other bag, he'd hidden within the bigger bag, and pulled out one of the gifts for Stacey. Looking at it now, it was a wonder he'd managed to fit it in the bag at all, but he'd managed it. He then gently walked back up to the bed, and sat it on the pillow beside her, and just sat on the edge of the bed, watching her, and gently running his finger along her face, and tucking hair behind her ear.

He then gently bent down to kiss her on the forehead, and muttered gently, "Happy Birthday Anastacia." Of course the main surprise for Stacey's birthday was the trip to Italy, itself, but beside her on the bed was now sitting gift number two.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey saw the grin on Brendan's face, when she smiled in regard to the gondola ride. She wondered if it was too much to ask for it to be at sunset, but no, it seemed like a good suggestion on her part. She smiled at Brendan, "Well then, can't wait for it." Stacey watched as Brendan closed his eyes briefly, wondering what he was thinking. Maybe he was thinking about what they were talking about. She hoped that it would be a relaxing time for the both of them, just sitting there, enjoying someone else moving them gracefully along the water.

She nodded as Brendan continued to talk after she mentioned about waiting to test out her theory. Stacey had to agree with seeing the scenery. "It will be nice to see the different parts of the country. Good thing we can take a few shots as we go along. But might be better when it is morning, so we can see it." But she wondered how much she might see, if she got up a few times with being sick. Stacey was enjoying seeing the sights with Brendan so far, and didn't want to miss anything.

As soon as Brendan said 'when Tadpole is born', she turned and frowned. Stacey looked away from him, still frowning, playing with the name he had given their unborn child. Looking back at Brendan, Stacey was trying to figure out the weird name. "What? I was thinking more along the lines of baby Harris, but never thought about calling it 'tadpole'." She sort of guessed why he was calling it that, but still.

Stacey was so up for just snuggling and chatting. It was all she was feeling like doing right now. So she took off her shoes, and the light jumper she had put on earlier, leaving with her to just have on a singlet top, and three quarter jeans. Stacey then took Brendan's hands, where she was then led by to the bed. She sat beside Brendan on the edge of the bed, and put her hands behind her, supporting herself.

When Brendan reached out for her agian, she moved her arms to wrap them around Brendan, as she lent on his chest. Stacey just loved being this close to Brendan, without it leading to anything else.

**** 1st July 2009 ****

The night before was nice to Stacey, and relaxing. Just laying in Brendan's arms and talking was nice. They hadn't really done a lot of that sort of thing since they had been in Paris. Stacey couldn't remember when she had finally nodded off, but when she did, Stacey was sound asleep. She really needed her sleep at the moment, what with her body going through all the changes it was needing to make in order to prepare for the pregnancy, and then later on when the baby was to be born. It seemed so far away, but soon enough it would be time. Stacey had read a little about the whole birthing thing, and had wondered how she would deal with it. But there was plenty of time for her and Brendan to talk about it. The baby was still rather small, like a tadpole, as Brendan had put it.

It was 5:51am, when Stacey had to get up, and head to the bathroom. She tried to be quick, but also a bit careful to not wake up Brendan. Once she was done in there, Stacey brushed her teeth, and then slowly made her way back to bed. She felt like crap now, but hoped that she would get a bit more sleep before she felt sick again. As she laid down then, trying to relax in order to get back to sleep, Stacey stared out the window, and saw trees fly by. It was beginning to get light, the sun just starting to make an appearance.

Stacey seemed to have been able to hold off any other urges to get up, as she slept right though, not even being disturbed with Brendan getting up. She did stir, but just thought that the train was just moving a bit faster, with the moment. The next thing Stacey felt was a pair of lips on her forehead. A small smile spread across her face, as Brendan said gently 'happy birthday Anastacia'. Stacey's eyes opened slowly, and the first thing she saw was a bear, staring at her with a heart, giving her a message.

As not to make herself feel sick, Stacey slowly got up, and propped herself up on the pillows. Taking the bear in her hands, Stacey smiled. As she read the message again, Stacey looked at Brendan. "Thank you B. And you are in my heart forever as well." Without thinking, Stacey flung her arms around Brendan's neck. She was smiling so much, but then the smile vanished. Well, she thought, that was a bad idea. Stacey let go of Brendan, flung the bear on the bed, and put a hand to her mouth. "Sorry," was all Stacey could get out, before she bolted to the bathroom, slamming the door.

[brendan]

When Brendan had agreed to do the gondola ride at sunset, he couldn't help but smile warmly showing off those dimples when Stacey said she couldn't wait for it. It would definitely be perfect. They would have to do that on the evening of her birthday then, since they would be heading back to Paris before sunset on the 2nd. Brendan did begin to wonder if that would be the perfect time to give her his final gift, but then he thought, maybe not, he wanted to do what he had missed out on with the proposal, and it wouldn't be easy on the gondola.

Brendan nodded his head as Stacey spoke about taking a few shots along the way, but maybe waiting until the morning. "Sounds good to me sweetheart." In order to go to the places he wanted to take Stacey, and looking at the map of Italy, he realised they would have to be doing a fair bit of travelling by train. He had just assumed that the Pisa Tower and Venice were close to Rome, but they weren't. "Ya know Bambi, jus' lookin' at the distance between the places I wanna take ya, means we migh' hafta be doin' a fair bit of travellin' by train, ya up fer it?" He didn't just want to assume she'd be fine with it.

Brendan pulled out his laptop and hooked it up to the free wifi connection on the train and began to search for train information and times. "Looks like we migh' hafta spend most of the 1st travellin' around Bambi. Takes a good three hours to get to Pisa from Rome, we could then go from Pisa to Venice, which will take us about three an' a half hours. So migh' hafta cancel the reservation at the hotel in Rome an' stay in Venice, an' travel back to Rome in the mornin' of the 2nd, wha' ya think?" He wanted to include Stacey in the whole plans of going to different places, but if Stacey wasn't up for all the travelling, then they might have to skip the Pisa tower, and just go to Venice and back to Rome.

After Brendan had called the unborn baby Tadpole, he watched Stacey frown a little, maybe he'd have to think of a better pet name for the unborn child, "Ya don' like wha' I came up with fer junior then?" Ah, what about Junior then? Then Stacey mentioned calling them baby Harris. Brendan gave a warm smile then, "Guess tha's kinda nice an' all, or maybe Junior then? Now tha' I think on it, Tadpole ain't so nice." He frowned a little himself then. He really couldn't keep thinking of their baby like that. After all, the more the baby grew, the less like a tadpole they would look.

After Brendan had reached his arms out for Stacey, she wrapped her own around him, and laid her head on his chest. Brendan loved just holding her like that, holding her close to him. He was so in love with her. And it hadn't taken them long to fall asleep after that.

***1st July 2009***

After Brendan had gently kissed Stacey's forehead, he saw a smile spread across her face. He then watched as Stacey sat up slowly and took the bear in her hands. She smiled and then looked at him, she said that he was in her heart forever as well. Alright, so he had said it to her a few times, and even her engagement ring was inscribed with it, but he just couldn't seem to stop saying it. "Yer welcome sweetheart, an' tha's jus' the start of the gift showerin'." Stacey then put her arms around his neck, and he hugged her back gently as she did so.

The next thing he knew, she was removing her arms from around his neck, the bear thrown on the bed, and Stacey running toward the bathroom with her hand up over her mouth, apologising to him. He just gave her a sympathetic look and shrugged, as he knew she couldn't help it, and as much as it pained him, there was nothing he could do to help or stop it from happening.

He just sat on the edge of the bed, picking up the bear, and looking at it, so the hands of the bear were holding the heart, but he couldn't help but mess about with it, while Stacey was in the bathroom. He sat it on his lap with his hands pressing in the arms at the back, so it made the bear look like it was moving. He was mastering it quite well, so when Stacey came out of the bathroom again, he turned the bear to face her, and hid his face behind it as best he could, and began to manipulate the arms, to make the bear look like it's head and arms were moving.

"Is mommy Stacey feelin' any better yet, since it's her birthday? Cause, daddy Brendan's got so many more surprises fer ya." He then put the bear down beside him at the pillow, and then opened his arms out for her, "Come here sweetheart." He was just going to gently hug her, he knew what it was like to be sick, when you had an illness, so he could only imagine how it must be for Stacey to feel that way, every single morning. He wanted to splash out some of the gifts there and then, but decided he'd wait until Stacey was feeling a little better and could begin to enjoy them. Looking at the time now, they only had another hour of travelling to go, before they'd be arriving in Rome.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey listened to what Brendan said about the traveling time. She hoped that she would be okay. Flying was definitely out of the question for now, but going by train was the better option. "I am sure that I would be up for it B. No worries, as far as I know. Will just have to see tomorrow morning." After the overnight trip on the train, Stacey would definately see after that. She then watched as Brendan got out his laptop, and then told her what the travelling time was going to look like, via train.

"I think it will be fine B. I want to see most of the sights you rattled off before, so I will sacrifice anything to see them. But let's just see how overnight goes on the train. I can't see it being any worries." When Brendan had called the baby a tadpole, she had responded frowning, and then Brendan asked her if she didn't like what he came up with for 'junior' then. That was a bit of an understatement. "Um, no." She raised an eyebrow then, and hoped she didn't look disappointed then. But then Stacey smiled slightly, when Brendan recommended the name 'junior', and then said that 'tadpole' isn't very nice. "I suppose I can live with 'Junior', but definately not 'Tadpole'. Makes me out to be some sort of amphibian." Stacey wasn't looking for a fight, but just now was glad that the 'tadpole' name was over with, for now.

**** 1st July 2009 ****

When Brendan said that it was just the start of the showering of gifts for her birthday, she looked at the bear and smiled. "Very good B. Makes me wonder what else you have got for me, or planned for me now." She hugged him around his neck, and Stacey felt Brendan hug her gently back. But this didn't last long, as Stacey made a mad dash to the bathroom. Why must this start up again, she though, just as I was getting into the embrace.

After a couple of minutes, Stacey was back. The next thing she knew she was looking at was the bear, hovering over Brendan's face. She had to give a weak smile then, trying to be a bit more brighter, after what she had just done. "Yes, mummy Stacey is feeling a bit better, but just wish this part would be over. And she can't wait for more surprises." The bear soon moved away from Brendan's face, and was placed down, so now Stacey could see him. Without hesitation, Stacey walked towards Brendan, and moved into his open arms. She hated feeling this way, but she knew that it wouldn't last long, well she hoped it wouldn't.

Turned to face Brendan, she looked at him. "So what else do you have planned before we obviously stop at our destination? Just as long as it is something quiet, and nothing too rough." Stacey didn't feel like running to the bathroom all over again.

[brendan]

After Brendan had explained about the distance between each location where the sights were they wanted to see, and that a lot of it they would have to travel by train, he was glad to hear Stacey say that it wouldn't be much of a problem. But maybe wait to see how she felt after the long overnight train journey. That sounded reasonable to Brendan. "Alrigh' sweetheart, it sure would be good to see them sights." Brendan had then got out his laptop just to check for train times and the length of time it would take. Once he had explained to Stacey, again she said she couldn't see it being a problem, but to wait until the morning.

"Well I'll leave off cancellin' the hotel in Rome, jus' in case ya don' wanna do the travellin' when ya see how yer feelin' in the mornin' Bambi." It wouldn't be that much of a problem to cancel the hotel and book another in Venice in the morning if it came to it. All he wanted to do was to please Stacey and make her happy. When conversation got to his pet name for the unborn baby, he didn't realise how bad it sounded, until Stacey spoke of the name 'Tadpole' making her feel like an amphibian. "Am sorry Stacey, didn' mean fer it to sound like tha', it was honestly the first thing tha' came to ma mind." Stacey then said she could live with Junior better than Tadpole, and then Brendan went back to baby Harris, and he smiled, "Ya know, let's jus' stick with Baby Harris. Am sure I'll get a suitable pet name fer her or him when they're born." He didn't want to cause a fight, not over something so silly.

***1st July, 2009***

After Brendan had said the bear was just the start of the gift showering, he could only grin with a wink when Stacey said it made her wonder what else he had got for her or planned. "Ya'll find out soon enough, nothin' which will embarrass ya anyway, at least, I sure hope not." He chuckled slightly then, and after she had hugged him, she had to quickly made a dash to the bathroom.

While she had been in there, he had been mastering movements with the bear, to make it look like it was alive. He'd seen someone do it before once. He was glad what he was doing seemed to have the desired effect, the mood had been lightened somewhat. Stacey said that she was feeling a bit better, but just wanted the whole sickness thing to be over with. "Am glad yer feelin' a bit better, wish it would stop fer ya an' all, I hate seein' ya like this." Stacey had also said she couldn't wait for more surprises, so he wondered if he could maybe give her one of the other gifts just now. Basically he was starting off with what he felt was the smallest gifts, leading up to the biggest gifts, even though ironically the smallest gift was the biggest in size.

He smiled when Stacey walked toward him, and he soon felt her in his arms, he held her gently, obviously not wanting to upset her and make her need to go to the bathroom again. "Well, any idea how yet, if ya wanna do this travellin'? Or too soon fer ya to find out? Jus' if yer up fer it, am gonna have to book the new hotel, while I've got internet access. Other than tha', I don't much planned fer while we're on here." However, he did think he could give his third gift to her, without causing too much of a commotion.

So, he reached into the secret bag, and pulled out another one, "Close yer eyes." Once she had, he placed the gift into her hands, "I ain't sure wha' kind ya usually wear, but I liked this one maself, so I sure hope ya like it." He had liked the scent when he'd sniffed the tester bottle. "Ya can open yer eyes now." He grinned, and then waited to find out what she thought of it.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey nodded when Brendan mentioned about leaving cancelling the hotel in Rome. She wasn't too worried about travelling by train everywhere, but still she wanted to wait till the morning, just incase she didn't do too well overnight. Stacey knew that she shouldn't have continued on with the whole silly name thing of the unborn baby. Really, they could call it whatever they wanted for now. Stacey waved her hand, after Brendan mentioned about sticking to Baby Harris. "It's okay. I am sure that we could go on and on about it. We can talk about baby names down the track. Can't wait for that one." She had a few names up her sleeve that she had always loved, so couldn't wait to lay them on the table.

**** 1st July 2009 ****

Stacey knew that Brendan would stop her being sick if he could, but he wasn't able to. She couldn't put a stop to them either. Though one good thing was that she didn't have the morning sickness all day, like she had read some women do. She was very grateful for that. "It's okay B. I hate being like this. We used to be able to snuggle first thing in the morning, and even have some morning sex, but not now. Well, not at the moment anyway." Stacey thought back to all that they used to enjoy doing before this all started. But she had to be positive now, not all moppy. Stacey was happy that she was carrying Brendan's baby, but not happy with some of the things that she had to go through.

Stacey listened to what Brendan said, in regards to the travelling that they had to do. "Well, I think I slept pretty well. I only got up before 6am, and then just now, so I think that was more to do with the morning sickness, and not the travelling. So I personally think that I will be okay for all of it." Stacey knew that Brendan would have to book another hotel, but at least she wasn't stopping them from travelling by train.

Stacey watched as Brendan reached inside a bag. He then asked her to close her eyes. Without hesitation, she did, and waited for what he was going to give her next. He mentioned that he wasn't sure what kind she usually wore, but he liked this one, and hoped that she liked it. Stacey wondered what it was, feeling a box type object. Then Brendan told her to open her eyes. Stacey looked down, and smiled.

Normally she was just used perfume from Avon, but knew, looking down at this one, that it would be nicer than that. "Thanks Brendan. I can't wait to use it." Without hesitation, Stacey slowly opened the box, and pulled out the bottle. She removed the lid, and sprayed a small amount on her wrist. It smelt quite nice, and she rubbed her wrists on her neck. Even better. "Thanks again B."

[brendan]

Finally the baby thing seemed to have been coming to a close, which Brendan was glad about. He hadn't wanted to upset Stacey, and he certainly hadn't meant to make her feel like an amphibian through his choice of pet name. Well, sometimes we all learn our mistakes the hard way, it's true. He grinned at Stacey then, "Am sure lookin' forward to tha' I can tell ya, well, I migh' jus' call them wha'ever comes to mind until they're born, but will make sure I think about wha' am sayin' afore I say it." He gave her a gentle hug then, after all his Stacey was far from an amphibian.

***1st July, 2009***

Brendan really wished the morning sickness would leave Stacey, not because it was messing with him on a personal level, but because he hated to see Stacey go through it. He knew it wouldn't be pleasant, he hated being sick himself. The only good thing was that she was only being sick in the morning. Not all women suffered from morning sickness either, he knew that, but usually those women had even worse moodswings and hormonal issues and crazy food fads, and some women sadly had the whole lot. "I know sweetheart, an' am missin' it an' all, but it's been sacrificed for somethin' truly wonderful." With that, he gently put his hand across her stomach.

Brendan had asked Stacey how she would feel about all the train travelling, not wanting to have pushed it, but knowing he had to ask, because he had to book another hotel, while he had access to the internet. So, he was happy when Stacey said she should be fine for the train travelling. He gave her a warm smile, "Tha's great Bambi, I'll go cancel the hotel in Rome an' book us one in Venice then." He was really looking forward to this. He'd had such a brilliant time so far with Stacey in Paris, what with everything they had been through, but for some reason, he thought Rome might be just as special a time for them.

Brendan had then given Stacey another one of her birthday gifts, telling her to close her eyes. He hadn't went to the bother of wrapping up the gifts, as most of them had come, well not wrapped, but not clearly visible to the eye, put it that way. After he told her to open her eyes, he waited to see what she would think of the gift. He hadn't had to pick out perfume before, unless he had been clearly instructed by his mom or sister, what perfume he was to buy, so he really hoped she'd like it, and it wouldn't make her stomach churn, what with her being pregnant, after all, when he'd bought the perfume, he hadn't expected to get a gift of his own while in Paris. That of a new baby.

The smile on her face seemed a good response to Brendan. Then she thanked him for it. "Yer welcome Bambi." Stacey then began to slowly open the box and she had soon sprayed some of it onto her wrists and then rubbing her wrists onto her neck. She seemed to like it, and she thanked him again. He leaned into her neck then, and inhaled deeply, and then began to kiss her neck gently a few times. "I knew tha' scent was nice Bambi, but on ya, it's even better than I imagined." He then gently kissed her again on the neck, before going back into the bag, to bring out another gift. He had a few more yet, one of which was waiting at the shop he'd ordered it from.

He had planned on having it transported to a restaurant, but now they were going to be doing a lot of travelling by train, he'd only have time to collect it, and then take it on the journey with them. He just hoped Stacey liked chocolate cake, they would have to take it to Pisa and Venice with them. He then handed her over a small box, technically gift number four. "Hope ya like this an' all, an afore ya say anythin' I've got a righ' to spoil ya if I wanna." He chuckled then, and waited for her to open the box, which would reveal this in the inside, with her name on it.

As Stacey opened the new gift, Brendan quickly set up the laptop to the wireless internet, as looking at the time, they'd only have less than half an hour before they pulled into Rome. He quickly went onto the site for the hotel in Rome, and cancelled it, before quickly searching for hotels in and around Venice. After a couple of minutes, he found the perfect hotel, and immediately booked them a hotel and paid for it with his card. Luckily they had a room available at such short notice.

"Tha's us all booked up in Venice, so we're good to go." He smiled at Stacey then, and began to wonder what she thought of her bracelet. He packed away his laptop, and smiled at her again, "Well, we migh' as well get ourselves ready, we'll be pullin' into Rome station in the next ten minutes."

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey smiled, looking down, as Brendan put his hand on her stomach. Once again, she thought about how it would truly feel when she was showing more, and having his hand there, when the baby kicked for the first time. "It truly is a sacrifice." She put her hand over his own then, and then gave him a quick kiss. When Brendan said that he would cancel the hotel in Rome, and book another one is Venice, Stacey nodded. The trip was working out for both of them. She was glad that she was able to travel via train.

She did love the perfume very much. But could tell that Brendan loved it more. Stacey closed her eyes, as Brendan leaned into her neck, and heard him inhale the scent. She went to open her eyes, but then Brendan began to kiss her neck a few times. Without thinking, Stacey moaned a little. It was like the time in the shower again. Just his lips on her neck again, made her want to just take him on the bed right then. But the thought of them going at it, and then feeling sick, that would not be a pretty sight.

When Brendan said that he knew the scent would be nice, but on her it was even better than he imagined. "Well then, I will have to keep wearing it. Do I imagine that it is turning you on a bit?" He then kissed her neck again, which she loved all over again. She ran a hand over his arm, up and down, as he kissed her. Then he moved away, and reached into the bag again. She put the perfume back into the box, and placed it carefully on the other bed. What else could he possibly be going to bring out next. None of what she had gotten so far was what she imagined that she would get off him. But she really hadn't thought about what he may have given anyway. Her mind had been on other things.

She watched as Brendan handed her a small box. The thought of some sort of jewellery crossed her mind, but had no idea what it could be. Looking at Brendan, she smiled. "I am sure that I will like it B." When he mentioned that he had a right to spoil her, she didn't feel like arguing, so agreed, nodding. "Fine. I will just let you shower me with gifts. But you know that I would never take anything for granted. I am not one of those girls who just expects things. You have to know that right now."

Stacey opened the box, and there looking at her, was a bracelet, with her name on it. She looked at Brendan, and smiled. Quickly taking it out of the box, Stacey took it in both hands to look at it. "Oh, it is lovely Bren. Thank you." She then opened it up, but knew that she would have difficulty in putting it on. Handing it over to Brendan, she asked, "Could you help with putting it on please?" Once it was on, Stacey touched it with her left hand, looking at it. It was gorgeous, even though she didn't really wear much jewellery herself. Now she had two nice things to wear. Her engagement ring, and this bracelet.

When Brendan said that they were booked into a hotel in Venice. "Great," smiling back at Brendan. She watched Brendan put his laptop away, and Stacey put the box next to the perfume on the other bed. Then Brendan smiled at her, saying that they might as well get themselves ready to get off in ten minutes. "Okay B. I will just go and freshen up, and get into something a bit more fresher." With that, Stacey got some clothes out, and went to slowly change. She didn't want to hurry, incase she felt like she might be sick again.

Once she was finished, she got out, and then helped put her presents into the bag. She felt the train stopping then. "Well that was timing. I didn't want to rush in the bathroom, just in case I might make myself sick. Twice is enough for now."

[brendan]

When Stacey said that it truly was a sacrifice, Brendan just gave her a weak smile. It really was a sacrifice, he hated not being able to be as close to her in the mornings when they woke up, like they used to be, but he had to just keep thinking of the magical outcome at the end, a beautiful baby boy or girl. When he had placed a hand on her stomach, he soon felt Stacey's hand over his own. She then gave him a quick kiss. He would have kissed her more, but given the fact that Stacey is sick in the mornings, he didn't want to do anything which might set her off.

When Brendan had kissed her neck, after inhaling the scent which Stacey had put on there, he heard her moan a little. Now, that would have set him off into a bit of passionate love making the previous week, but he knew better than to push that act with her right now. Stacey then said she would have to keep wearing it, when Brendan said he knew the scent was nice, but it was even better on her. She also asked if it was turning him on a bit. Well, he couldn't exactly deny it. He murmured slightly, "Yeah, ya could say tha' Bambi." He then kissed her on the neck again before bringing out another gift for her.

As Stacey opened the new gift, Brendan began to set up the laptop, so he could cancel the hotel in Rome and book a new hotel in Venice. When he had said he hoped she liked it, Stacey replied saying she was sure she would. He just gave her a grin then, and continued to mess around on the internet. He first cancelled the Rome hotel, and began a search for hotels in Venice, he found one almost right away, and booked the room. It was only for one night anyway. As he did all of this Stacey then said that it was fine, she'd let him spoil her, but she would never take anything for granted, and he should know that.

Brendan sighed gently, but keeping that cute grin on his face, showing off those cute dimples, "I do know tha' Bambi, an' I know ya'd never take anythin' fer granted, tha's why I love spoilin' ya." So, by the time Stacey had opened the box to reveal what as inside, Brendan had finished messing around with the hotels. He then watched as Stacey opened the box, and he was glad to hear that she liked it, saying it was lovely. "Am glad ya like it Bambi, sweetheart." He then watched as she handed it over to him and asked him to put it on for her.

"Sure Bambi." He then took it from her, and opened the catch, putting it around her wrist, and closed the catch. As he did so, he lifted her hand up to his lips and kissed the back of it. "Beautiful Bambi, jus' beautiful. Looks even more beautiful now it's on ya." He couldn't help but say this, he felt so lucky to have such a beautiful woman in his life, one who was carrying his child, what more could he ask for?

Brendan smiled as Stacey said it was great, they were now booked into a hotel in Venice instead of Rome. He had then mentioned they should start to get ready, as the train would be arriving in Rome soon enough. So as soon as he packed the laptop away and got the bags ready, Stacey got herself ready. Brendan had got himself washed and dressed when he'd woken earlier that morning. Once Stacey was ready, the train was just pulling into the station. "Hafta agree, tha' is definitely good timin' Bambi." He grinned, as he lifted up their luggage and headed toward the door of the train. Luckily, knowing they'd only be here for one night, there wasn't much luggage, so he wouldn't have to be carrying much around with him, as they went on all the sights, but he knew that he would be able to leave the bulk of the luggage at the left luggage compartments at the train stations before they headed to where they were going each time.

Once the train stopped, and the doors opened, Brendan stepped out first, and then held his free hand out to help Stacey, seeing as they often have gaps between the train and the platform. "Jus' gonna get the bulk of the luggage into left luggage Bambi, is there anythin' in particular ya want out, fer walkin' around Rome afore we head off to Pisa at midday?" He knew they would have no hotel to go to now, but he was certain they would find somewhere, a restaurant, they could just sit and relax in, until it was time to leave for Pisa. Once they were settled somewhere, he'd give her another one of her gifts.