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Sansa sat on the edge of her parent’s bathtub looking at the positive test and silently freaking out. She was livid and her emotions were all over the place. The one time she hadn’t insisted on a condom. Stupid girl. She whispered to herself as she started to cry angrily at herself. She was weeping and had gotten lost in her own head before she felt her mother’s arms around her hugging her tightly. She had missed the knocking and concerned questions of her mother in her tears and emotions.
“Sansa what’s wrong?” Cat said before looking down at the fallen pregnancy test on the bathroom floor. She saw the positive result and hugged Sansa again. “My sweet Sansa. We’ll be here for you and your little one.”
“I just…I didn’t expect this. I thought I had been careful.” She whispered still crying.
“Sansa. It’ll be okay. Come here.” Cat said as she pulled Sansa with her, wrapping the test in some toilet paper and depositing it in the trash can. They washed their hands and faces before Cat took Sansa over to her and Ned’s large bed. She held Sansa close on top of the covers as Sansa cried into her lap. Cat ran her hands through Sansa’s hair soothingly as she sang Sansa’s favorite childhood songs. Sansa calmed and fell asleep. Ned came in a little while later after Rickon and Bran had been put to bed.
“What’s wrong, Cat?” He asked quietly coming out of the bathroom in his pajamas. Cat looked up at him a little sadly. He pulled the heavy quilt off the small sofa and laid it gently on Sansa. He grabbed a bottle of water from the small cooler in their sitting area and set it on Cat’s nightstand.
“She’s pregnant.” Cat said as Ned settled on Sansa’s other side under the covers.
“We’ll support her and be here for her and she can move back here where we can help her.” Ned said adjusting Sansa so she’d be more comfortable between them.
“Exactly, Ned.” Cat said happily before she got up to get ready for bed quickly before coming back and settling Sansa back against her between them. Ned angled himself a bit away from Sansa, but held her hand supportively.
Sansa slept soundly feeling supported and calmer than she had all evening. She awoke cradled safely between her parents. She stirred a little and felt her one hand squeeze as Ned awoke and then Cat as her mother hugged Sansa to her.
“Did you sleep all right, Lemoncake?” Ned asked quietly as they all got up and out of the bed.
“Yeah. I slept really well.” She said waking up a bit more.
“I saw the test in the trash.” Ned said as Sansa froze. “We’re here for you and whatever you decide, either way. You’ll always have a place here at home with our love and support. Should you decide you want to keep it, we are more than happy to help and love and support you both.” Ned said calmly. Sansa immediately relaxed and teared up at how comforting and understanding her parents were.
“Thank you both for being the best parents. I love you both so much.” She said tearfully.
“We love you too.” Cat and Ned said hugging her tightly between them.
Robb and Jon were practically twins since Lyanna had died shortly after she had Jon. He was about 3 weeks younger than Robb. Ned and Cat brought him home and adopted him. Cat had nursed them both and loved both her boys. Sansa was next about a year and a half later. Arya was about 3 years younger than Sansa, just finishing up high school, Bran was 3 years younger than Arya and a freshmen in high school and little Rickon was the youngest at 10. Sansa and her parents told her siblings about her pregnancy. They were surprised and a little shocked but reassured Sansa that they were all there for her. Cat took her to her doctor appointment and the doctor confirmed that she was pregnant.
A day or two later, Sansa looked up Harry Hardyng online to see what he was doing so that she could gauge if she wanted to tell him that she was pregnant with his child. She was shocked to find out that not only was Harry dead, but that he’d been shot dead by another woman as he was leaving a different woman’s apartment in a fit of jealousy. “Holy fucking shit.” Sansa whispered to herself.
“Sansa!?” Ned asked her surprised at her language.
“My ex, the one that knocked me up, got shot and killed.” Sansa said turning the screen to him. Ned tutted disappointedly before leaving for his planned round of golf with Robb and Jon during which they cursed and swore that Harry Hardyng was lucky he was already dead because if he hadn’t been then they would have killed him for how he had treated Sansa.
Rickon generally liked his siblings, but Sansa was easily Rickon’s favorite sibling. She was like another mother to him and he’d always loved being around her growing up. She had helped him to learn things inside and outside of school while helping to hide him from their siblings when some of his shenanigans went awry. She figured out creative ways for him to easily burn off his excess energy that always seemed to bubble up. He never pranked her and always looked up to her. When Rickon found out that she was having a baby, he was initially unsure about what that would mean. Over time he got a better idea. He knew that he was officially going to be an uncle to Sansa’s baby. He’d be the one to help Sansa and the baby now. Everyone else would be there too, but now it was his turn to help her as much as he could.
Rickon took his self-imposed job seriously. He always offered to go get things for Sansa around the house and helped her with anything she needed that a 10 year old could help with. Rickon would get her water or snacks and watch some tv shows and movies with her. But his favorite thing to help with were his hugs. Anytime he thought she might be sad or upset, or just needed some cheering, he gave her a good, solid hug with his small arms going around her. It got a little harder as her belly grew, but then he still made every effort to hug his favorite sibling. He talked to his little niece or nephew too. He told them how his day at school was or some of the exciting or boring things that had happened that day. Sansa loved that all her siblings were helpful, but she loved how Rickon always knew when she needed a hug and some cheering.
Sansa joined Jon and Tormund for lunch at the sports bar for a change of scenery. She had become more and more friendly with Tormund as the months went on. He’d started as Jon’s best friend and sometime before she’d noticed, he’d become her friend too. They texted occasionally, but nothing too crazy. Today, they talked a bit while Jon and Tormund watched the game and Sansa was going through things she’d need for the baby. She paused to eat her salad and drink her iced tea.
“Let us see what you’ve got so far.” Jon said pulling her list to between him and Tormund. They both scanned it, nodding at everything.
“I can make you a crib.” Tormund said pointing to that on the list.
“I couldn’t ask that of you.” Sansa said shocked at such a large offer.
“You’re not asking. I’m offering. I want to do that for you and jellybean.” He said seriously with a smile. “You can some over and we can pick out what kind of wood and design it if you wanted or I can make it a surprise.”
“Really?” Sansa smiled and crossed that off the list. “You free after this?”
“Yeah.” The game was winded down and the Timberwolves were ahead and ended up winning. After they’d settled their tabs, Sansa drove herself out to Tormund’s cabin and workshop following his truck. Tormund showed her the different woods he had and she was torn between a few of them. “Tell you what, I have a few ideas, so how about it’ll be a surprise?”
“I’d love that.” She said smiling and touching her baby bump where the baby kicked gently. “Jellybean loves that idea too.” He smiled gently and got them both a mug of tea as she sat down on his couch with a yawn.
“Did you need a nap?” He asked looking serious.
“Honestly, yes. The caffeine withdrawal has been one of my-“ she yawned again. “-least favorite things.” He placed a fresh pillow case on one of the pillows in the guest room and a warm blanket on the bed as she slipped out of her flats. She texted her family that she was at Tormund’s and needed a nap before she drove back home. They said they’d wait to hear from her and to let them know when she was heading back.
“I think the guest bed will be more comfortable than the couch.” He said as she sighed tiredly. “Can I help?” He asked gently.
“Yes.” She said as he gently scooped her safely into his arms. He took her gently over to the spare bedroom, laid her on the covers and placed the blanket over her as she fell asleep quickly. He plugged his spare phone charger in and plugged her phone in to charge it.
“Have a good nap, Sansa.” He whispered, putting a sticky note on her phone to tell her that he’d be out in his shop if she needed him. He got to work on some custom book ends he’d been commissioned to carve. He had wanted to kiss her forehead before he left her, but knew that would have been inappropriate.
She woke up an hour and a half later and smiled at the post-it on her phone. She paused and let herself wake up further over another fifteen minutes or so. She loved the smell of different woods that enveloped the house. The blanket smelled heavily of pine and cedar. Pine was the dominant one since the cabin was nestled in a large pine forest. She nestled in a little further, inhaling the scents before turning over and getting up. She made her way over to the bathroom and checked her texts, not seeing anything that needed to be responded to then. She popped her flats back on and went out to the workshop.
Tormund looked at her as she came in. She looked a lot more rested and really glowed even with only an extra 2 hours or so sleep. “That looked like it helped.” He said beaming at her.
“It was perfect.” She said softly. “It’s been a while since I’ve had that good of a nap.”
“I’m glad to hear.” He said smiling. “Did you want a snack before heading out?”
“Yeah. That’d be great.” They had a small snack together before Sansa thanked him again for everything and headed out home. He looked at the receding SUV longingly, wishing that they could be more. He’d found himself falling more and more in love with Sansa Stark.
Cat and Ned had to go down to Riverrun over the long weekend since Hoster had a large event that only his kids needed to go. Sansa was just slightly over 8 months pregnant at the time and since none of the grandkids were invited, she assured her parents she, Jon, Robb and Arya could handle Rickon and Bran. They’d be fine and Ned and Cat could go. Cat and Ned went with Jon dropping them off at the airport.
The first night was fine. The siblings had pizza and watched a few movies. Rickon curled up next to her, his hand protectively around Sansa’s baby bump. Her back was a little bit achy so Arya helped by rubbing her back. The baby moved around and all the siblings took turns feeling him move. Jon and Robb got Rickon to bed and then Bran before helping Sansa upstairs.
She went to sleep and woke up about 3am to go to the bathroom. There was a sudden gushing of liquid as she put together her symptoms. “Oh fuck.” She swore. She used her towel to clean herself up a bit before throwing on some fresh yoga pants, grabbing her go-bag and going to wake Jon and Robb. “Jon, get up I need you to take me to the hospital. My water just broke. Robb, I need you to get up and let mum and dad know and watch out for Arya, Bran and Rickon.” Jon quickly became alert and got up. Everything happened quickly. Sansa made some calls while they were on their way over, grimacing occasionally when a contraction ripped through her. They made it to the hospital and Jon helped Sansa at every turn.
“Sansa, who’s this with you?” Nurse Flora asked her as Jon changed into scrubs behind the partition.
“This is Jon, my super single big brother.” She said as he blushed as he took her arm to help her pace. “The baby daddy isn’t in the picture.”
The nurses were wonderful and Jon really brought his A-game as her support person. He helped her pace and wiped her forehead. He fed her ice cubes as she asked for them and whole-heartedly agreed with her and tried his best to cheer her up as she pushed and groaned and swore. After several hours, Sansa finished pushing out her son. Jon looked at her in admiration and amazement.
“You’re so brave and strong Sans.” Jon said giving her a kiss to the side of her head. “Look at him.” The nurse passed her son to her and she held him beaming at him happily.
“I did this. I made this.” She whispered in awe of her son as Jon was also crying happily.
“Did you have a name picked out, Sansa?” Flora asked quietly.
“Liam Rhys Stark.” Sansa said quietly.
Jon answered the FaceTime call from Cat. “Liam’s arrived mom. You’re officially a grandmother.” He said as he flipped the camera over to Sansa and Liam. Sansa was still beaming and looking at Liam as he had latched on to her breast to nurse. They chatted a bit more while Cat and Ned made their way home before disconnecting. Jon opened his texts and saw that Tormund had asked Jon if he or Sansa needed anything. “Tormund wants to know if you need anything.”
Sansa looked up and smiled. “Gods, I really want some iced tea and maybe a lemon cake?”
Jon smiled and texted that to Tormund. He swung by about 20 minutes later with a plain coffee for Jon and a raspberry leaf tea blend for Sansa with a large thermos of iced tea. Jon went over to the bathroom, before going to take a quick walk, leaving Sansa and Liam with Tormund. He went out to the hallway after that to make a call. Tormund sat down in Jon’s vacated chair and used the fork in the pastry box to slice off little bits of the lemon cakes and fed them to her. She used the straw to drink some of the iced tea he had brought her.
“This is perfect.” She said as she sighed happily.
“This tea blend is mixed to help with the after birth process.” He told her seriously but with a smile. “My cousin swore by it with her pregnancies. She said it helped her immensely just like the other one she recommend.”
“That one was delicious yet helpful.” She smiled at Tormund as Liam squirmed. The lemon cake was all eaten and satisfied her craving for it. “Come officially meet Liam.” She said as she adjusted her son in her arms as Tormund moved closer.
“He’s so small.” Tormund said quietly in awe of the little boy cuddled to Sansa.
“He’s all mine.” Sansa said beaming down at Liam. He reached over and Liam grasped one of his fingers in his tiny baby fist. Tormund saw the dusting of red hair on Liam’s head and smiled.
“He’s got your kissed-by-fire hair, too.” He said softly, smiling up at Sansa with a tender look in his eyes. She was starting to feel the exhaustion hitting hard. She hit the call button for a nurse.
“Can you snag Jon? I’m feeling pretty tired.” She said yawning.
“I can hold Liam if you want.” Tormund offered as Sansa lifted Liam into his arms delicately. He held Liam protectively against his chest as he sat back down. He texted Jon to come back. Flora came in a few minutes later and checked Sansa over with some questions. She told Sansa it’d be ok for her to sleep if she wanted before she took Liam from Tormund and set him in the plastic carrier and took him over to the nursery.
“Tormund, can you stay for a little bit? Tell Jon that they took Liam to the nursery.” She said as she closed her eyes.
“I’ll stay with you, Sansa.” He said softly as he fired off a text to Jon telling him that she was going to sleep and Liam was in the nursery. “I’d stay by your side forever if you wanted.” He whispered to her sleeping body.
Cat and Ned finally arrived a few hours after that. The next month and a half went by quickly with Sansa and Liam getting into a routine. Sansa and Liam had been over at Jon and Robb’s house for a week while Ned, Cat, Rickon and Bran were off visiting colleges on vacation. Sansa was taking a nap over in the guest bedroom where she and Liam were staying in while everyone else was out of town. Arya was off in Braavos at her martial arts academy and Robb was off on a work trip as well.
Jon invited Tormund over to watch the hockey games that were on that day at the house Robb and Jon shared. Jon was watching and holding Liam when Tormund came over, looking at the little deep red haired baby in Jon’s arms happily. Liam looked at Tormund and grinned and giggled. Tormund had met up with Sansa and Liam at their house for lunch a few times and once at a diner. He always brought a board book for Liam every time they met up.
“Aye, that’s right you said Sansa and Liam’d be here this week.” He said approaching Jon and Liam. “You’re such a handsome, kissed-by-fire boy.” He said grinning at Liam who giggled happily. Jon chuckled and smiled back.
“Sansa’s sleeping at the moment, but she’ll be down later.” Jon explained quietly.
“Gotcha.” Tormund said, nodding in understanding. They moved to the kitchen, getting some snacks and drinks together. Jon passed Liam to Tormund to hold while he got a few things out. Tormund held him carefully and smiled at the boy while he made some silly faces that had Liam laughing and smiling back.
Sansa had woken up to Liam’s giggles and smiled to herself. She loved hearing her son being happy. She came down dressed in a shirt she’d be able to nurse in and leggings. Sansa saw Tormund holding Liam safe in his arms with both man and baby beaming at each other. Her insides twisted a little as the thought of how nice it would be for Liam to have an involved father that cared enough to make silly faces to make her boy smile and laugh. Tormund noticed her entrance to the kitchen and smiled at her. Sansa returned his smile as she approached him.
“I thought I heard you giggling, my little wolf.” She said tickling Liam’s belly a little bit while Tormund held him. “How’re you Tormund?” She said smiling.
“Doing good Sansa.” He said rocking Liam around as Liam giggled again. Sansa grabbed some food and her own non-alcoholic drink. She had Tormund set Liam in the portable crib with his toys before sitting down in the plush glider recliner. Jon and Tormund started the first game. They all munched on their food and drinks. She enjoyed having some adult socialization time. They talked, booed and cheered as the game played. Sansa had been training Liam to sleep when it was noisy so he ended up sleeping soundly despite the noise and excitement. Liam had woken up towards the end of the first game. Sansa held him for a bit before he fussed and made grabby hands at Tormund.
“Hey little man, you’re good.” He said picking up Liam from Sansa. Liam immediately calmed down and smiled up at Tormund.
“I’ll be damned.” Jon said in awe. Tormund sat back on the couch with Liam leaning back on his lap. He played with a few toys for a whole period before he started to get hungry.
“He’s probably getting hungry.” Sansa said sagely. “I can warm up a bottle if you wanted to feed him?” She asked Tormund.
“I could do that.” Tormund said gently.
“Ok. I’ll be right back.” She said going to the kitchen, putting a bottle from the fridge in the bottle warmer. She tested the bottle out and it was good temperature wise. She picked up a burp cloth on her way back.
“Ok what do I need to do?” Tormund said as Sansa came and sat next to him, setting the bottle down on the coffee table.
“First, we’re going to have you hold him like this.” She said adjusting Liam to the crook of Tormund’s arm. “Here’s his burp cloth for any spit ups or what not.” She said draping it onto Tormund’s shoulder while she grabbed the bottle and adjusted his hand around it. “Now keep it at this angle and he should do most of the rest himself once he latches on.” She finished as Liam looked up at Tormund with an adoring face. He started drinking from the bottle right away and Tormund smiled at him before looking at Sansa to see her smiling. Her gut twisted in desire at seeing Tormund and Liam bonding and happy. She kept it together though. If she happed to smell the combination of Tormund’s pine and wood scent on Liam and his clothes later and fall asleep with that mix of smells making her dream of the 3 of them as a family then that was something she kept to herself.
Sansa and Liam were going out to pick up a few things from Tormund. Liam was about 3 and a half months old now. There was a big snowstorm that was going to come in hard later. Sansa looked at the snow flakes as they brushed past her windshield. They were coming down faster than they had been 20 minutes ago. She sighed deeply as they pulled in to Tormund’s driveway. He came out smiling from the open garage door to meet them. “The snow is really picking up isn’t it?” Sansa asked getting out of the SUV.
“Yeah. I think the snow is going to be here much sooner than they thought this morning.” The gusts of wind and snow sped up coming down almost to illustrate his point. “It’s not gonna be safe for you to go back out and it whites out the road in spots. Just stay here til it passes and the roads are clear. You can park your SUV in the garage so it doesn’t need to be cleared later.” He said as she got back in and parked it in his garage. Tormund got Liam’s car seat out of the back seat and the diaper bag. Sansa grabbed her purse and a bag she kept in the trunk with some extra clothes for her and Liam. She followed Tormund into the house.
“Thank you Tormund.” She said as she shook the snow out of her hair and took her heavy coat off in the mudroom. He had set Liam’s car seat down in the den before coming back to hang her coat up on one of the hooks in the mudroom. The instrumental music that Tormund liked floated along in the air softly.
“It’s not a big deal. It’s not safe out there in this weather and I have plenty of space here. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you or Liam.” Tormund said easily as he brought the 2 bottles in the cooler section of the diaper bag out and into the fridge. “I have some stew started in the crockpot and was going to bake some bread with that for dinner.”
“That sounds perfect. I’m going to go call my mom to let her know we’ll be staying here.” Sansa said with a smile. Tormund leaned down to Liam and unbuckled him from his car seat, holding him safely as Sansa stepped over to the kitchen. She couldn’t help the happy lurch her stomach gave again at the sight of her son cuddled with Tormund. They both looked happy and at ease. She called her mother and left a voicemail saying she and Liam would be over with Tormund since it wasn’t safe to drive back with the snow picking up.
She joined Tormund and Liam over by the large window watching the snow come down. Liam’s eyes were bright and delighted as he watched the snowflakes fall. The music made it magical. She smiled as they watched the snow together for another 20 minutes before Liam started to fuss.
“He’s hungry. He normally eats around now.” She said as Tormund passed Liam over to her. Sansa sat on the couch and Tormund brought over the diaper bag. He opened the bag and grabbed a burp cloth out, setting it down next to her and grabbing a skinnier pillow she could use to prop her arm up.
“I was going to make some tea if you wanted some.” He offered as she settled in to the end of the sofa. The small fireplace was steadily burning in there.
“Yes please.” She said with a smile as he moved to the kitchen. She adjusted her shirt and bra as Liam moved to latch on to her breast. Sansa hummed softly to him as she watched him drink. Tormund brought her a mug of tea over and angled the handle so she could get it one handed easily. He settled onto the other end of the couch with his own mug of tea. He turned on the television to a weather report showing that it was supposed to continue snowing heavily for the next few days.
“Are you sure You’ve got enough supplies to account for us?” Sansa asked quietly.
“Sansa. I promise. It’s all right. I’ve got plenty of supplies to cover all of us in case we need it.” He said warmly.
“Thank you again.” She said as Liam stopped drinking. She took a sip of tea and found it perfectly how she took it. A soft contented sigh escaped her nose.
“It the tea good?” He asked sipping his own.
“It’s perfect, as usual.” She said with a smile. She took another sip before fixing her bra and shirt, burping him a little and switching breasts. Liam drank a little more before burping again and sighing happily. She closed the bra and shirt up before debating silently where to set Liam. Tormund looked over and opened his arms.
“I can take him.” He said gently. “Unless he’s going to need a nap. Then I do have a crib here.”
“The crib would probably be better since he’s probably going to crash soon.” Tormund got up and went over to the spare bedroom he took the pile of pillows and blankets out of the small crib and he showed her it. She tucked Liam in to the crib as he snuggled down and fell asleep. Sansa kissed his head before they closed the door partway and went back out to the kitchen. Tormund put the bread dough in the oven and they watched an episode of a cooking show they were both intrigued by. The bread was done at the end of the episode and they ate the stew with bread at the small table. They watched as the snow continued to pile up outside and talked quietly. They put away the left overs and Liam continued to sleep.
“You can take a shower if you wanted or I’ve got a good sized tub in my bathroom if you wanted a soak. I’ve got some pine and fir bath salts that you could use. I can listen for Liam.”
“That would be wonderful actually.” She looked through her clothes bag and found an acceptable nursing tank top, pair of underwear and pair of leggings, but she was fresh out of a clean shirt. She added her travel hair brush to her pile. “Do you happen to have a shirt I could borrow? Maybe like a flannel or something with buttons?”
“Yeah. You can pick out what one you want.” He said as he took her free hand over to his room. He opened the closet door and turned on the light. “Take your pick.” He said gesturing to the easily 35 plaid flannel shirts hanging there. She grabbed one of the longer ones with dark green and blue colors. He took her into the bathroom and set some towels on the counter, a few washcloths, and brought the half-used jar of scented bath salts. “Feel free to use any soap or shampoo or anything. The taps are pretty easy.” He said showing her how to turn the bath on and change it to a shower if she wanted before checking that she was good.
“Thanks Tormund.” She said smiling happily. “You are the best.”
He took his leave, shutting the bathroom door behind him on his way out. Sansa got the water going to a hot enough temperature and added the salts that turned the water a deep green. The pine and fir smelled wonderful. She stripped out of her clothes and stopped the water. sinking into the water she felt a lot of the tension she’d been holding dissipate immediately. She breathed deeply. Her mind cleared and moved to the problem that was becoming more and more pressing. Her attraction to Tormund was becoming a bigger issue.
He was so nice and kind and wonderful to her and her son. Liam absolutely loved Tormund. His wee little face lit up just as much as hers did every time they saw him. He’d been wonderful during her pregnancy as first Jon’s friend slowly becoming hers too. He’d gotten her teas and spent time with her.
But that crib he had carved with the trees was beautiful and one of her favorite things she’d ever gotten in her whole life. He seemed to possibly be interested in her too. She’d maybe pay attention more tonight and see if she saw anymore interest from him or an opening to discuss it with him. She soaked a bit longer and before rinsing off and shampooing her hair with his shampoo. Sansa dried off and dressed before dressing in the combination of his and her clothing. She sniffed the shirt a little, loving the smell of pine that was just everywhere in his house and on his clothes. She brushed out her hair and braided it into a single long braid. Sansa hung the towel up on the hook and went back out to the den.
He had turned on the weather quietly in the background that he was half paying attention to before looking up to see her come back in. She saw his eyes darken as he took in her wearing his clothing. Sansa sat down right next to him on the couch and she heard the slight intake of breath as he smelled her smelling like his products. She decided to take a chance and talk while she was feeling brave and turned to him seriously. “I got hurt by Harry. First with the cheating and then I left him and then I found out I was pregnant and then I found out he was killed.” She said slowly. “I wanted to protect myself and my child and not trust anyone that wasn’t my family.” She paused taking a deep breath. “I didn’t want to get hurt again or be that vulnerable again.” She paused and took a deep breath. “I didn’t want to risk my heart, but more importantly Liam’s heart on anyone that could break them.” She smiled at him as she looked him in the eyes and saw the warmth and understanding that she had come to love about him.
“You slowly became not just Jon’s best friend but you became my friend. You showed me that time and again. Whether it was lunch or dinner or carving the most perfect and beautiful crib for my son or buying me pregnancy tea for before and after my delivery to help me heal. You help me with Liam all the time. You held him before my parents even did. I see the love and the attention you give him. I see that devotion reflected in his eyes and how he snuggles up to you when you hold him.” She took one of his hands in hers slowly as her eyes searched his and see the hope and longing that she hoped would be there. “I think you’ll keep our hearts safe and protect them and I hope, return that love and affection that I know we both feel for you.”
“Always.” He said with all the warmth and sincerity and love that he could imbue the word with. He smiled brightly at her, taking his free hand and caressing her cheek. “Always Sansa. I wanted to be in your lives even if all it could ever be was as a friend. I love you and Liam so damn much and I promise to always be there for you and show you the love and warmth and devotion that you both deserve. I want to be his father and help to raise him and teach him everything at your side.” Sansa had tears of happiness falling down her cheeks as Tormund’s thumbs wiped them away. “I’d give you both the sun, moon and every star in the sky if you wanted them.”
Sansa leaned in and brought her lips to his. The kiss started soft and tentative like a spark before it turned heated and they both caught fire in an inferno. He pulled her closer and she straddled his lap on the couch. They made out together for what seemed like forever before pausing. Their foreheads touched gently as they tried to catch their breath.
“I’m not ready for sex yet. Both emotionally and physically.” She said meeting his eyes.
“That’s completely fine.” He said supportively. “How do you feel about cuddling and snuggling?”
“Those sound perfect.” She said contentedly, giving a slight inhale as his scent just washed over her. She heard Liam start to fuss. “He’s probably hungry again.” She said reluctantly getting up.
“That’s all right. Our boy is growing strong.” He said proudly smiling at her as he got up too. She beamed back at him.
“Can we cuddle together tonight?” She asked hopefully.
“Of course. I can move the crib over to my room so we can hear him better.” They went to the spare bedroom and Sansa picked up Liam, nuzzling his little face and smiling at him. Tormund leaned in and kissed the top of Liam’s head tenderly. He picked up the small crib effortlessly and took it over to his bedroom with Sansa and Liam following. He set it gently on the right side of the bedroom since he normally slept on the left side of the bed. Sansa sat down on the right side of the bed as Liam reached to touch a breast. She set him on the bed as she unbuttoned Tormund’s flannel shirt she was borrowing. She got them both situated and Liam started to drink eagerly. Tormund sat next to her eyes going between her and Liam happily.
“I never thought I might get my dream.” He said softly. “The incredible, strong and beautiful Sansa Stark and her wonderful son making themselves as comfortable in my home as they are already in my heart.” Sansa beamed up at him before she used her open arm to pull him closer. She shifted so she was cuddled into his side with his arm around her shoulder. Liam drank on eyes shifting between watching Sansa and Tormund. Sansa melted with any tension easing out of her as she felt like she was exactly where she belonged. It felt like home. Tormund took Liam after he was done drinking and burped him while Sansa buttoned back up.
Tormund pulled his knees up and supported Liam against them as they looked at each other and Tormund made silly faces at him. Liam giggled and reached out happily for Tormund. After a while, Liam started to fuss a bit and Sansa changed his diaper before he nodded back off to sleep. Sansa set Liam back in the crib as Tormund took the dirty diaper out to the garage trashcan. He checked the house was locked up with a quick hand wash in the kitchen on his way around. The fireplace was off as he made his way back to the bedroom. Sansa washed her hands in the bathroom and Tormund passed her a new toothbrush from the cabinet as they brushed their teeth together. They took turns going to the bathroom before Sansa rejoined him in the bedroom. He had changed into a pair of comfortable sweats and a t-shirt and was sitting on his side of the bed. Sansa leaned down to kiss Liam’s head softly before moving to the bed and laying down next to Tormund.
“He’s pretty good about sleeping for larger chunks of time. He’ll probably need to eat again in about 4 hours or so.” She said as Tormund laid down next to her. They turned the lights on the nightstands off so the bedroom was lit only by the small night light by the crib. Sansa snuggled closer to him.
“If he fusses and I hear him before you then I’ll get him and bring him to you.” He promised with a kiss to her forehead. She smiled and inhaled the pine smell that clung to him.
“I really love the smell of pine and wood that just clings to you.” She said as he chuckled.
“I love that you smell like citrus and Liam.” He said softly as they relaxed into sleep together. Sansa’s body curled into Tormund’s using his chest and shoulder as a pillow. She fell asleep to the steady beating of his heart and slept soundly.
Tormund slept on and off, still not believing that Sansa was in his bed next to him. He heard Liam starting to wake up on one of those times so he gently shifted Sansa onto his pillow and quietly went to get Liam. He rocked Liam in his arms a little as he swayed a little soothing the baby. He looked out the window to see snow still coming down. He carefully laid back down next to Sansa. Liam clung to Tormund’s t-shirt and fell back asleep. Tormund shifted his arm to have a more secure hold on Liam before drawing Sansa back closer. She nestled back to him still asleep and then he fell back asleep. They all slept for a few more hours all curled together before Liam could sense that Sansa was there. He cooed and Sansa opened her eyes to see Liam looking at her.
“Are you hungry?” She asked him as she gently took him from Tormund’s chest. Sansa scooted back just a bit so Liam could fit between her and Tormund while he drank at her breast. Tormund looked over and smiled sleepily as he watched Sansa and Liam. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Liam finished eating and Tormund burped him as Sansa fixed her shirt and went to the bathroom before coming back to bed. They all cuddled back together with Liam back on Tormund’s chest. They all went back to sleep, waking up a few hours later and getting up. Tormund held Liam while Sansa went and grabbed a few things out of her SUV in the attached garage. Sansa fed Liam again before getting to enjoy a cup of coffee that Tormund poured for her. “Oh this is heavenly.” Sansa almost moaned around the mug. After breakfast was done, Sansa pulled Liam into the fabric ring sling. He loved being close to Sansa and would often fall asleep in there. Tormund turned to her.
“It looks like the storm is going to continue for at least a few more days. It might take a few days after it’s over for the roads to clear enough to drive you back.” He told her informatively.
“Honestly, it’s the best storm I’ve ever been in.” She said with a soft kiss to his lips. He kissed her back happily before breaking way and gazing adoringly at her.
“I completely agree.” He said as she looked at him with a happy smile on her face. They kissed again slowly before the buzzing of Sansa’s cell phone interrupted. She looked at the display and saw that her mom was video calling. Tormund smiled at her. “Take it. I wouldn’t want her to worry.”
“Thanks.” She said with a kiss to his cheek before she picked up the call. “Hi mom.” She said with a smile to the camera.
“How are you Sansa? How’s Liam?” She asked concerned.
“We’re both really good. Tormund has been a wonderful host. It looks like the storm is going to keep going for a few more days and the roads out here might not be safe right after that so he’s said we can stay here with him until it’s safe.” Sansa said with a smile as she took a sip of her coffee. Her eyes met Tormund’s across the table as he smiled at her. “Here’s Liam for you.” She said as she slipped the camera down to Liam’s happy face. Cat talked to Liam for a little bit before he fell asleep in the sling. Sansa turned the camera back up to herself. “We’ll be fine here. I love you and tell everyone at home that Liam and I love them too.” Sansa said blowing a kiss to the camera.
“We all love you both too!” Cat said before hanging up. Sansa got dinner going in the crockpot while Tormund got dressed to go outside. He took his pickup truck that already had the snow plow attachment on the front. He cleared out the driveway around the house and made sure there was a path to the workshop clear. He pulled the truck back in the garage and went in to tell Sansa that he had a few projects to work on out in the workshop. She played with Liam for a bit before feeding him and setting him back down for another nap. She started reading one of his fiction books that was on the bookshelf.
Tormund finished his projects within about 3 hours. They weren’t super complicated pieces so it didn’t take long to get through them. Tormund came back in the house and got the kettle going. Once it was started, he went in further and beamed at the sight of Sansa sitting on his couch, a cozy blanket covering her legs and lap and a book in her hand. Another blanket was draped around her shoulders. He kissed the side of her head and grinned. He grabbed her empty mug and refilled the tea, setting the mug on the end table. It hadn’t taken her much longer to finish the book since it was a short one.
Sansa got up and moved over to Tormund’s lap, straddling his lap before she began to kiss him. He responded very enthusiastically, holding her closer to him with both arms wrapped around her to his hands steadying her back and holding her close at the same time. They made out heatedly for a while until Liam woke up again. Sansa went to finish dinner while Tormund got Liam and read to him. He asked Sansa to help him with the ring sling and she got him all set up with Liam in it. They ate dinner together easily and Sansa truly felt at home.
That night as they were getting ready for bed, Sansa turned to Tormund. “Just so you know, I hated sleeping by myself before so I don’t think I can go back to it. You’re stuck with me forever now.” She said with both a light humor and being completely serious tone.
“Good. I want you here forever so it works perfectly.” He said with the exact same tone before leaning down to kiss her softly. “I mean it though. Move in with me. The both of you. We have time that we can move things around in here if you want. I could even make something if I’ve got the wood for it.”
Sansa smiled and kissed him back softly. “You’re really sure?” She asked seriously, her eyes searching his. He sat up and moved to be in front of her.
“I promise you, I will always tell you how I feel and will always be honest with you. I will always want you and Liam to be here.” His eyes showed the truth and sincerity behind his words. They cuddled while they slept and with that final piece, she felt that this was home.
Sansa video called her parents the next day with Liam and Tormund and told them about her and Tormund and that Liam and her were planning on moving in together once it was safe to drive again. Ned and Cat were surprised but both actually loved it when they thought about it. Sansa They called Jon next and he was very excited. Over the next week they got into a routine and moved things around in the house. Sansa and Tormund went over to Cat and Neds and got Liam and Sansa’s clothes and things packed up and moved over to Tormund’s house.
~Epilogue~
Liam Stark loved his home and family. His mother and father were awesome and his younger sisters and brother were great. His grandparents and aunts and uncles were lots of fun and a lot of them came over often. At 14, he was getting almost as tall as both his parents. He knew that technically his father wasn’t his biologically, but Tormund was the only father he’d even known. He had looked into Harry Hardyng online one day recently when he’d been home alone while dad had been in the workshop and was happy that fate had found a way to keep Harry out of his and mom’s lives. He was happy that he looked really close to his mother looks-wise. Even though they weren’t related by blood, he thought he looked close enough to Tormund that most people couldn’t tell they weren’t blood related.
Liam had grown up in the large cabin in the woods with Tormund and Sansa. He knew he’d lived with Sansa at his grandparents house for the few months before they had moved in with dad, but he didn’t remember that time. He’d grown up feeling safe and loved by his whole family. Mom had married Tormund when he was about a year old. Tormund had chosen to take Sansa and Liam’s last name and only kept the name Tormund Giantsbane for professional purposes with his carving and woodworking.
He had woken up earlier than normal on this Saturday. He listened to the quiet of the house. It sounded like no one else was awake. He got up and went over to the nursery where Callum was sleeping in the same crib that Liam had slept in that dad had made. Callum was only about 7 months old and Liam was happy to be able to help more with caring for his younger siblings. Liam looked in the crib and saw Callum was awake, but quiet. His brother smiled and giggled quietly when he saw Liam. Liam reached in and gently picked him up. He changed Callum’s wet diaper before taking him over to the den. He sat down on the chair overlooking the window out to the woods. The blanket of snow that had fallen last night looked beautiful on the trees.
His sisters Rowan and Willow were late risers at 8 and 6. He knew they’d all be out in the snow together later. Callum would stay in the house with mom, but dad would help them make the best snow forts later. Dad was the best when it came to making anything structural. His blanket forts were legendary especially with the fairy lights that mom had them add. He had made each of them a bed, desks, chairs and bookshelves. Mom’s home office had beautiful built-in bookcases that dad had made her in addition to the desk and chair. Tormund swung by where Liam and Callum were sitting looking outside and gave them each a kiss on the head before making his way to the kitchen to start coffee. He came back over as the coffee pot started going.
“How are my boys today?” Tormund asked softly.
“Good dad. I already changed his diaper and he’s been smiling all morning.” Liam told him proudly.
“That’s great Li.” Tormund told him with a smile. “You think Ro and Low will want to go out in the snow later?”
“Probably. A snow fort would be fun.” Liam said hopefully.
“Aye that it would be.” Tormund agreed. Sansa came over with her bathrobe on over her pajamas sipping a cup of coffee and passing one to Tormund.
“Good morning my boys and man.” She said softly with a smile as she settled in on Tormund’s lap on the other chair across from Liam and Callum. Liam wasn’t bothered in the slightest since this was how they always acted. He kinda loved that they were still so in love with each other. He loved how open his mom and dad were with how much they loved each other and him and his siblings. It was nice to know that his parents loved him and were proud of him all the time. Some of his friends didn’t have that and he felt bad for them.
“Dad said that Ro and Low and I could go out with him to make a snow fort later.” Liam said happily.
“If you wait for Grandma and Grandpa to come over, I’m sure that he’d love to join all of you.” Sansa reminded them. Ned and Cat normally came over for a late lunch or early dinner about once or twice a month, sometimes more often in nicer weather.
“That’ll be great.” Liam said smiling before he got up and gave Callum to Sansa before heading to the kitchen to get breakfast. Tormund smiled at Sansa and Callum as she fed Callum while they looked out the window together.
“You’re the reason I love snow storms. They gave me the best opportunity to change my life for the best.” Sansa said softly with a soft kiss to his cheek.
“I’ve always been happy that you took the chance that night.” He said with a soft kiss to her lips. “Made my life complete.”