Page 69 of Soaring and Saucy

“And your parents,” Stephanie chuckled, remembering how excited his family was when they came to visit them three months ago. They had gushed about their first grandchild, mentioning to Laura repeatedly about how ‘she needed to find a good man and settle down’. His sister didn’t look too thrilled at their comments, claiming she was already in a relationship with someone – and it was none of their business.

“I’m sorry I ruined the party,” she began again, looking up at Lance. “That was so sweet of you and the apartment looked so good.”

“You didn’t ruin anything,” he replied simply, giving her a tender smirk that made her whole soul sigh with awareness. “I know the party is in your pants, my love…”

“You’re terrible.”

“I’m freakin’ wonderful and you love me.”

“I really do,” she confessed, looking up at him again only to see his eyes shift over slightly from her to the baby – as he smiled. She turned to see what he was looking at, only to see that their daughter’s eyes were open as she watched them, her little lip wobbling precariously. “Shhh, it’s okay. We’re here, sweetie.”

“What are we naming you, hmm?”

“What if we kept her name as Angel?”

“I think that is perfect.”

“What about a middle name?”

“Laura?”

“Heck no,” Lance chuckled. “My sister’s ego couldn’t handle it. What was your mother’s name?”

“Renee.”

“Angel Renee Cavanaugh – I like it.”

“I do too.”

Stephanie marveled at the baby, unable to keep from tracing the tiny pale eyebrows, touching the pink cheeks, nor fawning over the way that little chin was wobbling with that lip. It was obvious that Angel was getting upset because it was feeding time and she wasn’t exactly sure how to breastfeed a baby yet. The books made it sound so easy, but then again the photos looked a lot calmer… and more still. Her daughter was starting to fret and wriggling as she made little noises.

“Could you get one of the nurses for me?”

“Of course.”

“Lance?”

“Yeah, Steph?”

“I know I’m probably emotional right now, but I can’t help but thinking that I am so relieved it was you that I met that evening in New York City. I mean, I can’t imagine experiencing this with anyone else, nor having someone else by my side. I know things are changing for us, and with the baby here now…”

“Queen of my heart,” Lance interrupted tenderly. “I love you – and I understand what you are saying. You honestly don’t have to explain because I can’t imagine any of this miracle with someone else.”

“You can’t?” she whispered tearfully, loving him even more for saying such sweetness. It could be drivel for all she cared, but it worked. The sappier he got, the more she ate up his sweet, romantic words.

“No, babe. You are it for me… and have been from the moment I laid eyes on you.”

Stephanie nodded emotionally, trying to adjust her gown as Angel was now snorting and fretting, rubbing her face against her breast, searching. She glanced at Lance who was about to walk out the door. Yeah, she was going to need a nurse…

“OWWW?!” she yelped, causing him to pause, as she looked at the source of her slight discomfort and heard Lance’s treasured laugh from the doorway as he moved back to her side, fascinated. She stared at Angel who was gulping noisily and then met her husband’s bright eyes so full of love. “One more thing…”

“Yeah?” Lance whispered, reaching out to touch the baby’s downy fine hair, marveling at their miracle.

“Can we do this again soon?”

“Another baby?” Lance’s eyes shot to hers, looking pleasantly surprised. He leaned forward to kiss her tenderly, catching her whispered ‘Yes’ as their lips met. That toe-curling kiss seemed to touch a part of her heart and soul as they parted, looking at each other… just before she saw the mischievous glint in his beautiful eyes.

“Absolutely,” he grinned, winking at her. “Now that I’ve seen how pretty my daughter is - I’ve gotta get my boy, remember?”