"I think they're ready." He murmured.
Reaching out a hand through the opening in the see-through cot, Eliza touched her daughter's satiny cheek. "Very soon you'll beout and at home where you belong. Your room is waiting for you, my darling, and we cannot wait to see you settled. We love you so much."
"My princess." Samuel murmured huskily.
*****
"Do you have any regrets?" Eliza asked quietly as they stood looking at the three sleeping babies. The day had been hectic, starting with a decoy transportation that led the eager press in full pursuit of the vehicle. They had finally managed to sneak the babies out and into the nondescript SUV where she had discovered to her surprise that her husband had custom-built car seats with the boys' names embossed into the soft blue and white fabrics.
Then they were greeted at home by his parents, Sally, and Blair, who had insisted on decorating the place to welcome them home. Maeve and Mary-Ann, the nannies, had swiftly taken charge after the activities to get the babies settled after they were fed and diapered.
Now, midnight, with the women already turned in for the night, she and Samuel stood looking at their sleeping forms.
"Why would you ask me that?" he whispered sharply.
She shrugged. "It's a lot of work and a lot of hassle. The doctors warned us that they're still not out of the woods yet."
"I know what I signed up for. Ready?"
She nodded. Taking one last look around the room, she allowed herself to be led out and into their own suite. It seemed like ages since she had been home. He had made changes here as well. There was a comfortable sleep chair for when she wanted to spend time with the babies. She was breastfeeding and was immensely grateful that despite the rigors her body had gone through, she was still producing milk. So much so that she had to express some into bottles.
The doctors had assured her that the breast milk would help to stave off certain infections and helped the babies to grow healthier. After hearing that and reading up on the value of breast milk, she was determined to do her part.
"I miss her already."
"I know you do." He led her to the bed, where he bent to take off her shoes. He knew she was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. He was also watching for signs of PPD, post-partum depression, as advised by the doctors. "How are you really?" he asked quietly as he rubbed her feet between his palms.
She smiled at him fleetingly. "You're afraid I'm going to go off the rails." She surmised. "I know the drill, darling. I've read the books and magazines and listened to the various podcasts. After carrying the babies for seven odd months, I'm aware that the ravages not only to the body and mind can take their toll.
"Don't stop." She murmured, leaning back on the pillows as he continued to massage her feet. "I'm fine. I just miss Sofia and want her home. It's not complete without her." She gazed at him. "I just don't want you regretting the fact that I coerced you into doing this."
"Coerced?" He lifted a brow at her.
"Persuaded? Begged?"
"You presented a valid argument, and I saw the reasoning behind it." Rising, he reached for the cocoa butter and indicated that she should take off her sweater. She had been ashamed and a little self-conscious at first at the sagging skin and afraid that he would be turned off. He had told her bluntly that it was a definite sign of her carrying his children and he wasn't so stupid,callous, or indeed shallow to let that bother him. He had referred to the marks as her battle scars.
"So, no regrets?" She persisted, closing her eyes and sighing as he massaged the cream into her skin.
"None, whatsoever. I want you to promise me something."
"Anything." She murmured without opening her eyes.
"Anything within reason?" he teased.
"Anything." Her eyes flickered open and she met his gaze. "What is it?"
"That if you start to feel overwhelmed in any way, you will let me know. Full transparency. Can you promise me that?"
"That's too easy." She placed a hand over his. "Now I want you to promise me something as well."
"Hmm. Shoot."
"If you start to find me unattractive--"
"Eliza--" His frown of warning had her shaking her head.
"Just hear me out, please." She took a deep breath. "You're a very attractive man and women flock to you. I know that. I have eyes in my head. I know that the temptation is there for you to stray, not that you're weak or anything like that--" She hastened to add at his ominous expression. He had finished rubbing the cream in and was wiping his fingers on a diaper cloth, his eyes holding hers, expression inscrutable. "We haven't been together in a while--"
