He waited until she had left the room before turning towards the doctor.
Blake rose, his eyes searching the inscrutable face of the man standing in front of him, and felt the usual feeling of intimidation. Samuel Copeland had an aura of power stamped all over him that was undeniable.
"I owe you a debt of gratitude."
Blake hid his surprise well and managed to control his reaction to the sincere statement.
"I was very happy to be of service. Your wife is a wonderful human being," he said sincerely. "Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. I've dealt with more than my fair share of celebrities whose attitudes leave a lot to be desired. You have an extraordinary woman there, one I'm sure you're very proud of."
Samuel hid his amusement at the man's fervent expression and did not mind in the least that he was more than a little in love with his wife. He was beginning to realize that Eliza had that effect on most of the people she came in contact with.
"I am indeed." He held out a hand. "Thank you."
Blake shook his hand heartily. "This is not goodbye at all. I've recommended Dr. Pryce as the children's pediatrician and he's right here at the clinic. It's been a pleasure, Mr. Copeland."
"Under the circumstances, I believe calling me Samuel would be appropriate."
Pleasure bloomed on the doctor's face. "Samuel. I wish you all the best."
With a nod, Samuel took his leave. Blake lowered himself into the chair and steepled his fingers, a thoughtful expression on hisface. There had been a point where he was afraid he was going to lose both mother and daughter. All he could hear ringing inside his head was the threat the man had made at the beginning of the procedure. He was immensely happy he had not made himself a very powerful enemy.
Samuel cradled his daughter carefully in the crook of his arm, rocking her slowly. He felt the emotions churning through his chest as he stared at what he thought was the most perfect baby in the world. Her skin was creamy, with a hint of rose. For a preemie who had been born with health problems, she looked like a normal baby.
She had gained weight and her tawny gold eyes were staring at him fixedly as if she recognized who he was. She had been transferred from the NICU to the regular nursery a few days ago. He had stepped into the room to find his daughter already dressed and her bag packed. Eliza had handed the baby to him while she discussed something with the nurse who had been in charge of her. He did not mind this alone time with his little princess.
Her hair was mahogany brown and sparse, her cheeks round. He especially loved her silky lashes and tiny pink lips. She had grasped his finger and was holding on tight, proving how strong she was.
And she was his. His little warrior princess, so much like her mom. He was going to cherish her. No man would ever be good enough to be with her, and he realized that he would give his life for her. The idea of anyone harming her brought out such a strong protective feeling in him that it startled him.
He was a father. The thought had hit him when he spent time with his sons, but even more so with his daughter. He would slay dragons for her.
He looked up as his wife came over.
"I see I'm not going to be able to tear her from your arms."
"No. Ready?"
She nodded.
"She's perfect."
"Of course she is. She's ours."
Bending, she brushed his hair back and felt the love overflowing inside her heart. "Let's go home, darlings."
They did the usual dodge and dance to avoid the paparazzi hanging around to get the scoop and a photo or two. The interest in the beautiful actress and her famous producer husband and their quads made news every day, more so because aside from a grainy photo of the triplets that an innovative reporter had captured while perched on a tree across the road from the property, there hadn't been another. The babies were well guarded and kept within the premises. Their famous parents were determined to keep them out of the limelight as much as possible.
Their unusual circumstances, not to mention the fact that Eliza had hung up her acting to become a full-time mother, had intrigued the public and made them thirsty for the latest development.
Now they were home with their daughter. Samuel's parents were on hand to greet their granddaughter, with Marianne shedding a few tears when she finally held the baby in her arms. "She's adorable."
"Of course she is," her husband said heartily. Stanley had Jeremy tucked in his arms, watching in fascination as the little girl stared at him with unblinking eyes. "She's the most beautiful baby girl I've ever seen." He glanced down at his grandson, who had his tiny face screwed up. "Uh oh." He gestured to Mary-Ann, who had been folding some clothes to put away. "I think this one needs a diaper change."
"Let me." Samuel crossed the room to take his son. "Hey buddy." He wrinkled his nose. "For such a small person, you sure pack a wallop. Let's get you cleaned up, shall we?"
Marianne watched him carry the boy to the changing table and proceed to change him.
"He's very good with them," she murmured.
