Page 23 of Rory: His to Discipline

“Not at all,” Dr. Maxwell replied quickly, trying to hide his amusement. Finally getting himself under control, he turned back to Mason and Rebecca.

“Women behave differently after a birth. Some women cry. Others are quite euphoric. Some women shake and tremble for several hours after and others fall right to sleep. Rebecca’s behavior is perfectly normal,” he told him. “Especially for Rebecca,” he smiled.

“Let’s finish up here and get both of you back to your room. I’m sure you’re ready to take that pain medication you refused earlier, Mason. At least I would recommend it. It’s been quite a day and I’m sure your family is chomping at the bit to see that little girl. She certainly is pretty.”

“Isn’t she, Doctor Maxwell?” Rebecca chimed in. “I’m just amazed at how perfect she is. I might just never put her down at all,” she continued, looking at Mason out of the corner of her eye and remembering that she still had not found Mason’s book.

“Rebecca, it would not be good for you or the baby to hold her all the time. I’m sure your pediatrician would not recommend it. Infants need time alone in their beds to stretch and move around.”

Rebecca worried her bottom lip. Mason was still squinting at her and she wasn’t at all sure it was from the lighting.

“Well it might not be good for her,” Rebecca agreed, “but I’ll bet it would do wonders for me.”

By the time Rebecca, Mason, and Juliana were settled in their room it was dark outside. Nick and Maggie, Rory and Tess, and Bridget were all waiting patiently. They had already seen the baby in the nursery after she was born, but all of them wanted to see the proud parents.

Flowers decorated the window sill and brightly wrapped packages had started to appear as the aides brought in gifts that had been delivered.

There was much kissing and hugging, and of course the inevitable back slapping, but on a much lighter note due to the unfortunate incident. Mason took the medication the nurse brought him and seemed in a much-improved mood. Rebecca had wound down and her lids were starting to droop, so Maggie gathered her things and began to shoo everyone off.

“We should let these two get some rest, Lord knows they won’t get any at home for the first few weeks. Rebecca, you call me if there is anything at all you need, and Mason, if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask.”

“Yes, Mason,” Rory coughed behind his fist. “Is there anything Nick or I can do for you before we leave? Like maybe get you a blindfold, just in case you have to look at anymore needles?”

Nick busted out laughing, while Tess slapped Rory’s arm.

“That is not very nice, Rory. I am ashamed for you. It could happen to anyone on such a day as this,” she told him, her dark eyes flashing.

“That’s nice guys, really nice,” Mason shot back. “Just remember your time is coming and I hope I’m around when it does. It’s okay, Tess, I appreciate you sticking up for me, but believe me I can handle both of these guys on my own.”

“Yeah,” Nick jumped in smirking, “as long as there’s no blood or anything.”

“Just get out of here and let my wife get some rest, will you? You don’t have to bother hurrying back either.”

Rebecca had dozed off and they all trooped out of the room quietly. Nick and Maggie took Bridget as they had to go pick up their kids anyway. Tess and Rory called goodnight as they made their way across the parking lot to his car.

“So, where to now?” he asked softly. The interior lights in the car were not bright enough for her to read his expression.

“I do not know,” Tess answered.

“Tess, I want you to come home. I thought you understood that this morning?”

“I did, I am just not sure it is the right thing to do. We have many differences, Rory. Maybe too many,” she whispered, her head bent forward, her dark hair swinging to block her face.

“Honey, I’m crazy about you. Nothing is too big for us to work out if you’ll give us a chance.” Rory slipped his hand behind Tess’s neck and pulled her gently towards him. Settling his lips over hers, he kissed her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. And she was. As she relaxed and slid her fingers into his hair, Rory hit the button on his seat and moved it back as far as it would go. With both arms around her he lifted her onto his lap.

“Tess, I know I can be a hard-ass, and may not be the easiest man to understand,” he whispered as he held her trembling body. “I don’t know why fate brought us together, but I truly believe you were meant for me. I have never felt this way about another woman, and I don’t believe I ever will again if I lose you. If you’re looking for someone you can control, babe, that’s not me. I have to be in charge, it’s the way I’m made. There will be times when we will have arguments. I will always listen to you, but I will decide what’s best for us. I make the rules, Tess, and I will expect you to follow them.”

“And if I do not follow these rules? What happens then?” she asked softly, although she already knew.

“I will be fair, Tess. There are situations that are unavoidable, but if you purposely defy me, I will punish you.”

Tess swallowed. This was nothing new to her and she would not have expected less from Rory. At least he was being honest, nothing held back. As he rubbed her back she relaxed against his broad chest and sighed. “And in the bedroom?” she questioned.

“In the bedroom, what?” he asked, kissing the top of her head and holding her closer. Just the thought of having Tess in his bed was enough to cause his already painful erection to throb.

“Do you have this control problem there also?” Tess asked, glad it was dark in the car.

Rory laughed. “I don’t see it as a problem, and I don’t think you will either, but, yes, in the bedroom too.”