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He nodded. “The doctor hasn’t checked you out yet.”
Rissa grinned. “Because there’s a baby on the way. I’m fine, Burke. If I were hurt, I’d tell you.”
He studied her for a moment, then brushed his lips over hers. “Thank you. I know you’re used to being on your own and taking care of yourself, but you’ll have to get used to me worrying and taking care of you, too.”
Her smile widened. “I can do that, as long as you can do the same.”
He chuckled. “How about we both work on it?”
She squeezed him hard, and they stood wrapped in each other’s arms for a moment.
Mitch emerged from the hallway with a huge grin on his face. “Aunts and uncles are welcome to meet the Sprout.”
Even though the man’s smile told him what he needed to know, Burke had to ask. “They’re both okay?”
Mitch nodded. “Amber came through it like a champ, and the Sprout was eager to meet the world. They’re both great.”
Rissa hugged Burke, then pulled back. When the group moved to the bedroom, she stayed where she was until Burke grabbed her hand and tugged.
“You go meet your niece or nephew. I’ll wait here.”
Jolie slung her arm around her shoulder. “Not a chance. You’re coming.”
Glad he wasn’t the only one who wanted Rissa there, they walked in as a group, Frizzle trotting along beside them.
Amber sat under the bedcovers, a tiny bundle in her arms. Gray sat on the bed beside her, his arm wrapped around the pair. Boomer stretched across Gray’s lap, his muzzle checking out the bundle.
Amber’s face was pale, but her smile was full of joy. Gray’s too.
“You’re okay? You’re both okay?” Burke’s voice cracked with emotion.
“We’re wonderful.”
Gray squeezed her shoulder. “Amber was amazing. And this girl was ready to meet us.”
Girl. Amber had a baby girl. He was an uncle to a precious little girl.
He had to wipe away the tears that flooded his eyes. They were safe, and another generation of the family was here and healthy.
Amber angled the bundle toward them. The baby’s eyes were closed and her mouth pursed. She wore a tiny pink hat to keep her warm.
“She’s beautiful.” The entire group said the words at once, making everyone laugh.
Amber laughed. “She is. Everyone, I’d like you to meet your niece, Jayna Rose Malssum Santoro.”
Beside him, Rissa gasped. “Jayna. Jay plus Halona. That’s a beautiful name. Absolutely perfect.”
Amber smiled. “I should have known you’d be the first to figure it out, Rissa. Jayna for Mom and Jay. I don’t think Fox would mind.”
Burke grinned. “He’d love it.”
Amber nodded. “And Rose for Gray’s mamma.”
Gray kissed Amber’s temple. “Mamma would be thrilled and proud. Another generation of Italian blood and heart.”
Fox and Jay would like that too, even as they thought of another generation of Abenaki strength and determination. “That’s one lucky baby.”
Frizzle barked in agreement, and Rissa scooped her up. “You can see the baby from here, Frizzle. That’s Jayna Rose.”
