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“I’ve heard this stage isn’t pleasant for women,” Hampstead said. “They’re ready to be done with pregnancy.” The earl grinned. “I’ve also heard that they don’t want their husbands to touch them ever again too.”
It had been weeks since he made love to his wife. He’d feared hurting her or the babe. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating.” He’d do whatever Francesca wanted. He loved her enough to leave her be if that was what she desired.
“I suppose you’ll discover the truth soon enough.” Hampstead went over to the decanter of brandy and poured two fingers into a glass. He held up the decanter. “Do you want some?”
Matthew shook his head. “Not right now.”
“Matthew…” He glanced up and met Francesca’s gaze. “The babe…it’s coming early.” She panted as she held her hand to her side. Francesca moaned and held on to the door frame. “We need the doctor.”
He turned to Hampstead. Matthew didn’t think twice. He set his glass down and met his gaze. “I’ll go for him.”
Matthew picked Francesca up and carried her out of the room. He didn’t stop to see if Hampstead left for the doctor. His concern was for his wife. When they reached her bedchamber, he settled her on the bed. “What can I do for you?”
“Help me take off this dress.” Her breathing was harsh and labored.
Matthew nodded. “Lean forward against me and I’ll undo the buttons.” She did as he instructed, and with nimble fingers he unfastened them and pulled the bodice loose. Francesca had stopped wearing a corset when it had become too uncomfortable. He had been glad when she had.
He removed her dress, shoes, and stockings. When he was done all that remained was her chemise. “There,” he said. “Are you more comfortable?”
“As comfortable as I can be considering,” she told him. Her contractions were coming closer and closer together.
“Let’s get you settled in bed,” he told her. Matthew removed the quilt and pushed it to the foot of the bed. He settled a sheet over her and then brushed his knuckle over her cheek. “I love you,” he told her. “I’m here for you. Just tell me what you want and I’ll see that you have it.”
Francesca’s breathing had grown heavier and it terrified him. He’d never been present when a babe was born. Was this normal? God, he hoped so. He couldn’t lose her.
“Don’t leave me,” she said between breaths.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he promised. “I’ll never leave you. I need you too much.” He kissed her quickly. “You’re going to have to get used to having me around. I don’t walk away from those I love.”
She smiled but he could tell she was still in pain. The hurt was there in her features as she strained against it. “I’m sorry that I’ve doubted you.”
“Shh,” he said. “We don’t need to talk about that. It doesn’t matter.”
“It does,” she insisted, then moaned as a new wave of contractions attacked her. When they dissipated she met his gaze. “You made mistakes,” she began. “But you owned up to them, and since then, you’ve been a wonderful husband. I…” She leaned against the headboard and screamed as pain hit her. Francesca took several deep fortifying breaths. “I won’t doubt you again. I…trust…you.”
Matthew stared at the bedroom door. Where the hell was the doctor? What would happen if the babe wanted to come and the doctor hadn’t yet arrived. He knew nothing about helping a woman deliver a babe into the world.
“I hear we have a new member of the family coming today,” a man said from the doorway.
Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. It was about damn time. He didn’t bother responding to the doctor. The man came in and went to work checking over Francesca. “And the little one is ready to come now. It looks as if I arrived in time.”
Matthew glared at him. If he didn’t need the man he’d hit him. He had such a callous attitude. “It’s good you’re here then,” he said through gritted teeth.
“If you would like you can leave the room. I’ll take care of them,” the doctor said.
Matthew shook his head. “I’m staying.”
“As you wish,” the doctor said.
It wasn’t long after that a babe’s screams filled the room. Francesca was tired, but she was beautiful. She’d always be that way to him. “I love you,” he told her. He would never tire of telling her that.
“I love you,” she said. “Our baby…”
“Is perfect,” he told her. “Like her mother…” He kissed he cheek. “Rest sweetheart. You’ve earned it.”
Matthew stood and joined the doctor as he checked over the baby. For the first time in his life…he was content. He couldn’t imagine ever being happier then this moment. The baby and Francesca gave him purpose. As long as he lived, he’d ensure they were always loved and protected.
