AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Okay,” she whispered excitedly.
“Come on,” Nora insisted, taking her daughter by the hand. “Let’s go sit down.”
“Can I hold him?” She peeked over her shoulder as she followed her mother inside, hoping for a glance at the newest Steele.
“Of course, you can.”
“Yay!” she cried. Evie dropped Nora’s hand and raced toward their new comfy couch in the family room.
Evie’s excitement made Nora’s heart swell. In every way, she remained the sweet, kind, thoughtful soul Nora loved so much.
The timing of everything that had happened that year was uncanny to the point of miraculous. After the incident with Ashlynn, it had taken a couple months before Evie could shake the separation anxiety that came as a result of her kidnapping. Lawson managed to get her to sleep in her own bed again a few days before the wedding. While it would have been a lie to say it didn’t bring them all comfort to share a bed for a little while—life had to go on. Fortunately, there were so many things to look forward to, each event bringing with it a celebration that healed them all bit by bit.
The birth of Evie’s brother was the latest milestone in her life, which brought with it the uncontainable joy Nora loved to see.
Darlene, who was standing at the mudroom door, offered her niece a knowing smile. “How are you feelin’?”
“Good. Happy to be home.”
“No doubt,” she replied, wrapping her arm around Nora’s shoulders. As they trailed after Evie, she announced, “I whipped up a couple things while you were out. You should have enough meals to get you through the next few days. Gale will bring by the next round, but if you need anything—you know I’m just a phone call away.”
Nora leaned into her aunt. “Thank you.”
“Mommy, I’m ready,” Evie exclaimed, kicking her feet as she waited impatiently.
Nora glanced over her shoulder and saw Lawson as he made his way through the mudroom. He had a duffle bag and a diaper bag slung over one shoulder, the car seat gripped securely in hisopposite hand. Nora marveled at her man. He was such a pro at being a dad.
“Remember what we talked about?” asked Nora as she went to sit beside Evie. “He’s a lot smaller than Eli, so you have to be extra gentle.”
“I remember.”
Darlene took a seat on the other side of the large sectional as Lawson entered the room. Evie gasped in excitement, craning her neck to try to see inside of the car seat.
“Hey, buddy,” cooed Lawson as he freed Court from the straps. “Hey. Got someone special for you to meet.” As he extracted the newborn from his seat, he pressed a kiss against his cheek. Court grunted in response, stretching his legs as Lawson carried him toward the couch. “Evelyn Belle Steele—meet your brother, Court Walker Steele.”
She stared in awe as Lawson lowered Court into her waiting arms, and Court squirmed and began to fuss until Evie began to stroke the side of his face.
“It’s okay, baby. It’s me. Sissy.”
Nora’s nose tingled as her eyes welled up with tears. Court recognized Evie’s voice, she was sure of it, and he relaxed in her hold.
“He’s so tiny,” murmured Evie, grinning at Lawson.
“You were this small once.”
“Yeah,” she breathed, returning her attention to her brother. “He’s so cute.”
Nora couldn’t agree more. He came out with a head full of dark brown hair, her lips and Lawson’s nose; and when he scowled in agitation, he looked just like his father—the handsomest man Nora had ever known.
Evie leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against Court’s forehead. She then whispered, “I love you. I’ve been waitin’ for you.”
Nora forced herself to look away, blowing out a quiet breath as she combatted her tears. Five years with her baby girl, and her sweet heart still caught Nora by surprise sometimes.
Brother and sister bonded until Court grew fussy with hunger. Reluctantly, Evie relinquished him into their mother’s care and obediently followed Lawson’s instructions to get ready for bed. Nora managed to say goodnight to Darlene before Court had a complete meltdown, and it wasn’t long until mother and son were alone in the nursey, Court suckling to his heart’s content.
It was nearly eleven when he returned to their bedroom, a plate full of toast smothered in DeeDee’s jam in one hand, a bottle full of ice water in his other. Nora-Jean didn’t even look up, her attention completely captivated by their son, asleep at her side in his bassinette.
“I heard somewhere you’re supposed to sleep when they sleep,” he teased.
