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I level my tired eyes on my husband and cock a brow.
“I didn’t think so.” His laugh is warm and soothes my nerves.
The beep of the heart monitor increases and Oliver leans over me. “Shh, I won’t man handle your father even if he does deserve a good smacking around.”
“What if he doesn’t come, though? Do you think my father is still that mad at me?”
“No father enjoys being replaced by a daddy.”
I smile up at my silver fox. Nearly thirty years separates us and I wouldn’t have it any other way. “True,” I agree, and stroke a hand over my precious baby’s head. He’s so perfect and calm. Very unlike his father. Labor was hell and I don’t think I want to go through that pain again for a while, but I am so grateful for the precious sweetness I cradle to my chest.
“Thank God, we have a son, because I don't think I’m ready to handle having a girl.” Horror flashes in my husband’s eyes.
I laugh softly and go back to marveling at our angel. “You’re right. My father can miss out on seeing his grandbaby or realize I’m a grown woman with my own mind.”
The door opens and instead of seeing an older gentleman with round spectacles and a rounder belly walk through the door, a man I haven’t seen since my time in room seven-one-three quietly steps into the room.
“Am I interrupting?”
Nothing can keep the red out of my cheeks and the damn heart monitor goes off again.
Oliver explained after our reunion how Samuel was there the evening of the auction to help ease me into accepting Oliver back into my life. The truth be told, I would have never shunned Oliver. That whole ruse was to get his attention, not push him away. Men.
I reach a hand out for Samuel and he crosses to my hospital bed. His palm slips over mine and he gently places a warm kiss over my knuckles. “Amethyst. You are looking as beautiful as ever.”
My smile is genuine. “You are a smooth liar, but thank you. Labor lasted twelve hours and I think I could sleep for twelve days.”
“Let’s see the little warrior.” Samuel leans over and I pull the blue blanket back from our sleeping baby.
I see instant longing flit over Samuel’s handsome face. I place my palm over a smooth cheek and let him know love is possible. He’ll find his queen one day.
He turns into my touch, and we share a moment between friends. “Give it time. Your love will find a way to you, I promise. You’re too kind of a soul to go forever without knowing the touch of a woman who loves you,” I whisper for him.
His response is a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Oliver is lucky to have you, Amethyst. I would steal him from you, but I don’t want to have to kill a friend.”
Red hits my cheeks. A flash of what might have been the night of the auction trapped between the two of them flashes through my mind. Unaware of the direction my thoughts turn, Oliver grunts beside us looking the happiest I’ve ever seen him.
Now I laugh and it feels good to be in a place where I don’t have to question how much my husband loves me. I know some of the pain Samuel feels and I never want to feel that again.
“We would like to name him after his uncle,” I offer softly and raise my eyes to Samuel’s. Eyes the color of Oliver’s meet mine with shock and then swing to Oliver’s.
“Me?”
Now look who’s blushing.
“Please accept, brother.” Oliver reaches a hand out and takes the one Samuel extends. Actual tears fill both their eyes and I witness an unbreakable bond reforged in steel.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” I say. “Would you like to hold your nephew?” Samuel isn’t blood family to Oliver, but he is my found family. I always wanted a large extended family, and this feels like a great start to a dream come true.
Oliver holds me to his chest as Samuel cradles our baby. He’ll be a good father someday and I hope to play a part in helping him find his one true love.
“There’s love in your eyes, my jewel.”
“Love for you, our baby and Samuel. I couldn’t imagine my life any other way.”
“Me either. Now rest and heal for your daddy. I have a treat waiting for you when you are all better.”
Oh.
Protective arms come around me, and warmth fills me from head to toe. I smile against Oliver’s chest. “Yes, daddy.”
