Page 100 of The Un-Apparent Heir

“She’s working, busying herself, and helping Sanne when she can. It’s been complicated since Robbie fell ill. He’ll be fine, but every small thing is now much bigger.”

“Of course,” Margaret said. “Well, we hope he is well soon.”

“Were you surprised by the reveal of the names or contented with them?” John chuckled.

“I was surprised by Edwin. Touched. But we’re calling him Win to keep it simple. I don’t ask. Sanne and Paul insist and we follow suit like any family.”

“Any ideas about baby names?” Margaret poked.

“Put the stick down!” Ed called to Nate.

Nate was the devilish one. And he was near the size of his brother. He threw his weight around. Keir was the easy one. You had to watch Nate.

“Nathan! Did you hear me? Put the stick down.”

Nate looked over and lowered the stick. “I wasn’t doin’ anything.”

“Yeah, okay. Well, let’s not hit our brother with sticks, okay?”

He ran off.

“I have no opinions about names. And Natalie won’t even discuss boy names. She is so invested in having a girl that she won’t consider the alternative.”

“Is that confirmed?” John asked.

“No. We got the genetic tests back and they were all good, but we didn’t get the sex. She’s happy to be surprised, except she’s not. I have a sneaking suspicion Natalie will have a boy and be gutted. It worries me.”

“She won’t,” Margaret assured. “I wanted a girl desperately, but I do not regret you. I wasn’t upset when you arrived with external plumbing.”

Ed snickered. “I do hope that is the case. God, I want this baby more than anything, Mam.”

“I know. And you both waited so patiently. What a blessing it will be, either way. You’ve been through so much.”

“It made you stronger, of course,” John added. “I am proud of you both, son. A lot of people forget that love must outlast bad times as well as good. Even though you take those vows, there are no guarantees. I am happy for you all. We cannot wait to meet the baby when he or she arrives.”

26

TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

For Immediate Release?—

Today, the Duke and Duchess of Inverness welcomed home their two youngest children—twin Princes Edwin and Oliver. After a lengthy NICU stay, both babies are settled in at home with their parents. The family is excited to finally have them safely where they belong. Older brothers Prince Keir and Prince Nathan are overjoyed to spend time with the new additions. His and Her Majesty were relieved beyond measure. And, given that the King’s health improves, he will meet the babies soon. The rest of the family has been spending time in the NICU getting to know the boys but is relieved they are now resting with their family at Kensington Palace. As stated before, both the Duke and Duchess remain on family leave for the near future to recover and bond with their babies.

Lucy settled on the couch by Winston. Their children were asleep, and she rested assured all was well. Winston looked over at her lovingly, patting his lap. He was telling her to put her feet up. She deserved a good foot rub. Now in the stage of visible pregnancy, Lucy gladly received sympathy rubs. They were working on getting back to normal. And, to his credit, Winston was never as adoring as he was when she was pregnant.

Lucy accepted Winston found her irresistible when she was with child. White it was odd a man would enjoy his wifemorewhen she was bloated and miserable, she'd gotten used to this just being Winston. When the marriage struggled at the beginning of their low period, the pregnancy with Iona buoyed intimacy temporarily.

This time, though, Lucy was hesitant to get too involved in that side of their marital lives. With three young children, it wasn’t as if they had much spare time and Lucy and Winston continued feeling things out. He’d been utterly patient as they worked on their marriage in therapy. Lucy knew if they’d had this after Iona was born, things would have been better but not everything. No amount of good dick could make up for living in a place that made you cry daily.

After many worries and touch-and-go, Lucy felt safe again. Winston would stick around and give it his all. She began to trust it would work out but didn’t yet feel the pregnancy was real. As new life popped up around her left and right, that was a disquieting feeling.

“What’s got you down, my love?” Winston asked.

Lucy sighed and shrugged.

“Lulu, c’mon. You need to tell me.”

“You cannot possibly help me, Tony,” Lucy said. “I don’t want to burden you.”

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