Page 46 of His Unexpected Heir

Astra breathed in deeply, then nodded. “Yes! I’m definitely ready!”

Bailey and Macie both hugged Astra, then turned, flipping the trains of their dresses behind them. They took up their flower bouquets that were tied with matching ribbons, then glanced over at Astra one more time.

“This is your last chance. Are you sure you don’t want to run away?”

Astra laughed, then patted her protruding belly. “I’m not running anywhere!”

The three of them laughed, but then Macie turned and walked down the aisle. Bailey was next. Then it was Astra’s turn. She took another breath, then stepped out into the small church. Immediately, the crowd stood up and her view of Antonio was blocked. She moved forward, probably walking too fast, but she didn’t care. She wanted to do this as quickly as possible. For some reason, she feared that Antonio would change his mind.

But as she stepped closer to the front, she saw him. He was there! And goodness, did he look magnificent! Standing beside his half-brother, Antonio’s dark hair gleamed in the sunshine and his broad shoulders filled out his morning suit to perfection!

This was her man! Six months ago, they’d both left each other, confused and hurt. Now, their pains were finally healing. In another three months, they’d have a beautiful child to welcome into this world.

“My princess,” Antonio said as soon as Astra stepped closer.

She beamed up at him. “My prince,” she whispered back.

Postlogue

“I can’t!” Astra whispered, falling back onto the delivery room bed. “Too…tired.”

“Astra!” Antonio called out. He held her hand, tightening his grip as if he could somehow give her strength. “You can do this, love. You are one of the strongest, most amazing women I’ve ever known.”

Astra blinked through the sweat that was dripping down her forehead. Immediately, Antonio grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat away. “You can do it, love! This is our son. You’ve protected him from the world for the past several months, honey. Now it’s time to bring him into the world. He needs you.”

Astra stared at him and, with his words, she found a little more strength as the next contraction hit her. She pushed, screaming in pain and fear.

“That’s it!” the obstetrician called out. “Keep going! I see the head!”

Astra wanted to give up, but she looked over at Antonio. He was there. He’d been by her side for the past several months, helping her every step of the way. He’d helped her out of bed, up from a chair, ensured she had her favorite foods as well as the foods her body needed to get through this pregnancy. And he was here now.

So she couldn’t give up. She pulled their clasped hands forward and, ignoring the pain that seemed to be ripping her body apart, pushed even harder, unaware of her screams.

“One more push!” the doctor called out.

The nurses seemed to go into overdrive. Astra couldn’t focus on what they were doing. All she could concentrate on was Antonio’s hand in hers as she pushed.

“It’s a boy!” the doctor called out.

Moments later, everyone was grinning. The nurses wrapped the infant into a cotton blanket and placed the tiny bundle on her stomach.

Astra didn’t realize that she was crying as she cradled her newborn son in her arms.

“Hello!” she whispered to the puckered red face. She laughed as she surveyed her son, counting his fingers, then his toes. “He has your hair,” she commented, feeling Antonio wrap his arms around her. He kissed the top of her head and sighed in relief.

“I knew you could do it,” he whispered into her ear. “You’re the bravest, most beautiful woman I know.”

“My lord,” one of the nurses spoke up, looking sheepish at the interruption. “We should get your hand x-rayed. I suspect it is broken.”

Antonio glanced down at his fingers. The pain in his hand was intense, but he ignored it, shaking his head at the nurse. “Not just yet.”

The nurse opened her mouth to argue, but the doctor chuckled as she removed her gown and gloves. “Why don’t you bring in that portable x-ray machine?” She tossed everything into a bin, then smiled at the happy couple over her shoulder. “I suspect that the Marquesso del Campo isn’t going to leave his wife’s side for a while.”

The nurse nodded, then hurried out of the room to follow the doctor’s orders.

Astra looked up from their tiny son and looked at Antonio’s hand. “Did I do that?” she gasped, noticing how one of his fingers was swollen to twice the size of the others.

“It’s nothing, querida,” he assured her.

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