Page 84 of Earl

He went with a grumble.

“You were mean.”

I just wanted a few minutes with my wife and son.” Earl’s hands cradled her belly and immediately felt his son’s reaction. It never ceased to amaze him that they had both created something so magical. “How are you darling?” He asked huskily.

“Aside from your son playing havoc with my uterus? I am just dandy.”

“I adore you.”

She went still, her hand gripping his. His declaration never failed to draw a reaction from her and now was no different. Living with him as his wife was a constant marvel for her. He was generous, too generous and he loved completely.

It was as if he had been saving up and the love and affection, he had not been free to give his parents and showered her with everything. He catered to her. They would go out to a function, and he wouldn’t be far from her side.

When he discovered she was pregnant, she had received so many gifts, she had to threaten him that she would leave if he didn’t stop. He loved her and had eyes for her alone.

When she started putting on weight because of her pregnancy, she had been scared, that he would succumb to the women, she knew were after him. But he found her beautiful. He would never stray, and she was convinced that he had eyes only for her.

“Darling,” She whispered, overcome with emotions.

Understanding dawned as he continued to stare at her and mutual yearning were transmitted.

“Later.” He promised hoarsely.

*****

Earl cradled his one-week-old son in his arms, his expression rapturous. The baby had been delivered finally, after twelve agonizing hours of labor that started in the middle of the night and continued through most of the day.

Earl had been beside himself with worry, promising fervently that he would never let this happen to her again and alternately giving the medical team around his wife hell with threats that if they let anything happen to her, they would not live long enough to tell the tales.

But the arrival of his son had made everything perfect. And the fact that his wife had survived the ordeal, made him even more mellow.

“He is sleeping.” He whispered.

“I think that means it’s time to put him down.” Cathy, snuggled on the pillows, told him drowsily. His nursery was all prepared, but they were allowing him to sleep in their room for the time being. It made it easier for her to feed him when he woke up during the night.

Earl put him down, touching one rosy cheek in wonder. “Eli Caleb.” He whispered. Pulling the covers over him, he stood there for a few more minutes staring at the tiny replica of himself. Emotions threatened to overwhelm him as he walked over to the bed and sat on the edge of it. “Tired, my love?” He asked gently.

“A little. Am I going to have to beg you to join me?”

“Never.” Shrugging out of his robe, he climbed in next to her, cradling her against him. “Have I sufficiently thanked you?” He asked quietly.

She was about to answer flippantly but realized that the question called for a sober response.

Turning her head to look at him, she examined his beloved face. “You did. When you gave me your unconditional love and showed me that I am worth something. When you placed your ring on my finger and put your seed inside me. When you take me in your arms every night and love me to distraction. All those times, you were thanking me.”

His throat worked soundless, gray eyes shimmering. “Thank you, my sweet, sweet love.” He whispered achingly.

The end…

---