He would push her in the wheelchair whenever it was time to check on baby Caleb. The others were brought to her by the excited nurses to be fed (she had insisted on breastfeeding, even if it was just for now and was enjoying every minute of it!)
A brand-new SUV had been ordered custom made and the four babies were settled at the back in their car seats while on the way from the hospital. Reporters had been milling around, trying tobribe, coax, bully the clinic staff into getting them a pic of the quadruplets without success.
One very enterprising reporter had managed to evade the extra security placed outside the front doors and had almost made it to the room when he was stopped and ushered out none too gently.
Now they were home.
“Ready?” Cayden hopped, coming around to open the passenger door.
“I am.” She took a look at the back and smiled as she stared at the sleeping babies. “I think they loved the rocking motion of the vehicle.”
Before he could respond, the front doors burst open to eject the entire family, led by Marianne.
“You were taking too long.” Leaning over, she kissed Blair on the cheek before bustling around to where the babies were sleeping. Cayden was brushed aside, and all four babies were captured by a family member.
“The little darlings are fast asleep.” Marianne whispered as she hefted the car seat and peered down at Bianca.
Both Cayden and Blair were left on their own as the family trooped up the steps and into the house with their babies.
“Is this how it’s going to be from now on?” Cayden asked dryly as he helped her out.
“I suppose so!” She stepped out and inhaled the clean air of home. It seemed like ages since she had been here, and the appreciation was apparent. “I don’t mind, do you?” She turned to face him, and he responded by pulling her against him.
“The best thing about having a big family is that we get to share the responsibilities, and we will need help. It also means that I get to spend more time with my wife.”
Her expression turned sober as she stared at him. “I promise you that I will never allow the children to get between us.”
“What do you mean?”
Lifting a hand, she touched the stubble on his face. “I wanted this badly enough to go to desperate lengths. Four babies will take up a lot of our time. But I am making a promise right now that I will not neglect you.”
“Darling…”
She shook her head. “I have been reading up on postpartum depression and the side effects of having multiples. There will be days when I do not feel like being with anyone and I hope to God it does not come to that.
I want to continue to be your wife in every sense of the word. I do not want us to be consumed by being parents, so that we miss out on each other. I could not bear it.”
Tilting her chin up, his green eyes sizzled as he stared at her. “I promise to knock you senseless if that happens.” He half teased, brushing his lips on hers. “Let’s go inside, shall we?”
She nodded, sliding her hand through his arm.
The family and staff had gone all out to welcome them home. Streamers with her name and the babies’ names hung above the mantel in the large living room. Pink and blue balloons were placed strategically and there were flowers everywhere.
The entire staff had taken time from their duties to greet her. Maria, her personal maid, shuffled forward to give her a hug, sniffing at tears as she stepped back.
They lingered, admiring the new additions to the family until they were told by Bryce to get back to work. And the babies wereawake and cooing, obviously reveling at the attention they were receiving.
“We have to talk about hiring at least two nannies.” Marianne announced as soon as the staff had filed from the room.
“Mother, now is not the time.” Cayden settled his wife in a comfortable chair and sat on the arm, one hand curved around her shoulders. “Blair is still recovering from something major. Allow us to settle down first, will you?”
Marianne gave them both a look which clearly said the conversation was far from over.
“All right.” Tucking the blanket more securely around Bianca, she made cooing sounds to the baby.
“Dad, I am so happy you’re here.”
“I have been invited to dinner.” He beamed at her. “And I thank the good Lord, you’re out of danger.”