Page 58 of Cayden

“I am so happy and grateful.”

She sat there half listening to the conversation going on around her and delighted that her babies, all of them were home where they belonged. She did not get a chance with them, but she did not mind. Like her husband said earlier, having a big family at a time like this was indeed a blessing.

Cayden felt when her head became heavy on his chest and turned to look at her.

“She’s asleep.” He whispered, an indescribably tender look on his face.

“Poor dear,” Marianne smiled, “after what she has been through, it’s not surprising.”

“I am taking her upstairs.” He carefully lifted her in his arms, pausing when she stirred and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“The babies…”

“Do not worry about these little darlings. We will take them up as soon as we can.”

“Thanks, mother. I am not certain she will be down for supper.”

“If she’s awake by the time I am ready to leave, I would love to come and wish her goodnight.”

He nodded assent to his father-in-law before leaving the room.

Upstairs in their bedroom, he set her down on the bed and carefully removed first her shoes and then the dress she hadworn from the hospital. Maria had already laid out a robe with a zipper in front for her.

Slipping it over her head after removing her clothing, he fluffed her pillows and pulled the quilt over her and just sat there on the edge of the bed, taking her in. It was hard to believe that it had only been a week since she left to go to the clinic. A very tumultuous week where he thought he was going to lose her.

He had so much to give thanks for and he vowed he was never going to take any of it for granted.

Brushing back the hairs from her forehead, he bent to kiss her, before sliding off the bed, careful not to disturb her.

It was already late afternoon. They had spent a considerable amount of time in the clinic. The doctors had done their thorough examinations on her and all four babies and the enormous amount of paperwork had to be dealt with. That had left them spending almost the entire day there.

Taking one last look at her, he left the room and closed the doors behind him. The babies were finally in their rooms and settled in their cots.

“They are sleeping.” His mother whispered as she stood there looking at the two identical girls. “I cannot stop staring at them. They remind me of when you were first placed in my arms. I wept.” She reached for his hand and squeezed. “Granddaughters. Oh God, darling, they are going to be so damned spoiled.”

“Not too much.” He whispered back, using his free hand to touch the tiny, bunched fist. Lifting his head, he stared at Bella, who was sleeping in the same position as her sister.

“You cannot tell me you are not going to try and slay dragons for them.”

“No one will ever be good enough.” He admitted wryly. “I am not only going to slay dragons but will also destroy their lairs or wherever the hell they live.” He stared at Bianca. “The only wayto tell them apart is the tiny cleft in Bianca’s chin, just like her mother’s.” He was getting emotional but could not help it.

“And the boys – Chad has a tiny mole on his left cheek. You have to look closely to see it.” She placed her head on his arm. “Darling, I am so overwhelmed.”

“I think that’s the word for it,” he agreed.

He looked around the room and sighed. “There are going to be so many changes.”

“Welcome ones.”

*****

“I’m not pumping.” That was the first thing she greeted him with as soon as he stepped into the girl’s nursery that evening. Thebabies were three weeks’ old and seem to be thriving. But his wife looked like she was on the verge of tears.

“There is no milk. How could that be?” She looked up at her husband and eased the nipple out of Bianca’s pursed lips. “I am a horrible mother.”

“You’re not a horrible mother.” Marching over, he gently took his daughter out of her arms and placed her inside the cot. Just then Maria bustled in with Bella, propped on her sturdy shoulder, one large hand rubbing the baby’s back soothingly. “This one is all burped and ready for bed.” She stopped short when she noticed Cayden.

“Sir, I had no idea…”

---