Page 73 of Irish Rose
“Well, of course. Didn’t you see my note?”
“I saw your note,” he muttered. Taking her arm, he pulled her into the elevator. “It wasn’t very clear.”
“I was in a hurry. I wish they’d had more roses,” she murmured. “Seems when you’re having twins you should have twice as many flowers.” She buried her face in them a moment, then smiled at him. “I’m glad you came. It’ll mean a lot to Dee.”
Struggling for calm, he stepped out when the doors opened again. “How is she?”
“She’s perfect. Paddy and I are a wreck, but she’s perfect.”
“You shouldn’t be on your feet.” He took the flowers because he was abruptly afraid for her to carry anything. “You shouldn’t be getting yourself worked up.”
“Don’t be silly.” She turned into the waiting room, not to find Paddy pacing but to find him dancing.
“One of each!” he shouted to both of them. “She’s gone and had one of each.”
“Oh, Paddy!” Laughing, she flung herself at him and let him whirl her around. “She’s all right? And the babies? Everyone’s all right?”
“Everyone’s fit as a fiddle, so the nurse told me. They’ll be bringing them all out in a minute so we can have a peek. A fine day to you, Burke. A fine, fine day.”
“Paddy. Erin, why don’t you sit down?”
“Sit?” She shook her head with another laugh and hooked her arm through Paddy’s. “I couldn’t sit if my legs fell off. Paddy and I are going dancing, aren’t we, Paddy?”
“That we are.” He put his chin up and began to hum. Recognizing the tune, Erin joined in as their feet began to move.
Burke stood holding a bushel of roses and watched them. He hadn’t heard her laugh like that for too long. He hadn’t seen her smile just that way. He wanted to toss the flowers aside and gather her up. Snatch her away, take her home. Hold her for hours.
“Here she is!” Paddy did another quick jig as Dee was wheeled out. “Here’s my little girl. Look at this.” He had to pull out his handkerchief and wipe his eyes. “They’re beautiful, lass. Just like you.”
“What am I?” Travis wanted to know. “Chopped liver?”
“You did a fine job.” Erin moved over to kiss his cheek. “A boy and a girl.” She looked down at the two bundles beside her cousin. “And so tiny.”
“They’ll grow quick enough.” Dee turned her head to the right, then the left, to nuzzle them. “The doctor said they have everything they should have. Lord, they came out squalling, both of them. Didn’t they, Travis?”
“They have their mother’s disposition.”
“It’s lucky you are I’ve my hands full. Burke, it’s good of you to come. This is the best time to have family around.”
“Are you okay?” He felt both foolish and awkward as he passed the flowers to Travis. “Is there anything you want?”
“A ham sandwich,” she said with a sigh. “A huge one. But I’m afraid they’ll make me wait just a little while yet.”
“I’m sorry, we’ll have to take Mrs. Grant now. Evening visiting hours start at seven.”
“Paddy, bring the children back tonight.”
“No children under twelve are allowed, Mrs. Grant,” the nurse said as she began to push her away. Dee merely smiled and mouthed the request again.
“She looked wonderful, didn’t she?” Erin mused.
“She’s a Thoroughbred, my Dee. Always has been.” Paddy stuffed his handkerchief back in his pocket. “Well, I’d better get home and think up a way to smuggle that brood in here tonight.”
“Let me know if you need any help.”
“That I will, lass.” He kissed both her cheeks. As he walked down the hall, he jumped up and clicked his heels.
“You’ve been on your feet long enough,” Burke said tersely. “I’ll drive you home.”
