Page 64 of The Ties That Bind
As Brie tried to comfort him, the nurse asked gently, “Would you like me to bring in the lactation nurse?”
She looked up and shook her head. “No, we’ll be okay.”
Brie then glanced at her father. “Are you comfortable staying while I feed him, Daddy?”
In the past, her father had been squeamish about it whenever she’d breastfed Hope.
Sucking in his breath, he let it out slowly before answering. “It’s completely natural. No reason I should feel uncomfortable.” He sounded as if he was trying to convince himself, but Brie took him at his word and loosened the ties of her robe so she could breastfeed her baby for the first time.
The moment her son felt the warmth of her skin against his cheek, he instantly quieted and turned his head, seeking his mother’s milk. With a little guidance, Brie helped him to latch on and he began sucking hungrily.
“Poor thing was starving,” Brie murmured with compassion.
She looked up at Sir. “Maybe that’s why he came out crying.”
The nurse smiled. “Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Davis. If you need anything or have any questions, please feel free to ring one of the nurses.”
After she left, Brie turned her focus back on her son. She’d had no idea that she could love another human being as much as she loved Hope.
“My precious little boy…”
She gazed down at him tenderly, marveling at this perfect child in her arms. Anthony shared the same olive skin as his sister, but unlike Hope, the shape of his nose and lips were strikingly similar to Sir’s.
“You’re so handsome,” she cooed, kissing his soft baby head.
Once he was full, Anthony quickly fell asleep. Knowing Sir hadn’t had the chance to hold him yet, she carefully held him out to Sir. “Meet your son, Papa.”
Sir cradled him in his arms and smiled. “Welcome to the world, my son.”
Brie felt a tingling sensation run up her spine as a vision of Alonzo came to her mind. She could imagine Alonzo doing the same thing when Sir was born. It was as if life was coming full circle.
“I must say, you do make handsome children,” her father told Brie, looking at their son. “I can definitely see the Bennett in him.”
Although Brie couldn’t see it, she agreed. “Yes! He’s the best of both families—just like Hope.”
Her mother made cooing noises as she stroked his cheek with her finger. “I think it’s lovely that the two of you chose to name the baby after Bill’s grandfather.”
Bill nodded, stating proudly, “It was an unexpected honor.”
Brie smiled at her dad. “It was important to us that both families were represented, and I’ve never forgotten all of the stories you shared about your grandpa, Daddy.”
Her father’s voice was ripe with emotion when he told Thane, “I’ve never met a better man than Grandpop. He never complained, worked hard all his life, and always had a piece of candy in his pocket for his grandchildren.” He chuckled, then suddenly cleared his throat, overwhelmed with emotion. “I loved that man…”
“I barely remember Pop-Pop,” Brie admitted, “but I do remember the candy.”
“I was glad he had the chance to meet you, Brianna. It was important to me.” He glanced at her son, brimming with pride. “Mark my words, young lady. Anthony is going to be a leader among men.”
Brie was deeply touched by her father’s words. For a man who was guarded about his feelings—this was unexpected. It seemed being here for the birth had changed something in him.
Sir passed their son on to Brie’s mother. “I would like to call Nonna.”
“Yes, I would love that!” Brie agreed, feeling a tug at her heart thinking about Sir’s grandparents.
He dialed the number and winked at Brie when he said, “Nonna, our son came a little early.”
Brie could hear the old woman’s delighted cry.
Sir’s eyes sparkled with joy when he told her, “Yes, a healthy baby boy.”
