Page 98 of The English Queen

“We don’t know any other type of woman in this family,” Sabine said.

“Rita? Boys? Where are you?” Richard’s voice rang.

“Oh, shit. I forgot your dad was running late,” Rita groaned.

“In the drawing room, Dad,” Winston called out.

Richard entered. “What the hell, Mairead? I told you I was late. I couldn’t avoid—”

“I am sorry. A bit busy.”

“Mummy had the baby. Here. On accident,” Gerry said, excitedly. “Her name is Bernadina.”

“We call her Nina,” Winston said as if the baby had been with them for years.

“And she’s beautiful, see?” Gerry added.

“What? Here? Now?”

“In the time between your last text and now, yes. Sorry I didn’t respond. I was preoccupied. Ravi was here. He delivered her here because we were too late to go to hospital.”

“Well, I don’t know what to say other than… congrats?”

“Thanks,” Rita said.

“We are quite pleased with her,” Sabine cooed.

“Well done, well done,” Richard said, a bit surprised. “And here I was sure you were too old to pull it off.”

Bruno set his jaw but didn’t take the bait. “She’s healthy and we’re all happy–both of them are.”

“Dad, can we please stay?” Gerry pled.

“No, darling. The baby… she will still be here. Go with Daddy.”

“Yeah, let’s give your mum some time to bond with the baby. I promise you’ll have lots of time with her. Maybe we can visit her tomorrow if your mother is up to it,” Richard said, almost sweetly.

“That would be great. You can come over and help me for a bit. Give Bruno a chance to rest.”

“I would like to,” Gerry said as Winston nodded in agreement.

“I’ll take her,” Bruno offered, getting up to take the baby. “She will be here. I’ll send you dozens of completely pointless photos. Promise, buddy.”

Winston smiled. “You’d better, mate. That’s what you do with babies.”

Rita chuckled. “Go, have dinner with Dad. Enjoy. We will be around. Just text us, Richard. Someone will respond.”

Richard nodded. “Enjoy her. I know you always wanted a baby girl. It’s got to be special.”

“I am glad she is happy and healthy. Our family is complete. I am so lucky to have all three.”

“We are,” Bruno added. “We all are.”

?????

“Oh, Nina, you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” Vanna sighed, brushing Nina’s hair. “Robbie, is she not the sweetest thing?”

Robbie agreed. “Of course. Blonde hair? From where?”

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