Page 86 of Nigel

“You are sowelcome. I will be collecting soon.” He grinned at her. “Iam happy for you sis. You are glowing and Nigel is completelycommitted to you. That kind of devotion cannot be hidden.”

“I feel thesame way. Now help me up so that we can go into the kitchen. I amsure Dahlia will want to make some changes to the place.”

“Not much.There is too much of mama here and we want it to remain.”

*****

“I think ourson looks a lot like you. And my princess has the shape and color ofmy eyes.” The proud dad could not stop staring at the tinymiracles he and Ava had managed to create.

The entire familywere gathered in the elegant living room of the loft. The pregnancyhad gone smoothly enough. Ava had stopped going to the office whenshe reached seven months and drawing nearer to her delivery date.

The pregnancy hadbeen a revelation to both of them, especially to Ava. Her husband hadbeen there for her, every time. He never missed an appointment andwhen he had to go out of town, he insisted on having her stay with afamily member.

Now they were backhome after spending three days in the hospital while the doctorsensure that everything checked out. He had spent a small fortunegetting experts to outfit the nurseries and making sure that she didnot have to lift a finger.

She had hired someonefrom her own agency to take care of the babies. Her husband had donehis own thorough background checks of course to ensure there were nosurprises.

“Your dad wouldhave been proud,” Aunt Eloise said gruffly, reaching for NiaMarilyn. “Such sweet babies.” There was a wistful note inher voice as she stared at her grandniece. “I am going to spoilthem rotten. There is a trust already set up in their names.”

“Aunt Eloise-“

“None of thatyoung lady.” She shot Ava a stern look. “I am an oldwoman and entitled to do whatever I please with my money. Who else amI going to give it to?”

“I give up.”Ava threw up her hands in defeat. She was reclined against some plumppillows on the comfortable living room sofa and felt as if she wouldburst from happiness.

“I think that’swise.” Nigel gave her an indulgent smile. “Ready to goupstairs my love?”

“I think a napis in order.” She took the hand he held out to her. “Youdon’t have to rush away because I am going up.”

“I think NoahJerome is down for the count.” Maria patted his back gently. “Iwill take him up to his room.”

“Go on youtwo,” Jeffry urged. “We will put them to bed. It’skinda strange holding a newborn. And we have been gifted with three.”He grinned over at Kyle who had his three-month-old son in his arms.

*****

“They are allgone. I thought you wanted to sleep?”

“I did.”She stood dividing her gaze between the two sleeping babies. “Wedid good.”

“Hmm.” Coming up behind her, hewrapped his arms around her waist and stared at his children. “Iam constantly afraid that I am going to drop them.”

“Not if youcradle their heads, the way we were taught.” She turned aroundto sink into him and put her hands around his neck. “Have Itold you lately what joy you have brought to my formerly normallife?”

“Not since youwere in the delivery room. But I forgive you, considering that youwere doing such tremendous work.” He brushed back a lock ofbraid. She had decided to go with that when she was near to her duedate to keep things simple.

“I love you,Nigel Hawthorne,” she whispered achingly. “I appreciateand adore you. And I thank you for my family.”

“The feeling iscompletely mutual, my love.” He kissed her lips gently. “Nowlet’s get you into bed. You need rest.”

With one last checkaround the room to make certain their babies were still sleeping,they left, hands joined and a spring in their steps.

*****

Later that nightafter he made certain she was fast asleep; he climbed out of bed andwent to check on the babies. The high tech monitor they had ensuredthat they could detect movements as well as sounds, but he justwanted to look at them. Stepping into the nursery, he initiallywalked over to the pink and white cot to look at his daughter.

They had decided tokeep them in one room until they were much older. A smile touched hislips as he stared at the beautiful baby with the coffee and creamcomplexion. Her pink lips were pursed and the long lashes madeshadows on the plump cheeks.

Her little fingerswere fisted, one thrown over her head and the other at her side. Shehad managed to push off the candy-striped blanket with her littlelegs. Touching his fingers to his lips, he placed it on her forehead,eyes bright with tears. She was definitely going to be daddy’sgirl. And he would be fierce about protecting her.

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