Leverage (Part Three)(33)

His gaze softened as he countered with raw honesty, “I love you more.” And in that moment she knew that life with Boston would be as epic as their lovemaking — and she couldn’t wait to start living it.





-Epilogue-




Boston’s eyesight was blurred, but he didn’t need eyes to see that he held the world’s most precious bundle in his arms. He trembled and tightened his hold around the tiny infant, trying to not to openly bawl. From the moment Julianna gave birth, all Boston could do was stare as the baby was whisked from doctor to nurse for his newborn checks. It wasn’t until the nurse wrapped him up and placed him in Boston’s arms that he realized he’d been holding his breath.

“Is he okay?” Julianna asked in a tired, strained voice that’d gone hoarse from screaming through a brutal fourteen-hour labor. Thankfully, Boston had taken a page from the celebrity birthing playbook and had arranged for an ultra private room at the California hospital. “Ten fingers and ten toes?”

“He’s a fine boy,” the female doctor answered as she finished up doing whatever it was she was doing to Julianna — and frankly, Boston didn’t want to know. “Good job, Mom and Dad,” she added with a professional smile.

“Perfect,” he answered smiling briefly at the doctor, though he hadn’t even paid attention, he was so rapt with attention to the baby’s little, scrunched up face, marveling at the sheer wonder of the tiny person. “He’s absolutely perfect.”

“Thank God,” Julianna breathed and closed her eyes, exhausted. “I’m think I’m going to rest for a minute…”

“What a handsome prince,” the nurse murmured with a smile as she turned to leave now that the baby had passed all his newborn tests. “Do you have a name?”

“John Thomas Avery Kincaid,” he answered, his voice wobbling a little. I have a son. He looked to Julianna. Covered in sweat, pale, and hair plastered to her skull — she’d never looked more beautiful in his eyes. “We have a son.”

Julianna opened her eyes and smiled, nodding, but she was a little punch-drunk delirious from exhaustion and within seconds she was out like a light. But that was okay. She deserved her rest for creating a miracle. “You are one special little boy,” he said softly, rocking on his heels, knowing he’d do anything for this child. Tears wet his cheeks and he realized he was suffering the loss of his father’s death all over again. His father would never know this boy. But the baby carried his name. “You are named John after the island where I finally came to my senses and married your mama. Thomas after your mama’s brother whom she loves very much and you will meet very soon and Avery after a very special man who would’ve loved to know you.” He settled the baby more securely, loving the feel of the slight seven pounds in his arms, knowing he’d never tire of holding him. “Let me tell you about your grandfather Avery. He would’ve taught you all about how to be a good man in a bad world and how to stand tall and bear your responsibilities without caving to outside pressure. I guess now that’s my job, right?” He leaned down and inhaled the soft, baby scent that was instantly intoxicating and he whispered to the bright-eyed infant, “I’m kinda new at this job so go easy on me, okay?” The infant opened his mouth and scrunched up his face to let out a lusty squall and immediately Julianna’s groggy eyes opened. “I think he wants to eat,” Boston guessed, carrying the baby to Julianna and reluctantly placing him in her arms. “Can you feed him right away?”

“I think so?” she answered, placing the baby to her breast. John immediately latched on like a champ and Boston swelled with pride.

“That’s my boy,” he said, grinning.

Julianna rolled her eyes with fatigued laughter. “I suspect I will hear that phrase a lot in his lifetime.”

“Every day,” he promised. He leaned in and placed the sweetest of kisses against her damp brow, so thankful for this woman in his life. He stared into her eyes, loving her more than he ever thought he could love another human being and said, “Thank you for this beautiful gift. I will treasure this moment for the rest of my life.”

She blinked back tears and kissed him back with a watery, but oh, so cheeky, “You’re welcome” and Boston grinned.

God, he loved that woman! Together they were building an amazing life, one filled with happiness, love and generosity and sometimes it almost felt unfair to the rest of the world because he’d cornered the market on bliss. For the rest of his life, he would always strive to be worthy of those two people, he thought as he watched Julianna nurse their son, curling her fingers around his hand and smiling at their miracle. His pulse nearly stuttered to a stop as he seared a silent promise onto his soul to them both.