M is for Marquess(58)
His throat constricted. If anything happens her…
Just as he was vowing eternal celibacy (or at least the use of certain preventative measures), the door opened.
Dr. Abernathy stepped in, and Gabriel’s breath held.
“Congratulations, my lord. Your wife is doing well. You have a new son…” Just as a tide of relief washed over Gabriel, the physician added, “And a new daughter.”
Holy Christ… twins?
Freddy let out an excited whoop. “I have a brother and a sister!”
“Congratulations, old boy.” Strathaven strode over and slapped Gabriel on the back.
Gabriel stared at the doctor. “My wife,” he managed, “you’re certain she’s…”
“She’s doing exceptionally well. She and your babes are ready for a visit, although we ought to make it a short one. Your marchioness is a strong lass, but she has put in a good day’s work,” Dr. Abernathy said with a twinkle.
Dazed, Gabriel headed up to Thea’s room, their son behind him. He entered, and, at the sight of his wife, emotion broke inside him. His eyes wet, he staggered over, his hand shaking as he smoothed a curl from her cheek.
She smiled up at him, looking tired but happy. The most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.
“How are you, princess?” he said hoarsely.
“There were a few surprises,” she said ruefully, “but I think I weathered them rather well. Would you care to meet the newest members of our family?”
The duchess came forward then; in his haste to get to his wife, he hadn’t even noticed his sister-in-law standing there. Smiling, she held a white-flannel bundle in each arm; she gave him one and Thea the other.
“I’ll leave you all to your introductions,” she said softly and closed the door behind her.
With wonder, Gabriel cradled the precious weight, taking in the puffy, wrinkled face of the sleeping babe. The miracle that he and Thea had made together.
“Would you like to hold your new sibling, Freddy?” Thea said.
Their son gingerly took the bundle Thea held out to him. She ruffled his hair as he rocked the newborn, his expression awestruck. He peered over at the babe in Gabriel’s arms.
“Papa,” he said, “is this my brother or sister I’m holding?”
Gabriel realized that he hadn’t the faintest clue. “Er…”
Thea laughed. “You’re holding your sister. Your papa has your brother.”
“What are their names?” Freddy asked.
Gabriel cleared his throat. “I was thinking we might name the boy after your father, Thea.”
“Little Samuel.” His marchioness’ eyes glowed. “And our daughter?”
“Whatever name you’d like,” he told her.
She looked at Freddy, who’d snuggled his cheek up against his sister’s. “Would you like to name your sister, dear?”
“Me?” Freddy breathed. “Truly, Mama?”
“Truly.” Thea’s smile was broken by a yawn.
“Time to let your mama get her rest,” Gabriel said.
He rang for the nursemaid, who came and took the twins. Tagging at her heels, Freddy left the chamber muttering, “What do you think of Frederica… or Fredelina… or Fredwina…”
Closing the door, Gabriel undressed and got into bed. Carefully, he drew his wife into his arms. “Thank you, princess,” he whispered.
She nestled against him. “You’re welcome, darling,” she said drowsily. “You know I wanted them as much as you did.”
He wasn’t thanking her just for the precious lives she’d brought into the world. But hearing his wife’s soft, even breaths, he knew that she needed rest more than his professions of love just then. So he tucked her against his heart, his body sheltering hers as she slept, no barriers between them. Eventually, his eyelids got heavy too. He drifted into the peaceful fog, knowing that his dreams would still be there when he awakened… because she’d made them all come true.
The End