The Best Man's Baby(59)

…

Claire opened her eyes, slowly emerging from a deep sleep, vaguely aware Jake was in the room. She didn’t say anything when she spotted Jake standing next to the window, Michael in his arms, wanting to enjoy the beautiful sight of them for a moment. Her throat tightened with emotion as she watched her men together. Jake bent to kiss their son so gently she wondered how she could have ever doubted his ability to be a father.

Michael Holbrook Manning, named after her father, had entered the world in the wee hours of the night, and already bore a striking resemblance to Jake.

Her parents had been the first to visit this morning, bringing a bouquet of white and yellow tulips. They had finished their work in Africa and had been home for the final few weeks of her pregnancy. It was the nicest moment she’d ever shared with her mother when she’d handed over little Michael for her mother to hold. And the tears in her father’s eyes when she’d told him that they had named their son after him made it very clear how honored he was.

She continued to admire Jake from the hospital bed. He had obviously gone home and showered after their long night at the hospital. His light-blue crew neck was a startling contrast to his bronzed skin, and she knew exactly what that color did to his eyes.

“Hi,” Claire called out softly. She smiled as Jake turned around and walked over to her.

“Hey, I hope I didn’t wake you,” he whispered gruffly, and leaned down for a gentle kiss before sitting on the edge of the bed.

“No,” she said, peeking at Michael, who slept soundly. “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?”

Jake nodded. “I still can’t believe we’re here. And he’s here.” The tenderness in his handsome face took her breath away as she watched him look from her to their son.

“He’s so perfect. I feel so blessed,” she said, emotion tightening her throat again.

“We are blessed,” he agreed, looking at Michael again. “How are you feeling?”

“Let’s just say the euphoria of Michael being here, combined with whatever drug cocktail the nurses have me on, is making me feel pretty good.”

She saw the worry in Jake’s eyes and waved her hand. “Seriously, I’m fine. Who would have thought your one night of seduction could lead to us getting married and having a baby?”

Jake’s eyes sparkled. “Uh, who seduced who?”

“Details, details.”

“For the record, you can seduce me anytime, baby,” he said gruffly. “Oh, before I forget, I brought you a coffee,” Jake said, slowly standing and walking to the dresser. Claire noticed the ease with which he moved, even with the baby in his arms.

“Coffee. Have I told you how much I love you? I have been waiting months for this day.” She sighed as he handed her a paper cup.

“Yeah, I believe I owe you a coffee, don’t I?” His eyes locked with hers and Claire remembered. How long ago that night seemed. Jake had been almost a stranger to her, more fantasy than a reality. They had been on a journey of discovery together.

“It was all worth it.”

Jake nodded, somehow looking even more attractive to her now, unshaven and tired, than ever before. He had layers to him she never could have imagined and a gentleness that always amazed her. In the last seven months, he had proven to her every day how important she was to him. He had worked tirelessly on their home, determined to have everything ready before the baby arrived. With Holly’s help, the old Victorian house had been restored to its former glory. It reflected their personalities and it exuded the warmth of a happy family home, something neither of them had as children.

“So any idea when we can leave this place?” Claire said, taking a sip of coffee and sighing with unbridled delight at the flavor. She was desperate to get out of the uncomfortable hospital bed and tiny room.

Jake shook his head.

Claire groaned. She was dying to get home and begin their new life together. The nursery was decorated in yellows and greens and was connected to their bedroom, all ready for their return home.

“Have you heard from your family?” she asked.

“Early this morning. The whole brood came by a while after your mother left, but you were sleeping and I told them to come back in a couple hours,” Jake said.

“I didn’t hear anything.”

“Yeah, I figured if the noise they were making didn’t wake you, you should sleep. Evan flew in last night.”

“How is he doing?”

Jake shook his head. “You know Evan. He’s pretending he’s fine, but I know he’s going crazy inside. The damage to his arm and hand is pretty bad. He doesn’t look any better now than he did last month.”