The Ugly Duckling Debutante(69)
Slowly but surely her body began to feel cooler until finally she opened her eyes and sighed. She was starving. Somehow Nicholas had gotten into the bed and was lying next to her with his arm across her body. He was sleeping rather possessively, his body language clearly saying, “if anyone touches her, I’ll kill him.”
It made her laugh, which made Nicholas open his eyes. The love Sara saw behind them completely un-did her. With as much strength as she could muster she said, “I love you.”
He closed his eyes quickly, but Sara saw what had already escaped down his cheeks. Tears streamed down his handsome face. He pulled her close and said quietly into her ear, “I love you. I adore you. I need you. I—I…” His words were no more than choked sobs as he rocked her back and forth and cried. “I prayed for the baby,” he finally said.
“He’s fine,” Sara said confidently, even though her voice was still raspy.
He smiled weakly. “How do you know that?”
She made a motion that should have been a shrug but looked more like a twitch. “Call it faith.”
He smiled. “My faithful Sara.”
“Nicholas?”
“Hmm?” His eyes were closed next to her.
“Can we start over?”
He smiled warmly. “I’d like that, but first can you ever forgive me for the things I said to you? It was out of fear, and pride and—“
She laughed which seemed to startle him. “Not that I don’t like you groveling at my feet right now and confessing all your sins—but I did say start over. The past is the past; don’t you think we should just leave it there?”
“Wise woman.” He kissed her cheek. “I couldn’t have asked for a better wife.”
“And I couldn’t have asked for a wiser husband, I do believe I have you to thank for saving my life?”
He sobered immediately. “God—not me, I take no credit, my prayer life however has blossomed to extravagant proportions.”
She managed a weak laugh and held his hand. “What should we call him?”
He looked at her curiously. “Our child?”
Sara felt weightless as she thought about spending her life with Nicholas, Duncan, and the new baby. She had no doubt the baby would be healthy. If anything the baby would be stronger after helping her fight such a battle.
“Let’s name him Samuel,” he said, invading her thoughts.
Tears welled in her eyes. “I think that’s a perfect name.”
He laughed. “Why don’t you get some sleep?”
So she did. She slept for the better part of three days, falling in and out of sleep until she was so tired of being tired, she thought she would scream.
During the afternoon of the third day, Nicholas paid a visit. Glued to her side for the past few days, it left her little time for herself; not that she minded it one bit. She had after all spent countless weeks without him by her side.
“Why am I not surprised to see you?” She laughed.
Nicholas pretended to be wounded as he threw his hand across his heart. “Oh so you don’t want your surprise then?”
She jerked up in her bed. “Surprise?”
He shook his head. “Well, I guess if you’re going to behave that way then—“
“Nicholas Renwick don’t you dare mess with the sick!”
“Fine, fine.” He put up his hands innocently. “You’re a heavy sleeper, by the way. I was able to get this done without you even stirring.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Good to see you’ve gotten part of your attitude back,” he mumbled turning toward the door that adjoined their rooms.
She stuck out her tongue when his back was to her. It made her feel slightly better.
“Do you think you can walk, or do you want me to carry you?” he asked tenderly. What she wanted to do was hit him for assuming she was that weak, but then again he had been terrified of losing her, she shouldn’t be so mean.
She huffed. “I think I can manage.”
“Then I’ll lead the way.” He opened the door and walked into the next room. She followed slowly after. It was hard for her to move out of bed; her body wanted to go slow, but her mind was so curious she wanted to run. By the time she reached his room, she was perspiring and out of breath. She really needed to regain her strength.
He stood behind her and kissed her neck. “Surprise.”
The entire room had been decorated with wildflowers. He had obviously been very busy. In the far corner of the room stood a tub with roses floating in the water; it smelled absolutely heavenly. “I don’t know what to say!” She flung her arms around him and started thanking him in the way she had been dreaming of for days.