[No data] by Lee Nadia

Author:Lee, Nadia
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Four Isles Press
Published: 2019-02-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Ryder

When I get home, I pour myself a finger of scotch and go to the nursery on the second floor. We’ve modified the master bedroom suite, combining it with the adjacent suite and putting in a doorway that connects the bedroom to the nursery. It’s huge now, with everything a baby could want or need. The walls are a mix of green, blue and white, with bright yellow, pink and red tulips. I offered to have someone come in to stencil the flowers, but Paige wanted to do it herself. Since I wasn’t letting my pregnant wife toil away on her own, we scheduled a day when we could do it together.

Paige is holding Benni in the rocking chair near the crib and Mom’s insane mobile. She looks up when I walk in. “How did it go?”

I give her a kiss on the crown of her head. “No problems. Shaun won’t bother us again.”

She sighs, visibly relaxing. “I’m glad. But what’s the drink for, then?”

“Celebratory,” I say, making my voice light and casual. “I’d get you one, too, but you’re nursing.” I give her a grin, not wanting to talk about the encounter with Anthony. I’m still processing it myself, but I’m pretty sure he won’t try to make contact or anything else with her.

I place my empty glass on a small table and take Benni from Paige. She mewls softly and settles in my arms like that’s exactly where she belongs. I press my lips to her head and stroke her small, delicate back, finding joy and comfort in her fresh baby smell and gentle breathing.

Paige dabs at her eyes. I run a hand over her cheek. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she says, her voice thick.

“Then why are you crying?”

“Just grateful…and happy. I feel like I’m too happy.”

I chuckle softly. “No such thing. Besides, I plan to make you even happier.”

She smiles weakly. “I wasn’t sure how you’d really feel about Benni. It’s easy to say you’ll love her, but it’s another thing when you’re, you know, confronted with…” She swallows.

She doesn’t have to say more. I get it. And it stuns me that she had any doubt, but I’m also glad she feels comfortable enough to bring it up. I kneel in front of her, supporting Benni with one arm, and place a hand on Paige’s knee.

“This little bundle is part of the woman I love more than life. She couldn’t be more precious to me. And she’ll make a great older sister to our future babies. Look how sweet and even-tempered she is.”

Paige nods, then slides down, pushing the chair back. She puts her arms around me and Benni, then whispers, “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, Paige.”

And I know our future’s going to be brighter than the sun.

——

Want to know what happens to Ryder’s incorrigible half-brother Elliot? One click here → An Improper Deal [US :: UK :: Canada :: Australia].

Already read all the books in the series? Then check out Anthony Blackwood’s story, Sins

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