Page 117 of Foolish Bride

“It’s all right, Sarah.” Michael lifted the little girl and put her on the bed next to Elinor, then he lifted Jimmie onto his lap.

The midwife said, “You make a fine family.”

Elinor looked up and smiled. “Thank you, Mrs. Jennings, for everything.”

Mrs. Jennings nodded, bundled up the soiled bedding, and left the room.

A few minutes later, the nurse returned and took Jimmie and Sarah.

In the early hours, Michael held his new son and looked out the window at the coming dawn. His wife lay sleeping in their bed. When the baby had stirred, he got up with him so he wouldn’t wake his exhausted mother from her long-needed sleep.

The child had stopped crying immediately, and now stared up at Michael with great concern as a small crease formed between his brows.

“You have your mother’s eyes, you know. I’ll tell you a little secret, John. I cannot say no to that woman when she looks at me the way you are looking at me now. I suspect that you will have that same power over your poor father. Try not to abuse the old man though, will you.”

John gurgled, and a smile tipped his tiny lips.

“Okay, you win. What do you want, a new pony? Your older brother just had his first riding lesson. You cannot be jealous already.”

“Michael? What are you telling him?”

The baby’s head fit comfortably into Michael’s palm, and rest of him neatly in the crook of his arm.

He brought the infant to the bed, easing in next to Elinor. “I am just giving him some fatherly advice.”

“It sounded as if he was manipulating you. Whatever will you do when John learns to speak?”

He brushed the back of his knuckle across John’s soft skin. “I imagine I will spoil him just as I do his brother and sister.”

Elinor smiled. She kissed his cheek, then John’s. “Have I told you how happy I am to be your wife?”

Those were the most satisfying words his wife ever said. She had said them before, but he never tired of hearing it. “Not today, but it is early.”

“I shall have to remember to tell you later then.” She nestled her head against his shoulder.

He kissed the top of her head. “I shall be glad to hear the news, my love.”

They reveled in a few minutes of peace. It wouldn’t be long before the thunder of little feet started down the hallway, and the wet nurse came to take little John away to be fed.

“Michael?”

“Hmmm?”

“I am deliriously happy.”

“I know. I am also happy beyond what is fair for one man to accept.”

“Do you think it will last?” Her concern was evident in her voice.

“I think that we are lucky and should just enjoy our happiness without looking for an end to it. Life has been good to us, in spite of our shortcomings.”

“Indeed it has. And to think of what a rocky start we had. I never dreamed of this much happiness.” She kissed John’s head as he dozed.

The door flew open, and Jimmie leapt onto the bed.

Sarah toddled in, and her brother hauled her up as well.

Crawling up, they peered at John.

Elinor’s laughter filled the room. She pulled Jimmie and Sarah onto her lap, and they all leaned on Michael’sside.

John opened his eyes.

“Can we stop time right now, Elinor?”

“Yes. I never want to let this moment go.”