Page 99 of Once Upon a Reckless Rogue

The way back to the house felt like an eternity. The ladies chatted amiably behind him.

“’Ave ye got a name picked out, Captain?” asked Betsy.

“Ah, not really. Everyone has a favorite, of course, but without knowing the sex of the child we have not settled on any.”

Finally, he could see the gates. It was dark, and the chill was seeping through his coat. When they pulled up in front of the house, he could hear Elena’s cries coming down the stairs.

“Oh, my lord, are we too late?”

“Nay, Captain, looks like we are just in time.”

The groom came out and helped with the horses as Thomas led the way to their room. When he entered, it was to find Elena changed into a nightgown. She was holding on to the bedpost and panting. The room seemed overly hot, but soon he was pushed out of the room and the door shut in his face. He returned to the parlor to find his mother and sister waiting for him.

“Here, have this. Elena’s orders,” June said, pushing a glass into his hand.

“What is it?”

“Scotch, I believe, from your study. She said you would need a stiff drink when you returned.”

He took the drink and swallowed it in one go, thankful for the burn in his throat and the warmth in his belly.

He took to pacing up and down in front of the fire. The screams continued until he put his hands over his ears. It had been hours.

“What if she dies?” he asked his mother.

“Do not talk like that. Bringing a child into the world is a hard task. That is why they call it labor.”

When the screaming stopped, he felt sick. Then there was a sound of a baby crying, and he let out a breath. “That is good, isn’t it?”

“Yes, my darling. A very good sign,” his mother said.

He ran into the foyer of the house and stopped at the bottom of the stairs. The midwife’s daughter came out. “Captain, you have a son.”

Thomas’s legs buckled, and he sat heavily on the bottom step. “And my wife?”

“She was wonderful. You would be proud of her. As soon as we clean up, you can all come and see them.” She then disappeared.

“Oh, Thomas, a son. How wonderful. The Markham name lives on.” His mother hugged him, but he was still in too much shock to hug her back.

“What will you call him?” June asked her expression one of excitement.

“I…I do not know.”

“Thomas junior?” his mother suggested.

“No. Her father and brother were both named Juan but in English it would be John. It would be nice to have a little of her past in our future.”

“I think that is lovely,” his sister gushed.

“You can come up now,” the midwife said from the top of the stairs. Thomas took them two at a time. Upon entering the room, Elena held their son and was tucked up in bed.

“Oh, my clever wife, look at the gift you have given us.” He kissed her and peered at the child who was all swaddled up in her arms.

“You are happy it is a boy?”

“I am. Of course. How are you feeling?” He kissed her on the forehead and sat on the edge of the bed.

“I am so happy I could cry. He has your nose, I think.” Elena traced her son’s features gently with her fingertip. “He has all his fingers and toes.”

“He’s perfect. I think you might be right about the nose.” He was inordinately happy about this for some reason. He brushed a kiss on his son’s temple. Silently, he vowed always to be there for him. “If you agree, I would like to name him John after your father and brother.”

Elena’s eyes filled with tears.

“I know it is the English version of the name.”

“It is perfect. John Thomas Markham. Then he has all his relatives covered.”

Thomas laughed. “We have indeed.”

“Here, take your son,” she said, holding the child out to him. The midwife ensured he was holding his son correctly as he sat at the end of the bed. When he looked up and smiled at his wife, the sun was just breaking over the trees.

“Welcome to the world, my boy. I promise to be the best father I can be.” When he looked up, Elena’s tears were running down her face.

“You already are.”

The End