Page 35 of Tempted By December

The baby kicks and Alaric jumps back, startled.

His wide eyes meet mine. "Uh, I think the baby just told me to buzz off."

I cover my mouth to hide a laugh.

The next contraction hits.

It's going to be a long night.

"MerryChristmas,Mama,"anurse says hours later, laying the baby on my chest. "Your baby girl is perfect."

"Alaric," I sob, staring in awe at the tiny baby squirming on my chest. She lets out a wail and then nuzzles her face against the side of my breast and settles down. "She's so beautiful."

"She is beautiful," he rasps from beside me, clinging to my hand.

She has a head of dark hair and the cutest little nose. She's so small, smaller than her brothers were. But she's perfect. Tears slip down my cheeks, dripping into my hair as I run my free hand down her soft head.

"Hi, baby," I say. "I'm your mama."

"Fuck," Alaric chokes.

I turn my face up to him, laughing and crying at the same time. His eyes are bright with moisture as he stares at me and our daughter. I've never felt his love as acutely as I do in this moment. It blazes from him, shining as bright as the sun.

"You're perfect," he whispers, leaning down to kiss me gently. "Both of you are absolutely perfect."

I don't doubt him. I never do.

"What are you going to name her?" the nurse asks.

"Noelle," I whisper, glancing at Alaric.

He grins at me, running his hand across our daughter's head. "December and Noelle, my angels."