He didn’t need to be scarred by the memories. It was something he’d never get out of his mind.
When James was born, he’d vowed to stay nearby. Melody had insisted he leave, but he dutifully refused.
In the end, several of the ladies from the auxiliary had physically removed him – taking him by the arms and parading him down the street. They’d deposited him at the hotel diner for a strong coffee. Lots of strong coffee.
They’d given him no choice, and that was where he’d remained until he’d been summoned some hours later.
Thomas believed himself to be a strong man, but when it came to the woman he loved being in pain or in danger, he was as weak as they came.
He sat in the hotel dining room, this time feeding young James, waiting for his sibling to arrive. Would it be a boy or girl? Ella hoped for a girl this time, but neither of them really cared.
Provided their baby was healthy, and Ella survived the ordeal, Thomas would be ecstatic about the new arrival.
He looked up to see Melody standing in the doorway, staring at him. “Congratulations Thomas. You have a baby daughter,” she said, beaming at him.
Thomas stood. “What about Ella?” He didn’t realize he was holding his breath until he let it go.
“She’s exhausted, but otherwise fine.” She moved further toward the table. “You go, I’ll look after James,” she said.
He almost ran back to the house.
He opened the front door quietly and crossed the threshold. The same threshold he’d carried his wife over for a second time. That time had changed their lives. Young James was the result of that night.
He grinned, then rushed to the bedroom. Ella was propped up on pillows, and was feeding their new baby daughter.
Thomas looked down at them both. “Where’s James,” she asked quietly.
“Melody is looking after him. You look exhausted Ella.” He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips, then sat on the edge of the bed.
Tears welled in his eyes. “We have a daughter,” he said quietly. “Thank you.” He kissed the baby on the forehead.
“I love you,” he told Ella softly.
“I love you too,” she said. “But this has got to be the last.”
He grinned. “We’ll see,” he said, cheekily. “We’ll see.”
Thomas sat on the side of the bed and silently prayed. He thanked God for bringing Ella to him, and saving her from the life she had. He also thanked him for bringing justice to the man who had molested her.
Melody arrived with James and he took the baby from her. “Meet Anna Marie, your new little sister,” he told the child.
“Da-da,” he said, then gave his new sister a big sloppy kiss.
Thomas pulled them all into a big hug, and knew there would be many more babies to come. And he didn’t mind one little bit.
THE END
From the Author
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Multi-published, best selling and award-winning author, Cheryl Wright, former secretary, debt collector, account manager, writing coach, and shopping tour hostess, loves reading.
She writes both contemporary and historical western romance, as well as contemporary romance and romantic suspense.
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A Groom for Christmas (Spinster Mail-Order Brides Book 9) Page 7