by Vikki Vaught
In her letters, Helen waxed on over the Duke of Somerset since he was playing court to her again. She had high hopes he would propose to her before the end of the season. He was trying to come to terms with his sister’s choice, because it would probably soon be a reality. There was just something about the man that made him uneasy. For her sake, he hoped he was wrong.
Everything settled down after his sisters left. Melody complained she was as big as a house, and he had to admit her belly was quite large, but he was enjoying every moment of her delightful condition. He loved to place his ear on her belly and listen to the babe’s heartbeat and loved to feel it move. Since he had missed the other times she’d been with child, he wanted to savor everything about this pregnancy. As an unseasonably cool May rolled around, Melody grew irritable.
She had to be uncomfortable, because as they tried to sleep, she tossed and turned all night long. Since his wife was such a tiny woman, he could only imagine the discomfort she must be feeling.
In the middle of the night on the twelfth, Melody moaned beside him. Hearing her through the fog of sleep, he gently touched her shoulder. “Darling, is something amiss?”
“Henry—” she panted, “my labor…it’s started, please…send for the midwife.”
He leapt from the bed and started throwing on his clothes, then dashed out of the door, only to return to give her a quick kiss. “Don’t go anywhere, I shall return as soon as possible.” Turning, he darted from the room.
He returned after sending a footman to get the midwife and took up vigil at her side. Thank God the woman arrived quickly. It was a good thing, too, because Melody’s labor was progressing at an alarming rate.
The midwife pushed him from the room, insisting he stay well away. She told him to go drink some brandy and leave her to do her business. He did not appreciate that at all, but he heard the lock click before he could demand she allow him in. He paced back and forth outside her bedchamber.
He ran his fingers through his hair so many times, he was ready to start pulling it out. After what seemed like hours, he heard Melody’s screams of agony and pounded on the door. As he pulled up his leg to kick it, the door opened and Millie came out carrying a tiny bundle in her arms. He approached and gazed at the babe in wonder and amazement.
As the maid put the infant in his arms, she declared, “You are the proud father of a beautiful boy, Your Grace.” This time there was no holding back the tears as he cuddled his small son’s body in his arms for the first time. He carefully held his newborn heir close to his heart as he walked into the room.
Melody sat up in the bed, her face glowing with happiness. He went over to her and leaned down, then gently kissed her cheek. “Words can never express how I feel. Thank you for our beautiful son. I could not be happier. He has your blond hair. I hope he’ll have your sherry-colored eyes. Are you sure about the name we picked out?”
She beamed. “Henry Elliston Magnus Montgomery, sounds distinguished for the new Marquess of Wyndham. Do you not agree? I know my father would be so proud of his namesake.”
After Melody had a chance to sleep, he brought the children in to see their new brother the following morning. Mary Elizabeth looked up at him and put her little hands on her hips. “Papa, I’m a big guwl now. I’m almoth five yeaws old. I want to howd my new bwothew.” Her parents looked at each other and laughed as they gazed at their precocious daughter.
With startling clarity, Henry believed beyond a shadow of a doubt…their love would always see them through. Whatever life…sent their way.
THE END
About the Author
Vikki Vaught started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave. Ever since then, the stories keep coming and writing is now her passion. Over the last five years, she has written almost a dozen romances and is presently working on her next, while fighting off the other future characters shouting “my turn”!
Vikki lives in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her husband, Jim, who is a saint for putting up with her when she is in a writing frenzy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her curled up in a comfortable chair reading, lost in a good book with a cup of tea at her side. She also enjoys walking her little dog, Marlee who has captured her heart!
While all her books are love stories, she also writes sweet contemporary romances as Vikki McCombie.
Website: http://www.vikkivaught.com/home.html
Email: mailto:[email protected]
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Amazon Author Page: http://smile.amazon.com/Vikki-Vaught/e/B008EE7TG2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433778387&sr=1-2-ent
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5208041.Vikki_Vaught
Buy Link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01M5IMWKO