Claim

by Janet Nissenson

  The little dress Gilly was wearing today had a long sleeved black velvet bodice, a white and black dotted taffeta skirt, and a red satin sash accessorized with a rose. Tessa had dressed her in white tights, black patent Mary Janes, and tied a black velvet ribbon in her blonde curls.

  The entire family was gathered in the enormous drawing room of the Kent estate, enjoying pre-dinner drinks and appetizers. Christmas dinner was due to be served in just a few more minutes. Tessa was sitting next to her mother-in-law on a loveseat as they watched all of the children playing happily together.

  “It’s good for Gilly to see her cousins like this,” commented Joanna. “I think she’s going to do just fine with the new baby, too.”

  “I agree. She gets along beautifully with Julia’s boys, who can be little hellions at times.”

  “And how is dear Julia feeling these days?” inquired Joanna. “When is her due date?”

  “About six weeks after mine. So our second babies will be very close in age. And as you can imagine, she’s over the moon about having a girl this time. If anyone was ever meant to have a daughter, it was Julia. She’s already started buying every pink frilly thing she can find.”

  Joanna smiled. “I can just imagine. After all, Julia does love her clothes and shoes and bags, doesn’t she? And I don’t even need to ask how you’re feeling, dear. You look more beautiful than ever, Tessa. You’re one of those women who bloom when they’re pregnant. Though Ian did mention he thought you’ve been overdoing it a bit.”

  Tessa gave a little eye roll. “Of course he did. He’s always overprotective, of course, but especially when I’m pregnant. And I feel wonderful, even better than I did with Gilly.”

  Joanna shook her head in wonder. “You’re a freak of nature, my dear. At the sixth month mark with each of my boys I vowed to never, ever get pregnant again. Apparently I didn’t learn my lesson until the third time.”

  “I like being pregnant,” admitted Tessa. “It’s a very peaceful and serene time for me, knowing that I’m carrying a little person inside of me, nurturing it, helping it to grow. And I know I’ve been luckier than most, with practically no morning sickness or other symptoms. I’m just hoping that Ian will be agreeable to having at least one more child after this. After growing up as an only child, I’ve always wanted a big family of my own.”

  The two women chatted amiably for a few more minutes, until Joanna gave her daughter-in-law a gentle nudge, calling her attention to Gilly.

  “Looks like she’s tired of playing with the boys,” pointed out Joanna. “And abandoned them for her very favorite male.”

  Tessa smiled fondly as she watched her daughter approach Ian as he sat conversing with his brothers. Gilly patted her father on the leg, then held up her little arms until he scooped her onto his lap. Instantly, she rested her curly blonde head against his chest, snuggling up to her handsome daddy contentedly.

  “She’s a Daddy’s girl, that’s for sure,” acknowledged Tessa with a chuckle. “And she has him wrapped around her little finger, too.”

  Joanna nodded in agreement. “And I think it’s just adorable how she calls you Mummy. I can’t believe how much her vocabulary has increased since we last saw her in August.”

  “Ian and I read to her every single day, and always encourage her to learn new words. If Ian had his way, Gilly would be reading and writing complete sentences by the time she’s two years old. I just hope he doesn’t set quite as high a standard for our children as he’s always done for himself.” Tessa sighed happily. “But I shouldn’t complain. He’s the most wonderful father, Joanna, so devoted to Gilly. It brings tears to my eyes sometimes when I see them together. Like now, for example.”

  Joanna patted her daughter-in-law on the arm reassuringly. “Well, of course he’s a wonderful father. Did you really expect my overachieving, perfectionist son to be anything but?” she teased.

  Tessa laughed. “You’ve got a point,” she acknowledged. “Ian is the best at everything he does, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s proving to be the most incredible father any child could ever wish for. He’ll be the same with young Liam here.” She patted her belly, which at the six month mark of her pregnancy was finally starting to show.

  “Yes, he most certainly will,” agreed Joanna. “And of course I’m thrilled that you’ve decided to name him after my father. It’s a lovely gesture, Tessa. Even though I’m like Ian and would have loved to have another granddaughter.”

  “There’ll be more children,” said Tessa confidently. “I’d ideally like two more, to fill up that big house of ours, and to have them all fairly close together in age. And as much as Ian loves his daughter, it would have been almost tragic for a man like him not to have at least one son.”

  Joanna’s eyes misted over a bit. “You’re quite right, my dear,” she replied softly. “And I have this feeling that young Liam will be the spitting image of his father, in looks and personality.

  Tessa grinned. “So I should prepare myself then for the legions of girls who’ll be flirting with my son from the time he turns, oh, let’s say eleven or so?”

  Joanna winked. “At least. Perhaps even younger than that. And Ian will be having to keep the boys away from Gilly with a yardstick. I don’t envy the first young man who tries to take her out on a date!”

  “Well, that goes without saying,” replied Tessa. “He’s already so overprotective of her - wanting to call the doctor if she has the tiniest sniffle, watching the instructor like a hawk when she has her swimming lessons, reading her a bedtime story every night. Gilly is the luckiest little girl in the world to have such a devoted father. Sometimes I think…well, never mind. It’s sort of silly, actually.”

  “Tell me, dear. You know I’d never think that,” urged Joanna.

  Tessa hesitated. “It’s just - sometimes I can’t help feeling that one of the reasons Ian is so attentive to Gilly is because through her he feels like he’s making it up to me somehow for not having had a father of my own. I know that’s silly, and that’s certainly not the real reason he’s so good to her.”

  “Of course it’s not. Ian is a wonderful father, just as you said. But he’s also a wonderful husband, and it’s very obvious how much he loves you, Tessa,” pointed out Joanna. “There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to make you happy. And knowing how protective he is, it doesn’t surprise me at all to think that by being such a good father to his own child he’s also trying to compensate for everything you missed out on growing up.”

  Tessa nodded, brushing away a lone tear that was beginning to trickle down her cheek. “I don’t mean to be so emotional,” she told her mother-in-law. “All of these extra hormones floating around inside, I expect. But sometimes, when I watch Ian cuddling our little girl, when I see how sweet he is with her, I can’t help getting all weepy and mushy.” She reached over to give Joanna a quick hug. “Thank you for having such a wonderful son. For raising him to be the man he is now. The best man I’ve ever known.”

  Joanna patted her on the back. “You’re welcome, darling. And now, let’s go round everyone up for dinner, shall we? Otherwise, you’re going to make me start to cry, too!”

  “You know, Ian, I’ll never figure out how you got this damned lucky,” groused Colin. “You were always such a picky bastard when it came to women, hardly giving most of them the time of day. And then when you finally do decide on one, she turns out to be the top of the line. Look at her. Even six months pregnant, Tessa is hotter than ninety nine point nine percent of the female population. It’s not fair. Just not fair.”

  Hugh nodded. “Victoria’s had four children, and I must say she never looked quite that good during any of her pregnancies. Though I’ll warn the two of you now,” he threatened his brothers darkly. “If you even hint to her that I said such a thing, I’ll call you both damned, dirty liars.”

  Ian laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of spilling secrets to either of your wives,” he assured. “But I can’t very well deny that my own wife does
look particularly delectable this evening.”

  His gaze lingered lovingly on his wife, who was sitting on the other side of the room talking to his mother. Pregnancy definitely agreed with Tessa, who looked more beautiful than ever in her sixth month. The silky sapphire blue dress she wore gently outlined her growing baby bump, and clung to the fuller curves of her breasts. The color flattered her eyes and hair, and made her already glowing complexion look even more so. The sapphire pendant and earrings were the ones he’d given her on their first official date, and he knew they were her favorites of all the jewelry he had gifted her with over the years.

  The topic turned next to Colin’s house hunting excursions thus far in London, and what neighborhoods he and Selina were hoping to live in. He was currently training the employee who’d been chosen to replace him in Hong Kong, and hoped to be living in London by the end of January.

  “How is Selina going to cope with all of the traveling you’ll need to do during the first few months?” inquired Ian.

  Colin shrugged. “The same way she copes with any challenge life throws her - grappling it by the throat. Selina’s not the least bit worried about being on her own with the boys at times. And since she’s decided to hold off on finding a new position here in England for a time, she and the boys are going to travel with me as much as possible. And then, of course, the three of them will also be spending time visiting her father in Paris and her brother in Brussels, plus my father-in-law will be staying here with them on occasion.”

  “Don’t forget that the additional travel is only going to be part of it,” cautioned Hugh. “Working at corporate headquarters will also entail you having to attend more social events than you’re currently used to, as well as other company functions.”

  Ian nodded. “All the more reason, then, that it was the right decision for me to turn down the job. With the baby due in March, there’s no way I could have coped with all the travel and social engagements. Plus, as I told both of you, Tessa and I are very happy out in San Francisco. And, well, ours is the first real home she’s ever known, the only time in her life when she’s had a sense of security. I want her to keep feeling that way, want her to be happy.”

  “We get it,” assured Hugh. “After what she’s told us about her life, that’s perfectly understandable. And while Mother is crestfallen that she won’t get to spoil her only granddaughter on a regular basis, she is happy that this one is coming home.” He jabbed Colin good-naturedly in the ribs.

  Colin grinned. “I hate to break the news to you, mates, but I was always her favorite. Seriously, though. I do owe you a huge debt, Ian. When you turned down the job, and Father called to offer it to me, I was ecstatic. Selina and I have felt rather isolated over in Hong Kong, especially since her brother moved to Brussels and her mother passed away. This way both of us will be near our families, and the boys can grow up with their cousins.”

  Ian waved a hand dismissively. “You don’t owe me a thing. I think the case of brandy you sent was thanks enough. Not to mention that rocking horse you sent Gilly. That’s the only thing she wanted to play with for days. Tessa had to drag her away when it was time to leave for her swimming lesson.”

  “Ah, and speaking of our budding equestrienne,” joked Hugh. “It appears that someone is looking for her Daddy.”

  Ian glanced up as his daughter toddled over towards him, patting him on the knee to get his attention, and then holding up her arms. He lifted her onto his lap, smiling indulgently as she instantly cuddled up against him.

  “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he crooned. “Too many boys at one time for you?” He pressed a kiss to the top of her curly head.

  “Lambie,” pleaded Gilly, pointing at the beloved toy that she’d left earlier by Ian’s feet.

  Colin picked up the stuffed lamb and held it out to his niece. “Can Uncle Colin get a kiss first?” he asked teasingly.

  Sweet-natured Gilly puckered up her rosebud mouth and gave her uncle a tiny kiss on his cheek, then quickly snatched her lamb out of his clutches, causing all three men to roar with laughter.

  “Apparently she doesn’t trust anyone but her father to watch over that lamb for her,” joked Hugh. Tenderly, he brushed his knuckles against the delicate skin of her cheek. “She’s a beauty, Ian. Just like her mummy. This one’s going to break an awful lot of hearts in her day.”

  Ian glared darkly at his older brother. “Not if I can help it. And she’s not even two years old, Hugh. Let me enjoy this time before I have to start worrying about her dating boys.”

  Colin hooted in amusement. “God help the poor bastard who dares to date Ian’s daughter! If I know you, brother, you’ll have a background check done on the boy first, then arrange to have Simon follow them on their date.”

  “Both excellent ideas,” replied Ian dryly. “Though Simon will likely be retired by then. Especially if his relationship with the widow who lives across the street from him continues to develop. Tessa’s hoping they’ll get married one of these days.”

  “He’ll be in good company then,” commented Hugh. “What with Cousin Charlotte newly engaged, and then of course there’s the shocker about Uncle Tony.”

  The announcement of Charlotte’s recent engagement to her former boyfriend from their school days - now a widower with a young daughter - had come as far less of a shock to the family than the news about their uncle Anthony. Everyone had always assumed the quiet, rather introverted solicitor would remain a bachelor for the rest of his life, since he had rarely dated and had never had a serious relationship. But Anthony had recently revealed that he’d been in love for decades with a woman who’d been coerced nearly thirty years ago by her family to marry another man in order to seal a business deal. She’d broken Anthony’s heart in the process, but try as he might he’d never quite been able to forget her, or stop caring about her, even when she had moved to Australia with her husband and young children.

  A few months ago, Anthony had learned from mutual friends that the woman’s husband had died from a heart condition, and that she had recently moved back to England where her grown children were attending university. His friends, who’d always been aware of his feelings for Thea, had secretly invited her to a dinner party that Anthony was due to attend. The long separated lovers had been reunited, and less than a month later had eloped to Scotland. They were spending Christmas day with Thea’s children, but were due to join everyone here tomorrow for Boxing Day.

  “I understand now why he never dated,” mused Ian. “He’d had his one great love, and no one else was ever going to compare to her. I felt the exact same way about Tessa, after all. Fortunately for me, I only had to wait a bit over two years for her, instead of two decades. But all’s well that end’s well, as the Bard would say. And it looks like all of us are going to live happily ever after, just like in Gilly’s storybooks.”

  Gilly perked up at the mention of a story, but Ian gently shook his head. “Not right now, sweetheart,” he told her regretfully. “Because it’s time for dinner instead. Daddy will read you all the stories you like afterwards, hmm? Ah, here’s Mummy.”

  Ian picked up his daughter and stood as Tessa reached his side, bending to give his wife a peck on the cheek.

  “Time for dinner, I see,” he observed as Joanna clapped her hands and began to shoo everyone into the enormous formal dining room.

  “Yes.” Tessa rubbed her nose against Gilly’s Eskimo style, a gesture that always caused the baby to giggle. “And your mother has practically begged me to let Gilly sit next to her. She wants every possible moment with her granddaughter that she can squeeze out. Would you like to sit with Nana at dinner, Gilly?”

  Gilly nodded enthusiastically, and went into Tessa’s arms happily.

  “I’ll go settle her in the high chair and make sure the staff brought out her little dishes and sippy cup,” she told Ian. “I’ll see you at the table.”

  Ian kissed both of his girls warmly before giving Tessa a little pat on the rear. “See you in
just a bit, love. And Gilly, you be a good girl for Nana, hmm?”

  Gilly nodded as she headed for the dining room in her mother’s arms, leaving Ian to walk in next to Colin.

  “By the way,” murmured Colin in a low voice, “in case you’re interested, I have a couple of new, ah, moves to share with you. And the good news is that they’re particularly suited to pregnant women. So you can keep pleasuring your wife right up until her due date.”

  Ian scowled at his brother. “You absolutely have a one track mind, don’t you? And on Christmas day to boot.”

  Colin shrugged. “Just thinking of you, brother. If you’re not interested, it’s your loss, not mine.”

  Ian grabbed him by the arm, pulling him into a secluded alcove just outside the dining room. “I didn’t say I wasn’t interested. But talk fast. Mother won’t like it if we’re late for the first course.”

  Colin’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he whispered into Ian’s ear.

  August – Tiburon, California

  “You know, initially it wasn’t fair when your first baby was a sweet, adorable little girl while I gave birth to a pair of devil’s spawn. And now, when our second babies are just over a month apart in age, you’re wearing a bikini - a bikini, for God’s sake! - while I’ve got a sarong wrapped around my waist to hide the ten pounds I still haven’t lost. If I didn’t love you so much, Tessa, I’d be giving you the evil eye and calling you a skanky bitch behind your back.”

  Tessa laughed merrily. “I guess it’s a good thing that you love me, then, isn’t it? And I love you, too, Julia. Sarong and all. And you look fantastic.”

  Julia grimaced, shifting her four month old baby girl from one arm to the other. “I’d feel a whole lot more fantastic if I could fit into my clothes,” she whined. “Though I did manage to squeeze into a really cute sundress the other night when Nathan took me out to dinner. However, the entire image was ruined when I leaked breast milk and stained the bodice.”

  Tessa winced. “I hate when that happens,” she commiserated. “Fortunately for me, this one’s such a good eater that I rarely have that problem.”