by Raine Miller
“Now, you’ve got to support his neck for him and just tuck him against your chest,” she announced, transferring the precious bundle.
“What are you—I—I—am to hold him?” he sputtered. “He—he—is so small and fragile—” He found his words resisting the idea, but his body had a different response as his hands just reached out and brought the baby close.
“Yes, Darius, you are to hold him, and he’s not that fragile.”
“Oh.” Pure, innocent, perfect love was what he felt for this small, new person in his arms. He fell in total love with him all in an instant. Darius brushed his finger against the tiny hand, which responded by gripping around it with force. “My God,” he gasped. “You’re right. He’s not fragile, I feel his strength. He is so strong! Our son is very strong. Such a strong little man you are,” he crooned, “aren’t you, my son?”
Marianne laughed at him. Just a small, satisfied laugh, but he didn’t care. He had a son…and they were holding on to one another! Life was good.
“You know, Darius, we’re going to have to come up with a name for this little prince.”
“I can think of only one name that would suit, cara.”
“And?”
“Don’t you know?” He met her eyes. “I think you know the name, Marianne.” He smiled at the woman he loved. “Only if you wish it, but understand that I think the name will honor him and honor our son, both at the same time.”
She leaned into him, resting her head on his chest, reached out and gently touched the silky fine hair of their son’s head. “Then, Jonathan, you are. Jonathan Darius Rourke. Our Jonathan.” They enjoyed the quiet together, content to watch Jonathan sleep, his pure baby scent an ambrosia of fragrance, hovering over them. Her beautiful voice floated softly to him. “I love you, Darius. And I love our Jonathan. Thank you. For both of you.”
“As I love the both of you, cara.” He kissed the top of her head. “How are you? Are you well? You were so amazingly brave and strong and magnific—”
“—I am perfect.”
Now it was his turn to laugh. “You’ve never said as much to me before.”
“But it’s true. You asked me how I am. I am perfect. Perfect child. Perfect husband. Perfect love.” She smiled that half-mast smile of hers.
“Do you mean it? Truly?” Darius asked.
“Oh yes, with every beat of my heart,” Marianne answered.
* * * *
Darius became a believer in heavenly blessings after that day. As the years unfolded, he lived his life in good measure, but still thinking of his wife in the way he always had.
She is my Marianne, and she is…absolute perfection.
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raine Miller has been reading historical romances since she picked up that first Barbara Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it's a safe bet she'll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine's stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion.
A school teacher out in California during the day, and a writer of sexy romance stories every other chance she can get pretty much fills the days. She has a handsome prince of a husband, and two brilliant sons to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Mr. Miller has permission to read them though, despite the fact that the naughty bits embarrass the heck out of him.
Raine loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books. You can contact her at [email protected] or visit www.RaineMiller.com to find out what she's working on now.
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com