If looks could kill, Mara’s death stare would have killed everyone in a fifty-foot radius. She grumbled something that sounded suspiciously like “you’ve been saying that for the last fifteen minutes” under her breath. The she sucked in another momentous breath and pushed again.
Gray sent a silent prayer to whichever saint looked out for mothers and infants and held his breath right along with his mate.
Mara gave a violent shudder and feel back against the bed.
The bedding rustled and the doctor lifted up a long, chunky baby with skin the shade of a fire truck and a thick gob of damp, spiky brown hair on her head. “Good job, Mama. You’ve got a healthy baby girl.”
The cub wiggled, kicking her little arms and legs in protest at being torn away from the safety of the only home she’d ever known, and let out a loud cry. Gray’s breath shot out of him in a whoosh of relief and immeasurable joy. “Oh fuck. I mean fudge. I mean… She’s so damn beautiful, Mara.”
Tears rolled down Mara’s face. “She is, isn’t she?”
The doctor handed the baby off to the nurse, who carried her across the room to be cleaned up, measured, and weighed.
Gray wrapped his arms around his exhausted mate and kissed her hair, temple, and cheek. Love and affection bubbled up inside him, too big to be contained. “You did it, baby. Our cub is here because of you.” He pressed his lips against her softly, knowing she didn’t have the energy for much more. “I’m so damn proud you. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.” She gave him a tired smile and caressed his cheek.
The nurse carried the baby back to them, now bundled in a pink and blue striped blanket with a little matching cap on her head, and carefully handed her over. Mara cradled their daughter against her chest and carefully ran the pad of one finger down her downy cheek. “Hello Thea Rose. I’m your mommy.”
Gray leaned in close and stared down into his daughter’s dark blue eyes. “Happy birthday, Thea. Your mommy and I have been waiting a long time to meet you and we’re so glad you’re finally here. I hope you’re ready to be loved like crazy and spoiled rotten.”
Mara shot him a fond smile. “You’re going to be a great daddy.”
“I’m going to try my best,” he promised, gazing down at their little girl.
“Do you want to hold her?”
Although part of him was terrified at the thought of holding such a tiny infant, he shoved down his fear of hurting her and nodded. “Yes, please. In fact, I’ll trade you.”
“Trade me?”
“Mm hmm.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the strand of antique pearls he’d searched high and low for over the last couple of months. He held them out so she could see them.
“Is that… Are those Grandma’s pearls?”
He nodded.
“How on earth did you find them?”
“I have my ways.” Including scouring every pawn shop within a hundred mile radius. Seeing Mara’s pleased expression was worth all the aggravation.
Fresh moisture built in her eyes. “Thank you. I figured they were lost forever.”
“I’m glad I was able to track them down. I know how much they mean to you.” He kissed her softly, watchful not to squish the baby between them.
When he pulled back, Mara carefully handed over the baby. “Don’t forget to support her head.”
“I won’t.” He cradled their girl against his chest and stared down at her in awe. She was so small, fragile, and unbelievably beautiful. His heart overflowed with love, making his chest ache from the depth of emotions swelling inside him. He tore his gaze away from Thea long enough to glance over at the love of his life. Words weren’t enough to express how grateful he was for her and the precious bundle in his arms, but he had to try. “Thank you for Thea and for accepting me, warts and all.”
Mara’s eyes widened. “Warts? That wasn’t part of the deal. I’m outta here.”
Gray grinned. “I love you, bad sense of humor and all.”
Mara rested her head on his shoulder. “I love you, more.”
If You Enjoyed This Shifter Romance…
Sign up for Marlie Monroe’s newsletter to be notified of the next release in the Pleasant Valley series, as well as upcoming sales and giveaways.
http://eepurl.com/bA4rsT
About Marlie Monroe
Marlie Monroe lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and two pampered pooches. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found daydreaming about the characters in her next book.
The Playboy Bear's Baby: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance Page 10