Edith stuck her lip out in a pout. Felicity motioned for Elliot to bring Edith over to her to see the baby she was holding. “Sweetheart, if you sit in my lap I can help you hold this sweet baby. Would you like that?”
“Yes mama.” Edith slid out of her papa’s arms and came to stand next to the rocker, anxious to have her turn with the baby.
Felicity extended the baby towards Elliot. His eyes widened in surprise as he put both hands in front of him in protest. Felicity laughed, “You won’t hurt her, just hold her for a second while I get Edith situated in my lap.”
Elliot reluctantly took the babe, holding her so precariously as if he thought he honestly might break her. Felicity picked up Edith and said, “Now we need to be really gentle with the baby, understand?” Edith nodded her understanding, “The duke and duchess are extremely blessed that they got two babies, most mamas only get one at a time,” she explained.
“What are their names?” Edith asked quietly.
“The one over there in her daddy’s arms is Jane Caroline and the one you are going to hold is Evelyn Matilde.” Then looking doubtfully towards Hope she asked, “Did I get that right? I’m not sure I can tell which one is which.”
Hope looked briefly between both babies, “Yes, you’re right. Evelyn is in the white blanket and Jane is in the yellow.”
“Well let’s hope no one ever changes blankets then,” Pierce said. “I think we might want to come up with a better method than that to tell them apart.”
“Maybe we can tie a hair ribbon around one of their ankles so we know who is who.” Hope suggested.
“Good thinking,” Pierce acknowledged.
Felicity turned to Elliot, “Okay, we’re ready for the babe.”
Elliot was more than eager to pass the squirming bundle off to his wife, not completely sure he trusted himself with something so little. He stood back and watched as Felicity helped Edith hold Evelyn. The sight of his wife and daughter with a newborn caused an unexpected lump to form in his throat. He had never thought much about being a father until he had totally and unexpectedly been informed he was one. And even though he and Felicity were now wed, he hadn’t given the possibility of more children much thought either, but seeing Felicity with a babe in her arms changed all of that.
Felicity looked up and met Elliot’s eyes and smiled. Pierce walked over carrying Jane and offered her to Elliot. “You better take a turn with this one now; I’d hate to think you’re playing favorites already.”
Elliot made to decline and Felicity said encouragingly, “Come on Elliot, you’ll need all the practice you can get for when our baby comes.”
Elliot took the baby abruptly from Pierce’s outstretched arms, his head snapping towards Felicity in surprise. “What?”
Felicity felt her cheeks go pink, “You’re going to be a father again,” then watched as Elliot stumbled over to the nearest chair and collapsed into it in complete awe.
He couldn’t believe how happy he was at her unexpected announcement, though completely caught off guard, it felt right. He looked at her once more and the peace and joy that washed over him made him decide then and there that he had never been happier. “Let’s have a dozen,” he blurted out unexpectedly, overcome with the joy that her announcement had brought.
Pierce laughed, Hope groaned, and Felicity sighed.
“Let’s just take it one at a time Elliot,” Felicity reasoned.
“Or two,” Pierce offered proudly.
Elliot just beamed.
About the Author
Ginny Hartman has always loved writing, and when her love for the regency era blossomed she decided to combing the two, resulting in her first published novel, Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington, which became an Amazon Historical Romance bestseller.
Ginny’s favorite thing about writing is the escape it gives her and the people who read her stories. For a behind the scenes look at the creation of Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington and Misleading Lord Martineau, as well as a sneak peak at her upcoming projects, visit her website www.creatingromance.blogspot.com
Besides writing, Ginny enjoys reading and spending time with her favorite people; her husband and three beautiful children. She also enjoys traveling the world with her husband and gaining inspiration for her books. She currently resides in Northern Idaho.
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