Page 79 of Conail

"I want to see him. Let me see my son."

The nurse finished cleaning the wailing baby and wrapped him up before bringing him over to the parents. "He's adorable," she beamed as she placed him in Yasmine's arms.

"He's perfect." She touched the bunched fists and stared dazedly at the creamy complexion, the sparse dark hair, and searching light green eyes.

"Oh, Christ," Conail had to swallow the golf-sized lump in his throat as he stared at his son. "Hey there, little guy. It's Daddy." He rested his chin on top of his wife's head. "I love you." He stroked her cheek. "No, it's not enough." His voice broke and had her looking up at him. "I adore you." He felt the emotions storming through him and knew he had to rein things in for now.

"I know." Understanding perfectly, she lifted a hand to his cheek. "I know, darling."

*****

"That husband of yours finally allowed you out of the house." Maeve clicked her tongue as she gathered her grandson carefully into her arms.

"Barely." Yasmine stretched contentedly as she stared at her son. He was a week old already, and to her prejudiced eye, he was the most gorgeous baby in the world. He had taken to the breast like a pro and was sleeping until four in the morning.

"He vowed he was going to tie me to the bed if I stayed out too long."

Maeve swaddled her grandson and felt the love overflowing. "He's overprotective."

"And dismissing the idea of another child."

Her mother's eyes flew to hers. They were in the kitchen, and the scent of apples and cinnamon permeated the air.

"Isn't it too soon to bring that up?"

Yasmine shrugged and pushed back her chair to pour another glass of lemonade. From the window, she could see the gardens blazing with a variety of colors and could hear the humming of machinery as her brother and the men he had hired performed their duties. The farm was now doing exceptionally well, especially since her husband had invested, pouring resources in to make it viable. The greenhouse was flourishing, and her brother had converted her old room into a nursery for their baby. In a couple of months, there would be a new addition to the family.

"I don't want him to be an only child," she murmured, stopping by her mother's chair to plant a kiss on his forehead. "He's already spoiled. Between you and Eleanor and Dad, as well as Colin and Maddy, he's going to be rotten."

"Oh, nonsense." Maeve brought him closer to take a sniff, loving the scent of powder and baby oil. "He's going to be just fine. Aren't you, darling boy? My Christopher." She kissed the soft cheek and reluctantly put the sleeping baby in his mobile. "What's your husband's reason for not wanting another baby?"

"The drive to the hospital when I was in labor has him traumatized." She rolled her eyes. "He still brings it up."

"Honey, I hate to remind you, but you were in pain since early in the morning, and you insisted on going to that function. What were you thinking?" Peeking at the baby to make sure he was still sleeping, Maeve took out pots and pans with the intention of basting chicken.

"You sound like my husband."

"I agree with him. Now, let's discuss the christening."

*****

"I thought I'd find you here." He slipped into the nursery quietly. "Is he sleeping?"

It always gave him a jolt to see his son suckling at her breasts.

"Just about." Tipping her head up, she waited for his kiss before handing the baby to him. "He needs to burp."

"I know the drill." Lifting his son up over his shoulder, he rubbed his back gently until he heard the burping sound. "One more for Daddy?" He rubbed again and smiled at the loud burp. "There you go." Cradling the baby in the crook of his arm, he rocked him slowly, watching the fight to keep his eyes open. "To bed with you." Putting him in the cot, he pulled the blanket up and rubbed his small shoulder. He just stood there staring at the tiny miracle they had produced.

"He's getting bigger."

"Of course he is." He turned his head as his wife came to wrap her arm around his waist. "He eats like a horse."

"Are you still insisting on giving him just breast milk? Didn't the doctor say that it's safe to introduce formula?"

"Nope." She shook her head. "Not until I cannot produce the milk." She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. "He's looking like you more each day."

"He has the shape of your lips, I think."

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