Page 54 of Charmed
It took another fifteen minutes before Ana was assured that Nash had all her instructions. Morgana was already drifting off to sleep when Ana closed the door and left the new family alone.
She was exhausted, and the powers of the crystals in her pouch were nearly depleted. For almost twelve hours, she had gone through the labor of childbirth with her cousin, as closely linked as it was possible to be. Her body was heavy with fatigue, her mind drugged with it. It was a common result of a strong empathic link.
She staggered once at the top of the stairs, righted herself, then gripped her bloodstone amulet to draw on the last of its strength.
By the time she reached the parlor, she was feeling a little steadier. There was Boone, half dozing in a chair by the fire, with Jessie cuddled against his chest. His eyes opened. His lips curved.
“Hey, champ. I have to admit I thought this whole setup was a little loony, but you did a hell of a job up there.”
“It’s always stunning to bring life into the world. You didn’t have to stay all this time.”
“I wanted to.” He kissed Jessie’s head. “So did she. She’ll be the hit of school on Monday with this story.”
“It’s been a long night for her, and one she won’t forget.” Ana rubbed her eyes, almost as Jessie had before falling asleep again. “Where is everyone?”
“In the kitchen, raiding the refrigerator and getting drunk. I decided to pass, since I already had more thanmy share of wine.” He offered a sheepish grin. “A little while ago I could have sworn the house was shaking, so I switched to coffee.” He gestured toward the cup on the table beside him.
“And now you’ll be up half the night. I’ll just run and tell them I’m going, if you’d like to go put Jessie in the car.”
Outside, Boone took a deep gulp of the cool night air. Ana was right—he was wide-awake. He’d have to work a couple of hours until the coffee wore off, and he’d more than likely pay for it tomorrow. But it had been worth it. He glanced over his shoulder to where the light glowed in Morgana’s bedroom. It had been well worth it.
He slipped Jessie’s wings over her shoulders, then laid her on the backseat.
“Beautiful night,” Ana murmured from behind him. “I think every star must be out.”
“Two new stars.” Bemused, Boone opened the door for her. “That’s what Matthew said. It was really lovely. Sebastian made a toast about life and gifts and stars, and they all passed around a cup of wine. Is that an Irish thing?”
“In a way.” She leaned her head back against the seat as he started the car. Within seconds, she was asleep.
When Boone pulled up in his driveway, he wondered how he was going to manage to carry both of them to bed. He shifted, easing his door open, but Ana was already blinking awake.
“Just let me carry her inside, and I’ll give you a hand.”
“No, I’m fine.” Bleary-eyed, Ana stepped out of the car. “I’ll help you with her.” She laughed as she gathered up the store of stuffed animals. “Da always goes overboard. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Are you kidding? He was great with her. Come on, baby.” He lifted her and, in the way of children, she remained utterly lax. “She was taken with your mother, too, and the rest, but your father was definitely the hero. I expect she’ll be bugging me to go to Ireland now, so she can visit him in his castle.”
“He’d love it.” She took the silver wings and followed him into the house.
“Just set those anywhere. Do you want a brandy?”
“No, really.” She dropped the animals on the couch, put the wings beside them, then rolled her achingshoulders. “I wouldn’t mind some tea. I can brew some while you settle her in.”
“Fine. I won’t be long.”
A low growling emerged from under Jessie’s bed when Boone carried her in. “Great watchdog. It’s just us, you blockhead.”
Desperately relieved, Daisy bounded out, tail wagging. She waited until Boone had removed Jessie’s shoes and costume, then leapt onto the bed to settle at Jessie’s feet.
“You wake me up at six and I’ll staple those doggie lips closed.”
Daisy thumped her tail and shut her eyes.
“I don’t know why we couldn’t have gotten a smart dog while we were at it,” Boone was saying as he walked into the kitchen. “It wouldn’t have been …” and then his words trailed off.
The kettle was on and beginning to steam. Cups were set out, and the pot was waiting. Ana had her head pillowed on her arms at the kitchen table, and was deep in sleep.
Under the bright light, her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks. Boone hoped it was the harshness of the light that made her look so delicately pale. Her hair spilled over her shoulder. Her lips were soft, just parted.
