Page 178 of His Grace, the Duke
“You’re doing well,Your Grace. Keep breathing. One more push.”
Rosalie took a deep breath, squeezing tighter to James’ hand. With his other hand at her back, she leaned forward and bore down, pushing with all her might. She let out a garbled cry as she felt an exquisite release. After so many long hours, so many months, she was free. She sank back against the pillows, sucking in air, as the doctor tended to her red-faced, mewling, precious new baby.
Doctor Rivers glanced up, a wide smile on his face as he held the baby up for them to see. “Congratulations, Your Grace. Your wife has delivered you a healthy son.”
James relaxed against the headboard. “Well done, angel,” he murmured, leaning down to kiss her sweaty brow.
Rosalie held back her tears, reaching for her baby with a tired hand. “Let me hold him.”
The nurse came around the side of the bed, beaming atthem as she handed the baby down to Rosalie. “A son and heir at last. The Corbin line has a bright future.”
“Third time’s a charm,” said James, wrapping an arm around Rosalie’s shoulder, letting her melt against him.
Rosalie shifted her chemise, opening it to let the baby suckle. He quieted in moments, rooting around until he latched. As soon as he did, she took another grateful breath. “He has a full head of hair,” she murmured, brushing her fingers over the dark locks.
“He’ll be as beautiful as his mother,” said the nurse.
James looked to the doctor. “Is she well?”
“So far, I see no signs of bleeding,” Doctor Rivers replied. “Nothing to cause any alarm. I will, of course, stay the night to monitor her and the babe, if that is your wish, Your Grace.”
“It is,” James replied.
Rosalie expected him to be anxious, especially given what happened the last time. Part of her wanted to tease him now and call him overprotective, but it was still a raw wound he carried. They all did. So she said nothing, focusing all her attention on the babe in her arms.
“We’d like a moment alone,” James told those assembled.
“Of course, Your Grace,” Doctor Rivers replied.
“Mrs. Davies will see to it you have everything you need. Food, fresh baths—name it and it is yours. We will call if you’re needed again.” James showed the doctor and the maid out, shutting the door behind them.
As soon as she was sure they were alone, Rosalie relaxed against the pillows, her smile falling. “Tom missed it,” she murmured, holding back her tears.
“He would be here if he could,” James replied. “Shall I goget Burke? I’m sure he’s climbing the walls. He was furious about being kept out.”
“Well, given how he behaved the last time, I needed a reprieve.”
“You can’t fault him for going a little mad.”
She nodded, knowing James was right. She couldn’t imagine if the situation was ever reversed and it was one of her men dying in the name of giving life. Seeing Burke get shot was all the pain she ever wanted any of them to experience. “Go get him.”
James left the room, leaving her alone with her son.Theirson. Their heir, born with the weight of such expectation and promise on his little shoulders.
“What shall we name you, little boy?” She brushed a finger over his soft pink cheek. He was falling asleep. His hands were curled into little fists, pressed against her breast.
The door opened and Burke swept in, crossing the room in a few strides. If he was angry at being kept out, he didn’t show it. “Oh, my love. My perfect, brave love. Are you well? No complications?”
“None,” she replied. “It was a smooth delivery. Look.”
He folded himself against her, kissing her neck, her shoulder. She felt the shudders of relief ripple through him as he sucked in an exhausted breath. How long had he been up pacing? But then his hand was brushing over the baby’s dark hair, a look of such love shining in his grey eyes. “We have a son,” he whispered, his tone reverent. “Look how beautiful he is. You make the most beautiful babies.”
She smiled, willing to indulge him in this overly affectionate state. She always preferred her sultry, teasing Burke to thisworried, new father variety. He’d be back to normal in a few weeks.
They both glanced up as the door opened again.
“Mama, Mama!” A four-year-old girl with bright green eyes and bouncing golden ringlets raced across the room.
“Come here, Little G,” said Burke, all smiles for the daughter he spoiled incessantly. He held out both hands. “Come see your new baby brother.”
