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Read book online Β«The Sapphire Brooch by Katherine Logan (best novels to read to improve english .txt) πŸ“•Β».   Author   -   Katherine Logan



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had run in for a quick hello. It wasn’t just because they knew her. Not only had Charlotte hung a drool-worthy picture of Braham on the wall of the delivery room to use as a focal point, but David was there, and had dressed casually today. His shirt clung to his muscled shoulders without a single wrinkle, and the seams of his jeans strained against bulging thighs. A drool-worthy picture and a drool-worthy man had elicited more than a few appreciative glances from Charlotte’s well-wishers.

The Fraser clan arrived about noon. Four-year-old James Cullen climbed into a chair and kissed Charlotte’s tummy. β€œWhen’s my cousin coming out? I brung a present. Mommy, can I show Cousin Charlotte my present?”

Meredith pulled a stuffed horse out of her bag, and James Cullen clapped his hands. β€œI’m going to name him Thunder.”

β€œJames Cullen,” Meredith said, β€œit’s the baby’s toy, not yours. The baby gets to pick a name.”

β€œOkay. I’ll tell my cousin to name the horse Thunder.” He jumped down and took David’s hand. β€œUncle David, will you take me to get a hot dog? I saw the restaurant. Come with me.”

David glanced at Charlotte and shrugged. He adored the child, but she knew he didn’t want to leave her side.

β€œIt’s fine,” she said. β€œWe have plenty of time.”

β€œOkay, buddy. Let’s get Jack and have us some hot dogs.”

James Cullen ran from the room, yelling, β€œCousin Jack. Cousin Jack.”

Meredith closed the door and rolled her eyes. β€œIf I had half of his energy…” She gave Charlotte a hug. β€œHow’re you feeling?”

β€œGood so far.”

Elliott glanced around the room. β€œNice artwork.”

β€œFor nine months, I’ve thought Braham would change his mind and join me. A picture is the best I can do, though. I want the baby to know him.”

Meredith patted Charlotte’s hand. β€œThis baby will have friends and family who will love him and spoil him. Even our dear friend Louise called about an hour ago. She and her partner, Evelyn, are ecstatic. If you don’t get to Scotland soon, they’ll come here.”

β€œI might have a renter for yer house,” Elliott said. β€œUnless ye want to sell it.”

β€œI probably will, but not right now. A renter would be great. Is there anything you and David can’t do?”

β€œAsk me in three years,” Elliott said. β€œIf we do a good job training the foal born this morning, he’ll have a shot at the Triple Crown.”

β€œWhat did David have to do with it?”

Elliott smiled. β€œHe picked the mare.”

Charlotte squirmed for a moment and decided to push the call button β€œWould you tell my nurse I’m getting a lot of pressure down low?” The doctor came in while Charlotte was still speaking. β€œI think I’m ready.”

β€œLet’s take a look.”

β€œI’ll get David,” Elliott said as he gave Charlotte a quick hug and left the room.

The exam was quick. β€œYou’re fully dilated. With the next contraction, let’s see what you can do.”

The next two hours were grueling. Meredith hovered on one side of the bed, David on the other. They held her legs, propped up her back, and breathed with her.

At one point, Charlotte said, β€œThat damn Braham McCabe, if he walked in here right now, I’d throw something at him. I’ll never do this again.”

Meredith and David chuckled.

β€œDon’t you dare laugh,” Charlotte said. β€œThis isn’t fun.”

β€œOne more contraction, and your baby will be out,” the doctor said.

Charlotte took a deep breath and pushed her child out. Her head dropped back on the pillow. When the baby cried, so did she.

β€œIt’s a boy,” the doctor said.

David’s face flushed with his excitement. β€œCongratulations, Mom. I told ye he’d be a boy.”

She glanced at the picture, barely able to see through her tears. β€œWe have a son, Braham.”

β€œHe’s perfect, Charley.”

Meredith swiped at her own tears. β€œAnd beautiful.” She gave Charlotte a hug. β€œI’m going to go tell Elliott and James Cullen. I’ll be right back. Do you want me to send Jack in?”

β€œNo, not unless he wants to. You can tell him, too,” Charlotte said.

The doctor clamped the cord, handed David a pair of scissors to cut it, and laid the baby on Charlotte’s belly. David beamed like any new father.

For nine months, he’d come for extended visits and had taken on all the responsibilities of an expectant father. He held her head when she threw up. He brought her ice cream and pickles when she had cravings. He took her to the beach when she was bitchy. He told her she was beautiful, and he stayed up late with her when she couldn’t sleep.

And never once had he complained or asked for more than she was able to give. This was his moment, and she was so happy he was there to share it. He was more than the baby’s godfather, and she wished her heart was free to love him as he deserved to be loved.

Meredith returned with Elliott, Kevin, Jack, James Cullen, and Ken for a quick peek.

β€œHe has a penis, Daddy. That means I have a boy cousin. Yippee. I want to play with him. Can he ride my pony?”

β€œHe’s only a baby. He can’t play yet,” Meredith cautioned.

β€œWhen’s he going to stand up like Stormy’s baby did today?” James Cullen asked.

β€œNot for a while.”

β€œCongratulations, Charlotte,” Elliott said, smiling. β€œI’m going to take James Cullen to the playroom. Text me, Mer, if ye need anything.”

Jack walked over to the bed, wearing a relieved smile. The corners of his mouth trembled slightly. He kissed Charlotte on the cheek. β€œCongrats, sis. He’s beautiful. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Maybe next time I’ll stay with you.”

β€œThere won’t be a next time, Jack. You missed your shot.”

β€œHe’s a big one,” one of the delivery nurses said.

β€œYou don’t have to tell me,” Charlotte said. β€œHow much does he weigh?”

β€œNine pounds, five ounces, and he’s twenty-one inches long.”

After the nurse cleaned, diapered, and wrapped the baby up tightly, she returned the newborn to Charlotte to nurse. β€œDo you have a name picked out?”

A stew of emotions welled up in her as

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