Page 27 of Her Guilty Protector
“Yes. Because I have loved you just as long. I don’t want anyone but you. I can survive anything with you by my side.
“I don’t want to wait. I’ve waited long enough. You, me, a justice of the peace.”
“Your brother will be home in two weeks. We can do it then. Do you think you can be comfortable living here for a while?
Wrapping her arms around my neck she whispers in my ear. “Anywhere you are, is my home. You are all I need, all I’ve ever wanted, love.”
EPILOGUE
Nine Months Later
Delaney ‘Laney’
“Elias Hawke calm down and do not fuss at the nurse.”
“Babe, you’re in pain. She has to stop it.”
“Sweetheart, it’s called childbirth. Trust me, I’ve had worse pain than this.”
“Watching you suffer is killing me.”
I glance at the nurse who is trying to hide her laughter. She meets my gaze and rolls her eyes, essentially saying that all men are big wimps. I nod in agreement.
A noise in the hall alerts me to another incoming nuisance. “Where is my sister?”
I roll my eyes. I really do not want to deal with either of them right now. Especially when another contractions hits.
“Laney, Laney, honey are you alright?”
“Yes, Frank. It’s just a baby.” Another contraction hits, twisting my insides like someone wringing out a towel and I moan.
“Alright gentlemen, out.” My Doctor, MaryElizabeth, walks in. Thank god. “We’re going down for the c-section. You go sit inthe waiting room. We’ll let you know when you can see mom and the little one.”
Once they’re gone, she leans close. “How you doing, Mom?”
“Better now that you’re here. Thank you. They mean well but... well you know how they can be.”
“Everything is okay. Everything looks good for you and your son. But, as we discussed, with all your other prior injuries, I don’t recommend you do this again.
“I know. We know.”
“Alright, let’s go welcome this little one.”
Epilogue Six Years Later
“Evertt, will you help Dad by carrying the baby bag, please.”
“Sure, Mom. I can take Elodie’s hand and get her in the car, too. We need to hurry so we aren’t late.”
“Thank you.” He is so much like his father. Organizing and watching over everyone. The most gentle and caring person.
I glance to where my husband stands, phone to his ear.
“We’re on our way. Twenty minutes.” He hangs up and turns toward me.
“What’s wrong?”
“The mom’s not doing well. She was badly injured in a car accident last night. Brain injury. They think the baby is ok but are doing a C-section. Thankfully, she signed all the adoption papers last week.
