Page 56 of The Gold Rush Bride

He pressed a finger against her lips. “Shh,mo grah. You were right. I gave the claim to Seth. I hope it proves to be as good to him as it was to us. I left almost immediately after you did. Seth pointed out what a fool I was, and I realized he was right. But you’d already left on the ferry. I had to wait for nearly a month to follow you. I was afraid I would miss the birth of our child.” He ran a palm over her belly. “I want this child, more than you can imagine. He’s a part of both of us, and I want him. And I want you. Please don’t send me away.”

She cupped his beloved face. “Never, my love. Never.” She waved an arm, taking in the room. “This was my childhood home.”

He followed her arm and looked around the room. “How did you manage to buy it back?”

“Angus never sold it. He said he would have if I wasn’t back in a year.”

“I’m glad you got it back. John wouldn’t have been pleased if you raised his grandchild anywhere but here.”

“I admit, I had a pretty glorious life here. Even though it was my grandmother’s home, Dad never minded. He knew I’d inherit the home eventually and wanted that for me.”

“I’m glad.” He looked down at their hands together on her belly. “You look like you’re ready to have this baby, but I see something missing from your hand.” He reached in the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out her wedding band. “Hold out your hand. I don’t want to release you. Will you, Sadie Drake, be my wife and the mother to all of our children, starting with this one?” He leaned over and kissed her belly.

She laughed. “I will, if you will promise to love me forever.”

“That’s easy, I already do.” He took her lips with his and kissed her like she’d wanted him to for months.

Suddenly, Sadie felt something wet between her legs. “Mayhap sooner rather than later. I think my water just broke.”

He swiftly stood. “Then let’s get you to the doctor.”

CHAPTER15

“We need a Hansom cab. You can send Clara for the doctor. She’s my cook and my friend. She’s in the kitchen. That way.” Sadie pointed down the hall.

“There’s Hansom cab outside. I asked him to wait since I didn’t know what kind of reception I would receive.” He ran down to the kitchen.

A few minutes later, he and Clara returned.

She ran outside to the waiting Hansom cab.

He carried Sadie from the study upstairs. “What room is yours?”

“The first one on the left.”

Barnaby opened the door and set her on the floor by the bed. Then he turned down the covers and lifted her, settling her in the middle of the bed.

“Ahh. Darn that hurts.” After a minute or so the pain subsided. “Dr. Wilcox is on Second and Market. It will take Clara a while to return with him. I need to get into my nightgown.”

“Where is it?”

She pointed toward the bureau with the attached mirror. Bottom drawer in the middle.

He retrieved the ratty nightgown and held it up. “This one? It looks like it’s about to fall apart.”

“It’s the oldest one I have. I don’t want to get a better one messed up like this one will be after the birth.”

“Ah, I understand.” He took the gown to her and helped her into it.

About half-an-hour later, the doctor arrived with Clara.

Doctor Wilcox was an older man. He’d been her doctor since she was a child. His hair was white now, but he still looked the same to her.

Barnaby greeted the doctor. “I’m Barnaby Drake. My wife’s having a baby.”

“Calm down, young man.” The doctor chuckled. “I didn’t think you called me here for tea.” He turned her gaze toward Sadie. “Well, hi, Sadie. Ready for that little one to get here?”

“Oh, yes, Doctor. More than ready. This hurts so much.”