Page 57 of Westbound Awakening

John paled and stood. "Is it time?"

Mae's laughter ringed brightly. "No, the baby kicked me."

"I can't wait to spend time with our children and the Jacobs', the children become close friends. I just know it."

At the familiar speech, John kissed her brow. "It's amazing how they are expecting their first child just a few months after us isn't it?"

"It's another of many miracles in our life," Mae agreed and jumped. "Ooh another kick."

* * *

Three days later, John held his new daughter in his arms while sitting in a rocking chair he'd made for Mae. Moonlight from the window fell over his sleeping wife's face. Her golden hair spread over the pillow, lovely in her sleep, a soft curve to her lips, she was like he imagined angels looked like.

The baby squirmed and let out a soft whimper and even though it was a low sound Mae's eyes popped open and she looked to him. "Is Lady hungry?"

John smiled at her sudden alertness. "No she's gone back to sleep. And you should too, you need to rest."

Mae's soft emerald eyes met his and her lips curved into a slow smile. "I want to hold her. She's so beautiful. Looks so much like you. You make beautiful babies John McClain."

Warmth filled him and he got up and laid the child in her arms and then he climbed onto the bed next to his wife taking them both into his arms. "I will have to argue the point." John kissed Mae's hair. "Although her hair is dark like mine, her little upturned nose is much more like yours."

"Hmm, perhaps, but her eyes are a light blue. They will darken to a beautiful gray." Mae told him with a lazy smile.

"Is Lady 'wake?" Wesley's head appeared from the opening in the doorway. His eyes locked directly onto his sister. "Can I hold her?"

Mae shifted and gave the sleeping baby to John, and then she held her arms out. "Come here Wesley."

The boy giggled and jumped into the bed immediately snuggling into Mae's embrace. "It's hot in here Mama." He told her but John noted he didn't move away.

Mae sighed and kissed Wesley's face. "I love you so much my little boy."

"I the big brother." His son replied, his voice filled with pride.

"That's true you are," Mae told him.

John reached and tussled the boy's hair.

Each day that passed since marrying Mae, he'd been thankful for the gift of a family. The blessing of a strong brave wife and a life like one he'd never imagined.