McKenzie Cousins Box Set 1

“I love the name Elias, and grandpa is going to ball like a big baby when he finds out,” Charlotte says.

“I know.” She pointedly looks at her sister. “So no telling anyone his name. I want to be there when grandpa and grandma find out.”

“My lips are sealed.”

Elias is passed back to Sirena while the midwife helps my beautiful wife feed our son. “You have a hungry baby, and they don’t always latch on the first few times properly, but he has.” The midwife smiles. “I’ll be looking after you on the day shift, so if you need help with anything, please press the call button in the room that you’ll be transferred to soon, okay? I’ll be around and pop in from time to time to check on you both. But I’m here to help you okay? No need to hold back.”

Charlotte smiles and glances at me. “My husband does worry so we appreciate any guidance before we leave here.”

She busies herself while I move back over to my wife, dropping into the seat that Charlotte shoves behind me.

“You look just about ready to fall over.” Charlotte shakes her head and moves to the opposite side again.

“Garrett, do you want to hold our son?” Sirena asks, a few stray tears wet her rosy cheeks.

I find that I can’t speak at those words so with butterflies in my stomach, I stand and gently lift Elias from Sirena. I sit back down and cradle him in my arms, hearing the camera on Charlotte’s phone snapping pictures.

“I need you to know that I’ll love him always, Sirena. He’s my son.” I hold her gaze, although her ey

es are swimming with tears.

“I know you will. You already look the part.” She smiles and takes my offered hand.

“Don’t forget that Auntie Charlotte needs a quick hold before I go and tell everyone. They should be in the waiting room by now.”

“Okay, but I need to shower—badly,” Sirena grumbles.

“The nurse said you’re to use the room behind us to wash up, so I’ll help you in there while Daddy stays with baby.”

“You okay with that?” Sirena asks.

“Oh yes.” I tear my eyes away from Elias. “Just shout if you need help.”

I’m left with our baby and find it difficult to imagine that only an hour before he was inside of Sirena. His head of dark hair is just like his mothers, along with his nose and chin. He’s a content baby, or at least he is for now. Of course I’d rather him stay that way while his mother is in the shower.

“Elias Michael James Hudson, you are a tiny miracle who will always be cherished.”

30

Sirena

Leaning back against the bed with my husband’s arms around me and our son in my arms makes me realize how lucky I am. It’s what I’ve wanted for so long and now that I finally have it, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let go, nor will I want to.

I look down at my little miracle and smile as Elias wraps his small hand around Garrett’s little finger. It makes my heart so full seeing them both interact.

“You did real good, honey,” Garrett whispers, his voice sounding choked with emotion. “He’s perfect.”

“So are you,” I counter, a soft smile on my lips. “I couldn’t have done all this without you. I hope you know that.”

He kisses the top of my head. “You’d have done it because you’re stronger than you think, but I’m so glad that I get to share in all of this with you.”

I let the silence surround us while we wait for my parents to bring my grandparents to visit, but then I start to wonder about Harry and where he disappeared to without a word.

“Did Charlotte tell you about Harry?” I ask, nervous for his response.

“No.” He stills, and adds, “He was in the waiting area when I arrived. He asked me if I’d look after his child, and once I told him that the baby would never want for anything, he left. He said that we’d never have any trouble from him.”

“Mmm . . . He was at the restaurant when I went into labor. He insisted on bringing me to the hospital to save time. I was surprised but in too much pain to really think about it. I just wanted to be here and to be with you.”