Holly’s voice filled the room again. “Good. If you’re in pain, wiggle your left hand again.”
At this rate, she’d never see, let alone hold her daughter. Tired of the nonverbal form of communication, Evie growled and finally forced her mouth to work. “No pain.”
Her daughter started crying again and Evie decided enough was enough. It was time to meet her baby.
Slowly blinking her eyes, Evie withstood the split second shock of light and continued blinking until her eyes adjusted. Her throat was dry and scratchy, but she didn’t want to waste time asking for water. “Bram, where’s our baby?”
Bram looked to Holly and the Scottish woman nodded. “Her vitals are much better. As long as Evie’s not lying about the pain, you can have a few minutes whilst I fetch Dr. Sid.” Holly looked down at her with stern eyes. “You are telling the truth, aren’t you?”
Evie’s voice was faint as she answered, “I’m sore between my legs, but nowhere else.”
“Right, then I’ll fetch Dr. Sid.”
Holly left and Evie moved her gaze to the bright purple bundle in Bram’s arms. “Can I see her?”
Bram smiled. “Evie Marie Marshall, I’d like for you to meet Eleanor Spidey-sense Moore-Llewellyn.”
She frowned. “What?”
Bram winked. “Kidding. Say hello to Eleanor Rose.”
He then lowered the bundle and held it right next to her.
As she studied the pink, wrinkly child, tears filled Evie’s eyes. “We have a daughter.”
Bram kept the baby resting on the bed next to her while he crouched down. “We do, Evie, we do. And she’s been anxious to meet everyone, but I said no until you had a chance to see her.”
Evie tried to lift her arms, but she was weak. “Can you bring her closer? I want to kiss her.”
Bram gently moved Eleanor until she was right next to Evie’s face. Once their daughter was situated, Bram moved his free hand to Evie’s head and brushed the hair from her face.
Between Bram’s gentle touch and the soft weight of her daughter next to her, tears rolled down the sides of Evie’s cheeks.
Bram stilled his fingers. His voice was gentle as he asked, “What’s wrong, love? Everything will be all right now. Sid said you’re past any danger.”
She sniffed, turned her head slightly and kissed her daughter’s head. Then she murmured, “I’m just happy to be here in this moment.” She kissed Eleanor again and looked back to Bram’s gaze. “But what about Murray? He should be here, too.”
Stroking her hair, Bram answered, “He was here earlier. But Mel and Tristan have been looking after him. From all their reports, wee Murray’s been having a brilliant time with Jack and Annabel. So much so, he might not want to come home.”
The door opened. Sid walked in with Holly right behind her. Sid glanced at the monitors before moving to Evie’s other side. “It’s good to have you back, Evie. I hate to tear you away from your first meeting with your daughter, but I really should do a thorough exam now that you’re conscious.”
Evie wanted to hug Eleanor close and never let her go. But the rational side of her brain knew she wasn’t any good to anyone if she wasn’t healthy. Kissing her daughter’s soft fuzz of dark hair one more time, she answered, “Of course. You saved my life, Sid. I owe you nothing less than cooperation.”
The corner of Sid’s mouth ticked up. “I’m going to remind you of that in the future.” Sid looked to Bram. “Take Eleanor and wait outside. I can’t have Evie tensing or stressing if the baby cries.” Bram opened his mouth to say something, but Sid cut him off. “No excuses. There are a few clan members outside waiting to talk with you, anyway. Kai’s been doing the best he can, but politics and smooth-talking things over isn’t exactly his forte. Not even Jane’s influence has helped with that.”
Evie looked up at his mate. “Go, Bram. The sooner I get healthy, the sooner I can go home and we can all be a family.”
Bram kissed her one last time. “I love you, Evie.”
“I love you, too.”
Bram waved Eleanor’s little hand goodbye and then her dragonman was gone. The room was emptier without Bram and Eleanor, but she would see them soon enough.
Looking to Sid, Evie asked, “How long will I need to stay in this hospital bed?”
Sid placed her fingers on Evie’s wrist to take her pulse. A short time later, she answered, “That depends on if your blood pressure drops and remains stable or not. Regardless, you can start feeding your daughter soon. The harmful drugs should be out of your system by now.”
Evie attempted to sit up. After Sid helped, she succeeded. “Thank you, Sid, for saving my life.”