best of us combined.
The door opened, and her nurse, Sabrina, came in. “Everyone’s settled for a while?” she asked, checking them out but not disturbing either of them.
“Yep.”
“A Hank Simmons called. He said he’s Laura’s dad?”
“He is.”
“He said to tell you he’d be here shortly.”
I glanced at my watch. “It’s past nine. Is he allowed in?”
“He’s family. He can’t stay long, but he can come in briefly.”
“Okay.”
She paused at the large arrangement of flowers by Laura’s bed I had bought her. The roses and lilies filled the room with their scent. “Beautiful.”
“Like her.” I indicated Laura with a tilt of my chin. “She thought they were too much, but after today, I don’t think they’re close to being enough.”
She smiled. “It’s a life-altering experience.” She patted my shoulder. “Your love is enough for both of them. The flowers, though, they add to it. Keep that up, and you’ll be fine.”
She left, and suddenly I was excited. I’d get to introduce Mason to Hank. Show off my son. Place my child in the arms of my best friend and father-in-law. I had a feeling the two of them were going to be buddies.
Mason grunted, letting out a small cry, and I was out of my chair instantly, peering down at him. His tiny fists beat the air, and I lifted him, holding him close and sitting back down, tucking a pillow under my arm, grinning as he settled right away. I gazed at him, unable to stop. I started talking to him, much the way I had while Laura was pregnant. Silly thoughts and plans for the future. All the things I’d show him. All the wonders we’d discover together.
I blinked at the moisture in my eyes. My emotions were very close to the surface today. Mason’s birth had opened up another protective streak I thought only existed for Laura. I knew I would do anything to keep my son safe. To keep my family safe. I would be their rock. They would be my focus for the rest of my life.
“You’ll spoil him,” Laura murmured drowsily. “You’ve hardly put him down.”
I cleared my throat. “I intend to. I’m going to spoil both of you. Now, back to sleep. Mason and I are getting to know each other.”
“I miss you both.”
I laughed low and stood, pulling my chair close. I entwined our fingers, lifting her hand to my mouth, kissing the knuckles. “Better?”
“Hmm.” She frowned. “Are you all right, Jackson?”
Carefully cradling Mason, I leaned over and kissed her. “Never been better.” I kissed her again. “Thank you, sweet girl. For you. For my son. For making me happier than I ever thought possible.”
“You do the same for me.”
“Good.” I ran my hand through her hair, humming quietly, knowing that would relax her.
Soon, her deep breathing told me she was out again. Mason wriggled, burrowing into the warmth of my skin. I shifted, getting comfortable, not planning to move until I had to. I had my son and my wife—both close, safe, and content. Tomorrow, we would go home. Hank would be here soon, and our family would be complete.
I nuzzled the tender skin on Mason’s head.
Life couldn’t get any better.
The door opened, and Hank peeked in, his eyes twinkling. I held my finger to my lips, and he came in, grinning and holding a huge teddy bear.
“She okay?” he whispered.
“Exhausted. She worked hard today.”
He set down the bear and held out his arms. “Lemme see my grandson.”
With a frown, I placed him in Hank’s arms. “Careful with his head.”
“I’ve held babies before, you know. Laura turned out all right.”
“She told me about the time you almost dropped her. And she has that scar behind her ear from the day you showed her how to climb a tree and she fell on the branch.”
He shook his head. “A man makes a couple of mistakes,” he muttered. Then he looked down, a huge smile on his face.
“Look at him. Isn’t he something else?”
I had to smile. “Yeah, he is.”
“He looks like you.”
“I know. He’s a handsome devil,” I chuckled.
“I was hoping he’d look more like Laura,” he deadpanned. “Maybe he’ll grow out of it.”
“Gimme back my son.”
“No.”
“Will you two shut up?” Laura mumbled. “Neither of you are going to get to hold him if I kick you out.”
“Now look what you did,” I snarled.
“You were arguing too,” Hank shot back.
Laura groaned. “I’m calling the nurse.”
I leaned over her. “Are you in pain? What do you need?”
She met my eyes, her blue gaze amused.