Chapter thirty six

Tristan paced in the hallway. Sophia, her face grave, paced next to him and Nicholas toddled a few feet behind them.

"I want to go in and see her, Papa," she fretted.

"Soon, my love," he soothed.

He turned and cursed under his breath when he ran straight into Nicholas. The little boy fell

onto his bottom with a soft thud and started to cry.

"Papa! You hurt him!" Sophia reached for Nicholas, but Tristan was already bending down.

He picked up the sturdy little boy and kissed his cheek.

"You're all right, little one." He wiped away the tears from his chubby cheeks and Nicholas

grinned at him.

"I want Mama."

"You have to wait, Nicholas." Sophia scowled at him. "She's having -"

She stopped and looked behind her as the door to the bedroom opened. Maya, her belly

swollen with child, stepped into the hallway.

"She's asking for you, Tristan." She rubbed her neck wearily and smiled at Sophia who

leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her large belly.

"I want to go too," the little girl said.

"She's asking for all of you, dearest." Maya pushed the door open wide and started down the

hallway. "Tell her I will return in a while. I want to see Marshall for a bit."

Tristan nodded and, still holding Nicholas in his arms, followed Sophia into the room. The

three of them approached the bed and Nicholas squealed with delight when he saw Avery. "Mama!" He reached for her and Sophia shook her head.

"No, Nicky. She can't hold you right now."

"Of course, I can." Avery, her voice laced with weariness, smiled at the little girl. "Come,

Sophia. Sit beside me so you can see him."

Sophia climbed onto the bed as Tristan gently dropped Nicholas on the bed next to Avery.

She put her arm around him, and he cuddled into her. "Hello, my sweet baby Nicky."

"Hello, Mama." He stuck his thumb into his mouth and leaned against her contently. Tristan sat down on the bed beside her hip and rested a warm hand on her leg. "How do you

feel, my love?"

She smiled at him. "Tired, but happy."

There was a short cry from the pile of blankets on her right side and Tristan's breath caught in

his throat.

"Would you like to meet your son, my lord?"

"Aye," he whispered, "I would."

He leaned over her and with shaking hands, lifted the tiny, warm baby from the nest of

blankets. His heart was thudding heavily in his chest and a wave of love so large it was nearly painful, washed over him. Sophia leaned against him, staring at the baby.

"He has your eyes, Papa," she whispered.

"Aye - and his nose and his chin." Avery kissed the top of Nicholas' head.

"And your hair." Tristan ran his hand over the baby's bright red hair before grinning at

Avery.

She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently as Sophia leaned over and brushed her lips

across the baby's soft head.

"What's his name, Mama?" she asked.

Avery smiled at Tristan, who smiled back before leaning over and kissing his son's smooth forehead. He looked down at Sophia. "His name is James."

He glanced at Avery. Her eyes were wet with tears and she leaned forward and kissed him warmly on the mouth.

"I love you, girl," he whispered. "I love you too, my lord."