"Stop this nonsense boy."
Eloise set aside her knitting and sent him a frown.
"Babies come at their own time and pace. It's natural. Now go with your grandmother and stop driving us crazy."
"I want to see dad."
His bottom lip poked out stubbornly.
"I want him to tell me mom is okay."
Gloria squeezed his arm in understanding.
"All right, let's-"
"Meet the newest member of the Lancashire family."
They all jumped up and turned at the sound of Rodney's voice. His face was flushed with delight as he zeroed in on David.
"Want to hold your baby brother?"
The boy wriggled out of his grandmother's hold and raced over to peer at the baby wrapped securely in a blanket.
"He's tiny."
"He actually weighed in at eight pounds and has a pair of lungs on him. Want to hold him?"
David nodded.
"Here, you have to secure his head like this."
The rest of the adults in the room watched the interplay with tender expressions on their faces. Eloise felt tears gathering in her eyes. Her babies had found a very good man, one who despite his money, was the best. He treated them like precious cargoes and provided for them in the best possible way.
"His eyes are golden."
He looked up at Rodney in awe.
"He looks like you."
"That might change."
But he was secretly hoping it wouldn't. After spending six hours in the delivery room, supporting his wife and urging her on, he had felt the tears on his cheeks and was unashamed of them. This was the crowning moment of his life.
"How's the mother?"
He looked over at Eloise and smiled brilliantly.
"Looking as if she hadn't just performed a monumental task. You all can go in for a few minutes. She's tired."
"Can I carry him?"
David asked hopefully.
"I'll be careful. What's his name?"
"Deon Richard Derek."
He smiled at his mother as she lifted a hand to her face.
