page48 (1/2)

"Push, push!" Johanna commanded "Don't stop till I tell you"

Tessa strained, then let loose a guttural screaers, yet he watched Watched Tessa strain Watched his child enter the world screa his peace

"It's a boy!" Johanna said, holding the child up for them to see The infant shrieked and squirhed

"Told you so," he whispered, and Tessa sagged back, lifting her gaze to his She brushed her thule tear

"You'll never let et that, huh?"

He shook his head, his voice lost somewhere he couldn't retrieve, and he buried his face in the curve of her throat, sel He's beautiful I'm so proud of you"

He kissed her softly, reverently, and Tessa felt a sharpness in her chest She'd missed him so much these past weeks Then their son was laid on her chest and Tessa laughed and cried Her baby shivered

"Ohh, it's okay," she cooed, covering her son, wiping his face She glanced at Chase and his hand trembled as he stroked his son's head

While Johanna finished with Tessa, a nurse carried their son to a table Chase couldn't take his eyes off the tiny bundle, and after a few quick tests, she gestured for him to join her

Chase gazed down at the wiggling infant, his son'sa little noisy, and he bent, pressing his lips to the soft newborn cheek A son With shaking hands, Chase gave his son his first bath, counting tiny fingers and toes, softly talking to hilad he was to finally meet him, that this better be the last ti, almost in a private whisper, Happy Birthday

The roo at Chase's back, then at Tessa Tessa aze over the oing to let hiet away?

A hard knot worked in her throat Tears filled her eyes and she let them quietly fall This was the happiest moment of her life She had the baby she'd alanted, needed, and his father loved them Chase lifted his son in his arms, and when Tessa saw the awed look on his face, the unconditional love shining in his blue eyes, she knew there was nothingthan the tiny speck of hu hands He carefully placed the infant in her arms