Colters' Wife

Chapter Six

Holly lay in a clean bed, a clean gown on and her baby in her arms. The midwife had fussed over her, gotten her and the baby cleaned up and checked over before beaming at her and declaring her and the baby just fine.

She felt tired. Exhausted, really. The midwife had wrapped her ankle and cautioned her to stay off of it for a several days. Not that Holly planned on getting out of bed anytime soon. She might just sleep for a week.

But she’d never been happier than at this moment.

The midwife bustled out, saying she’d be out to check on her and the baby the next day. Immediately afterwards, the guys filed in, all headed to where Holly lay.

They crowded around, easing on to the bed with her but being careful not to jostle her.

They stared in awe at the baby, each taking turns touching his cheek or his tiny fingers.

“He’s beautiful,” Ethan whispered reverently.

Ryan curled an arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him. “Are you all right? How are you feeling?”

“Yes, baby, how are you feeling?” Adam asked, concern darkening his eyes.

Her chest clenched. Tears swam in her eyes as she surveyed the scene before her. “I’m fine,” she choked out. “I’ve never been better.” And it was the truth. How did life possibly get better than at this moment? It would never be as perfect again.

This picture would be forever locked in her memory. As frightened as she’d been, now that it was over, she couldn’t imagine a better delivery. No sterile hospital environment. No strangers bringing her son into the world. Just the men she loved more than life. Just the way it should be.

She looked up at Ryan who was still studying the baby with an expression akin to rapture. “Do you want to hold him? You’re the only one who hasn’t yet.”

“I’d love it,” he said huskily.

She lifted the bundle up, and Ryan eased his large hands around the tiny baby. He cradled him to his chest and watched in fascination as his son opened his eyes.

“What are we going to name him?” Ethan asked.

“Seth,” Holly replied. “I like the name Seth.”

“Seth Colter. It’s a fine name,” Adam said, his eyes softening when they met Holly’s. “Thank you.”

She cocked her head, smiling up at him. “For what?”

“For our son. For loving us. For understanding us,” he returned.

Her throat tightened, and for a moment she couldn’t have spoken if she wanted. She struggled to process the surge of emotion that built and swelled within her. Suddenly it was too much and not enough all at the same time.

She was safe. She was loved. She loved with all her heart. She was home.