Part 32 (1/2)
”They're all well.” She brushed at happy tears. ”All well and beautiful.
We have a grandson and a granddaughter, my love. And our daughter invites us all upstairs to welcome them.”
Not wanting to intrude, Boone hung back as the group piled out of the room. Sebastian stopped in the doorway, arched a brow. ”Aren't you coming?”
”I think the family-”
”You were accepted,” Sebastian said shortly, not certain he agreed with the rest of the Donovans. He hadn't forgotten how deeply Ana had once been hurt.
”An odd way to phrase it.” Boone kept his voice mild to counteract a sudden flare of temper. ”Particularly since you feel differently.”
”Regardless.” Sebastian inclined his head in what Boone interpreted as both challenge and warning. But when Sebastian glanced toward the sofa, he softened. ”I imagine Jessie would be disappointed if you didn't wake her and bring her up for a look.”
”But you'd rather I didn't.”
”Ana would rather you did,” Sebastian countered. ”And that's more to the point.” He moved to the doorway again, then stopped. ”You'll hurt her. Anastasia sheds no tears, but she'll shed them for you. Because I love her, I'll have to forgive you for that.”
”I don't see-”
”No.” Sebastian nodded curtly. ”But I do. Bring the child, Sawyer, and join us. It's a night for kindness, and small miracles.”
Uncertain why Sebastian's words angered him so much, Boone stared at the empty doorway. He d.a.m.n well didn't have to prove himself to some overprotective, interfering cousin. When Jessie s.h.i.+fted and blinked owlishly, he pushed Sebastian out of his mind.
”Daddy?”
”Right here, frog face.” He bent and lifted his child into his arms.
”Guess what?”
She rubbed her eyes. ”I'm sleepy.”
”We'll go home soon, but I think there's something you'd like to see first.” While she yawned and dropped her heavy head on his shoulder, he carried her upstairs.
They were all gathered around, making a great deal more noise than Boone imagined was the norm even for a home delivery room. Nash was sitting on the edge of the bed beside Morgana, holding a tiny bundle and grinning like a fool.
”He looks like me, don't you think?” he was asking of no one in particular. ”The nose. He's got my nose.”
”That's Allysia,” Morgana informed him, rubbing a cheek over her son's downy head. ”I've got Donovan.”
”Right. Well, she's got my nose.” He peeked over at his son. ”He's got my chin.”
”The Donovan chin,” Douglas corrected. ”Plain as a pikestaff.”
”Hah.” Maureen was jockeying for position. ”They're both Corrigans through and through. Our side of the family has always had strong genes.”
While they argued over that, Jessie shook off sleep and stretched forward. ”Is it the babies? Did they get born? Can I see?”
”Let the child in.” Padrick elbowed his brother out of the way. ”Let her have a look.”
Jessie kept one arm hooked around her father's neck as she leaned forward. ”Oh!” Her tired eyes went bright as Ana took a babe in each arm to hold them up for Jessie to see. ”They look just like little faeries.”
Very delicately, she touched a fingertip to one cheek, then the other.
”That's just what they are.” Padrick kissed Jessie's nose. ”A brand new faerie prince and princess.”