Part 48 (2/2)

music. But he had a hard time resisting that smile, or his son's

bright, bubbly laughter.

He went upstairs with his family, leaving Hendrix wailing.

It took two stories before Darren's eyes began to droop. He fought

sleep as he fought all sedentary activities. He wanted to be doing, to

be running or laughing or turning somersaults. Most of all, he wanted

to be the brave young knight his father spoke of He wanted to take up

the s.h.i.+ning magic sword and slay dragons.

He yawned and, cozied between his mother's b.r.e.a.s.t.s, began to doze. He

could smell Emma, and went off to sleep happy that she was nearby.

He didn't wake when Bev lifted him into his crib. Darren slept the way

he did everything. With a full heart. She tucked the satin-bordered

blue blanket around his shoulders and tried not to think that he would

soon be too big for a crib.

”He's so beautiful.” Unable to resist, Bev stroked her fingers across

his warm cheek.

With Emma's head resting on his shoulder, Brian looked down at his son.

”When he's like this, it's hard to believe he can tear a room apart

single-handed.”

With a soft laugh, Bev slipped an arm around Brian's waist. ”He uses

both hands.”

”And his feet.”

”I've never known anyone who loves life as much. When I look at him, I

realize I have everything I've ever wanted. I can see him a year from

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