by Sarah Banks
“No it doesn’t,” he grumbled. “And he’s not a kitten anymore. He’s a cat. And he’s fat. He’s a good mouser alright and he eats every single one.”
“I can make breakfast!” Thea offered.
“No!” Gabriel yelled and managed to look apologetic. “I mean, no thank you. I can make breakfast.”
“That means porridge,” Brandon said with a disappointed sigh. He looked longingly at the pie sitting in front of him and this time he did snap a piece of the buttery crust off and pop it into his mouth. He looked up at Jane and she winked at him.
“I’m gonna get married some day and my husband is going to be upset that I don’t know how to cook!”
“That’s a long way off Thea,” Gabriel said with a sigh.
“She’s going to have to learn some time Gabriel,” Jane said.
Gabriel looked like he wanted to pull his hair out but his hands were currently full of a very pregnant Jane. He managed to stick out a finger and pointed at Brandon, “You, go get the doctor. Thea stay out of the kitchen unless an adult is supervising you and Jane, get into bed and don’t you dare have our baby until after the doctor arrives.”
He carried her into their bedroom, Jane’s laughter trailing behind them.
∞∞∞
“You were wonderful.” Gabriel pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Jane opened her eyes and gave her husband a sleepy smile. “So were you.”
“I didn’t do anything but hold your hand.”
“And that’s exactly what I needed, you here by my side.”
She reached up and caressed his cheek. “I’m glad to see your color’s coming back.”
“I’ll admit I’ve never been so terrified, seeing you in so much pain and not being able to do a thing about it.”
“It was worth it though, wasn’t it? They’re beautiful,” she said turning her head on her pillow to look at the two tiny bundles laying side by side in the single cradle. “Do you think we should get another cradle or let them sleep together? I think it’s big enough for them to share for now.”
When he didn’t answer, she looked at her husband and saw that he was blinking away tears. She pretended not to see them and pulled him into a kiss. “I love you Gabriel,” she whispered.
“I love you too.”
A knock sounded at the door. “The doctor’s gone. Can we come in?” Thea asked against the wood of the door.
“Of course. You’re an aunt and an uncle,” Jane told them as the door opened.
Thea rushed in and straight to the babies. “Aww, they’re beautiful!”
Brandon looked over Thea’s shoulder. “Kinda wrinkly,” he observed, wrinkling his own nose.
Thea turned to her brother. “Beautiful,” she insisted.
Brandon shrugged.
“Their looks will improve,” Gabriel said practically. He pointed to the bundle closest to Thea. “They look just like you did when you were born Brandon.”
Brandon’s face lit up. “So they’re boys.”
“One of each, so it looks like you’ll both be sharing rooms,” Gabriel said.
“When they’re a little bit bigger,” Jane added.
“Well, at least I have a room to share now that we built an addition,” Brandon replied, lightly touching his finger to the tip of the nose of the baby closest to him.
“And we’ll continue to add on as needed,” Gabriel told them.
“But right now I think it’s plenty of space for all of us,” Jane said, loving their cozy little home.
“Have you picked out names yet?” Thea asked, tracing a baby’s cheek.
“Please don’t let her name them after flowers!” Brandon groaned.
Thea pouted.
“Well, we have a girl name all picked out. Elizabeth after my grandma. But for a boy, we haven’t quite agreed on one yet. I wanted to name him Gabriel but Gabriel insisted on him and a cat already sharing the name is plenty.”
“What about Gabriel’s middle name, Aaron?” Thea asked.
Jane looked up at her husband. “I like it. Do you?”
He nodded. “I do. Aaron it is.”
Jane yawned and closed her eyes. “I think I’m going to take a nap,” she mumbled sleepily. “Mrs. Johnston from church said I should sleep every chance I get. She must know on account that she has thirteen children.”
∞∞∞
Gabriel ushered his siblings out of the room and crawled onto the bed next to Jane and carefully pulled her back into his arms. He whispered against her hair, “Thank you for my children Jane. And thank you for marrying me.” He swallowed. “You’ve filled my life with so much joy, love and laughter.”
Jane gave a soft snore in response. Gabriel chuckled and pulled her closer. This past year had been the best of his life and he couldn’t wait to share at least another fifty with her.
The End
Also by Sarah Banks
Brides of Sweet Creek
Mail Order Anna
Mail Order Becca
Mail Order Charlotte
Mail Order Matrimony
His Surprise Bride
