“Probably not. If you did, we’d have to hire Dylan back.”
“Mum’s the word, I promise.”
A knock at the door interrupts the moment, and Tessa and I both give each other looks of shared annoyance at the crowd that's about to descend upon us. The door opens a crack, and Evi pops her head in, wearing a huge grin, her face bright pink with excitement.
"Are you ready for some company? You have a lot of people out here waiting to meet the new babies."
Tessa nods and gestures for them to come in, and within a few short seconds the room is filled with her parents, brothers and their wives, and all of the Sharpe children, along with my Gran, Arabella and much to my surprise, my father. The children seem to know that right now is a moment for quiet, which makes sense because they've all been through this so many times before.
Now everyone's tearing up, even Tessa's awful brothers, who rush to her side. I stand by, ready to put a halt to any snide comment or criticism. Instead, I hear their words mixed together, but they’re saying things like ‘well-done’ and ‘so glad you're okay’ and ‘you scared the shit out of us, don't ever do that again’.
Gran walks over to Tessa and takes her hand. “So, emergency C-section? The birthing hips were just false advertising, then?”
“Apparently so. I guess they’re narrow on the inside,” Tessa says.
“Oh, well never mind. You got the job done anyway.” She smiles at Tessa, then walks over to pat me on the cheek. “You look awful, Arthur dear.”
Arabella steps in and gives me a big, squeezy hug, tears in her eyes, then does the same to Tessa. “I’m so glad you’re all right,” she whispers. “And the babies, too.”
Suddenly, it feels like one hundred Christmas mornings all rolled into one perfectly wonderful moment. At once, I’m struck by the fact that this is what family is supposed to be. These people, in this room, who can drive us nuts and hurt our feelings and disappoint so badly at times are also the ones who know us best and love us most. This group of people would do anything for us, so I don't mind being hugged by sticky-fingered children or Irene, who has a slightly strange obsession with me, or Isa, who today seems not to hate me quite as much at the moment, which in its own way is a Christmas miracle.
Evi takes our son from me and runs her finger down his tiny face. Gran has a seat in the chair in the corner, then summons Evi to bring the child to her. Evi walks over and starts to lower him toward my Gran, but Gran holds up one hand and says, “I don’t hold babies. I just want to take a look."
"Nonsense," Evi says, putting him into her arms. "Of course you want to hold him. He's your great-grandson. Besides, I need a picture for the scrapbook."
Gran rolls her eyes and then smiles for the photo. I'm expecting her to tell Evi to pick the baby up now, but she doesn't. She just stares at him, her face lighting up in a peaceful smile that makes her look twenty years younger.
"Oh, let's get one with her holding both the babies," Nina says, handing her our daughter. She and Evi rearrange the babies on my Gran's lap. Arabella and I exchange surprised looks as Gran puts up with this. She lets out a low chuckle, then says, "Which one do you suppose is the evil one?"
Mouths drop around the room, and I have to bite my lip to stop from laughing.
Arabella gasps. “What an awful thing to say, Gran. Neither of them is evil. They're tiny, innocent babies."
"Yes, but one of them has to be more evil than the other. They can’t be equally nice or kind,” Gran says.
Evi bustles over and picks up James, followed swiftly by Isa, who is apparently not only offended by people assuming she's pregnant, but also by people who make jokes about evil babies.
Ruben takes his new granddaughter from Isa, tearing up as he nods, and clears his throat. “Look at this little sweetheart. She’s going to make a remarkable queen one day. You can tell she’s smart as a whip just by looking at her.”
My father peers over Ruben’s shoulder and snaps a photo. “She’s quite regal, isn’t she?”
“You hold her,” Ruben says.
“I don’t think I know how anymore. It’s been...well, since Arabella was born,” he says, smiling over at my sister.
“It’s like riding a bike,” Ruben says, carefully transferring Flora to my dad.
“Much better, I’d say.” My dad tears up as he stares down at her tiny face. Looking at Tessa, he says, “Well done, Tessa. I know this can’t have been easy.”
Tessa shrugs and waves her hand. “Total breeze.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
I Never Said Anything About No Mannies
Tessa - Day 3 of Motherhood
This is Veronica Platt, live in front of Valcourt Memorial Hospital, where Princess Tessa and Prince Arthur are expected to be leaving the building any moment now with their two bundles of joy. As you can see, there is an air of excitement as thousands of people have gathered outside the hospital in spite of the cold weather and the snow.
“The media is also out in full force, with everyone waiting to catch a glimpse of the new babies,” she says. “If you've been keeping up with the Royal BabyWatch here on ABNC, you'll know that there has been nothing easy about this pregnancy, from the extreme morning sickness Princess Tessa suffered to the massive criticism she has endured about her weight gain to what's been called a dramatic and terrifying birth by hospital staff.
“The statements made by the palace yesterday indicated that the Duchess of Wellingborne and her two babies are both doing well and are healthy and thriving.” Veronica smiles broadly into the camera. “While waiting, we thought it would be fun if we asked a few of the royal watchers here on scene to share their thoughts on this happy day. We’re joined by Mr. Daniel Peters and his wife, Phyllis. Have you two always been fans of the royal family?"
Daniel nods. "Of Princess Tessa, yes. I never had much use for the rest of the family, however. They always seemed like such an uppity bunch. We met Prince Arthur and Princess Tessa in the hospital once, actually. Right after my double lung transplant. They were there when her brother had a new baby."
"Well, it was her sister-in-law who had the baby," Phyllis says, shooting Daniel an irritated look.
Veronica moves the mic over to Phyllis. “What about you? royal fan or foe?”
“I've always been an avid royal watcher. Unlike my husband, I certainly was not in favour of the marriage between the former Royal Watchdog and Prince Arthur. But I do have to say, what she's accomplished in these past few months really shows a depth of character I hadn't given her credit for possessing."
Veronica smiles and nods at Phyllis. "A lot of people are saying that. It seems as though her Good Enough Mum Campaign and the beautiful op-ed she wrote for The Weekly Observer calling for a real coming together of women everywhere to celebrate our differences and support one another has been the miracle the palace has been looking for."
"I agree," says Phyllis, looking directly into the camera. "It really was that letter she wrote that brought me around. And her desire to give the spotlight to regular people, and well... to just help others, really. She really is the People's Princess."
"That she is, Phyllis. That she is." Veronica nods enthusiastically, then smiles at Daniel. "Like Daniel, I've always been a huge fan of Princess Tessa, back to her Royal Watchdog days. Just the extraordinary strength of her character and her desire for fairness and her relentless fight for the little guy.”
“So true, Veronica. It's impossible not to fall in love with her strong moral standards and spunky spirit.”
Veronica’s face lights up. “Oh, and here they are now! The babies are completely bundled up because of the cold weather, so we'll be lucky to catch a glimpse of their faces. Prince Arthur is carrying one car seat and with his free hand is helping his wife navigate the slippery steps. She, of course, cannot carry one of the babies right now, as she is recovering from an emergency caesarean section. So where is the other baby?
“Oh my! This is a surprise—King Winston has just exited
the hospital carrying the other car seat. I don't think I've ever seen him look this happy before. That is the face of a very proud grandfather."
The camera pans to the family as they reach the bottom of the steps. They stop, then Princess Tessa, Prince Arthur and King Winston are now standing together. “Oh! They’re lowering the blankets to give onlookers what I’m sure will be a quick glimpse of the babies. And it appears as though the cold weather has woken them up."
Veronica chuckles a little bit as the camera zooms in on the now crying babies. King Winston and Prince Arthur cover them quickly, then wave to the crowd, thanking everyone for coming before ducking into the waiting limo.
“Oh my," Phyllis says, leaning into the microphone that has not been offered to her. "They’re going to have their hands full, aren't they?"
"Yes, Phyllis, they certainly are."
The limo pulls away from the cheering crowd. "And there you have it. A new generation of Avonia’s Royal Family to enjoy and watch over until they are old enough to watch over us."
TEXT FROM NIKKI: When you get a chance, watch the replay of Veronica Platt's commentary of you leaving the hospital. Apparently, she's always been your biggest fan.
Me: Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Two babies is a lot of babies, especially at feeding time. I’ll make sure to check out the news as soon as I get a chance. First, I should have a nap.
Nikki: Let me know if you need some help. Otherwise I'll see you Monday for my weekly ‘twin sesh’.
Top Ten Things About Being a Mum
1) NOT ONE, BUT two perfect babies to love.
2) New baby smell.
3) Newborn smiles (even if the book says it is only gas, it still melts my heart!)
4) Speaking of heart-melting, watching Arthur do any of the following: change a diaper, rock a baby to sleep, feed one of the babies a bottle, soothe a crying baby, talk to them when he thinks I'm not there.
5) Having room for my lungs and bladder again.
6) Overwhelming feeling of love for my husband and babies.
7) The power to totally soothe a crying baby using only my breast. Rather superhero-ish when you really think about it.
8) Having so many wonderful family members (including Nikki and Xav) who are always willing to help out and give us a break when we need one.
9) Adorably tiny, irresistible baby feet, hands, and cheeks that require constant kisses.
10) Knowing I get to watch these two little miracles grow into adult human beings who, with any luck, will remain healthy, learn to be responsible and compassionate, and will not resemble Joffrey from Game of Thrones or Snow White’s wicked stepmother in any way, shape, or form.
IT IS SATURDAY NIGHT at 11 o’clock. Arthur has signed on to provide an entire night's sleep for me, meaning he will be in the nursery, catnapping on a mattress we've had brought in while I try to get a solid six hours of sleep with the baby monitor turned off. I should be asleep by now. I'm utterly exhausted, having been up every hour for the past four weeks, but I find myself lying awake, listening for baby sounds.
I text Arthur: You okay? Do you need anything before I go to sleep?
Arthur: Go to sleep, Tessa. We’re fine. The bottles are prepared and even though a lesser man might struggle, I’m not just any man. #I’vegotthiscovered
Me: Wake me if you need me. I promise I won’t mind. #It’sOKifyouneedhelp
Arthur: Sleep. #loveyou
I close my eyes, feeling the warmth of my cozy bed and realize I really am very sleepy.
I WAKE UP WITH A START. The sun is up, and the first thing I notice is how completely full of milk I am. Glancing at the clock, I’m shocked to see that it's after seven in the morning, meaning I've actually slept for eight hours. I hurry to the washroom, brush my teeth, and go in search of Arthur and the babies.
When I get to the living room, I have to stifle a laugh. Arthur is fast asleep on the couch with James on his chest, and Xavier is asleep in the armchair with Flora in his arms. Grabbing my camera, I snap a few shots—the ones of Xavier and Flora for Nikki's private collection. Arthur stirs and slowly sits up, careful not to wake James.
He whispers, "Did we make it?"
I nod, then whisper back, "I see you got a little help."
Arthur follows me to the kitchen so we can talk without waking Xavier. "Things got a little out of hand around 3 AM, and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
“Which was?”
“To help with the babies,” he says. “Xav's really quite tremendous with them, isn’t he? I actually think he’s missed his calling."
I finally had a talk with Arthur about Xavier and his past last week. Since then, he’s softened up on the idea of letting him into our family a bit. Smiling at Arthur, I say, “Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Arthur nods. "Do you mind if I’m the one to ask him?"
ON MONDAY MORNING, Xavier arrives for his shift at exactly 7 AM, on time as usual. Arthur opens the door and ushers him inside.
"Good morning, Your Highness, how was the night?" Xavier asks as he makes a beeline for Flora, who is in her swing. He crouches down and starts making little smiley faces.
"It was all right, thanks,” Arthur says. “That new swaddle you showed us worked wonders for James."
"It's all about making them feel secure," Xavier says in a high-pitched voice as he tickles Flora’s chubby cheek. "Isn't it, James? Babies love to be swaddled."
Arthur clears his throat. "There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, Xavier.”
Xavier stands and turns to face Arthur.
Arthur sighs heavily. “It seems that this whole bodyguard business may not be a good fit for you."
Just as Xavier’s face falls, Arthur smiles at him. “Would you ever consider a career change?” He tosses Xav a white T-shirt with purple writing that says, ‘WORLD’S BEST MANNY.’
When Xavier unfolds it, his face goes from worried to ecstatic in under a second. "Are you sure about this, sir? I know I have a tendency to get under your skin at times."
"About that...I owe you an apology. It wasn’t you I was irritated by. I think I was just feeling a little bit...unsure of myself as far as this whole fatherhood thing went. But I’m over that now. I feel that I have my legs under me—in part because of your help, actually. Tessa and I would like nothing more than to have you help out with the babies permanently. You’d have the same pay, and we'll hire another bodyguard to cover your other duties."
Xavier holds the shirt up and looks at it again. "I've never thought about being a manny before."
“But it would suit you perfectly,” I say. “After all, you love to learn and teach. You know basically everything there is to know about health..."
“You mean I’m a terrible nag," Xav says.
“No, not at all,” Arthur says. “You’re...unfailingly helpful and trustworthy.”
"In that case, I'm in." Xavier takes James from my arms and grins down at him. "I'm your new manny. That's right. I’ll be here every day to play with you and feed you and teach you new things." He holds him up above his head while James tries to eat his nose. "I'm going to teach you everything there is to know about exercise, nutrition, gardening, oh...and astronomy. I've been getting into that lately. You’re going to know the names of all the constellations. Yes, you are. Because you’re very brilliant and very special.”
EPILOGUE
Arthur - 3 Months Later
It’s two in the morning, and little Flora has woken up again. She’s been fed, changed, and burped, but she can’t seem to settle for long tonight.
Tessa stirs, but I put my hand on her shoulder. “I’ll get her. You rest.”
“I could try feeding her again.”
“Let me see if I can settle her first. She’s probably just lonely.”
I pull on a pair of sweat pants and T-shirt, then hurry through the dark hall to the nursery. Picking her up, I hold her close so her soft, chubby little cheek is against mine. “
Are you feeling lonely, my beautiful girl?”
She stops crying and grabs my ear with her tiny hand.
“Let’s go for a little walk, shall we?”
I walk around the apartment a bit, then decide to take her on a midnight tour of the palace. We end up in the Grande Hall. I turn on the lights and lay in the middle of the floor, resting her on my chest so she’s on her back and can look up at the ceiling.
“When I was a boy, I used to lay here and stare up at that mural by the hour. I’m still not sick of looking at it. It was painted over five hundred years ago. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you yet, but someday it will.”
Flora kicks her legs and waves her arms in the air.
“Oh, yes, you’re right. Giovanni Canaletto painted it. And the fact that this is in our house is both strange and wonderful, much like the life you’re going to have. You’re going to be the queen one day, but not for many, many years because I plan to live to be a hundred. That way, you can enjoy the first sixty-six years of your life without having to run an entire kingdom. You’re going to make a wonderful monarch, you know? Especially if you have your mum’s brave spirit and compassion, and my sense of humour. You probably won’t find me funny, but that’s only because I’m your dad. Most women find me hilarious.”
Flora starts to settle, and I find myself running one finger up and down her little arm in an almost-hypnotic way. “Between you and me, I’m really happy you’ll be the one running the kingdom. Your brother’s great and all, but have you seen how much he drools? I mean, honestly, he’s like one of Pavlov’s dogs or something.
“I’m just kidding. Please don’t tell him I said that, okay? I mean sometimes honesty is the best policy—case in point, Vincent no longer smelling like blue cheese—but that kind of honesty takes a rare blend of bravery and a lack of tact so it’s better to leave those type of comments to Grandma Evi because as a future monarch, you’ll be expected to remain tactful at all times.
The Royal Delivery Page 28
