There was a knock on the door, and Elfleda, still bustling about the room, answered it and dropped immediately into a deep curtsey. Astrid smiled, knowing who would enter. Leofric came in, carrying Eira and holding Godric’s hand. He brought their older children to her bed and helped them climb on.
“Be gentle, children. Your brother is but new, and your mother has worked hard today.”
Smiling, she held out her free hand and welcomed Godric and Eira to come close. They sat at her side and peered curiously at the swaddled babe in her arms. When Godric stretched a tentative arm out, Astrid caught it and lay his hand gently on his brother’s cheek. “See how soft? Always be slow and easy with him, or you could harm him without meaning it.”
Godric smiled, and then Eira wanted a touch as well.
“What is he called?” Godric asked.
“He is Eadric,” she answered, looking up at her husband, who nodded. They had discussed names before their son had arrived.
Leofric came to the side of the bed and looked down on his new son. “He’s perfect, my love. Are you well?”
“He is, and I am. This was easier than the others. Each time, it seems easier.”
“I’m glad. I hate for you to suffer.” He kissed her forehead, then knelt at her side.
He couldn’t understand, no man truly could, but Astrid had a vast knowledge of pain and of suffering and understood the differences. “To bring forth a child is pain, but not suffering. Suffering is empty of hope. This pain is full of it. It is joy.”
They stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment of perfect understanding. As it ended, he brushed her loose hair back and kissed her shoulder. “The solar is filled to the brim with friends wanting to see you and meet our son.”
“Let them wait for now. I want this moment to be only for us.”
“As do I. In this room, right now, you and our children—this is my whole heart and soul.”
Astrid studied her children. Godric and Eira sat with uncharacteristic calm at her side, entranced by their new little brother. She turned to her husband, gazing on her with the love and devotion that took her breath each time she saw it.
“And mine as well.”
Susan Fanetti is a Midwestern native transplanted to Northern California, where she lives with her husband, youngest son, and assorted cats.
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Soul's Fire (The Northwomen Sagas Book 3) Page 33
