WARRIOR'S BRIDE

by Nina Bruhns

  "Oh, man," she said unnaturally loudly. "Oh my God, I have to push!"

  Dr. Morris had positioned her stool at the end of the bed, and now started issuing orders fast and furiously, first to the nurses and then to Rini. "Okay, Rini, slide down here. That's right. Next contraction, go ahead and push!"

  They hadn't done this in the class Cole had attended, so after he hopped off the bed, the nurse showed him how to help Rini hold her position with a hand on her shoulder and one under her knee as she strained to push the baby out, then support her back in between. After a few times he felt fairly competent, but his strength was flagging miserably. He couldn't even begin to imagine how Rini felt.

  "Cole! Let's see the top of your head."

  He glanced up from his weary concentration when Dr. Morris addressed him. He wondered why she wanted to see the top of his head, but was too exhausted to ask. He bowed down.

  "Yep, so far he looks just like you."

  Cole blinked, then met Rini's wide-eyed gaze. They both burst out laughing at the same time. "Oh, Lord," she giggled, and winced at the same time. "Don't make me laugh! Oh, my … oh, God!"

  She doubled over in a tremendous effort Cole could feel his face drain of blood just watching his wife's intense mask of concentration. When would this torture cease? A muscle under his right eye ticked and he literally had to bite his tongue to keep from yelling at the doctor to just do something to end her agony.

  Rini's body melted back over his arm as she panted in huge breaths. He grabbed a cool cloth and lovingly sponged her face. When he tried to whisper some word of encouragement, his voice tripped over a lump in his throat, cracking the word into bits. Swallowing heavily, he kissed her temple.

  "Baby's crowning!" called Dr. Morris. "Hold back, Rini. Wait … wait … wait… Okay, push!"

  Cole filled with panic when Rini shouted like a longshoreman lifting a bale, her body trembling with exertion. He glanced desperately at the two nurses, inwardly cursing their calm, rational demeanor. Couldn't they see she was dying?

  "Rini!" he choked out when she collapsed onto her back, her head limp, her eyes closed. Shaking her gently, he opened his mouth to yell for help, when suddenly the air was pierced by a small hiccupping cry. Her eyes opened, and she smiled up at him then, all the former exhaustion in her face turning to radiant happiness.

  "It's a boy." Dr. Morris' voice cut through the haze in his brain. "But then, you knew that. Cole?"

  He tore his gaze from Rini's and looked toward the doctor. In her hands she held his son, red-faced and wailing, a perfect bundle of wiggling life. Cole's eyes filled and he looked at Rini. Gathering her in his arms, be rocked her as the tears he was unable to stop trickled down his cheeks. "You did it, sweetheart," he whispered hoarsely.

  At that moment, he knew he would do anything in the world for this woman—his beautiful wife who had just given him the most precious gift of a lifetime. He vowed right then to try his damnedest to put his mistrust behind him and learn to give her what she wanted—what she deserved. His unconditional love. He looked into her fire eyes and then tenderly kissed her.

  "Thank you," he whispered, gathering her close.

  * * *

  Rini smiled and accepted another kiss from Cole. Poor man. He looked like he'd been through a war. She reached up and smoothed a trail of moisture from his cheek before he turned to Dr. Morris. A tear? Surely not. His bandanna must have overflowed.

  "Cole? Would you like to cut the cord?"

  She watched her husband nod happily and move into the hub of activity at the end of the table. His eyes scarcely left their tiny son as the doctor and nurses swabbed, clamped, wiped and swaddled. Rini lay back on the pillows, tired but content.

  Their son. Hers and Cole's.

  When they placed the baby in Cole's arms, the look on his face was worth every bit of the pain she'd just gone through. He murmured soothing words to the crying infant, caressing his plump rosy cheek. The little one quieted and turned his face to Cole's, grasping his daddy's finger and pulling it to his mouth.

  Katarina's heart melted at the sight. Father and son had bonded instantly, the love between them evident to everyone in the room. She let out a little sigh, banishing the involuntary wish that, just once, Cole might look at her with such utter devotion.

  He brought the baby to her, carefully unwrapping his blanket and laying him skin to skin at her breast. She scarcely dared to hold him for fear of squeezing the little mite. But when he nuzzled her breast, seeking the nipple, she hugged him close and lost her heart completely. She looked up at Cole, who stood watching, a funny smile on his face.

  He pushed a stray lock of hair from her temple, his fingers lingering on her face. "I'm so proud of you. You were wonderful."

  She felt warm all over and basked in his praise. "I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks." She giggled then, giddy with happiness. "Sorry I swore at you."

  Grinning, he dropped down beside her, stroking the baby's head as he nursed. "I probably deserved it." Cole's gaze softened to mush as it glided over her cradling the baby to her breast. "But I have to tell you, seeing you like this—I may never want to use protection again."

  * * *

  After being moved to her room, Katarina lay back in bed, watching Cole hold the baby in a rocking chair the nurse had brought in. There was a knock, and Alex appeared in the doorway.

  "Rini! I can't believe this!" Her sister rushed into the room and hugged her madly. "The one day I was gone! How could you?" She laughed and hugged her some more. "Are you okay? Where is he, the little darling?"

  Alex glanced around the room expectantly and caught sight of Cole. "Oh. Cole." She straightened, folding her arms over the double-breasted jacket of her designer suit. "Thank you for taking care of Rini."

  He gave a tight smile. "She's my wife, Alex. It's my job to take care of her. Hi Brad, Kenny," he said, rising as the two walked in.

  "Hey, man, congratulations!" Brad came over and slapped him on the arm that cradled the baby. "Let's see the little guy. Aw, if he isn't the cutest—Rini! You outdid yourself!" He leaned over the bed and planted a smack on her cheek.

  "Thanks, Brad. He is kid of cute, isn't he?" Katarina couldn't believe that less than twelve hours ago he'd been snug inside her body. It was amazing. "Al, aren't you going to look at him?"

  Alex squeezed her arm. "Of course I am." She got up and glanced hesitatingly at Cole. Rubbing her hands down her skirt, she approached.

  Cole's eyes remained neutral while Alex reached one finger up and moved the blanket away from the baby's cheek. Something flitted across her face, something that could have been sadness, but she schooled her features quickly.

  "He's beautiful," Alex murmured softly.

  Katarina could feel her face begin to crumble when Cole carefully lifted him, offering the baby to Alex. At Alex's surprise, he nodded. "Go ahead, if you like."

  Her sister held the baby with the gentle awe of a woman who longed for a child of her own with all her heart. "Oh, Rini, he's perfect."

  Cole walked over and stood next to the bed. For a moment his fingers danced lightly on Katarina's shoulder, then he slipped his arm around her, pulling her close. She sighed, feeling at once warm and secure, surrounded as she was by her family—the people who loved her. She leaned her head against Cole's side. Well, most of them loved her.

  But it was a start.

  Alex cooed at the baby, stroking his tiny nose and chin, then gave him a kiss on the forehead. She looked up then, her eyes shiny, a tremulous smile on her lips. "He looks just like you, Cole." Swallowing heavily, she gingerly passed him back to his father.

  Katarina watched the emotions pass over Alex's face, ending with a single tear, which her sister quickly dashed away.

  "I'm an aunt!" Laughing, she plopped onto the bed and hugged Rini again.

  "What's his name?" Kenny asked, peering into the face of his new cousin. Alex and Brad looked expectantly at Katarina.

  "Gosh, I don't know." Her
eyes met Cole's. "We haven't really talked about it yet. What do you think?"

  Seating himself on the bed, he let her take the baby from him. "I've got a good friend named Roman. Always liked that name."

  Rini considered. Roman was nice. She could live with that.

  "What name would you choose?"

  "Me?" Cole's question knocked her off balance. "Well," she ventured hesitantly, "I've been thinking maybe I'd like to call him Chance."

  She looked down at the baby in her arms and smiled. He was her big chance. Her chance to make her life into something really good, after all she'd gone through. Through him, she'd gotten a second chance with Cole, with school, and ultimately, with herself.

  Cole adjusted the blanket around the baby. "I like that. Chance it is."

  Her jaw dropped. "Really? Just like that?"

  "Sure, why not? It fits. Chance Lonetree. Sounds good."

  Kenny nodded seriously. "Major cool name."

  * * *

  Chance did nothing but eat and sleep. Well, and poop. Chuckling, Cole changed his fourth diaper that afternoon. He loved it. He loved everything that brought him in contact with his baby boy.

  Rini was napping, exhausted after a week of feeding Chance every two hours. How she would be able to start back to class on Monday Cole had no idea.

  He shook his head, smiling wryly at Chance as he slipped his romper back on. "You've got one very stubborn mama, little one. She's determined to get this nursing degree." Lifting him in the air, he winked and kissed his nose. "Guess you'll just have to put up with your old man feeding you when she has classes."

  Chance let out a belch, and Cole laughed out loud. "Yeah, I know. If I had the choice of sucking from those beautiful, round—" He stopped abruptly, clearing his throat. "Well, anyway. I'll enjoy feeding you."

  It had been pure torture watching Rini breast-feed. Her already perfect breasts had become even fuller and her nipples were dark and inviting. His mouth watered every time she shyly pulled aside her top, conscious of his gaze, but thankfully unaware of his ravenous hunger.

  At first he'd tried not to watch, but seldom succeeded. So he'd gone out and bought a gorgeous antique rocker for her, positioning it in front of the fireplace across from his easy chair, where he had a perfect view.

  He'd gotten into the habit of bringing her a warm, damp cloth after Chance had finished, then taking the contented baby to his crib while she got herself together. If he didn't leave the room, he was sure he'd slip up and ask if she needed help, bringing all their sexual electricity crackling to the surface again. Bad idea.

  The doctor had told them no sex for six weeks after the delivery. But of course, that advice was academic. Rini obviously didn't plan on letting it happen, even after the six weeks were up.

  Cole had already come to crave her presence in so many other ways—for her sunny smile first thing in the morning, her loving glances when she thought he wasn't looking, their long talks in front of the fireplace. He told himself to be strong, to fight his physical need for her. Opening himself like that would surely be begging for a heartache. For until she took that final step herself, with no pressure from him, Cole couldn't be sure she was committed to staying with him. So he kept his emotions locked down tight.

  Rini appeared in the bedroom doorway wearing his flannel robe all a-kilter, her face flushed and hair mussed like she'd just come from beneath him. The sight of her sleepy smile hit him right below the belt.

  He took a deep breath. Aw, hell, who was he kidding? At that moment he knew he wouldn't rest until he'd made love to her. He'd face the heartache—if and when it came.

  "Hi. Good nap?"

  "Mmm. Wonderful. Everything okay?"

  "Four poopy diapers and he stuck his tongue out at me three times." His favorite game with Chance was stick-your-tongue-out-at-the-other-guy.

  Laughing softly, she let her loving gaze drift from his face to the baby in his arms. "You're such a goof." Tilting her head, she stepped over to them and drew a finger down Chance's cheek. She smelled wonderful, like his Pendleton blanket and baby powder and tantalizing woman, all rolled into one.

  The robe's front hung slightly open, revealing the lush curve of her breasts. It was all Cole could do to tear his eyes away. Four more weeks.

  "Mom called to see how you were," he said to distract himself. "I asked them to dinner tomorrow night."

  "Sounds nice. I can make—"

  "I'll make dinner." He passed Chance to Rini when the baby started to fuss. "You've got enough to worry about feeding this greedy little fella."

  She landed a quick kiss on the side of Cole's mouth. "You're spoiling me rotten, you know."

  "About time someone did." He leaned toward her, thinking about a lingering return kiss. Chance started wailing in earnest. Cole chuffed out a breath. The kid's timing definitely needed work.

  * * *

  Chapter 13

  « ^ »

  "He's such an angel," Cole's mom, Julia, whispered to Rini before dinner the next night as they bent over the sleeping baby. "You must be so happy."

  Rini sighed with contentment. "Unbelievably. I keep pinching myself to be sure it's all real."

  They quietly went out and Julia took her hand. "Rini, Ted and I have known you for only a few weeks, but I want you to know we already love you like a daughter. And we are so grateful to you for Chance. He's a dream come true for us."

  When Julia gave her a hug, she knew it was heartfelt. "I feel just the same about you and Ted."

  "I wish you would call us Mom and Dad."

  "I'd like that." A warm glow spread through her. This woman had given her more love and support in the past few weeks than her own mother had in thirty-one years. Smiling, she linked her arm through Julia's. "I'd like that very much."

  When they walked into the living room with their arms affectionately around each other, Cole raised a questioning brow.

  Katarina grinned. "Sorry, I've stolen your mom and dad. They're mine now."

  Rising from the couch, he mocked a frown. "Is that so?"

  "Yep."

  He ushered them all toward the dining room, shaking his head. "I'm sure there's a word for that."

  "Yeah. It's family."

  At that, he turned and regarded her while his parents seated themselves at the table, an odd look on his face.

  "I'm beginning to find out what I've been missing," she said.

  "And?"

  "I like it. I think I might stick around," she teased.

  He reached out and grasped her arms, and for a moment Katarina thought he would say something more, something important. But instead he just kissed her forehead. "Good choice."

  There was that damn word again. Just when she thought she'd finally gotten over her fear of making decisions, he went and said something like that. She knew Cole was nothing like David. He'd never once questioned any of her choices and had always given her his full support. But the word still made her very nervous.

  As she took her seat next to him, she scolded herself soundly. She was being ridiculous. Cole wasn't going to change into some controlling macho man overnight. He'd proven that time and again.

  She reached for a platter. "This all looks wonderful! I had no idea you were such a gourmet cook."

  "Hidden talents." He grinned roguishly. "You'd be surprised how many I have."

  It was impossible to miss his meaning. He had that pirate look about him that had nearly undone her once before. She felt her cheeks grow warm. He winked.

  Oh, Lord.

  She passed the roast to Ted and thought about how the temperature in the house had gone up several degrees in the past twenty-four hours. She wondered what had caused the sudden rise. For the first time since their wedding night, Cole was actually flirting with her again. She snatched up the potatoes, scooping a mountain onto her plate.

  "Hungry, darlin'?" The wicked gleam in his eye belied his mild smile.

  Katarina glanced at Ted and Julia. But if they knew what was g
oing on they gave no indication, instead heaping Cole's delicious meal onto their plates.

  Ted broke into the charged silence. "So, you been to any powwows lately?"

  Cole's knife clattered to his plate and he stared at his father. "Excuse me?"

  Ted's brows went up. "Powwows. You know. Big party, dance circle, lots of feathers. I seem to recall you going to a couple hundred in the past decade."

  Cole didn't look at Katarina once as he coughed a little and retrieved his knife. "No, I, uh, haven't been to any in quite a while."

  His mother gave him a puzzled look. "Oh? But dancing was so important to you. What happened?"

  Thoughtfully, Katarina watched him grope for the tie he wasn't wearing, recognizing the nervous gesture.

  "Just got busy." He glanced at her. "I was actually thinking of taking Rini and the baby to one pretty soon. Sort of introduce them around."

  Katarina felt a surge of alarm. Irrational as she knew it was, the thought of meeting all those pretty women he claimed were just students didn't appeal to her at all. She couldn't stand it if he flirted with them. "I don't know if that's such a good idea—"

  "Sure it is. Once word gets out, everyone will be dying to meet you and see the baby. And I sort of promised this kid… Mom?"

  The sudden concern in his eyes made Katarina glance over at Julia. She was staring wide-eyed at her plate, her hands at her throat, looking like she was struggling with something.

  Cole was at her side in a split second, calling in panic, "Mom! What's wrong? Mom!" He grasped her shoulders and shook her. She didn't appear to notice him, but stared fixedly at the table in front of her, hands grabbing at her throat. He glanced to his dad in desperation.

  Julia's eyelids began to flutter.

  "My God! She can't breathe!" Katarina jumped up, seizing Cole's wrist as he was about to slap his mother on the back. "No! That will just make it worse!"