Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
She groans. “Could you imagine me pushing out something that big? I’m upset with myself for foregoing the drugs that would have made the birth experience less painful. If he had been 20 pounds, I don’t think I would have survived. Trust me, when you have your baby, please take the drugs. You can thank me later. Here, hold your nephew.”
Noah carefully transfers her newborn son into my arms, and he looks so fragile I’m afraid he’ll break.
As if sensing my unease, Noah chuckles. “There’s no need to be afraid, he’s sturdier than he looks.”
My nephew’s face is so round and perfect. He has a head full of curly copper colored hair. “Have you and Magnus decided what you want to name him?”
“Hmm, we have a few names in mind. But the frontrunners are Kian and Myka. Those are my favorite so far.”
“They sound pretty solid.” I can’t tear my eyes off the little bundle in my arms from his little fingers and toes. His tiny nose. He’s sleeping peacefully now but earlier he had been crying heartily until Noah had given him her breast.
He was only 24 hours old but already he was so loved. Noah had gone into labor the night before and Magnus had kept everyone but himself and the medical professionals off their floor.
The birth had been announced over manor’s intercom.
“Let’s offer a hearty congratulations to our Sector Leader and the Lady of the Manor, for the birth of their child. A healthy baby boy weighing in at 8 pounds and 6 ounces.”
When I’d heard the announcement I was so happy for them. Understandably, Magnus had wanted to spend that first night alone with his wife and child before inviting others to come see the baby.
My mother and father were especially pleased when we went to see their grandchild and they had spent the better portion of the morning, getting acquainted with their grandson.
I gave them the opportunity to spend time with the baby before I visited. Now my parents had left to go have lunch and Magnus had been called away for an emergency meeting leaving me alone with Noah and the baby.
In the last few weeks since I’ve been back at the manor, Magnus and I had reached an understanding. I recognized that he wasn’t a perfect man, but he was perfect for Noah.
It was clear that he would move mountains for her and saw to my sister’s every need. I can also tell he’s a good Sector Leader. He addresses his staff with courtesy, and he’s implemented laws and programs to help homo sapiens in Sector 2 improve their lives.
I’d come to respect him and understood that not all superious are evil and the ones who did bad things, had the capacity to change.
The best part about being back at the manor was reuniting with my family. When I saw my parents again, I’d collapsed in their arms and cried the tears I’d been holding in since I’d been assigned as a companion. I explained what happened to me and thoroughly apologized.
To their credit, they were understanding about what I’d suffered and forgave me.
“You know, I never properly apologized to you like I did with Mom and Dad,” I say to Noah even though my eyes are still glued to my nephew’s cute face.
“It’s fine. I know how you must have suffered. And I kind of had an idea of what happened to you. I won’t lie and say I wasn’t hurt by the way you’d shut us all out, but I understand. Plus, after you left for Sector 10, Magnus told me about what was in your file. I’m so sorry that happened to you. And I’m sorry you didn’t feel like you could talk to me about it.”
I look at her to see tears running down her face.
If I wasn’t holding the baby, I would get up and give her a hug. Tears welled in my eyes. “Please don’t apologize. There’s nothing you could have done differently. Besides, I’m the one who’s sorry. I love you and I’m so happy for you. You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”
“As will you. Once everything is resolved in your file, you can return to Sector 10 and back to Draken.”
At the mention of Draken, my heart clenches in my chest. I miss him terribly, but I know how he’s busy putting his sector back in order. He still takes the time to contact me, check in on me and make sure I’m eating properly and getting enough rest.
I assure him that I’m fine. And though I’m not that far along, I’m being pampered by my family and the staff. I spend most of my days sitting with Jamie, watching old television programs from the old Earth media. I particularly like the comedy shows. I don’t get a lot of the jokes because things were different then, but they’re still entertaining and they lift my spirits.