Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 124341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 497(@250wpm)___ 414(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 497(@250wpm)___ 414(@300wpm)
Jackie left them alone as Autumn’s contractions drew closer together, and Sam blotted her skin with a cold washcloth, telling her how much he loved her and what a warrior she was. And she gripped his hand and murmured that he was a warrior too, and their baby would be as well.
Jackie returned to guide Autumn as she began to push, and Sam watched wide-eyed and breathless. Finally, with a mighty yell, she pushed their baby out, reaching into the water and bringing the small body to her chest.
Autumn sobbed, her cry filled with relief and victory, and a moment later, the baby joined her, its wail filling the candlelit room.
“It’s a girl,” Jackie said with a grin, rubbing her back and encouraging her lusty cries.
A girl. A daughter. I have a daughter.
Jackie cut her cord and then bundled her up and placed her in Sam’s arms before helping a shaking Autumn from the tub and then leading her to the bed. Sometimes miracles zap you right on your ass.
Sam let out a disbelieving breath, marveling at the tiny miracle in his arms. His daughter stared up at him, trusting. Perfect. A beautiful, perfect girl. Life. “I will protect you forever,” Sam vowed, protectiveness moving through him as he kissed his child’s head. She had Autumn’s eyes and Sam’s lips. He couldn’t believe she was real.
He walked to the bed where Autumn sat, propped up on pillows. He sat next to her and carefully handed her the baby. “Hi,” she breathed, bringing her lips to the baby’s cheek and then running her finger along it. “My girl of fire and moonlight.”
Sam wrapped his arms around her, encircling them both. Them. His treasure, more precious than gold.
“What will we call her?” he asked.
“I thought Estella,” Autumn said, meeting his eyes. “It means star.”
“It’s perfect,” Sam said as they both returned their gazes to the baby.
This is it, Sam. The end of one journey and the start of another. Bill’s sage words struck him again. And right then, he had all the faith in the world that their journey would be a wondrous one, filled with hope, challenges, adventure, and love. And that sometimes, even the monster got a happily ever after.