A Season for Love (Completed)

Chapter 24. 1815

On the morning of September 15, Olivia's eyes flew open around 2:15 in the morning to excruciating pain. Her hand cradled her abdomen softly, allowing the contraction to pass. She was about to get out of bed, but then felt a rush of warm fluid between her legs. That was followed by another contraction that caused her to gasp. Leaning forward as carefully as she could, she gave James a soft kiss on the lips. "My love..."

James opened his eyes slowly, looking at her beneath the lovely pale glow of the moonlight. He returned her kiss, and then noticed that something was wrong. He took her face between his hands, looking at her. "Why are you awake so early my sweet?"

Olivia gave him a soft smile, then grimaced as another contraction consumed her. "Darling, I do believe it's time."

James was awake instantly, his eyes wide and on high alert. He moved her carefully so that she was lying on her back, grabbing a pillow and placing it under her knees to keep her comfortable. Stroking her cheek, he climbed out of bed and pulled on his black trousers before going to the door and opening it. He called out to John, telling him to fetch Martha and then send for the midwife and Dr. Thompson.

Olivia couldn't help but smile as she watched her husband fuss and fret over the situation. She knew how much he loved her, and how much he had taken care of her over these last six months. But she had no idea how involved he was wanting to be in the birth, until that moment. She giggled softly. "James, dearest, there's no need to be worried."

James took a seat next to her on the bed, taking her hand and stroking her knuckles. "I'm not worry darling, at least not yet."

Olivia squeezed his fingers. "Everything is going to be fine my love."

James. "I hope so darling, I hope so."

The two of them exchanged a sweet kiss before Olivia became plunged into several more contractions. They knew that time was going to be important, as well as patients. Once Martha and Dr. Thompson arrived, as well as the midwife Mrs. Nolan, they knew everything was going to be fine. They had a feeling their child, whether it was a boy or a girl, was going to be healthy and thriving.

***

Around 205 that same afternoon, James had been sent out of the birthing chamber, being told that Olivia was ready to deliver and that he didn't need to be in there. He wasn't too pleased about that, but didn't want to argue with anyone. The screams of his poor wife were enough to make him go mad. He started pacing back-and-forth across the floor of his office, his hands clenched at his side. He could have easily written to William, to tell him to come and help him through the insanity. But he couldn't, because William was in the exact same situation because Eliza was delivering their first child.

James couldn't imagine his life without Olivia, he just couldn't. His beautiful angel had brought him so much love, so much compassion. If he lost her, and God for bid the baby, he wouldn't be able to live with himself. Shaking his head, he went to the decanter by the window and poured himself a stiff drink. He needed to get a grip on himself and not go down a dark path of loneliness. Olivia was going to be fine, and so was the baby. He believed that with all of his heart.

Martha. "Your grace?"

James immediately turned at the sound of his wife's lady in waiting addressing him, placing his empty glass on the desk. "Please tell me she's all right, I beg of you." His voice shook with fear.

Martha smiled brightly. "She's doing very well your grace, she's tired but well."

James exhaled slowly with relief. "Thank goodness. And the baby? How was the baby?" his anxiety was rising again, he hadn't heard the child cry.

Martha smiled even bigger as the sound of a baby screaming with health flowed to their ears. "The baby is doing exceptional your grace. I believe your child is very anxious to meet you."

James quickly followed her into the birthing chamber, and then stopped in the doorway as he took in the scene before him. His heart was beating frantically, his eyes welling up with tears as he saw his beautiful Olivia lying in bed, holding a bundle in her arm.

Olivia was beaming as she glanced at James, her eyes sparkling brilliantly. She turned that gorgeous smile down to the baby in her arms before turning it back to James. "My love, come and meet your son."

James started crying as he moved towards the bed. Dropping to his knees, he gave her a sweet kiss on her lips before turning his attention to his son. He reached out and gently stroked the top of his child's tiny head. "He's beautiful my love. He's perfect."

Olivia. "Isn't he? I was thinking of naming him David, David William."

James. "I believe my father would be very proud to know that his grandson has his name sake. And I know that William is going to be pleased as well."

After David was held by his father, he was handed back to his mother so that he could be nurse. His round little lips managed to grasp onto his mothers nipple before sucking eagerly and hungrily. He was going to be the spitting image of James, with chestnut brown hair and vibrant green eyes. That was for certain.

James and Olivia exchanged another sweet kiss and a smile before turning their attention back to their son. The Norfolk succession was secure, and they were a family. Of course, there was going to be quite the quick expansion. However, for the moment, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk were very content with their happiness.