The Fake Wife

Epilogue

 Jake

"Jake! Please, Jake, wake up." I felt Alison squeezing my arm. Her voice had a sense of urgency.

I sat on the bed and looked at her. Her face was red, and she looked in pain. "What is it? Are you okay?"

"It's time." Alison's face turned into a frown, and she moved her hand to her belly. "The baby is coming, Jake."

Alison was anxious for a few months during her pregnancy. But as soon as we got to England. The Manor brought Alison a sense of peace.

She had befriended some locals who lived in the village nearby and after much talking. Alison decided to have the baby at the house.

I was unsure about the whole thing, but Mum and Katie said it would be fine. After the holidays, both did not get back to America, and I was glad. With them helping the new nanny, Alison and I were able to go to Paris and Florence.

Alison loved the art on display in those cities and I had a great time looking at her puppy face. She sure looked cuter than Freddie.

I put my shirt on and kissed her hand. "Stay calm, love. I will wake Mum and Katie to help you, and I'm going to drive to get the midwife."

Alison pulled me back by the arm. She looked scared. "Please don't take long. Honey, I need you here."

I smiled at Alison, reassuring her. "I won't. Don't let him come to this world without me."

Putting on a pair of jeans, I left the room to call for the ladies and drive to get the women. I made a quick call to the hospital in case we needed to bring her in. But the doctor gave Alison a clean bill. The baby was in a perfect position and hopefully, we would not have any complications.

On my way back to the Manor I was excited to watch another son come into this world. It is a new life and a new chapter for us. I had not decided yet when we would head back to America. My business was doing fine with me managing everything from Europe, then we sure could stay a few months longer.

As soon as I entered the room with the midwife and nurse in tow, Mum smiled at me. "She is a little nervous, Jake, but that is to be expected."

I held her hand. "Thanks for being here for us, Mum."

She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Of course, my boy."

I walked past her, smiling at Kate, and she left Alison's side. I knelt beside Alison's bed, and she raised her head from the pillow, looking at me. "Why did you take so long, Jake? I was scared."

A big frown appeared on her face, and she took a long breath. "I thought you wouldn't be here on time." Alison closed her eyes, waiting for another contraction to disappear. "He's in a hurry to get here. It won't be long now."

I kissed her forehead, laughing. "I'm here now, love. Arthur knew better than to hurry without waiting for his father."

Alison opened her eyes and glanced at me. "Arthur? Is that his name?"

Her voice was only a whisper. She seemed exhausted.

"Yes. If you are on board with it. We can call him Archie."

Alison beamed. "I love it!!!"

A loud groan escaped her mouth, and the midwife came, putting Alison in a better position. She took her wet top off, leaving her only on her nursing bra. Everything happened so fast. Like Alison said, little Archie was in a hurry, and she was ready to push him out.

Contrary to the composed Gracie giving birth to my two boys. Alison was displaying all her feelings. Tears fell down her cheeks from pain and emotion and loud cries escaped her mouth. Everything felt different from what I had experienced before, but somehow sweeter.