Stolen Kisses

Beyond the Happily Ever After: Extended Epilogue

            

"James will you quit pacing?" Tom asked irritably.

"I can't! You know I get nervous whenever this happens..." James stopped but only so he could look at his brother and glare.

"James... you really need to stop... you're giving everyone a damn head ache!" Tom slapped the pacing man affectionately before handing him a glass of whiskey. "Drink this, you old chap. It'll help calm your nerves."

He did not need to be told twice as he downed all its contents in one go.

"Still no news?" Isaiah who just arrived upon hearing the news slid himself into the room.

"No, and if I don't get any news in the next five minutes, I'm heading over there." James poured himself another glass of whiskey.

"Colonel, easy on the spirit, you don't want to be passing out before you could even hear any news." Isaiah drawled as he took the drink from James and drinks it himself.

Tom could sense the frustration of his brother. He stood up and put a hand on James's shoulder. "There's nothing to worry about. Ashley's with her and Dr. Kim is doing her ve—"

"I can't wait anymore! I'm going in there." James said as he strode off the room, not listening to anything the others said.

"—ry best" Tom finished but James was already out the door.

"You'd think by now he'd learned his lesson..." Isaiah amusingly stated. "Anyone else care for another drink?"

-----

Nadine's eyes widened, then her nostrils flared as she dragged in a deep breath. "Where is my stupid husband? This is his entire fault! Ahhhh!"

"Please, my Lady, just one more..."

Nadine gritted her teeth. "By God I swear, I will never ever go to that river again! Ahhhhh!"

"My Lady, I can see it now, just one more push..."

"This is the fifth time you—ahhhhh!—said that! Ahhhhhhhh!"

James reached Nadine's bedroom door just in time to hear the sound twisted from Nadine and ended on a note of relief.

Uwaaahhh wahhhh wahhh

"My Lady, it's a boy!"

Nadine smiled tiredly.

"Oh Nadine! Look at him! He looks so handsome!" Ashley exclaimed as she peered over Dr. Kim's shoulder to see the baby.

"Let me see him..." Nadine said softly as she was fighting off the tiredness that was overcoming her body.

"Are they fine?!" James pushed open the door and strode inside, his purposeful steps headed towards Nadine.

"Colonel, you shouldn't barge in here like that." Dr. Kim reprimanded as she placed the baby on Nadine's arm.

He ignored Dr. Kim's words as he sat on the bed next to Nadine.

"How are you, love?" James asked softly, so different from the brooding and frustrated James of earlier. He wiped the sweat off Nadine's forehead before giving her an affectionate peck on the top of her head.

"Tired... but happy tired..." Nadine smiled lovingly at James before turning her attention to the baby in her arms. "He's a handsome fellow, isn't he?"

"Yes, love. Indeed he is," James answered, his voice thick with emotion. "Hi there little fellow" James cooed to his sleeping son. "I'm your papa and this pretty lady next to me is your mama and later, I reckon you'll meet your sisters."