Chapter 12
"We can take her home?" Eliza did not dare breathe in case she had heard wrong. "Today? I thought – it has been three weeks since we left her here and you said it could take up to a month or more for her to be discharged."
"We did a thorough examination on Sofia and the medical team, and I agree that your daughter is a miracle baby and a fighter.
" Dr. Forsythe beamed at them. "She has put on the necessary weight and is breathing on her own.
What's more, her lungs are clear and she's healthy.
And ready to go home and join her brothers.
I just need to sign the discharge papers.
I want to see all four of them in two weeks to do another examination, but for now, they're doing all right. "
Eliza gripped her husband's hand, the joy exploding inside her chest. For three weeks she had been here every day, dodging the press who insisted on camping outside the private clinic to see if they could catch a glimpse of the celebrity couple and their babies.
Three weeks during which she had prayed earnestly and spoken to her daughter, telling her how much her brothers were longing to see her. How much they wanted her home.
And now...
As if sensing the turmoil going on inside her, Samuel wrapped his arm around her shoulders and drew her closer. "Want to get her dressed in that pink frilly outfit you brought in?" he asked her gently.
"Absolutely." Eyes dancing, Eliza looked at the doctor. "Is that all?"
Blake nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "I have a list I need to prepare for you to take and some paperwork of course, but you're free to go and get your daughter."
"Go on, baby." Samuel urged. "I'll be right behind you."
He waited until she had left the room before turning towards the doctor.
Blake rose, his eyes searching the inscrutable face of the man standing in front of him, and felt the usual feeling of intimidation. Samuel Copeland had an aura of power stamped all over him that was undeniable.
"I owe you a debt of gratitude."
Blake hid his surprise well and managed to control his reaction to the sincere statement.
"I was very happy to be of service. Your wife is a wonderful human being," he said sincerely.
"Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well.
I've dealt with more than my fair share of celebrities whose attitudes leave a lot to be desired.
You have an extraordinary woman there, one I'm sure you're very proud of. "
Samuel hid his amusement at the man's fervent expression and did not mind in the least that he was more than a little in love with his wife. He was beginning to realize that Eliza had that effect on most of the people she came in contact with.
"I am indeed." He held out a hand. "Thank you."
Blake shook his hand heartily. "This is not goodbye at all. I've recommended Dr. Pryce as the children's pediatrician and he's right here at the clinic. It's been a pleasure, Mr. Copeland."
"Under the circumstances, I believe calling me Samuel would be appropriate."
Pleasure bloomed on the doctor's face. "Samuel. I wish you all the best."
With a nod, Samuel took his leave. Blake lowered himself into the chair and steepled his fingers, a thoughtful expression on his face.
There had been a point where he was afraid he was going to lose both mother and daughter.
All he could hear ringing inside his head was the threat the man had made at the beginning of the procedure.
He was immensely happy he had not made himself a very powerful enemy.
Samuel cradled his daughter carefully in the crook of his arm, rocking her slowly.
He felt the emotions churning through his chest as he stared at what he thought was the most perfect baby in the world.
Her skin was creamy, with a hint of rose.
For a preemie who had been born with health problems, she looked like a normal baby.
She had gained weight and her tawny gold eyes were staring at him fixedly as if she recognized who he was.
She had been transferred from the NICU to the regular nursery a few days ago.
He had stepped into the room to find his daughter already dressed and her bag packed.
Eliza had handed the baby to him while she discussed something with the nurse who had been in charge of her.
He did not mind this alone time with his little princess.
Her hair was mahogany brown and sparse, her cheeks round. He especially loved her silky lashes and tiny pink lips. She had grasped his finger and was holding on tight, proving how strong she was.
And she was his. His little warrior princess, so much like her mom.
He was going to cherish her. No man would ever be good enough to be with her, and he realized that he would give his life for her.
The idea of anyone harming her brought out such a strong protective feeling in him that it startled him.
He was a father. The thought had hit him when he spent time with his sons, but even more so with his daughter. He would slay dragons for her.
He looked up as his wife came over.
"I see I'm not going to be able to tear her from your arms."
"No. Ready?"
She nodded.
"She's perfect."
"Of course she is. She's ours."
Bending, she brushed his hair back and felt the love overflowing inside her heart. "Let's go home, darlings."
They did the usual dodge and dance to avoid the paparazzi hanging around to get the scoop and a photo or two.
The interest in the beautiful actress and her famous producer husband and their quads made news every day, more so because aside from a grainy photo of the triplets that an innovative reporter had captured while perched on a tree across the road from the property, there hadn't been another.
The babies were well guarded and kept within the premises.
Their famous parents were determined to keep them out of the limelight as much as possible.
Their unusual circumstances, not to mention the fact that Eliza had hung up her acting to become a full-time mother, had intrigued the public and made them thirsty for the latest development.
Now they were home with their daughter. Samuel's parents were on hand to greet their granddaughter, with Marianne shedding a few tears when she finally held the baby in her arms. "She's adorable."
"Of course she is," her husband said heartily.
Stanley had Jeremy tucked in his arms, watching in fascination as the little girl stared at him with unblinking eyes.
"She's the most beautiful baby girl I've ever seen.
" He glanced down at his grandson, who had his tiny face screwed up.
"Uh oh." He gestured to Mary-Ann, who had been folding some clothes to put away.
"I think this one needs a diaper change. "
"Let me." Samuel crossed the room to take his son. "Hey buddy." He wrinkled his nose. "For such a small person, you sure pack a wallop. Let's get you cleaned up, shall we?"
Marianne watched him carry the boy to the changing table and proceed to change him.
"He's very good with them," she murmured.
"You seem surprised," Eliza said, tucking the blanket more securely around her daughter.
"I am indeed." The woman admitted. She had been against the whole IVF business, but it did not surprise her that she had fallen in love with the beautiful babies. "And I was wrong about you."
"Oh?"
Marianne nodded, slowly swinging the baby in her arms. "You were determined to have a family, and you did what you had to do. I admire you, my dear."
Eliza could not manage to hide her surprise.
"Thank you."
"I know we haven't been the best of friends or gotten along in the past, but I would like that to change." She looked down at the little girl whose eyelids were drifting shut. "I'm a grandmother, thanks to your persistence."
"You're welcome. I think this little one is ready for bed."
"Oh, please let me," Marianne begged when Eliza started to reach for her.
"Of course. I need to go and feed the boys anyway."
"Your parents were very reluctant to leave." Things had quieted down and it was just them, standing next to their daughter's cot, gazing at the sleeping baby.
"Can't say I blame them." Reaching into the cot, Samuel tugged the soft pink and white blanket with Sofia's initials stenciled on the edge. "I'm finding it difficult to leave her alone. I have this urge to wake her up and hold her."
"Then I would have to kill you and leave her without a daddy."
He merely grinned. "You love me too much."
"Which is why I would be mercifully quick." Tucking her hand through his arm, she steered him away from the cot. "We should let her sleep. Besides, there's the meal waiting for us."
He allowed himself to be led from the beautiful lavender and pink nursery and into their suite.
"What's on your mind?" He asked quietly as soon as they were seated in front of the fire.
It was Christmas and it would be the first one for their babies.
Even though they were too young to appreciate the season, Eliza had every intention of going all out.
They had a lot to celebrate. She was not naive enough to think that their problems were over.
With four preemies, there were bound to be health issues all the time, but for now, they could enjoy the break.
"I hate when you do that."
"Do what?" he asked mildly, removing the silver covers from the succulent meal. Lyka-Mae had taken charge of the household including the two nannies and was having the time of her life bossing people around.
"Read me."
"It's my superpower." He dished up the slices of thinly cut roast beef onto her plate. "Spill."
She shrugged and wished she were allowed to drink alcohol. A glass of wine would do her good right about now.
"It's the boys."