Boots And Booties Part 16

Paula tucked her arm in his and wiped her eyes with a tissue from her purse.

"This is the happiest day of my life," she said. "I had my doubts, John, butI think we can stop worrying now. It's going to be all right."

"Well, 'course it is." He patted his daughter-in-law's hand. "These thingshave a way of working out."

Kate hurried down the corridor, the twins jogging beside her. "Well? Have youseen her yet?"

"See for yourself. She's dressed in pink, of course, and she has dark hair,"Paula said, holding out her arms to her grandsons. "Come here, sweethearts,and see your new sister."

"Where's Mom?" Ian asked.

"And where's Dad?" Matt wanted to know. Since the wedding, the boys hadinsisted on calling Cal "Dad" every chance they got. John swore they weregoing to wear out the word, but Paula still blinked back tears when shesawCalinteract with her grandsons. He was a true gentleman, and she'd longforgiven him for carrying her daughter to a motel room two hours after meetingher.

"They're in your mom's room," Paula a.s.sured them. "We'll go say h.e.l.lo in justa minute." ButCalsurprised her by coming around the corner of the corridor. He swung both boys into his arms and carried them over to the nursery window. "There is your sister," he announced, his voice sounding oddly hoa.r.s.e. "She's the pretty baby in the middle."

"I see her!" they shouted in unison.

Kate and John stepped closer, but Paula had to reach for her tissue again.

She didn't want to look like a mess when she saw her daughter.

"Addie's okay?" she asked her son-in-law.

"She's doing great. Go see for yourself,"Calsaid. "I'll handle the boys."

"Thanks." She hesitated, taking another long look at the gorgeous infant behind the gla.s.s. "Oh, I almost forgot. Have you and Addie decided what you'regoing to call her yet?"

His smile just about took her breath away. "Valentine,"Calreplied. "Whatelse?"

end.