“Jessica?” Dylan stared at the little blue-wrapped bundle cradled in his arms, a look of stark terror on his face. “He’s crying.”
“Yes, I can hear him.” Jessica uttered the words in a calm tone, meant to soothe jangled nerves. She sat in the large rocker holding the tiny pink-wrapped bundle in her arms. “Since he’s already been fed, he probably needs a diaper change.”
Dylan looked at her, a hopeful expression crossing his face. He took a couple of steps in her direction. “Do you think maybe…”
She looked down at their daughter contentedly nursing, then back at Dylan. “I don’t think you’re equipped to take over here, but I’m sure you can handle a diaper change without any problems.”
“Yes, of course.” He set his jaw in a hard line of determination and turned toward the nursery. “I can do this. There won’t be any problems. I can handle this.”
Jessica smiled sweetly. “Of course you can, dear.”
The love she felt for Dylan swelled in her heart as she watched him carry their son into the nursery. She hadn’t been sure exactly how he would adjust to instant fatherhood when it was confirmed that she was pregnant, and it had come as quite a shock to both of them when they found out she was carrying twins.
But now she knew. He was going to be a terrific father, just as soon as he got over being frightened of the noisy but helpless little lives they held in their arms. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, allowing the contented feeling to settle over her.
“He’s changed and in bed.”
She opened her eyes and found Dylan kneeling next to her. He placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
“I love you, Mrs. Russell. I love you very much.”