Lizzy (A MacLaughlin Family Novella) Read online

  A knock at the door distracted him. Amber was back, pushing a cart with a little pink bundle wrapped up tight on top. “I thought it was time the new daddy saw his little girl.”

  He swallowed and stood up, leaving Susan next to his wife’s bed.

  Amber picked up baby and smiled, walking to meet him. She placed the tiny bundle in his arms. “She has her mama’s blue eyes.”

  His daughter was so light and so small. Her little body rested easily just on his palms. He cradled her head and gasped when her little eyes popped open. She stared at him for just a few seconds, before scrunching her face and letting out a wail.

  “Hey, baby girl. Shhhh.” He kissed her forehead and tucked her into one arm, holding her close to his chest. The crying stopped immediately. This little person would forever depend on him and he knew he would do anything for her. He smiled and glanced back at Susan. “She’s so perfect.”

  His mother-in-law nodded, tears making her eyes glassy. “She is.”

  “I-is that her.”

  The sound of Lizzy’s voice stopped his heart.

  “Oh, honey. You’re awake,” Susan said, giving her daughter multiple kisses all over her face. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

  A smile tugged at the corner of his wife’s face. He moved to the opposite side of the bed with their daughter.

  “I’ll do my best, mom.” She turned and met his gaze. “Hey there, handsome.”

  “Elizabeth.” It was all he could get out. Fresh tears ran down his cheeks.

  “It was that bad?” Her voice was weak, but clear.

  He nodded.

  “Can I see her?”

  “Of course.” He pulled the sleeping bundle from his arms and lowered her to Lizzy’s face.

  “Did you tell them her name?” she asked.

  “No. I wanted her to hear it from you first.”

  Lizzy smiled and moved her head just enough to kiss her daughter’s cheek. “My precious, Charlotte.”

  He took a deep breath and smiled. They’d decided on the name Charlotte in honor of his grandmother. His grandfather had spoken of her often, but she’d passed away years before Ethan was born. Lizzy immediately loved the name and insisted on it, but they’d chosen not to tell anyone ahead of time.

  The squirming bundle opened her eyes and looked at her mother as if she’d recognized her voice. Lizzy looked up and met his gaze. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks.

  “We made her.”

  “We sure did, baby girl.”

  Nothing would ever matter more in his life than the happiness of his two girls.

  THE END

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

  Krystal Shannan goes to sleep every night dreaming of mythical realms with werewolves, vampires, fae, and dragons. Occasional a fabulous, completely human story slips into the mix, but powers and abilities usually crop up without fail, twisting reality into whatever her mind can conceive.

  As a child, her parents encouraged her interests in Ancient Greek and Roman mythology and all things historical and magickal. As an adult, the interests only grew. She is a child of Neverland and refuses to ever stop believing in fairies. She is guilty of indulging in and being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer groupie as well as an Angel fan. For those of you unfamiliar with the world of Joss Whedon, you are missing out!

  She also makes sure to watch as many action and adventure movies as possible. The more exciting the better. Yippee-Ki-Yay..... If you don't know the end of that phrase, then you probably don't like the same movies.

  She enjoys reading romance in all genres, but especially paranormal. Her favorite book is ACHERON by Sherrilyn Kenyon. But really, if it has a 'Happily Ever After', she's on board!

  Krystal writes stories full of action, snark, magick, and heart-felt emotion. If you are looking for leisurely-paced sweet romance, her books are probably not for you. However, for those looking for a magickal ride, filled with adventure, passion, and just a hint of humor. Welcome home.

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  If you enjoyed the book you just read, you might like some of her other titles as well.

  The MacLaughlin Family Series, in order…

  Trevor

  Caiden

  Harvey

  Lizzy

  Vegas Mates Series, in order…

  Chasing Sam

  Saving Margaret

  Waking Sarah

  Taking Nicole (March 2014)

  Pool of Souls Series, in order…

  Open House

  Finding Hope

  Stand-alone titles…

  A Very Russian Christmas

  Just Right, 1 Night Stand Series