Chapter fifty-nine: Breathing
Kate stirred. She felt so weak and heavy. She blinked and looked around the room. The first things she noticed was a smell of blood the room, her arm hurt and Thomas was sitting upright beside her. His hand was firmly gripping her hand, as if afraid to let her go.
Kate smiled weakly at him as she croaked. "Thomas."
Her words caused the poor man to jolt in shock. "Oh God." He got off the bed and knelt beside her. "Kate. You're awake!"
"Yes, I am." She smiled at him as he runs his hand down her face. "What happened?"
"You lost a lot of blood." He stated as he kissed her hand. "I – I can't even remember, I was so upset."
"Shh, I'm alright now, I just feel weak." She looked down at her arm. "I had a transfusion?"
"Yes, you saved your own life by making that medical room." He exhaled as he kissed her knuckles. "A lot of Shelby blood runs through you now."
"I am truly blessed to have a husband like you." she smiled adoringly up at him. "God is so good to me."
The door creaked open, they turned to see Charlie peaking in. he froze as he saw his father there. Kate smiled. "Charlie. Come here. Your mother's awake." His eyes lit up and he hurried in the room. "Careful though. Is Ruby out there?" at that moment Ruby comes running in the room.
"Hello." Kate says as she reaches for them. "How are my two precious ones?"
"We're fine." Charlie states. "You almost died though."
"I'm sorry, to scare you two but…your father wasn't going to let me die." She gasped and looked up at Tommy. "The baby?"
"He's fine." He exhaled with a laugh. "You gave me another boy."
"Can I see him?"
"He's with Polly. She and Noni have been taking turns feeding him." He turned to children. "Can you two go get your aunt and ask her to bring your brother? And the doctor! Hell, wake up everyone!" they nodded and hurried out of the room.
"Thomas, answer me this before they come back. Can I," she hesitated before asking. "have…another baby?"
"I don't know luv," he exhaled deeply. "I didn't think of anything outside of what I'd say to you when I saw you again."
"Oh," Kate runs a finger up to his ear. "you're so sweet."
"And truth to be told to Kate…I'm not sure I want to put another one in you."
She giggled. "God, I love that accent of yours." She sobered though. "I would like to try again though."
He stroked her head. "In a few years, maybe." she pouted. "Please, I need more time. You almost died and I don't want to go through that again so soon."
"I understand. It must have been hard for you." She nods her head and exhales. "Alright, I'll give you two years before we try again. Alright?"
He's silent for a moment. "We'll see."
"I'll take that. You know, we never did decide on a name."
"I went with your choice. Richard."
"Richard Shelby." Kate smiles. "I like the sound of that one."
At that moment, ruby and Charlie hurry into the room with a parade of people behind them. Kate weakly waves at them. "Hello!"
"Oh thank God." Noni's voice cracks. "Damn, these hormones are making me cry."
"Thomas," Kate says. "help me sit up a little bit please."
Thomas looks at the doctor who nods. "Give her some support."
Thomas gets on the bed and sits behind her, using his whole body to prop her upright. She exhales and leans against his chest as Polly approaches with Richard. "Here's your boy."
On cue, Richard starts to cry, causing Kate to smile as she reaches for him. Her arms are weak, but she finds the strength to pull him close. Thomas places his arm under hers for extra support. "Oh," she sighs as she looks at him. "he's so wonderful." She looks up at Thomas. "Thank God, he's got you're wonderful eyes."
"Have you two named him?"
Thomas nods. "Richard Austin Shelby."
Kate's father smiles approvingly as he sits on the edge of the bed. "A good strong name." Kate smiles at him. "I'm so glad to see you smile. This whole house would be dark without you and this man would be lost." Kate chuckles faintly as she runs a finger over Richard's tiny hand. He responds by kicking his feet under the blanket. "Well everyone, I feel we should leave these three alone after the doctor checks her. She's out of danger for now and…they deserve some time alone after what they've been through."
Polly nods. "Come on Ruby and Charlie, I'll put you two to bed. Now, you'll be able to sleep."
Everyone says their wishes before filing out of the room. Kate exhales raggedly, which Thomas notices. "Here" He takes Richard from her and hands him to the doctor. He then gently guides Kate to lie back onto the covers. "I'll go get his crib from Polly and then I'll stay in here tonight."
Kate reaches for his hand and whispers. "I told you, I'm not going anywhere without you. I promise."
And with that, Thomas lays a kiss on her lips that is so sweet and tender that she's sure that it would have brought her back from the dead, had she actually died. But she wasn't planning on dying anytime soon. Who knows what trouble Thomas Shelby could get into if she wasn't there to keep him in check?
Idcam: I'll take mercy on you and give you a chapter. (Did you listen to 'A woman's worth' by Kate Bush? Ugh! She is a marvelous writer and singer!) There's not that many chapters and I'm going to miss this story when it's done.
