This Game Called Life (Kingdom Book 4) Read Free Page A

attention. Standing in the doorway were Jason and Jake.
    “Do you guys want
to see her?” MacKenzie asked the serious looking men.
    **********
    Both men hovered
just outside the room as though unsure of her question; identical looks of uncertainty
plastered on their faces.
    With a slightly
jerky movement, Jake was the first to take a step forward. When he realized his
brother wasn’t following him into the room, he stopped and turned his back to
the women and looked at Jason. The look of uncertainty on Jason’s face told him
that he was probably wearing the same expression, and he grinned at his twin in
assurance. Turning around, Jake finally walked into the room with Jason a few
steps behind.
    When Jake reached
the side of the bed, he stood looking down at the baby as though he had never
seen one before. In all honesty, the only child he had ever seen at such an
early age had been his younger brother. Peeling back the folds of the blanket
MacKenzie showed off her brand new baby.
    Jake stared at the
baby for such a long time, and it took him a while to notice that he was making
MacKenzie uncomfortable. “May I hold her?”
    “Um, yes... I
guess. If you really want to.”
    “I really want
to.” Reaching down, Jake was never more aware of the size of his hands.
Compared to the size of the newborn child, they looked huge. But something
compelled him to take the baby.
    With delicate
care, he lifted the child, one of his large hands cupping her head and the
other secured beneath her rump. That was all it took, one look and he was
smitten. He didn’t know nor did he care about other babies. This baby was
perfect.
    Cradling the newborn
in his arms, Jake moved to a corner of the room, his attention only on the tiny
baby girl. Unaware that all eyes were firmly fixed on him, he retreated into a
place that only had room for the child in his arms.
    “Hello, little
one. Do you know that you’re special? No, maybe not, but you are, and you will
know it. I’m Jake, and I welcome you to the world.”
    Jake had no idea
that the words he directed at the child were witnessed and affirmed by all who
heard them. His words hadn’t been spoken for the benefit of others. They had
just seemed right, and they came from the heart.
    After long moments
of looking down at the baby, he became aware that the room had grown silent. He
and the baby were the center of attention, yet the realization didn’t bother
him. Turning, he looked at each of the people gathered around MacKenzie; his
penetrating stare daring anyone to make a comment. No one did.
    Just then the baby
demanded his attention, emitting a cry that only a new-born could. Pulling her
closer to his chest, Jake murmured words of comfort. His voice seemed to soothe
her. Her cries ceased as though she knew she was safe and protected while being
held securely in his strong yet gentle arms.
    Walking towards
MacKenzie, Jake lowered the baby into her mother’s waiting embrace. “She’s
beautiful.” Jake somehow managed to pull his eyes away from the now pacified
child long enough to look at her mother. The smile on his face was also
reflected in his eyes, which had darkened to the point that their usual green was
almost gone.
    “Do you have a
name for her?” Jake asked.
    “As a matter of
fact I do...” MacKenzie paused for dramatic effect.
    “For goodness
sake, MacKenzie what’s her name?” Aviva interjected, voicing her impatience
when MacKenzie didn’t immediately begin speaking.
    “Her name is
Christmas Day Leah.” Jake watched in stunned silence as MacKenzie lowered her
head at the shocked silence that overtook the room.
    “Are you out of
your mind?” Jake demanded, “Christmas Day Leah! Do you want this kid to hate
you?”
    Jake’s outburst
was met by an almost unnatural quiet as everyone stared at MacKenzie as though
she had lost her mind.
    “Calm down, Jake,
she’s kidding... right?” Aviva tentatively asked, giving her friend an
uncertain look.
    “Relax, Jacob.