A Little Bit Sinful (39 page)

“He’s damn brilliant,” Sebastian insisted. “Oh, my love, don’t cry.”

“I’m so happy, Sebastian. And relieved.”

Sebastian understood. Though he had tried not to show it these past few months, it had worried him also. How would he react when the baby was born? Would he truly be able to unselfishly love a child who carried the earl’s blood?

“It doesn’t matter that he looks like your father,” Sebastian said calmly. “Honestly. He could look like my bloody horse and I’d still want him, still love him. Because you are his mother.”

Eleanor gave him a watery smile. “Though I’m not thrilled at our son’s resemblance to the earl, I am relieved he doesn’t look like your horse.” She kissed the top of the infant’s head, nuzzling him close. “Aunt Jane told me that babies change a great deal as they grow. Perhaps the resemblance will diminish.”

“It might. Either way, it doesn’t matter.” Sebastian’s heart lightened and a rush of optimism flowed through his veins. “He’s ours, Eleanor. All ours. We will share our love with him, teach him right from wrong, show him how to be strong and honorable. I have no doubts he will do his mother proud.”

“And his father.”

“Yes.” Smiling broadly, Sebastian leaned forward and sealed that promise with a kiss, pouring all the joy and love he felt so keenly into it.