Chapter 52

“Franklin Alexander Mitchell-Volkov,” Emma announced, placing the sleeping newborn in his great-grandfather’s arms. “Meet your namesake.”

Franklin, propped against pillows in his home hospital bed, blinked rapidly to dispel unexpected tears. “Handsome devil,” he declared gruffly. “Strong Mitchell chin.”

“Volkov eyes,” Alek countered with a smile, standing protectively beside Emma, who was still moving carefully two weeks after her C-section.

“Perfect combination,” Emma compromised, easing into the chair beside Franklin’s bed. “Just like his sister.”

As if hearing her name, three-month-old Charlotte stirred in the portable bassinet nearby. The nursery staff—expanded to accommodate two infants—had placed it where Franklin could see both great-grandchildren during his good periods.

His recovery from the cardiac event had been slower than previous episodes, his good days now balanced with concerning setbacks. But he’d rallied determinedly as Emma’s pregnanc