Page 60 of A Wallflower at the Highland Court

“I suppose it was like with the twins. I assumed your courses came when I was on patrol.”

“Would that it were always that convenient. Nay, Eara says I’m four moons along. She fears it might be twins again from how my waist has already expanded.”

Kieran placed his hand over Maude’s belly. After four children, it wasn’t as taut as it had been when they married, but he still desired his wife with a fire that threatened to send him up in flames. He hadn’t noticed any changes in her middle, though he’d wondered about the fullness of her breasts, but they, too, had grown even more luscious after nursing four bairns.

“You’ve already blessed me with four wonderful weans. I’m more fortunate than any one mon should ever be.”

“You blessed me just as much as I did you. We’ve created a happy home for our family and a life together that continues to bring more joy by the day.” Maude cupped Kieran’s jaw as she offered a tender kiss imbued with the love and devotion they shared. “I love you, turtledove.”

“And I love you, mo chridhe. Wilder than the Highland hills and more beautiful than all the lochs and mountains. I thank God every day that my wallflower bloomed into my bright buttercup.”

They melded together, kissing and embracing as their children played at their feet, the sound of young laughter filling the chamber.