Gillian shook her head, images of Anne's suffering now taking over her thoughts. She wanted no part of that evil contraption, even if Maida insisted it made the birth easier.
"She birthed her son that way. I cannot..."
She caught Royce's eye, knew he understood by the single nod he gave her. She squeezed his fingers, gently this time. Another wave of hurt came over her, but somehow this seemed different.
"Maida? Something's changed." She gasped the words out.
"Aye, my lady!" The midwife peered between Gillian's legs. "Yes, it's time to push."
As soon as the words left Maida's mouth. Gillian was overcome by the need to bear down. Royce held her up as she pushed with every muscle in her body, falling weakly back when the need passed. Over and over, her body strained, the pressure and pain changing with the need to expel the babe. Her hair clung to her face. As if sensing how it distressed her, Royce brushed it free.
"Just a little more," Royce whispered. "Our son is almost here."
She barely heard him over the roaring in her ears. Her heart threatened to burst free of her chest, and she panted and gasped for breath with each assault on her exhausted body.
"One more, my lady! I can see the head. The babe isalmost here."
Gillian sucked in a breath and once more bore down with all her strength. In moments, the babe slipped from her body, and the pain immediately receded.
"'Tis a girl child!"
She stared at her husband, his eyes wide in surprise. Then he let out a laugh of joy and gathered her close just as the babe began to cry, a strong wail that echoed in the chamber. Gillian leaned weakly against Royce, her heart now racing for another reason. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she reached for her baby.
Maida placed the swaddled bundle in her arms. Vision blurred by her tears, Gillian looked at her daughter for the first time. In wonder, she raised a finger and caressed the tiny pink cheek.
Lifting her head, she found Royce staring at the babe with the same awe in his eyes that rested in her soul.
"She is beautiful, just like her mother."
"She is perfect. Royce, look at how tiny she is!" Gillian could not prevent herself from touching every part of the child. Royce leaned over and pressed a finger against the babe's hand. His eyes widened in astonishment when the tiny fingers clutched his.
"She is strong," he whispered.
"Like her father."
Her husband hugged her and the babe to him, placing a soft kiss on her damp forehead. Never had she known such contentment. She settled against him, content to stare down at this child they had created.
"Her name should be Marissa."
Gillian's head snapped up. "Really? You would like to name her after my mother?"
"Your mother gave me a gift on the day she bore you. I would like to thank her in this way."
He covered her mouth with a heated kiss, expressing without words all the love he felt for her. Tendrils of warmth filled her, but exhaustion made her eyes heavy andunable to respond as she normally would. The yawn fought its way free. Royce drew back, watching her with amusement.
"Do my kisses bore you, Wildcat?" he asked.
"Nay, Royce, never. But I am so weary."
"Your lady wife must rest now." Maida shook a gnarled finger at Royce and reached for the baby. "Allow her some peace."
"Stay with me." Gillian clutched his hand. He nodded, drawing her against him. She snuggled closer, contentment and peace filling her.
She must have slept, for when she next opened her eyes, candles lit the now darkened room. She sat up, looking around, her gaze settling on the chair before the hearth.
Royce held his daughter in his lap, her tiny body settled amidst a soft blanket. Gillian remained silent, content to watch him as he studied the child, turning her and stroking her arms and legs, counting her fingers and toes. His large hands dwarfed the babe, but his touch was gentle, almost reverent.
"She is perfect."
