“I’mglad ye think I’m a good maither to the twins,” she said softly, trying to steady her voice, “because I have news.”
Jaxon raised a brow,leaning back slightly as though bracing himself. “What news, lass?” he asked, his tone playful but edged with anticipation.
Gracie took a deep breath,her heart pounding. “I am with bairn,” she whispered, the words feeling both light and heavy on her tongue.
The moment hungin the air for a heartbeat, and then Jaxon’s face broke into a grin so wide it seemed to fill the solar. Without a word, he scooped her up into his arms, twirling her gently as she laughed and gasped, her shawl slipping slightly from her shoulders.
“This calls for a celebration!”he cried, spinning her again before setting her down with care.
He strodeto the door and banged lightly with his fist. “April!” he called, his voice carrying the glee of a man unrestrained.
A moment later,the maid appeared, eyes bright with curiosity. “Yes, me laird?” she asked, bowing slightly.
“Havea feast brought up to the solar for me family,” Jaxon said, his grin never faltering. “We have much to celebrate!”
April’s gazeflicked toward Gracie, and the maid’s lips parted in surprise. “What is it, me lady?” she asked eagerly.
Gracie’s smilegrew as she placed a hand over her belly. “I am with bairn,” she said again, quieter this time but full of joy.
April’s reactionwas immediate and heartfelt. She threw her arms around Gracie, spinning her in a hug and laughing.
“Oh,me lady, that is wondrous news! A new bairn for the McMillans!”
Gracie felta rush of happiness as April stepped back, eyes shining. “I’ll go to the kitchens at once and have the cooks prepare a feast,” the maid said, already heading down the corridor.
Gracie turned back to Jaxon,her heart swelling as she watched him lean against the table, still grinning like a bairn himself. She had never seen him gush with such unrestrained delight, not even over victory in battle or success in clan matters. Her hand pressed to her heart as she realized how completely he embraced this new chapter, how full his love was for her and their growing family.
For a moment,she allowed herself to linger in the joy, letting it wash over her. She had feared he might be hesitant, overwhelmed, or unsure about welcoming another bairn so soon. But in his eyes, she saw nothing but pride, tenderness, and unreserved excitement. Gracie laughed softly to herself, a tear slipping down her cheek, feeling more cherished and certain in his love than ever before.
Gracie heardthe creak of the door and looked up to see Rose and Eden peeking in, their eyes wide with curiosity.
Jaxon’s voicecarried through the solar as he hummed a lively tune, pouring whiskey with a gleeful grin.
“What has happened?”Rose asked, her small hands gripping the doorway. “We have never seen Faither so joyous!”
Jaxon laughed heartilyand turned to the twins.
“Ye shouldnae be surprised, lassies,”he said, ruffling Rose’s hair. “I was just as happy when I heard we were to have ye, and this day is nay different.”
The twins blinked at him,still confused, and looked toward Gracie for guidance.
Gracie rose from her chair,smoothing her hands over her skirt as she knelt to their height.
“I am with bairn, me loves,”she said softly, her heart swelling. “Ye are to have a new brother or sister.”
The twins’eyes widened, then lit up with glee, and they both leapt into her arms, squealing in delight.
They hugged their parents tightly,and Gracie felt a rush of warmth and contentment wash through her. Eden jabbered excitedly about playing with the new bairn and teaching them all the tricks he knew.
Rose bounced in place,shouting, “A sister! A brother! Oh, Faither, this is wonderful!”
Jaxon scoopedRose into his arms and spun her around before doing the same with Eden, the three of them laughing and tumbling over each other in the middle of the solar.
A few moments later,the servant train arrived, carefully laying a feast upon the heavy oak table. There were meat pies, goldenroasted fowl, barrels of fresh bread, smoked herring, and bowls of root vegetables glistening with butter. Jars of honeyed apples and dried fruits were set beside sweetmeats, and a cask of red wine stood ready for pouring. The room was filled with the scent of roasting meats, fresh herbs, and baked goods that made the twins’ eyes sparkle even brighter.
Jaxon lifteda tankard and smiled at his family. “Here’s to new beginnings, and to the bairn who will soon join our clan!”
Gracie clinkedher cup against his, and the twins cheered with childish excitement. They ate heartily, Rose nibbling a piece of roasted fowl while Eden spooned honeyed apples into his mouth. The conversation flowed easily, laughter and exclamations filling the solar as stories of the twins’ antics and Jaxon’s latest duties were recounted.
