As Kai started to remove his hand, Jamie rested his own palm over it. “Lady Helen is pregnant.”
The joyous news made Kai grin. “You are sure?”
“Morning sickness without a fever. I am convinced, and so is she.”
“Then I congratulate you, laird. May she give you a strong heir, the son you deserve after facing so many obstacles in your young life.”
Jamie rose from his chair and embraced his friend. “I had hoped to wait for a season more, to give Helen time to get used to the idea of being my wife.”
“God gives life. No man or woman can decide when their child is conceived or born. And if she comes to your bed at night…”
“With enthusiasm.”
“Then enjoy the rewards of a happy marriage. My mother birthed ten children, not because my father forced her, but because she loved him, despite his treacherous nature.”
“Ten?”
“Do not look so shocked. Two died as infants.”
“Giving birth isna easy. I fear for her life.”
“She is strong.” Kai could not ignore the palpable worry in Jamie’s eyes. Anything good in the world came with risks. Especially love. And children were an extension of the love their parents shared. “If it would make you feel better, I will send a missive to my mother and ask her to provide a midwife.”
“Ye’d do that for me?”
“Yes.”
“The next trading ship leaves soon,” Jamie said. “I will send one of my men to hand-deliver the missive.”
“I will go to my chamber and write it now.”
“Thank ye.” Jamie gripped his forearm. “Ye are a true friend. I give ye permission to win Miran’s heart, though I know I said so before. In fact, I command ye to do so. I would have ye as a brother if I could. But since I canna commit such a miracle as rebirth, I will settle for ye being my cousin.”
Kai framed Jamie’s face between his hands and puckered his lips.
“What in Christ are ye doing?” Jamie pushed him away.
“After such a declaration of love, I thought I’d seal the moment with a kiss.”
“Sodomite!”
Kai laughed so hard it hurt his ribs. “I will have a servant deliver the missive in the morn.” He bowed and started for his chamber abovestairs.
He’d won more than his laird’s trust and admiration in the last few days. It pleased him more than anything.
*
Days later, inthe early morning, Miran eyed the map spread across the high table contemplatively. Kai pointed out the villages he intended to stop where they’d be likely to find acceptable recruits. And hopefully, a woman who could seduce him.
“We will stop in Elgin first,” Kai said.
“Tis a four-day ride,” Jamie commented.
Kai nodded. “Then Farr.”
“Ye’re circling about the coast, then will cover the inland areas on the way back?”
“Aye.”
