“Maze!” she called out.
Mazey giggled and hugged the girl, filled with happiness.
“Ye wanna feel the bairn wiggle again? She’s kicking something fierce right now.”
Siusan nodded eagerly, putting her tiny hand against Mazey’s swollen belly.
When the bairn kicked her hand, she pulled it back swiftly. Her jaw dropped. “Faither! Ah felt the bairn kick me again.”
Baile must have just come from outside. He wore only his kilt; he hung his shirt in his belt round his waist. A thin film of sweat covered him, that emphasized his broad shoulders and chiseled arms. She tore her eyes away hastily, hoping he hadn’t noticed her gawking.
“Aye, ye kicked a lot when ye were in yer maither’s belly.”
Siusan reached over and grabbed her father’s hand and put it on Mazey’s belly just below her naval, where the bairn wiggled. Mazey felt her cheeks warm and knew they would be a red glow from the close contact. Just then the bairn in her belly kicked Baile’s hand with a mighty force that surprised them both. He jumped back, just as startled as Siusan was.
“That’s a might strong wee’un ye got there.” He said in a low rumble.
Mazey smiled and stroked her belly with one hand. “Ah’m feeling fine now if ye don’t mind. Ah’d like to join ye both for supper.” She sat up, eager to leave the confines of the bedroom.
Baile looked thoughtful while he stroked his beard. “Aye, probably won’t hurt none if ye’re feeling all right.”
Elation spread through her and she swung her legs over the side of the bed. She knew she needed to be careful not to stand up too fast, just in case. All she needed was another fainting spell and Baile wouldn’t trust her again. She needed to care for Siusan so she felt useful. Without the job she was doing she was just a drain on resources in the keep.
“Mazey, ah worked on my fabric. Ah started a new one though. Look!” She pulled a wad of thread and fabric out of a pocket in her dress and thrust it into Mazey’s lap. Mazey took it up and fought the urge to laugh so as not to hurt the young girl’s feelings. She wound the thread around the fabric in a tangled mass.
“Ye did a good job, Siusan. Ah’m proud of ye for trying.” She handed the wadded up fabric to Baile for his inspection, who beamed at his daughter.
“Ye tried nice there. Maybe Mazey can teach ye more about stitching tomorrow.”
Mazey stood up slowly and followed the bouncing girl out of the room and towards the dining hall. Baile walked close behind. His presence made her feel safe, almost comfortable. She felt him place his hand on the small of her back. As soon as he touched her, her heart raced and her breathing sped up. She focused to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
“Slow down, Siusan. Ah can’t catch up with ye.” Mazey tried to speed up, but she didn’t want to go too fast for fear Baile would deem her incapable of behaving and send her back to bed.
Siusan slowed down just enough Mazey caught up to her. Just before Mazey could reach out and touch her, she ran away with a mischievous giggle. “Ye’ll never catch me,” she taunted.
Slowing her walk down, she let the child run. Best not try to catch her when they were this close anyhow. Baile walked next to her, glancing over at her now and then while they walked. He looked her up and down and briefly she felt exposed, like she forgot to put her clothes on. The thought didn’t frighten her though. Instead, it lit a fire in her. She shuddered as she imagined him running his hands up and down her sides.
“Are ye all right lass?” He must have noticed her quiver.
“Aye, just had a strange thought,” she muttered.
He smiled, and she wondered if he could read her mind. “We need to speak after supper. When Siusan is in bed, will ye join me in my study?”
Mazey nodded, wondering what they needed to talk about.
She knockedon the door to the study, then walked in, knowing Baile was expecting her.
“Mazey, yer just in time. Ah just finished up things that needed done.” He stood up and stoked the fire.
Mazey cleared her throat, nervously. “What did ye need from me, Laird?”
“Call me Baile, please. Ah wanted to thank ye for all the things ye’ve been teaching Siusan. Ah was with her today and she couldn’t stop talking about how much she cares about ye and the things ye’ve taught her. Ah was impressed. Ye’ve not been here long and already ye’ve won over my daughter and half the staff to boot.”
Mazey was too astonished to say anything. Her work was never worthy of praise. “It’s nothing. Ah do nothing Malmuira wouldn’t for Siusan. Ah’ve seen them together. Malmuira really cares for her sister.”
“Aye, she does. But ye have no blood ties to her and ye love her the same.” He took Mazey’s hand in his and squeezed it lightly. The sensation was pleasant. She stepped in closer to him.
“Ah don’t know if it’s all right to say this, but not only are ye kind, but ye’re bonnie, as well.” His voice was a low gravelly baritone sent chills through her and made goose pimples on her arms. She looked into his deep blue eyes.
