Epilogue
Welcome, Lucas!
Bella stepped cautiously, her hands on Maddie’s shoulder, making her way from the chair back to the changed bed.
“There you are,” Maddie said. “Do you not feel much better with a fresh gown on? We’ll get you back in bed so you can rest. What a fine son you have.”
“Many thanks, Lady Madeline.”
“Once we get you settled, I’ll get Loki to bring the bairn back up to you. Have you decided what you’d like to name him?”
Bella frowned as she thought back on all the names she and Loki had discussed. “We tried many times, but we just could not come up with the perfect name without having first seen the babe. Once he returns, we’ll discuss it.”
Once they had her in bed and covered with furs again, a knock sounded on the door. Loki entered carrying their bairn with Father Prestwick, Celestina, and Brodie trailing behind them. Caralyn motioned to Ashlyn and Maddie, and they all stepped out of the chamber to make room for the others.
“Good eve to you, my lady,” Father Prestwick said.
“Father? What a lovely surprise.” Bella glanced at her husband to see his reaction, but he seemed pleased. Brodie and Celestina both had genuine smiles on their faces, so she hoped Father Prestwick’s visit was acceptable to all.
“I apologize for the surprise at such a moment. I had no idea, but I confess that I am overjoyed to see the babe.”
Celestina pulled a stool out for him. “Father, please sit.” She sat in the chair next to him. “Bella, we’re all pleased to meet Father Prestwick, and he wished to give you his best wishes. I promise we will not tire you.”
“Aye, congratulations on your new bairn.” Brodie kissed her cheek.
“Father? Would you mind giving a wee blessing on our son?”
“Why, of course, lass. I’d be delighted.”
He took his place beside Loki and reached for the babe’s forehead, but then stopped. “What’s his name?”
He glanced at Loki, then at Bella, but neither spoke. Bella nodded at Loki, because she knew her husband and could see in his gaze that he had thought of the perfect name.
He leaned down to kiss her cheek, then gazed at the beautiful babe in his arms.
“Lucas. His name is Lucas.”
Torrian
Book 2
Torrian and Loki became close, being a bit older than many in the second generation.
Chapter Twenty-One
Loki meets his sister, Heather.
Two days later, they had not gotten much further in their planning and they slept apart, though Torrian loved to sneak kisses from her. He’d told her they would marry when he’d return, but each time she’d mentioned their wedding, he’d changed the subject. She did not understand why, but she believed the wedding had taken on some form of secrecy. Her only concern was marrying in front of a crowd. She was definitely more comfortable around his family, but would she be able to marry him in front of his entire clan?
Some of the Grants arrived that day, though she was unsure if it was expected or not, but she was too busy trying to sew herself a new gown for her wedding to pay much attention. The garment was a pale green color similar to the buds on the trees in early spring. Nellie was off with her new friends. A knock sounded at her door, and she beckoned the caller inside.
Brenna stood in her doorway. “If you are not too busy, lass, we’d like to invite you to a special gathering.”
Heather had no idea what Brenna was about, but she adored her mother-to-be and would never turn her down. Having never had a mother or father, she treasured Torrian’s parents and hoped to have a strong relationship with them. So far, they had been wonderful. “Of course,” she said.
Though she followed Brenna down the passageway without question, she could not imagine where she was being led or why. There were many Grants chatting in the great hall, but Brenna led her past them, to where Torrian was standing beside the door to his sire’s solar. He held his hand out to her, and she gladly took it. She wished to ask him what to expect, but she found she could not.
Brenna kissed her on the cheek and walked away, which puzzled her even more. “I know this will be a shock to you,” Torrian said, reaching up to stroke her face, “but I think you’ll be pleased.”
