Page 39 of Highlander’s Evil Twin

She watched as Maggie smiled up at Heath brightly and how their fingers reached out to touch each other. For a second, the tension between them sizzled and they both blushed. Heather could only hope that it would develop into real love, and not just be something fleeting between the young couple. This had been the type of meeting she had hoped to have when she’d first came to Castle MacGregor.

Her mind floated back to her first meeting with Hiram. She had been so mad at her father; he had not given her a choice telling her she must marry Hiram. But, it had turned out so incredibly well and here she was now, about to have their first child. She couldn’t be happier. So much had changed since then. She’d been a young happy girl and now she was a woman. A year had passed, and she remembered the wedding night with some amusement. She’d been so innocent and absolutely petrified. She’d obeyed his demands and had enjoyed them, once the embarrassment and initial pain had gone. Since that first early attempt, her love and sexual appetite had grown substantially. Now, she bore the evidence of their frenzied lovemaking. Heather rubbed her stomach and felt the wee child kick inside of her and groaned in pain. Suddenly, she felt different. She’d had twinges before but now this was happening regularly.

Hiram was right beside her in an instance, fear on his face. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“I think he or she wants to arrive…just about now,” Heather said quietly, so only Hiram could hear it.

He escorted her to their room immediately and called for the midwife. Everything was ready for the birth and he felt anticipation and excitement within him. He quickly went to make his apologies to Laird McCloud. “It seems as if my wife has decided to go into labor.” He laughed. “What timing. We will retire to our chambers for now,” he told the Laird.

“My best wishes for an easy delivery. We wait eagerly for the news.” Laird McCloud was jovial and knew all too well the experiences that lay ahead for Hiram. He promised to look after the ball in his absence.

Hiram ran back up the stairs. Heather needed him. The baby was coming. His mind raced frantically. He had never been so scared before. Breathing hard, he entered the room. The doctor and midwife were by her side, calming her.

“It won’t be long now,” the doctor told him, smiling. “This one is a natural.”

Heather smiled weakly at Hiram before groaning in pain as another contraction rippled through her.

Maggie smiled up at Heath. “You look very charming tonight,” she told him as he twirled her around the dance floor.

“You look so beautiful Maggie. I am the envy of all who are here. My brothers are so jealous that I am to marry you,” Heath said.

“I only have eyes for you,” she admitted.

“I am so glad to hear you say this. I did not think I would ever have a chance with you,” Heath said.

“I am so excited to be your wife. I cannot believe this is happening so suddenly.” Maggie breathed heavily, her eyes shining.

“My father is happy because our clans are joining and he must do what is best for our clan, but he likes Hiram, and this suits all our needs,” He confided in her. “Especially mine, because I get to kiss you and soon, will be making love to you.” He blushed.

“I cannot wait for that moment.” She blushed too. The thought was terrifying and yet, she wanted to lie with him. She could think of nothing else.

“Soon,” he whispered and held her close.

Heather held the wee baby in her arms. The labor had lasted for hours, but Hiram had stayed with her throughout. It had not been an easy birth, but the presence of the doctor and local midwife had reassured her. Hiram had kept her calm although she knew he was terrified. With each growing contraction, there was no holding back and finally, a beautiful baby boy had been handed to her. Now, cleaned up and wrapped in a blanket, he nestled against her, his little face pink from his sudden entry into the world. The ball had finally ended, and Heather felt herself relax now that peace settled over the castle once more. Hiram couldn’t take his eyes away from his new son.

“He’s a beautiful baby, my dear,” Hiram said. “I am so proud of you.”

When it was time to feed the wee boy, Hiram watched for a moment as the baby struggled to find the offered nipple and then began to suckle instinctively. Heather settled back against the pillow, her long red tresses flowing over the white pillowcases, her eyes closed. Hiram left the room; he was so filled with emotion and he needed a moment to contemplate what this meant. His stomach rumbled. He hadn’t eaten for hours so he made his way to the kitchens.

Some of the servants were still up and were cleaning after the ball. “Laird, good evening. Can we get you something?”

Hiram nodded. He asked for a couple of plates of food to be made ready for them and while he waited, they all congratulated him. He couldn’t stop grinning. He knew they would have all heard his new son bawling the place down. The sound echoes around the castle, but it makes this place come alive, he thought. Hiram was flushed with excitement but overwhelmed. He wanted to cry, or dance, or just think. He didn’t know what to do.

“We must decide on a name,” Heather told him once the baby was safely sleeping in his crib. “What about Hiram Jr.? He will be just like his father and so, perhaps we name him after you?”

“I am not sure. Perhaps he deserves a name of his own.” Hiram thought for a moment. “Perhaps a middle name could be Patrick? Or, even my name as well?”

“Oh, what about Alastair? I was looking into names before and it means defender. This wee lad will have to defend this land when he is older. What do you think?”

“Alistair Patrick Hiram MacGregor,” Hiram mused. “I love it.” He bent over his son who was sleeping soundly. “Hello my wee chap.”

“Don’t wake him,” Heather pleaded, trying to eat a little bit of the food that Hiram had brought to her. Her body ached and it no longer felt like hers. She knew in time that her body would heal again but she just wanted to curl up and sleep deeply.

Baby Alistair let out a cry that made Hiram jump.

“I didn’t wake him,” he told Heather quickly. “Perhaps he is still hungry?”

“I thought he’d had enough. Bring him to me please. I don’t think I can walk yet.” She laughed.