Page 59 of Her Accidental Highlander Husband

The babe stopped crying as if obeying his father’s command.

Lachlan glanced over at Abagail. “’Tis just the one, aye?”

“Look at the size of him! Surely there’s no more room,” Kenna said with an indulgent smile. “He needs a name.”

“Aye. A big boy will likely be a big man someday. Like Cam, I hope he also has a big heart. What do you say to naming him Cameron?”

Kenna smiled and nodded. “Yes, that is a fine name. Don’t you think so, sister?”

“Yes. It’s lovely, indeed.” Happiness filled her heart, but a small shadow cast darkness across the moment. This new child was yet another tie to this place.

Someone else she’d have to leave if—when—danger followed her to her new home.

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Just because the father is no longer out here doesn’t mean they can just forget about us,” Bryce complained as Cam made another path across the stones. He could almost feel the floor wearing away beneath his feet. Even the dog had given up and lay in the corner fast asleep.

“Aye,” Cam agreed, knowing the parents were busy with more important things than informing the men left out in the corridor what was going on.

Just then the door opened, and Mari stepped out carrying a bundle. Her eyes were wet with tears, but a smile stretched her beautiful face. “All is well. It’s a boy. Cameron Lachlan MacKinlay.”

She gazed down at the child adoringly as Cam came closer to see him.

“Cameron? They named the babe after me?” He couldn’t describe the pride and surprise at this news.

“Yes. You see, he’s rather large.” She shifted the babe’s weight and held him out so Cam could hold him. The child was large, but in his arms the bairn felt tiny.

He laughed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, wee Cameron.” The babe made a sound, not an unhappy one at first, but soon the lad was voicing his displeasure in a loud cry.

“Let’s get you back to your mother and father.” Mari took the babe and slipped back into the room. She was back a few moments later, and they shared a smile.

Cam reached for her. “What ye did for Lach was appreciated. How did he fare?”

“Very well. No swooning. Though for a moment it was a near thing.”

“Let’s get you something to eat before you swoon,” he said, leading her toward the stairs.

“I don’t even know what time it is.”

“Late afternoon,” he answered, just as her stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten since the day before. “Once you’re fed, we’ll lie down for a bit. You must be exhausted.”

She nodded. “I am tired. The excitement kept me from realizing it. But now…” She yawned.

He understood. Being in battle was similar. The rush of action kept him from realizing how tired his body was. Once the danger abated, though, fatigue set in.

His fearless warrior had stood by her sister all night, and now it was his turn to care for her.

“You did well. Now you need your rest.”

They had a quick meal of bannocks and ale, then he led her upstairs, steadying her on the steps when she stumbled. He helped her disrobe and did the same before tucking them both into bed for a few hours of much-needed sleep.

“It was an amazing thing to be part of,” she said quietly.

“I find it terrifying,” he said, causing her to laugh. The smile fell from his lips as he looked past that initial feeling. It was true he didn’t want to be the one waiting outside the door listening to Mari scream as she brought their child into the world.

But it was the thought of their child that made the fear seem almost acceptable.

He’d never considered wanting children. In fact, he’d made it his goal not to become a father. It wasn’t fair. He’d grown up without his parents, and he didn’t want to leave a child without a father. Still, a selfish part of him wanted to hold his own babe in his arms and rock him or her to sleep. A hefty lad, or an angel of a lass who looked like her mother.