Blessing The Highlander (33 page)

 
           He leered at her then. “I still need an heir.”

 
           Without thought, her hand shot out, slapping him hard at the cruelty in his voice. He gripped it and with a bow to the king, whisked her away to her new home.

 
           Seonaid was speechless. What manner of people were these Fae? So cold...heartless! She trembled with emotion as she felt Garrick’s hand take her own gently. She burst into tears.

 
           He held her in his arms as she released her grief over her sister.

 
           “Do not fret, daughter. This is for the best. You do not even know half of what she has done to you and your husband...and I will not tell you. You do not need those memories.” He smiled at her as she sniffled, getting her tears under control. “There will come a day where she will have her magic returned to her. After she has learned to control herself.”

 
           “But Lokai was so cruel...”

 
           “It is but a show. He loves her. But if she knew that then she would not take him seriously.” He shook his head. “No. He must keep that from her until she has learned her lesson. All will be well...in time.”

Epilogue

Seven months later

            His black stallion thundered through the outer bailey, wind flying through his mane, striking Garrick’s face.
Clansmen scrambled out of his way to avoid trampling by the great beast as he traveled on through the inner bailey.

 
           Garrick heaved back hard on the reins at the steps of the keep causing Cadence to rear up on his powerful hind legs. He let out a shrill neigh in protest to the rough handling.  Garrick ignored him as he leapt from his back vaulting up the steps and into the great hall.

 
           He glanced around frantically, searching for Angus. Spotting him, he reached him in a few strides.

 
           “Have I missed it? Is she well?”

 
           Angus slapped him on the back heartily. “Nay, m’laird. Ye have missed naught except her cries of discomfort. Tis normal.”

 
           Just then he heard Seonaid scream out once more. He ran for the stairs but was blocked by his clansmen.

 
           “Let me by!” he roared at them…narrowing his gaze.

 
           Angus shook his head. “Nay, Garrick. Believe me when I tell ye that ye do nae wish to be in there.”

 
           “She calls me, Angus.”

 
           “Tis a trick! Do nae fall for it!”

 
           He paced anxiously across the hall and back for several moments, threading his fingers through his black hair. She cried out several more times before he could stand it no longer. He bolted for the flight of stairs before anyone could stop him, taking them two at a time. He could hear her voice as he neared the door.

 
           “I said to bring that son of a dog to me now!” she screeched at Mary. “He did this to me and he will ken some suffering in kind! I...want...Garrick...NOW!” She cried out as another pain wracked her body.

 
           Garrick swallowed hard as he began to slowly back away from the door. All of a sudden he was very afraid of his wee wife. Angus chuckled.

 
           “Why do nae ye go in, m’laird. Tis what ye wished.”

 
           He shook his head in alarm, taking another step back.

 
           “I will slice his manhood from him for this!” She swore in-between profanities.

 
           He turned to flee when he heard her wail, “I need him, Mary. Please find him.”

 
           His heart flipped in his chest at her plea. Garrick glanced at Angus. “Is she disarmed?”

 
           He grinned heartily. “I do nae ken of your weapons but we did confiscate her sgian dubh.”

 
           Garrick mentally cataloged the locations of his dirks as he inhaled deeply… boldly entering the room.

 
           “I am here, me love… do nae fret.” He knelt at the side of the bed taking her hand in his as he stroked her sweaty brow. As another contraction seized her, she clutched his hand so hard that he heard bones popping. He gasped at her strength. When her grip eased he swiftly disengaged his hand, shaking it to get the blood flowing again.

 
           He looked to Mary. “How can I aid her?”

 
           “Get behind the mistress in the bed and let her lean against ye in a half-sitting position. Twill smooth the way.” He did as she instructed which eased her discomfort a bit. He murmured sweet promises in her ear… rubbing her lower back and stomach to ease the contractions.

 
           Not long afterward his son made his entrance, wailing at the top of his lungs. His hair was soot black like his father. Garrick grinned ear to ear.

 
           “He is a fine lad! Oh dear!” Mary blurted as Seonaid tensed in another contraction.

 
           “What is wrong?” His grin vanished. Then his mouth gaped in awe as a second son made his appearance… his hair the color of a sunset.

 
           Mary had just cut the cord on the second one when a third was delivered! This one did not cry as the first two had.

 
           Garrick panicked! “What is amiss, Mary? Is the bairn hale?”

 
           “Aye, m’laird...she is just fine.”

 
           She? He had a daughter, as well? Warily, he glanced at Seonaid. “Are ye done now, lass? Or are there more hidden away?” She smiled at him, exhausted.

 
           “I believe I am finished. If there be more you will have to deliver them.”

 
           He laughed with joy kissing her damp cheek. “Thank ye, mo cridhe for this blessing. Three bairns! I am overcome.”

 
           As Mary and the women cleaned Seonaid up from her labor, Garrick swelled with pride as he scrutinized his children. It was truly rare to have three at once...especially all healthy.

 
           He returned to her side, brushing a red-gold lock of hair from her cheek. She yawned sleepily as she glowed up into his face. “What be your choice of names, wife?”

 
           “The eldest...after you, the second son...Alred, and our daughter I would name Corinne, after my mother if it pleases you.”

 
           “Aye...it pleases me.” But she did not hear him as she fell asleep in his arms.

 
           As he held her close, his heart was near bursting with love for her...and his new family. He could hear the clan rejoicing the births in the distance and appreciated just how blessed he truly was
.

            Seonaid adjusted her bodice after handing her dozing daughter to Mary, who nestled her in her cradle. They had a wet nurse to aid with the feedings but Corinne would only receive her mother’s breast. They alternated with the lads so Seonaid could nurse all three of her children…but Corinne was unyielding.

 
           “Have my fathers’ arrived?”

 
           Mary glanced her way. “I do nae ken of the King…but I believe I heard those noisy MacGregors while ye slumbered.”

 
           “Well, the bairns will nap for a while so I believe I will seek out my husband in the hall. Call if you need me.”

 
           “Aye, m’lady.”

 
           She perceived Seamus’ laughter as she approached the great hall. Smiling, she observed the three most significant men in her life as they jested together sharing a mug of ale.

 
           “Majesty had twin foals ye say?”

 
           “Aye…a golden colt and a black filly. Both look encouraging. The other mares should foal within a sennight.”

 
           Seamus grinned. “Ye never go for half measures do ye? Three babes…two foals…is there something in the water here to implement such plenteousness?”

 
           Alred choked on his ale. Some spewing from his mouth. “Do not look at me, Seamus. I had nothing to do with his good fortune.”

 
           “Aye, I ken it. Do nae fash yourself, Sire. Me own mares did well themselves. The bay had a fine colt while the gray provided a filly. Mayhap ye will consider selling me a filly from one of the other mares, Garrick.”

 
           “It will have ta wait till Liam takes his prize. He is assured his choice for aiding us with finding Seonaid. Ye may have ta deal with him in the future if he chooses the one ye prefer.”

 
           Seonaid stood in front of the dais…arms akimbo. Her face flushed with indignation as she overheard their discussion.

 
           “You are discussing horses? My children have waited three months to meet their grandfathers and your priorities are HORSES? Mayhap if I be a brood mare you would be interested in seeing my children!”

 
           Garrick’s cerulean eyes sparkled with humor as he gazed at his ravishing wife. He loved the deep green of her eyes as they flashed fire at him. He knew that she was still out-of-sorts after birthing the babes and her annoyance transitory. She was weary with the strain of caring for three bairns.

 
           “Come, wife. Rest yourself alongside me and break your fast. Ye ken that they are eager to meet the babes.”

 
           Garrick’s rumbling brogue pacified her ire as well as if he had caressed her. She smiled at him joining them at the table. Garrick did not notice that she had reached for his mug until she took a large swallow… choking. The burn…immediate.

 
           “Uisge beatha! You are still endeavoring to poison me?” She cried out hoarsely.

 
           He laughed. “Nay, wife. Ye grabbed me mug afore I could call for milk. Do nae think ta lay the blame at me feet.”

 
           “Aye. I am a bit weary is all. Pardon my willful tongue this morn, m’laird.”

 
           He kissed her brow in answer as he gave her a light hug. “How are the bairns this morn, mo gradh?”

 
           “Resting…though I doubt that will last for long. I had best eat while I can.” Garrick agreed, serving her cheese and bread from his trencher till she was full.

 
           “Have you any news from Lokai, Da?” She gazed at him expectantly.

 
           Alred nodded. “He says Diedre is doing well. Perhaps in another season we may visit her.”

 
           She bobbed her head silently sighing.

 
           “Here are me grandbabies!” Seamus bellowed as Mary and two other women entered the hall with their wriggling bundles. They ascended the dais to permit a better view to Seamus and Alred as Garrick presented the babes.

 
           “This is me heir…Garrick Seamus,” he proudly declared as green eyes gazed up to meet his boldly. “Here be me second son…Alred Lokai Brodie. And our daughter…Corinne Diedre Brodie.”

 
           King Alred’s gaze jerked up glancing at Seonaid in surprise. His eyes misted as he spoke. “You honor us, Garrick…Seonaid. Your mother would be delighted.”

 
           She returned his smile…her heart swelling with love…and pride. The men fussed over the bairns until they grew drowsy and dozed off. Mary returned them to the nursery as they continued their visit.

 
           Seonaid eventually slept, tucked beneath his arm as his soft brogue rumbled through her. Garrick, noticing her stillness, glanced at her. They had not coupled since the babes were born but that was soon to change. His cock swelled anticipating the eve. He would let her sleep…for now.

 
           As he carried her to their chambers his thoughts wandered to counting his blessings. He recognized that he wanted for nothing…he had it all. King Alred had even offered to gift them with immortality if they will permit it. He was stunned. That was a gift that he would have to give a lot of thought…and discussion with Seonaid. It was not something you did on impulse. But the true blessing was his family.  
Aye, without a doubt...me family is me real highland blessing!

The End