Page 39 of The Best of Madeline Grant

“Sisters,” he’d announced, barely able to keep a straight face. “I have information for you that is only known by a chosen few. Maddie and Caralyn both know the truth, as do a few others, but I do not wish this to be shared widely until the time arrives for certes.”

Jennie had given Brenna a strange look, but they’d waited for Alex to tell the full tale.

“As you will surely learn, Jamie and Finlay have been unbearable in their constant competition about which one will have the first laddie of the next generation of my heirs. They’vebeen so obnoxious about it that both Gracie and Kyla have forbidden them to discuss it in front of the two of them.”

Aedan and Quade both burst into laughter at about the same time.

“The lists must be something to watch,” Aedan said.

Jennie stilled her husband by placing her hand over his. “I’d like to hear what else Alex has to say. I think there’s a reason he called both of us here. After all, there are now three healers here to tend two women who may not deliver together at all.”

Jennie tipped her head as she watched her brother’s expression. “Out with it, dearest brother.” Alex had been like a father to Jennie, so he often gave in to her whims, even at this age.

“Verra astute of you, Jennie. Because of their competitiveness, Jake has made us all promise to keep his secret.”

Both sisters gasped at the same time, the excitement and disbelief on their faces contagious.

Brenna reached for Quade’s hand and squeezed it. “Three? Aline is carrying, too?”

Alex didn’t attempt to hide his own excitement over the news. Though he had learned to hide his emotions when need be, this he could not control.

He nodded slowly, waggling his brow at them. “Caralyn said all three are due at about the same time.”

Jennie squealed as he’d known she would, but then she sat and whispered, “Bairns make their own decisions about leaving the womb. While it would be exciting to have them deliver close together, the odds are slim.”

Alex nodded. “Understood, but I didn’t wish to take the risk. Please keep Jake and Aline’s secret until the time arrives. If you don’t, Jamie and Finlay will be even more unbearable, and I do not wish to upset a wee woman in her last month of carrying.Aline has done her best to stay hidden, claiming illness, and has worn oversized gowns for some time now. No one has suspected anything as of yet.”

That meeting had been six days ago, and the time had finally come today. Gracie had been dealing with pains for a short time, and Kyla had called for her mother and Caralyn to check her. Both had been put in two chambers with access to the balcony in case they were in need of anything.

Word had apparently traveled quickly, as the door to the keep continued to open, even though it was the middle of the night. Roddy and Rose were the latest arrivals.

“Gracie is ready?” Roddy directed the question to his father while he helped Rose with her mantle.

“Aye, we think ‘tis her time and possibly Kyla’s, as well.”

Alex loved having so many of his clan together in the keep.

True, a few of the births in this keep had been difficult, but he had a good feeling about this day. A fabulous feeling.

Alex and Robbie gave instructions for food and drink to be brought in from the kitchens and then built fires in the two hearths, while Quade Ramsay settled in a chair, wearing a big grin as he watched all the chaos.

That done, the gathering began to seem more like a celebration. Alex grabbed an ale and surveyed the chattering group in the hall, their excitement contagious. They were ready for whatever might come, though Alex sensed a bit of tension from Caralyn, Robbie’s wife. Was it because it was her daughter who was giving birth, or because the babe might be the next heir to the lairddom?

Alex attempted to calm his sister-in-law. “Brenna is already upstairs with Gracie, Caralyn. Take your time. She said ’twill be a while yet. You know how it can be with new mamas. Kyla insists ’tis time for the bairn to make its appearance, but Maddiemustn’t be concerned as of yet. If she were, she’d be at the balcony giving me orders.”

Caralyn laughed. “This is a first for both of you. The first grandbairn, and the second at the same time.” She rolled her eyes, telling Alex she was also thinking of the third grandbairn, the one who was still a secret.

Just then, Finlay rushed out onto the balustrade with an urgency that caught everyone’s attention. He shouted, “Aunt Brenna, I need Aunt Brenna!”

The entire group in the great hall stopped what they were doing to look at the frantic husband above. Only Caralyn had the presence of mind to act. She hurried up the stairs and asked, “Finlay, what is it?”

“Kyla says she’s having the bairn. What should I do?”

The unexpected complication seemed to calm Caralyn more than it did baffle her. “Brenna is busy with Gracie. I’ll come check on Kyla.” Caralyn climbed the staircase and shepherded a pale Finlay back into his chamber.

Just then Alex’s wee wife, still as beautiful as the day they’d married, stepped out onto the balcony. She caught his gaze and gave him an almost imperceptible nod, letting him know it was indeed Kyla’s time.

As he stared up at this woman he adored, so many thoughts ran through his mind that he made his way over to the staircase, never taking his gaze off Maddie. Fortunately, she saw him coming and waited for him, a nervous smile on her face.