Page 43 of Highlander’s Evil Twin

“I think it might be a good idea to go and see my parents for a while. Just for a week or so. They can help me with Alistair and I can rest. Hiram, you are busy with the land again and so you cannot drop everything for me. Perhaps a week away is called for?”

Hiram nodded reluctantly but it made sense.

“I think that is an excellent idea.” The doctor beamed “When you are back, come and see me. I will discuss how you feel, and we will look at the results of your tests.

Hiram had insisted on traveling with them, but he would return to the castle the next day. He held Alistair in his arms while Heather fell asleep in the corner of the carriage. He was so worried about her. This was not normal. She’d been vibrant when he met her. But, now, she was a fraction of herself. He occupied his mind by talking to his son.

“Your mother hated me when she first met me. Would you like to hear the story?” Hiram asked.

Alistair cooed adoringly and Hiram smiled.

“She was forced to marry me, did you know that? She was so angry about it too and she was prepared to hate me forever—”

“I did not hate you!” Heather interrupted.

“Ah, you are back with us my love,” he mocked. “You most definitely didn’t like me very much, that is for sure,” Hiram stated.

“That is because I believed you arrogant but then I realized you were not. You were kind. So, you won me over…the end,” Heather informed him haughtily.

Hiram shrugged. “When Alistair is older, I will most definitely tell him all about it. I will also say that you succumbed to my many charms.”

“Annoyingly, that is true.” Heather laughed. “I still feel the same way.”

“When you feel better, you can prove it to me. But not before. You are banned from those wifely duties for now.”

Heather gasped. “How mean of you, my Laird. I bet that I could make you want me even now if I tried.”

Hiram kissed her forehead. “You could indeed my love, but I want you to save your energy.”

The route to her parents’ home was bumpy. They sat, jostled back and forth by the rough track. Finally, they arrived, and the carriage moved slowly up the long winding path to the castle. Heather felt a sense of pleasure; it was still home to her, she realized, and she could see all the servants lined up outside the main entrance waiting to greet them and to no doubt have their first glimpse of the baby.

Heather picked up a sleepy Alistair and wrapped him in her arms, feeling a sense of pride and deep emotion at the thought of returning with her son.

“Get ready to be the center of attention little man,” she whispered to him, and stepped down from the carriage. It took the next twenty minutes before the servants would let them pass by and go in. A baby is always welcome, she thought. It added joy and that sense of a new life lifted everyone’s spirits. Plus, Alistair had been on his best behavior and had watched them all with his green eyes wide open in amazement. He had chuckled at their faces and had reached out eager hands for them.

Heather had laughed. “He likes to show off…just like his father,” she told the servants.

Hiram escorted them in quickly before she could say anything else. They found her parents in the drawing room.

“Son, here’s your grandma and grandpa,” Heather said, smiling as her mother rushed to see him.

“Oh, my beautiful wee boy,” she said, and then groaned as she realized he had grown. “What are you feeding him? Rocks?”

Heather laughed. “He drinks so much milk. But I am thinking to start him on some very watery solids soon. What do you think?”

“Och, we can assess this week. Oh, we have been looking forward to your stay.” She looked at Heather. “You are looking peaky my girl. I think I need to feed you up. Don’t you worry, Hiram, she’ll be her old self when I send her back to you.”

Hiram looked at her gratefully. They knew he was so worried. He followed his father-in-law from the room so the two women could talk.

“You look very tired. Is everything okay?” her mother asked Heather.

She sighed. “I don’t know. I wasn’t sure if I was feeling depressed. But I don’t feel sad. I just feel exhausted. When I fall asleep, I cannot wake up. I remembered you had felt depressed when I was young.”

“So, mainly tiredness? Do you feel as if you don’t want to be bothered with others? You have no interest in anything else?” her mother prompted.

“No, once I am awake, I am okay. I love being with Hiram and Alistair but I am constantly exhausted. I have bad dreams too. It feels like I am drowning. Not, in water, but being pulled down into something.”

“Are you nervous about anything, worried?” Her mother was perplexed.