Page 67 of The Eagle

Lady Mariel hurried to the foot of the bed. “I will bundle him up.” She took the baby and swaddled it, then placed it in Isobel’s arms.

Beatrice beamed. “My wee one and yers will grow up together.” The sisters hugged, sharing a loving moment that brought more tears.

Annis went to the door to announce the baby’s arrival. There were masculine sounds of cheering and laughter.

Once the afterbirth was brought forth and Isobel was settled onto clean bedding, they walked out so that Darach could enter and meet his son.

Before walking out, Cait turned just as Darach knelt beside the bed and pulled both Isobel and the bairn into an embrace. For a moment she hesitated. It was a scene she’d never forget. A loving couple welcoming their firstborn.

Everyone was gathered in the hallway, hugging, and speaking over one another in celebration. Unsure of how to get around them, she moved against the wall to wait.

Stuart hurried over and lifted Cait off her feet, turning in a circle. When he placed her down, his face was bright with happiness. “The heir to the lairdship is born,” he said in a hoarse voice.

He kept one arm around her waist as they continued to celebrate.

As one the group went down the stairs together. Beatrice with Duncan, Gideon with his mother, and Stuart beside Cait. At the bottom of the stairs, Gideon called out that the babe was born, and the people gathered cheered.

Wine was poured, and several men began playing music. The room became bright when more candles were lit making the celebration more festive.

Greer and the other cooks hurried out from the kitchen with trays of sweet cakes. Cait noticed that Annis hurried up the stairs with warm cakes and a bowl of soup for Isobel and the laird.

Already feeling a bit lightheaded after the brandy, Cait took small sips of the celebratory wine while enjoying the cheerful conversations surrounding her. For a moment she considered that this would be her family if she and Stuart reconciled.

She smiled brightly when her mother walked close and was asked to sit with them.

“He rarely looks away from ye,” her mother said with a soft smile.

Cait turned to her mother. “Are ye happy here? I want ye to be.”

“I am happy wherever ye and Brice are,” her mother replied. Her mother looked lovely. Having good food and without the lines of worry, she seemed younger and much prettier.

“Perhaps ye will find someone and marry again,” Cait said loving it when her mother blushed.

“Cait the things ye say,” she admonished.

Lulled by the wine and music, soon Cait could barely keep her eyes open. Her mother had gone to bed and both Lady Mariel and Beatrice had gone back to see Isobel.

When she stood, Stuart stood with her. “I will see ye upstairs.”

Cait was glad for it. She wanted to be close to him for a bit longer.

They walked up the stairs in silence until reaching her doorway. “Why did ye move here?” Stuart asked. “This is a very small chamber is it not?”

Cait walked into the room. “I find it very comfortable.”

When she turned Stuart had walked in behind her, his large body shrinking the room considerably. He looked around. “Much too small.”

Cait laughed. “I can see why ye would say that.”

Then she was in his arms. She’d be hard-pressed to say who closed the distance first. They’d move toward each other at almost the same time.

However, it was Stuart who covered her mouth with his and pulled her closer. The kiss so wonderful, tears slid down her cheeks.

When he continued the kiss and tasted her tears, Stuart pulled her against his chest. “Do not cry. I will not kiss ye again, I promise. Allow me to stay with ye for a moment longer.”

Cait pushed back a bit and swatted at his chest. “That is not why I cry. I cry because I missed ye so much.”

His chest expanded as he took a large breath. “I missed ye too Cait. I love ye and do not wish to ever lose ye.”