Page 80 of The Wager and the Wedding

“Go on and have fun, sweeting.”

The two of them ran off to find sticks, and soon they were recreating the Battle of Hastings beneath the budding trees.

Her gaze turned once again to her husband, who caught her eye. He excused himself as the musicians started up the next tune. He came and sat on her other side, taking Alais gently from her tired arms. The baby hardly noticed, nuzzling against Martin’s neck with a contented coo as she melted against him. His way with the children was almost magical. The man had infinite patience and a gentle hand in all things. It made her heart ache with love to look at him holding their baby.

“What mischief are our children up to now?” he asked once the baby was settled.

“Oh, the usual,” she said, gesturing toward the pitched battle taking place under a nearby oak tree. Several other children had now joined the fight, and it was a regular melee.

“Have you danced yet, my dear? It is May Day after all.”

When she shook her head, he laughed. “Watch out, or Jack-in-the-Green may come over and make you dance.”

Isabella pursed her lips. “If Master Hammond attempts to accost me with my giant belly and force me to dance, I cannot be answerable for the consequences.”

Martin pressed his hand on her lower back and dug in his fingers just where her muscles ached the most. “Have no fear, my dear. I don’t think even Master Hammond would dare try his luck when faced with such a scowl.”

She couldn’t help but let out a soft moan as his fingers found a particularly tender spot.

“Should I leave you two alone?” Crispin asked, smirking. “I think I might try my luck at winning a dance with the Queen of the May. Something about her smile reminds me of Eilidh.”

“Go on then.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “Abandon me. Never mind the fact that this is the first time I’ve seen you in seven years.”

Crispin rolled his eyes. “I’ve been here for a week already. I think you can spare me for a dance or two.”

“Of course she can,” said Martin. “Can’t you, love?”

Her husband’s fingers continued their delicious work, making her breath catch. “Very well then. Off with you.”

She shooed her brother away and watched him dive into the revelry with an abandon that belied his melancholy mood. Perhaps there was hope for him after all.

Martin placed Alais gently into the wicker bassinet, lined with lambswool, beside him. Fortunately, she was deeply asleep and oblivious to the raucous noise around her.

“Turn.” Her husband guided her with his hand to turn her back. Now both hands were at work turning her into a puddle.

“Nph,” she muttered, leaning back into him. “Your hands truly are magical.”

“Mm.That’s what I like to hear.” His lips brushed her ear, then he nipped at her earlobe. “What about my tongue?” He traced the edge of her ear with it, sending warmth rushing to unmentionable places. It was astonishing what he could still make her feel even when she was round as a gourd.

“Wicked as always.” She reached behind her to smack his knee playfully. “I married a very naughty man.”

His laugh was full of sinful promise. “Do you remember our first May Day here?”

How could she forget? They’d snuck away from the festivities to a private grotto amongst the trees where he’d knelt before her and proceeded to drive her out of her mind with that wicked tongue of his. The mere thought made her cheeks heat.

“I’m glad to see you remember it as fondly as I do.” He shifted to sit astride the bench so that she was embraced by his thighs on either side of hers, practically in his lap.

“I hardly recall it at all,” she fibbed, smiling at the memory.

“Liar, you stopped breathing, and your pulse jumped in your neck.” He kissed the spot in question, making her heart beat all the faster.

“Too bad I’m too large and ungainly for such things at the moment.” It was hard to be passionate when everything was swollen and aching all the time. Although at that moment, his fingers were almost making her forget.

“You are more beautiful than ever, round with the child I planted in your belly, your marvelous breasts heavy with milk. You are a miracle, my love. My adoration for you grows every day. And as for my desire… Lean back, and you’ll see for yourself.”

Against her better judgment, she did. “Mercy! Perhaps we should retire to the castle early.”

“As my lady wishes.” He nipped at her earlobe again. “Let’s go celebrate May Day properly.”

With a word to the nursemaid and her brother, they made their excuses and headed back to the castle, leaving Charles and Carenza behind with their Uncle Crispin to enjoy the festival. As they rode in a carriage the short distance back to the castle in the waning afternoon sun, she couldn’t help thinking that life was full of promise, and she could hardly wait to see what the years ahead with Martin would bring.