Page 72 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“Liam,” Evelyn said, fear in her voice.

“I didn’t come all this way to not show her the seals. We won’t get too close,” he promised. He’d just get close enough to toss a rock near them and wake them up a bit.

He didn’t need to bother with a rock. When he took a few steps, one of the seals alerted and wiggled toward the water.

Gwennie’s eyes went wide, and her fingers tightened in his hair, equal measures excitement and wariness. He’d seen the seals on a few occasions in the last year, but seeing them through Gwennie’s expressions made them seem new and exciting once again.

He couldn’t wait to show her other things and enjoy the discovery through her reactions.

“Children make things feel new and special again,” he said as Ev caught up to them. He took her hand. “I hope we’re blessed with many more.”

She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I hope so as well.”

…

Evelyn watched Liam and Gwennie play at the edge of the water as she sat on a rock in the sun. After Gwennie had seen the seals, she was happy to leave them behind. Evelyn couldn’t blame her. They were bigger than she expected and didn’t seem keen on having people close by.

“Watch out!” Evelyn called when a wave caught them off guard. Liam scooped up Gwennie, but it was too late; she’d gotten soaked.

“Don’t worry, lass. You’ll dry fast in the sun,” Liam said, quickly calming Gwennie’s fear over her dress. They collected shells and Gwennie was indeed dry by the time they made their way back to the castle.

Like the day before, they stayed with the children. Gwennie spent most of the time telling Rose stories about the bunnies. Evelyn and Dorie became good friends and Evelyn realized how much happier she was with all the people in her life when months before she’d wanted it to be only her and Gwennie. She knew Gwennie was better for it as well.

Early the next morning, Dorie and Bryce saw them off on their way home.

“Did you enjoy your stay?” Liam asked her.

“Yes. But I’m looking forward to going home.” Dunardry had become more of a home to her than Scalloway ever had. For with the MacKinlays she had friends and freedom, and perhaps even love.

…

Liam kissed his wife and moved to pull away, knowing she wouldn’t welcome his addresses. Instead, she pulled him back to kiss him thoroughly. He stood and looked down as she tugged his shirt free.

He was quite happy to oblige her. In the two weeks since they’d returned from Baehaven she’d been with him nearly every night. Still, he knew this night would be different.

“Why are ye not helping, Liam?” she asked while struggling with his belt.

“Are ye not…” He held up a finger and dug into his sporran to find the scrap of paper he kept. He checked over the markings and shook his head. The air left his body. “You’re late,” he whispered as if speaking louder might bring on her courses.

“What is this?” She scowled at the piece of parchment.

“I was told wives don’t accept advances from their husbands when they have their courses, so I’ve been careful to know when they are, so not to make myself a nuisance to ye.”

She laughed. “Only you would be so considerate.”

“You’ve not missed your time once since I’ve started counting. But ye should have started two days ago.”

She considered and nodded. “It’s only two days and could be because of the travel.”

“Or it could mean you’re increasing.” He bent to pick her up and spin her around before thinking better of it. He placed her back on her feet and bent to kiss her belly.

“We’ll need to wait to see. I don’t want you to get your hopes up this soon.”

“I won’t. But you should rest, just in case.” He remembered Mari saying it was the scariest part. The early days. He understood better now why Cam didn’t want Mari doing anything strenuous.

Ev laughed and batted his hands away. “I’ll not be taking to my bed at this stage.”

He knew he was getting carried away but couldn’t help himself. They might have another child. He already felt a strong desire to protect Evelyn, but now that she might be carrying his child, he was mad with the desire to shelter her from any possible harm. Including him.