Rescued by a Highlander(86)

“But, Alex, what if something happened when Niles raped me and I cannot get with child. You will have no heirs. It is wrong. But I know not what to do.”

He lifted her onto his lap. “Maddie, I could not be happier than I am with you as my wife. If we don’t have bairns, then we don’t. Robbie or Brodie will have bairns. Our land will stay in the family. That is all I worry about. But I do worry if you are no’ happy.”

She knew he loved her now. But what would happen two years from now when she was still barren? How could he love someone that could not give him a son?

Instead, she smiled at him and said, “I am happy. I had just hoped to have a bairn of our own. You would be such a wonderful father.”

“It has only been a short time. I know many that never had bairns until their second or third year of marriage. Give it time.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her. He waited for her to get her control back.

Then she stood and said, “Aye, you must be right. Let us go back. I am better now.” They trudged their way up the hill hand in hand. Perhaps she would speak with Alice and see if there was something else she could do to help her get with child. She loved the wee ones in the clan so much. She valued her daily storytelling time with them. Watching them grow was so fulfilling. Was it too much to want to have her own bairn with Alex? She would love a wee laddie that looked just like his father.

Then she remembered the vision that she had seen of her mother on her wedding night. Her mother had said that she and her father could not wait to see their bairns. Did that mean they would have one eventually or maybe more than one? She hoped so. She would love to have many bairns with Alex. Maddie vowed to keep saying her prayers.





CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE




A few months later…



Maddie could barely get herself out of bed. It was late. She didn’t know why she felt so tired lately. She managed to get a clean gown on and made her way down the stairs to the hall. She found Alice eating at a table, trudged over and sat down.

“Good morn to you, Alice.”

Alice turned to Maddie. “Oh, Maddie, you do not look well! In fact, you look a little green. Are you all right this morning? Mayhap you should stay in bed.”

Fiona came out and set a bowl of porridge in front of Maddie. “Sorry, my lady, but this porridge has been sitting awhile. Mayhap you would prefer a piece of fruit or an egg?”

Maddie took one look at the porridge and ran for the door, her hand covering her mouth. As soon as she opened the door, she vomited, just missing her husband’s boots.

“Maddie,” he exclaimed. “What is wrong with you, lass? You slept yesterday away and half of today and now you are retching from the bottom of your toes! Get yourself back to bed!” Alex turned as Alice arrived behind Maddie, concern on his face. He was shocked to see Alice smiling.

“Excuse me, Alice, but I do not think my wife’s illness is amusing!” he fumed at Alice.

Alice laughed. “I do not think it amusing, Laird, but joyous. My guess is your wife is with child. Maddie, how long has it been since your courses?”

When Maddie stopped heaving, she stared at Alice first, then Alex. “Oh, my goodness, do you think ‘tis possible, Alice. It has been at least a …” Maddie counted with her fingers as her face lit up.

“Congratulations, Madeline. I think you and your husband will have a bairn in about eight months!”

Maddie threw her arms around her husband. She was so happy, she cried. “Oh, I love you, Alex Grant!”

Alex was speechless.





CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO




About eight months later…



Madeline waddled over to the hearth. Alex worked in the lists somewhere with his men. It was almost time for the evening meal, but she was worn out. She aimed for their favorite chair, the extra large one that Alex had ordered built to accommodate both of them. After all these months, he still preferred to sit with Madeline on his lap. Of course, Madeline thought it was probably just because he liked to feel their bairn kicking since he preferred to sit with his hands wrapped around her belly.

She sighed deep as she positioned herself in the chair. Alex was always thoughtful, considerate, compassionate and passionate, although that part of their lives was becoming more and more difficult. A smile crept across her face as she thought of how inventive her husband had become as a lover. He had promised her all along there were other ways, and he had proven right. She closed her eyes to rest for a minute.

Much later, Maddie awoke to the noise of the men entering the great hall. A pair of strong arms lifted her and she gazed at her big husband with a smile as he settled her on his lap.