The Bewitching Twin(94)
“Destiny takes many twists and turns until it is appeased,” Aliss said.
“You sound like Giann,” Rogan said.
“I think I finally understand what she attempted to tell me. What is decided here this day between you and Tarr does not only determine our destinies—” She paused and gave thought to the babe she finally was certain she carried inside her. “But future destinies as well, and for some reason that is important.”
“You two better make amends,” Fiona threatened.
“Is that an order?” Tarr snapped.
Fiona poked her husband in the chest. “It certainly is.”
“Give me a good reason why I should be intimidated by your threat.”
“You’re going to argue with me about this, here and now?”
“Unless you can give me a good reason why I shouldn’t.”
Fiona bit at her bottom lip, grimaced for a moment, took a deep breath then said, “Because I think I am about to give birth to your child.”
Chapter 38
Chaos took hold and everyone attempted to do something while actually nothing got done, until Aliss finally took charge.
“I have all I need at my cottage. It is best to take Fiona there,” she said, offering her sister comfort with a squeeze of her hand.
“Whatever you say,” Tarr said, and lifted his wife in his arms.
“I’ll go ahead and see that Anna has the bed prepared,” Rogan said, and rushed out of the hall.
Tarr was close behind him, while Raynor appeared lost and turned to Aliss.
“What can I do?”
Aliss grabbed his arm. “You have the most important chore of all.”
“I do?”
Aliss nodded. “You must keep peace between Tarr and Rogan.”
“You ask a lot,” Raynor admitted. “They are both ready to throw fists, though I cannot blame them. The news of them being half brothers is startling.”
“See that they don’t, please, for your sisters’ sake. There will be time later for the two to dispute the finding; for now Fiona must be considered.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Then I won’t worry,” Aliss said, kissed his cheek and rushed out of the hall. Raynor followed close behind.
Fiona was settled comfortably in the bed, her husband by her side, holding on to her hand as if he dared not let her go.
Aliss looked from one to the other. “It is better if Tarr leaves.”
“No, I’m staying,” he insisted.
Aliss shook her head, grabbed his arm, and yanked him away from Fiona. “No, you are leaving.” She pushed him to the door. “I will summon you as soon as the babe arrives.”
He looked lost and helpless, his eyes resting on his wife.
“I’ll be fine,” Fiona assured him. “Do as Aliss says.”
He nodded, hesitated, then reluctantly left the cottage.
Aliss turned to see her sister crying and hurried over to her. “Everything will be fine.”
“Will it?” Fiona asked, as if she expected a promise.
Aliss leaned over and combed her sister’s hair with her fingers, gathering it in the back to tie with a ribbon. “You and Tarr will be the parents of a fine babe this day. Do not worry.”
“If our husbands don’t kill each other first.” She sniffled.
“I ordered Raynor to keep watch over them.”
“That is good,” Fiona said with a modicum of relief.
“Now relax, you will need your strength as the pains increase.”
Rogan sat, with Raynor to his right, beneath the tree that shaded the cottage, watching Tarr pace in front of the closed door.
“Aliss is an excellent healer,” Rogan said, hoping to ease his concern.
“Don’t you think I know that,” Tarr snapped, never missing a step.
“Then there is no need for you to worry,” Rogan said.
Tarr spun around. “Tell me you would not worry if it were Aliss giving birth.”
“She is a healer who—” The sudden clarity of his remark made him think. There would be no one as experienced as Aliss to deliver a babe when she eventually gave birth. He would need to remind Aliss to teach Anna all she could about birthing.
“Worry all you like,” Rogan finally said.
Tarr nodded. “I plan to.”
“You don’t give your wife enough credit,” Raynor said. “Fiona is stubborn and strong. She will do fine.”
A couple of hours later all three men weren’t so sure about that when piercing screams resonated from the cottage.
“You did not warn me that it would hurt this much,” Fiona accused, dropping back against the pillow exhausted after several hours of labor.
“It would not have mattered if I did. You would do what you wanted anyway,” Aliss said in jest.