Page 42 of Married for a Highland Debt
“It was—at first,” he admitted. “But when I almost lost you, I realized that nothing and no one in the world is as important to me as you are. If there are babies, then that will be wonderful. If there are not, I will be quite content as long as I have you, Bettie.”
Bettina could hardly speak because her heart was so full of love that it choked her throat with tears. “Love me again, Ninian,” she whispered, “and again and again ’til I am with child.”
So he did, again and again, and within three months, a child began to stir in Bettina’s womb.
“Do you think I am doing the right thing, Bettie?” Kairstine asked nervously as her sister placed the last tiny flower in her hair, a yellow daisy to match the pale-buttercream satin dress she wore. In a few more minutes, she would be Mistress Kairstine Watson, wife of Angus, the handsome guard she had loved almost since the first time she saw him.
“Do you?” Bettina asked. “Yours is the only opinion that counts. Yours and his.”
“I think so,” she replied doubtfully. “But Bettie, am I not being blinded by his good looks? All the other girls I know are so jealous. They all want him.”
“But you have him,” Bettina pointed out. “And he does not want them. He wants you. He loves you. Do you love him?”
Kairstine’s face lit up. “Oh, yes, Bettie,” she answered happily. “He is so kind, so generous—so good to me.”
Bettina cast her eyes heavenward for a moment, then laughed. “There is your answer. Every bride is nervous on her wedding day, Katie. Go and get married. Do not keep him waiting.”
Their father was standing in the church waiting for Kairstine as she entered. He kissed her cheek, his face glowing with pride, before taking her arm and placing her hand in that of Angus, who waited for her at the altar, looking more handsome than ever in his clan finery. He smiled widely when he looked down at her, and her answering smile left Bettina in no doubt that her younger sister was marrying the right man.
The bridal couple looked so young, so much in love as they said their vows, and Bettina was weeping openly as a radiantly joyful Kairstine hugged her after the ceremony was over.
“I have done the right thing,” she whispered.
Angus came up behind her and put both arms around her waist. “Mine, all mine!” he said wickedly, laughing.
“You look beautiful, both of you,” Bettina said happily, drying her tears. Then she frowned and wagged a finger at her new brother-in-law. “Angus, take care of my sister or you will answer to me!”
Angus cowered back in mock terror. “Yes, milady. Of course, milady,” he said fearfully. “Now, Mistress Watson, shall we eat? I am ready for a whole haunch o’ venison!”
“Oh, God! Not another one!” Bettina laughed.
“Nothing wrong with a healthy appetite,” Ninian observed as the happy couple walked away to greet their guests. “They will need all their strength for tonight! Shall we tell them our news?”
“About the baby?” Bettina shook her head. “No, this is their happy day, not ours. There is plenty of time for our news.” Then suddenly, she frowned and put a hand on her stomach.
“What is it?” Ninian asked anxiously, but Bettina had begun to laugh softly.
She took his hand and put it on the slight bulge, and underneath his palm, Ninian felt a flutter, as faint as a moth’s wings. “The baby,” she whispered. “It is the first time I have felt it.”
His mouth made a perfect circle of wonder, and he hugged her tightly for a second, then let her go suddenly. “Did I hurt you?” he asked fearfully.
“No, I am not made of porcelain!” she laughed. “Ninian, do not fret. Women have been carrying babies since the dawn of time.”
“I know,” he murmured, kissing her softly. “But this one is yours. Mine. Ours.”
“Ours, Da,” she echoed.
“Ours, Mammy.” He sighed with satisfaction.
