Page 85 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Good. That makes me feel better.” Ashley had confided to Jenna that she was nervous about giving birth here in sixteenth century Scotland. Jenna had tried unsuccessfully to convince her to go back to San Francisco to have the baby, but Ashley wouldn’t hear of it. She was not going anywhere. She couldn’t possibly leave her husband and all the people she loved behind, even for a short time. Jenna was happy that Heather had helped to make Ashley feel better about the whole thing and now understood the reasoning for bringing Jenna to meet her. Jenna was sure Ashley would be in good hands when the time came, because truth be told, she was nervous about it, too.
* * *
“What do ye think he’s up to?” Cailin asked Cormac.
“I dinna ken what he’s doing, but I’m happy Robert has someone watching him at all times,” Cormac responded.
The two men were just leaving the practice field when they noticed that Jonathan had been watching them.
“Wow! You guys really go at it out there,” Jonathan said when they approached.
“We must always be prepared for battle,” Cormac responded.
“Would ye care to join us when next we practice?” Cailin offered.
“That might be fun. I could stand to work off some of this stress,” Jonathan said.
“Fine then. We meet here every day at the same time. You’re welcome to take part,” Cormac responded.
They walked away from Jonathan and headed toward the stables. “Why did ye ask him to join us on the practice field,” Cormac asked.
“’Tis better to know your enemy’s capabilities – dinnae ye think so, Cormac?”
“Aye. Yer right. We can see what his skills are and be prepared should he try anything.”
“Look, Ashley and Jenna are returning from their walk. I hope she didnae tire herself.” Cailin said worriedly.
“Dinnae fash, brother, she is verra able to take care of herself.”
“That is what I’m for, Cormac, to take care of her,” Cailin protested.
“Ye apparently dinnae understand these women from San Francisco. They are fine on their own.”
“That’s what they say, but I dinnae believe it.” Cailin headed off towards the women and Cormac quickly followed behind.
“Ashley, are ye well, love? Where have ye been?” Cailin asked.
“We just took a walk to Heather and Finn’s,” Ashley responded. “And before you say anything, I am not going to break, Cailin. I’m just having a baby and I feel wonderful. There is no need to worry. If there is, I’ll let you know.” With that pronouncement, she stood on tiptoes and kissed his nose.
Cailin seemed to have had all the wind taken out of his sails. He just stood there looking as though he was searching for a good reason to disagree with Ashley, but instead he smiled down at his lovely wife and took her arm to lead her inside.
“How was your walk, Jenna?” Cormac asked.
“Good. Ashley wanted to take some treats to the children and to ask if Heather would help her when it comes time for the baby to be born.”
“And will she?”
“Yes. She said she’d be happy to help. I think that put Ashley’s mind at ease. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, but giving birth in these times can be dangerous for a woman.”
“But not in your time?”
“Not so much,” Jenna assured him. “I tried to convince Ashley to come back to San Francisco to have the baby, but she wouldn’t hear it.”
“I would think not. Her life is here now. She wouldnae leave Cailin,” Cormac stated firmly.
“I know. That’s what she told me,” Jenna said. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to try to steal her away with me when I leave.”
“I hope not, love. It would kill me brother.”Just as it will kill me, when you leave.
