Page 134 of Love Me Forever
“This is for me to do.”
Ian tensed. “My sister?”
Royce did not answer; he turned and entered the cottage alone. The smell of blood stung his nostrils, and the scene in front of him tore at his heart. How she must have suffered birthing the babe alone with no one to lend a helping hand, and here of all places. Here, where they had shared so much love.
He tensed from the pain and desperately fought the tears that threatened. He would be strong—he had to be—if not for him, then for Brianna, for she had been strong.
He could tell she had worked hard giving birth and had fought to the very end. And he had not been there for her. The pain in his heart was like none he had ever felt, and he knew he would feel more before his time in the cottage was done.
He approached the bed, a sheet covering most of Brianna’s body. She lay on her side in a protective huddle, and he could see why when he stood beside the bed. A small bundle he first thought was a pillow lay beside her, her arm draped over it. It was the babe wrapped in a blanket and lying there lifeless.
Brianna was pale and lifeless; not a move and not a sound.
A tear fell and he did not care. She had once told him that it was not a sign of weakness but strength to cry for the one you loved, and he loved Brianna like no other.
He leaned over, needing to touch her one more time, needing to feel her soft skin even if it would be cold to the touch. He needed very much to touch her again. He reached out and touched her face, and to his shock she stirred.
He was so startled he jumped back and with wide eyes watched as her eyes fluttered open slowly. He fell to his knees beside the bed, draping his arm over her arm that protected their child.
“Oh, Lord, Brianna, can you ever forgive me?”
It took a moment for her mind to clear and to recall recent events. She smiled when she thought of their daughter. She could not understand why Royce was upset. He had come to their rescue. She did not have to worry now, he had saved them and all would be well. So why was he upset?
At that moment the babe turned fussy and began to squirm and cry.
Royce was once again shocked senseless. He simply removed his arm and stared at the squirming little bundle that opened her mouth and let it be known that she wanted nourishment and she wanted it now.
Brianna smiled and laid a tender hand on Royce’s arm. “Your daughter Breda makes her wants known.”
“Daughter?” he asked, a smile spreading as he gazed at the squalling little girl. “She is beautiful like her mother.”
Relief suddenly ran over him, and he reached out to pull Brianna and his daughter into his arms. “Never again will I see either of you in harm’s way.”
Brianna gave Royce a slight shove so that she could settle the babe at her breast to feed.
“Let me help you,” Royce said, standing and holding out his hands, not knowing what to do but wanting to take care of them both.
“Sit,” she said with a gentle laugh.
“You need help.”
“Right now I need you beside me.” She patted the bed.
He sat and stared at the feeding babe and again felt the need to apologize. “I am so sorry that it took me so long to find you.”
“You came just in time. As soon as I rested I was going to attempt an escape to the woods, and there I intended to wait until you found us. I had no doubt you would find us.”
He shook his head, not believing what he heard. “You birthed a babe and planned to escape shortly afterward?”
“I had hoped to escape before the birth, but your daughter insisted on arriving early and upset my plans, so new plans were necessary.”
“You remained strong through this all.”
She reached for his hand. “I remained strong because of our love, and I knew our love would bring you to me as swiftly as possible. I waited patiently and prepared patiently. I love you, Royce Campbell, and I always will. And I thank you with all my heart for giving me such a lovely little girl.”
She wiped at the single tear that fell from his eye. “That tear means more to me than any words, for now I know the depth of your love for me.”
He leaned down and kissed her gently. “I love you, Brianna, and I am so very grateful for your strength and courage, for you saved our daughter’s life.”
