Page 41 of Wed to the Highlander
“It’s the heat,” another said. “We’ve bypassed spring and gone straight to summer.”
“I became dizzy,” Maggie stated. “But I think it’s passing.”
She tried to rise, but her knees wouldn’t hold her. In addition, her stomach roiled.
“Jeannie—fetch the laird,” Fiona ordered.
By the time Duncan burst into the room, Maggie was perched on a stool with one of the women fanning her. She tried to smile at him, but the room spun, and it faded.
He strode across the room and lifted her into his arms, and she didn’t give so much as a peep of protest.
Duncan carried her all the way to their chamber, barking orders at a startled footman on the way. When the door closed behind them, he set her gently on the bed.
“You’re pale as milk,” he muttered, crouching to remove her slippers.
“I think it was the heat. The room was quite warm. I’m feeling better now.”
His glare said he didn’t believe her. “Jeannie said you fainted.”
“I didn’tfaint.I became dizzy and swayed a little.”
He arched a brow. “You’ve been tired. Moody. And you don’t eat nearly enough. No wonder you’re lightheaded.”
She shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve been a bit off, I suppose.”
“You’re not off, Maggie.” His voice softened; his fingers tucked a few wayward hairs behind her ear. “You’re carrying my child.”
Her breath caught. “I hadn’t... Do you truly believe... It’s so soon...” she stammered, a swell of emotion rising in her chest.
“We’ve been wed two months.And during that time, have been very active.”He kissed her forehead. “You’re more beautiful than ever. Glowing, as they say.”
She huffed a disbelieving laugh. “That’s poetic for a woman who almost threw up in the sugar barrel two mornings ago.”
He chuckled then sobered, green eyes earnest. “Does this news make you happy?”
Her eyes misted. “Yes. What about you?”
“I’m over the moon, lass. ’Tis a dream come true.”
“And a bequest fulfilled.”
As silence descended, she felt a pang of regret. The joy of a moment before snatched away by her ill-considered words.
“I thought we were beyond this.”
“Me too. I mean, I am... It’s just hard not to notice how perfectly it all aligned: the marriage, the baby, and now, the inheritance.” She couldn’t hide her lingering cynicism when she added, “Your grandfather Angus would be delighted.”
He stood, the stillness within him thunderous, then it exploded.
“Damn it, woman. What will it take?” His voice cracked—not with anger but something rawer. “Have I not shown my devotion? Every day? Every night?” He paced away, raking his fingers through his hair in obvious frustration. “I’ve said I love you. What must I do to convince you of that fact? Forfeit a fortune and leave my kin destitute?”
“Of course not,” she whispered. “I’d not have them starve or lose their homes because of me.”
“Two things can be true at once,” he uttered fiercely. “Yes, I needed to marry. Yes, the inheritance mattered. But I could’ve married anyone.” He turned, crossing back to her, and sank onto the edge of the bed. “I chose you because I love you.You were a rainbow in the rain. A beacon in a storm.”
Tears brimmed, and she gripped his hand. “I love you, too. I have always loved you.”
“Then believe in me,” he murmured, gathering her close. “Because it’s real. This. Us. All real. But I’d be lying if I said it’s the only thing that matters. I can’t just ignore the hundreds of MacPhersons depending on me.” He laid his hand on her belly and whispered, “Depending on us.”
