Page 14 of Love’s Charity

Epilogue

Five years later…

Ben Nevis, Scotland

Clan MacCoinnich Keep– Tor Ruadh

Marianna stood atthe table beside the hearth. The one they had decorated to hold the treats for their precious four-year-old daughter. She plucked at the bright red ribbons wrapped around the bundles of holly and evergreen boughs and moved to tidy those on the mantel. In fact, greenery bedecked with the festive bows decorated every surface that would hold them. Blessed Yuletide had returned, and they kept it faithfully. This time of year meant more to them than most would ever understand.

She paused as she passed in front of the fire and looked at him, finally aware he had entered the room. “Are ye certain she is asleep?” Their little Hanna would rise early to celebrate Christmas. That is, if they ever got the wee mite to go to sleep.

Evander smiled, struck mute by the beautiful silhouette of his wife’s rounded belly the firelight revealed through her chemise. The wondrous sight both thrilled and terrified him. Another sweet babe had been taken from them two years ago. Another daughter. Stillborn. It had been a terrible, dark time that had nearly killed them both. He feared after that loss there would never be another. And that was fine. As long as he still had Marianna and wee Hanna to care for and love.

But then Marianna gifted him with the news of this one’s coming and had the same healthy glow she had possessed while carrying Hanna. This babe moved within her constantly. Strong and hearty. He hoped this child would be born braw and healthy, and Marianna would be safe. But to make doubly sure, each night after everyone went to sleep, he took to his knees and prayed for her and all his bairns—even wee Jennett, who had gone to be with the angels.

“Evander!” Marianna scolded softly while rubbing the small of her back. “Are ye sure she is asleep? Ye know how she pretends and fools ye every time.” She shook her head. “The wee mite delights in fooling ye.”

He took her by the arm and gently led her to the couch laden with pillows. “I am sure she sleeps. Sit ye down and let me rub yer back while we wait to be certain the wee beastie isna faking again. Then I will set out her treats before we go to bed, aye?”

“I dinna ken if it will do any good to go to bed at all this evening.” She blew out a heavy sigh and arched her back, holding her belly between both hands. “The way this wee one stretches and kicks. I’ve little room left for him.”

“Him?”

“Or her,” she amended, leaning into his hand as he pressed his knuckles into her poor knotted muscles. “Although, I dinna remember Hanna kicking this much.” Her voice trembled as she looked down and stroked her stomach. “And poor wee Jennett hardly moved at all.”

“Our Jennett sings with the angels now, m’love.” He brushed a tender kiss to her shoulder, embracing her sorrow with his own.

A rhythmic series of soft thumps, then the pattering of tiny feet running across the floor, kept him from saying more. He tilted his head toward the nursery door. “That wee minx was merely acting asleep.”

“I told ye,” Marianna chided. “The child has amazing control when she wishes to remain still and fool those around her. Especially her Da.”

The nursery room door creaked open wide enough for the silvery-haired tot to peep out. “Mama? Da?”

“Aye, Hanna. We are here.” Evander stood and did his best to give his daughter a stern look but sorely failed. How could he act angry with such a precious mite? “If ye dinna sleep, Christmas will never come for ye. Remember?”

“But I has a gift for ye and Mama,” she defended, still peering through the partially opened door.

“If ye give us this gift, will ye try to sleep, then?” Marianna asked as she settled back among the pillows.

“Aye, I will.”

“Promise?” Evander nudged.

“Promise,” Hanna agreed. “But ye need to sit with Mama, and both of ye close yer eyes.”

Marianna gave him another I told you so smirk and patted the cushion beside her.

He sat, took hold of his feisty lady love’s hand, and squeezed. “We are ready, Hanna.”

“Dinna be a peeking,” the little one warned from the doorway.

“We willna peek,” Marianna promised, squeezing his hand back.

He took it as a warning to behave and dutifully closed his eyes.

The soft thumping pattered toward them, then stopped. “Ye may look now,” Hanna announced in a proud, singsong voice.

Marianna gasped and clutched a hand to her chest. Evander kept a tight hold of her, praying the shock wouldn’t harm her or the baby. “Where did ye get that, Hanna?”

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