“I’ll punch your other eye if you say that stupid word once more.” She closed her eyes, trying to calm down. It wasn’t her and her feelings anymore. It was what was best for her baby, and all this nonsense was putting their child at risk.
The car lights stopped and doors were opened. Two people came running. Katlynne Montgomerie came rushing up, and knelt by her sister. Behind her was the darkly handsome Iain Kinloch.
Raven said, “I won’t run. I need to get back to the house and get warm. It’s freezing out here. Trev, please. I cannot be rolling around on the wet ground. I’m pregnant.”
His head snapped up. “You’re what?”
Katlynne glared at Trevelyn. “I believe, Mr. Mershan, my sister just informed you that you’re about to become a daddy. You bloody bastard.”
Iain held out his hand to help both of them up. Shaking Trevelyn’s, he said, “Congratulations, and welcome to the family. You will find these Montgomerie women have an odd way of breaking the news to you that you’re a father. In some instances they wait years to do it—thirteen years to be precise.”
Katlynne turned her catlike eyes on the man. “Don’t start, Iain. Bloody well don’t start.”
Trevelyn swung Raven into his arms and started back to the cottage. When she opened her mouth, he silenced it with a quick kiss. “Hush. It can wait. I love you. Know that much. Everything else can wait.”
Raven couldn’t explain what had possessed her. All unfamiliar dread ebbed away with his declaration that he loved her. Trevelyn was right; all else could wait until she knew her baby was safe.
Raven lay curled on her side, later that night. Trev had insisted she come to the hospital to make certain everything was all right. It was. The staff had wanted to keep her overnight for observation, but Raven refused; she wanted to go home and sleep in her own bed, with her kitties nearby. No one ever rested in hospitals. Once she knew her baby was safe and secure, she wanted to be home where they could both gain the rest they needed.
Even so, she couldn’t sleep.
When the clock struck one, Trevelyn tiptoed into the bedroom, pulled back the blanket and slipped into bed. He spooned his body against hers, and then gently placed his palm to the curve of her stomach. Where their child rested.
“You’re not asleep,” he said in a whisper. “Sleepy?”
Raven shook her head. “Just lying here thinking about everything you said. About your mother and father. Poor Desmond. Trev, he was so young to witness your father pulling the trigger. Too young to take on the responsibility. So much pain, hurt, anger. Only, in an odd way, all that fashioned who we are and brought us to this point.”
“I love you, Raven. Everything else we can work on. A future isn’t built in a single day or defined by one mistake. Give me time. I’ll make everything right.”
“Can you teach me that thing with the big toe?” she asked softly.
He laughed and then nodded. “Anything you want, my love.”
Chapter Twenty-two
“Why is there a pile of lumber blocking the entrance to the large greenhouse?” Raven poked her head into the room she had once intended to be a nursery.
She had figured the pain of that time would assail her; it always did. Instead, she felt at peace. It would soon be a nursery again, and this time she would have Trevelyn’s baby. Whatever it took, that baby would be born. She could almost see a small black-haired boy, watch as his blue newborn’s eyes slowly turned to green.
Trevelyn looked up from measuring the window seat, his eyes running over her, judging her mood. He was a smart man. As such, he knew she was still mad as a hornet. His brothers and he had earned the fury, and they had not yet begun to pay for their sins. He also knew she loved him. Arrogant wolf. To him it was a matter of groveling enough and waiting her out until she came around. This was the trouble in dealing with a man who knew her too well—he understood she couldn’t keep up with the anger forever.
“What are you doing?” she asked, nearly cringed as it came out harsh.
Turning, he leaned back against the window seat and stretched his long legs out in front of him. “My, aren’t we full of questions?”
She flashed him a look that warned him not to push. “I had planned to paint all afternoon, but you keep hammering in here and it’s breaking my concentration. Now I find you have half a lumberyard piled up against the greenhouse door. Why?”
“I’ve started work to remodel the nursery. I woke with ideas on what I wanted to do, so I called and had the lumber delivered. As to why it’s specifically blocking the door…I kicked in the lock last night. Your door is rather rare, and will require a new handle and locking system. They are not off-the-shelf stuff. I have a guy coming in Friday that does specialty work like this. He’s into Victorian wrought iron and such. It’ll cost me an arm and a leg, but your greenhouse door will be put back to pristine condition. Since that’s four days away, I have the lumber stopping anyone from getting in through there.”
“Also blocks us from getting out,” she said.
He chuckled. “Hmm. Let’s see…There’s the front door, the other greenhouse door and the back door. I think we can get out quickly enough if needed.”
Crossing her arms, she walked into the room. “What are you doing in here?”
“As I said, I’m remodeling it for a nursery. This was the room you were going to use for the baby you lost.”
Raven nodded, secretly pleased that he seemed enthusiastic about the idea of being a father. Trevelyn could afford to pay any number of people, including Brishen’s family, to come in and do the work he wanted, to buy the very best. Instead, Trev was choosing to do the work himself. For their child. Because of this care, she offered him a faint smile.
“I wanted to make it new, different, to ease any lingering pain for you.” His green eyes watched her, weighing her reaction to his words.
“Surprisingly, I don’t feel the pain anymore. I’ve finally let go of it.” She looked around but found no ghostly presence. “It was time. So, what are you planning to do?”
“Yellow paint, I think. Nice and sunny. Brishen’s cousin Luca is going to help me build a child-safe baby bed. Then I’m going to add a toy chest, a built-in dresser. I’m even going to fashion my own model. One thing I cannot do myself—I have asked Brishen to build a rocking horse. Everything is going to be perfect for my son.”
Bloody arrogant wolf. “What makes you think I won’t have a daughter?” She tilted her chin stubbornly.
He reached in his shirt pocket, pulled out a tarot card and held it out for her. “The Sun. The Gypsy gave it to me this morning. Since that is a boy child riding on the white horse, I have a feeling my question was answered. The big sun on the card caused me to think the room would look great in yellow.”
She flipped it over and read the words:
The journey ends where the heart begins.
He tilted his head, a challenging look that said there was no use fighting fate. “You can have a daughter next time.”
“Next time? What makes you think there will be a next time? I’m not sure I want you touching me with a ten-foot pole—”
His laughter stopped her small tirade. The bloody man moved so damn quick she didn’t have a chance to evade him. Wrapping his arms about her, Trev pulled her forward to step between his legs, his inner thighs brushing the outside of hers. “Ten-foot? Lass, you exaggerate. Though, humble it may be, I recall you rather like touching my pole.”
“Don’t try to make me laugh, Trevelyn Mershan. I might hit you again. I’m not in a good mood with you.” Raven reached out with trembling fingers and gently touched the black eye she’d given him, fighting her wash of emotion. She was sorry she’d hurt him, but by the same token the man deserved decking. Even so, her body responded to being this near to him.
“Sorry, love, it’s too late for second thoughts. A wolf mates for life. You and I are highly intelligent people. We have everything before us. We’ll muddle through the mess the Mershan
brothers created. We were wrong. Like the broken lock, we’ll make repairs to the damage we’ve done.” The teasing nature shifted slowly to a serious expression as he’d spoken. “And you and I have made a baby.”
After a moment he added, “I grew up without a father. I didn’t turn out too bad, because my brother Desmond loved me. My mother tried to raise me. Sadly, she had mental problems. I think her heart broke the day my father took his life, and there was no putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. She did so much wrong…but she loved us. She tried her best. And that is all anyone can do. It’s what you shall do for our child. As such, you won’t want that baby growing up without a father. So, you see, I have several things riding in my favor. Oh, I know I’ll spend a good deal of time making things up to you. But I’ll enjoy every damn minute of it.”
She frowned, knowing he was right. “So assured of everything. Well, you’re overlooking one major detail.”
Trev nodded. “No, I’m not. Wait right here.” He pushed off the window ledge and dashed into the hall. Returning, he held his black leather jacket with his left hand and was rummaging in the pocket with the other. “Ordering the lumber wasn’t the only thing I did this morning while you were asleep.” Tossing the coat onto the rocking chair in the corner, he held up a small box. He flipped it open and removed a ring.
When she stood unmoving, he reached out, took her left hand and slid the ring on it.
“Trevelyn, I…” she started to say.
“Hush. I know you’re still disappointed in me, and will be for days to come, but that’s something we’ll get beyond—together. The past has held me in its talons for too long. Same as you have let go of the pain this room caused you for years, I’m letting go of the pain and hurt that controlled my life for far too long. I’m reaching for the future—a happy future—with both hands. My journey ends where my heart begins, and my heart begins with you.”
Raven closed her eyes against all the emotions pushing at her. She also knew the baby was causing part of that turmoil. Damn hormones were making it so hard to think calmly, logically.
“Don’t give me an answer now. Wear the ring. Allow a few days for everything to settle down. Give the Mershans a chance to put right everything we have done wrong. Give me a chance?”
Unable to find the words, she merely nodded. He was right. It was simply too early to forgive all. Besides, she had the sudden urge she was going to be sick. The room seemed to spin.
“Trevelyn, I don’t feel well,” she almost whispered.
He nodded. “It’s been hard on you, I know—”
“No, Trev. I do not feel well. Like, morning sickness.”
He looked like he didn’t understand, and then his eyes flew wide. “Oh! Let me get you to the bathroom.”
“Won’t make it—” Already the dry heaves were starting to hit her. “Sink. Kitchen.”
She took off running and barely made it. While she retched her guts out, Trevelyn hovered, asking what he should do. Did she want anything? He opened a can of apple juice, then got out the lemonade, and finally made a glass of ice water. She would have found his flustered panic amusing, if she hadn’t felt so wretched.
She snatched at the water, swished it around in her mouth and spat it out. Turning on the tap, she allowed the water to rinse out the sink and then splashed some on her face, waiting to see if the sickness would come or if it had exhausted itself.
“How can you have morning sickness? It’s afternoon,” Trev fussed.
Raven accepted the paper towel and blotted her mouth. Reaching for the lemonade, she took a swallow, thankful to get rid of the taste in her mouth. “It hits most women in the morning, but a few get it in the afternoon. Some get it both.”
“Why don’t you have a lie down? You really look pale.”
When she nodded weakly, he swept her into his arms and carried her upstairs. She wanted to protest, but he was right. She was suddenly very tired. He placed her on the bed and tucked her up with the quilt. Thoughtfully, he dropped the blind over the skylight, darkening the room.
“Rest, Red. I’ll cook supper. Something light, like grilled chicken breasts—”
“Trevelyn, please. No food talk,” she begged.
Leaning over, he kissed her forehead. “Relax. Feel better. I’ll be downstairs playing in the nursery if you need anything.”
Raven waited until he’d left before pulling her hand out from under the cover. Wiggling her finger she looked at the beautiful ring, a very simply cut oval diamond. A ring she would have picked out for herself.
“Bloody arrogant wolf,” she muttered and closed her eyes.
Raven dozed for a couple hours. She hadn’t meant to, but when Pye and Chester came to cuddle, she got very warm and drifted into peaceful dreams.
A chill moved through the house as if a storm were coming. She shivered as she awoke, so she picked up her shawl at the same moment she heard a car in the driveway. Stifling a yawn, she hurried downstairs to answer the subequent knocking, which was quite insistent. In the half-light of the February evening, she thought she looked at Trevelyn. Behind him, a taxi pulled away from the drive and headed toward the road. She blinked, confused, and then glanced down the hall toward the back room, hearing hammering there. It was an odd moment. She knew Trev had a twin, yet until this breath she hadn’t understood how much they did look alike.
The strange figure tilted his head, likely going through the same instant of assessment, comparing her to Asha. “Peculiar, eh?” he said.
She would have liked him automatically because he was Trev’s brother, but she was still half mad at Trevelyn, so that anger automatically extended to this man; and the lingering annoyance was kept alive because of what Jago had put Asha through. “I’m not sure the world really deserves two of you. One’s bad enough.”
“You can berate me later. I want to see Asha. Make sure she’s all right.” It was an odd mixture of plea and demand. Well, it was obvious, whatever else was going on, Jago was in love with her sister. That was clear to see.
“Asha?” Her perplexity deepened.
“Yeah, your twin. Looks a lot like you but has lighter hair and doesn’t have that beauty mark on her lip that you do,” he remarked.
“I know my sister quite well. I just don’t understand why you would think she’d be here.” She looked him up and down and then gave him a mocking half smile. “I see differences between Trev and you, too.”
Jago was clearly trying to control his irritation. “Asha’s not here?”
Raven shook her head. “She’s in Kentucky.”
“She left there, was coming home to you.”
“She’s not here. Her home is in Kentucky now.”
She saw he half-believed her, but he also knew she would lie for Asha if the case required it, and he feared this might be one of those times. She gasped when he pushed past her, heading inside, uninvited. Chester paused for a moment, looked to her but then followed Jago from room to room while he called Asha’s name.
Raven stood by the door, glaring at him when he came back down the stairs. “Chester, leave the man alone. That’s not Trev,” she told the cat. The feline paid no attention. “I think it best you leave, Mr. Mershan.”
Ignoring her, he dropped down on the oak bench in the hallway. “She’s not here.”
“I told you she wasn’t, but I guess being a lying Mer- shan, you expect everyone else to lie, too. Asha is in Kentucky. She rang to say she was coming, but an hour later she called back to say she’d changed her mind and was returning to The Windmill.”
He stared at her, trying to decide if she was telling the truth. Reading his mind, she shrugged and crossed to a hall table where a landline phone sat. She picked it up and punched out a number with enough digits to tell him it was overseas.
She smiled patronizingly, and then held the receiver to his ear. Asha’s voice was clear across the connection. “The Windmill. Hello? Anyone there?”
Jago took the phone from Raven’s hand, punched
disconnect and started to dial. He paused when he realized he wasn’t sure whom to call. He looked at her. “I need Mershan’s corporate helicopter and jet warmed up. That’s Julian’s department, but I guess he’s still on Falgannon. Where is Trev?”
“Trev’s right here.” Trevelyn spoke from the shadow of the hall doorway.
Seeing his twin, Jago laughed. “No wonder Raven saw ‘differences.’ That is a beauty of a shiner and bruise on your chin. Run into a door? I wonder if you remembered rule number three in handling a Montgomerie female—to protect your breall?”
“My what?”
Jago waggled his eyebrows and glanced downward. “Your prized possession.”
Trevelyn laughed. “Ah, that made it through the fray unscathed. Just barely.”
“So far,” Raven muttered, and then tugged her shawl around her shoulders. “I’ll leave you wolves alone, so you can do wolfish things, like sniffing each other’s brealls.”
The brothers, so alike, broke into gales of laughter. As soon it would subside, they’d look at each other and the belly laughs would come again.
“Wolves,” Raven growled, and then spun on her heel and went out to the kitchen to grab something—anything—to put in her stomach. Being empty wasn’t sitting well with it.
The two men moved about in the other rooms, talking and phoning. Raven nibbled on a piece of toast with apple butter, watching. Yes, she’d known to expect that Jago was Trevelyn’s twin. But even with being a twin herself, she hadn’t anticipated how much the two men were alike. Despite that, she smiled. She’d never confused the two despite their continual shifting.
Jago came down the hall, pausing to look in on the nursery. His eyebrows lifted and those dark green eyes shifted to her. “So it seems I’m going to be an uncle?”
She didn’t reply, just continued to quietly munch her toast and sip her lemonade, her stomach very happy to have both. She was less thrilled at having to deal with a second Big Bad Wolf. Damn fairy tales never mentioned there were two!
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