Ellenor nodded with satisfaction. “Good. Hopefully that will keep him out of trouble for a while. When he’s not busy, I am the one the ladies run to for help.”
“Aye, they do. They want her to help catch him,” Brighid added, remembering the last time Dugan had spent a significant amount of time in the village. Every day at least one—but as many as three and four—besotted girls would seek out Ellenor in hopes to learn how to win the man’s affections. It always ended in wailing and an inordinate amount of tears.
Ellenor shook her head in resignation. “He shouldn’t encourage the women. He’s far too smitten with most and refuses to commit to a single one.”
Cole leaned over and gave her a light kiss on the cheek. “At least he’s not smitten with you anymore.”
Ellenor grimaced and shot Cole an exasperated look. “Oh he never really was. Mild infatuation was the most he ever felt for me, and after spending so much time with soldiers, it was no wonder he liked the first girl he saw.”
“Well, he seems to have gotten over it.” Donald chuckled. “The man breaks more hearts than anyone else I know. Claims he’s cursed with good looks.”
“I just hope to be around the day he spies a woman who doesn’t fall so easily under his spell,” Brighid said.
“Want him to experience a broken heart, eh?”
“No,” Ellenor replied, elbowing her husband. “Brighid and I want him to be deliriously happy. Just like the two of you.”
Cole arched a single brow and gave a slight “hrmph.”
“The correct answer is ‘He should be so lucky,’” Ellenor explained with a twinkle in her eye.
Cole picked up his little girl, swinging her around. She cackled and he grinned. “He’ll never be as lucky as I. What else could a man want? I already have the perfect wife.” He paused and bounced his daughter above his head. Her laughter filled the room. “And the perfect family.”
Ellenor swallowed and glanced at Brighid, who widened her eyes and tilted her head, indicating she thought now was the time. “What if it weren’t three…but four?” Ellenor blurted out.
Cole froze for a second and slowly lowered Elle to the floor. “More, Daddy! More!”
Brighid grabbed the little girl’s hand and shushed her startled husband as she hurried everyone out of the room.
Still in shock, Cole was barely aware of the whines being ushered outside.
Ellenor began to wring her hands. “I know that we agreed to not have any more, but…” Suddenly she was in the air being twirled about.
“Are you sure?”
His bright blue eyes were sparkling, and she couldn’t help laughing. “I’m sure.”
“A baby?” Cole half asked, half exclaimed.
Ellenor’s pounding heart began to beat differently. He seemed thrilled, but she needed to make sure. “Are you really happy? I mean—”
Cole cut her off, brushing his lips across hers before playfully nipping at her lower lip. Then, unable to resist the temptation, he caught and held her close for a deeper kiss. After several very satisfying minutes, he reassured her. “Very, love. But are you? Do you want another? After the last time…”
“I didn’t think I did,” Ellenor began, “but when I realized I was with child, I knew I wanted another baby very much. I was afraid you wouldn’t…”
Cole placed a finger across her lips. “I love you and cannot think of a better gift you have ever given me than Elle. To know I will be doubly blessed brings me more happiness than any man has a right to.”
Tears of happiness blinded Ellenor eyes. “That a promise?”
“Aye, a Highlander’s promise.”
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Copyright © 2009 by C. Michele Peach
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Desiring The Highlander Page 37
