by Mary McCall
"Here is your apple, milady,” Freya said.
Hope reached out of her cocoon and accepted the dried fruit. “My thanks."
As Leonce carried her outside, she sighed and relaxed against him. After entering the makeshift shelter, he stood her on dry ground, then went to the back of the small area and added wood to the fire. She crooned over Diable and fed him the treat.
Just as Diable kissed her cheek, liquid flushed between her legs. Hope looked down at the bloody pool at her feet. “Zounds!"
"What's wrong, Hope?” Leonce tossed the log in his hand on the fire. “You've been acting strange all day."
"My water flows,” she said in a dazed voice.
"'Tis too soon!” He rushed to her side.
Hope resumed her mask and smiled. “Nay. My count must be wrong."
Leonce lifted her and headed toward the rear door of the keep.
"Please do not say anything. Carry me straight to our chamber. The babe will not come for a while, and I want time alone with you afore I'm confined."
He didn't answer, though he did as she bid and lowered her onto the bed after reaching the room.
"Wait, Leonce.” She held on to his shoulders. “Help me to my feet. ‘Twill be easier to get the pelts off, and I must change my gown, or I'll be forced to spend several hours on a wet mattress."
He assisted her into a dry gown and placed a waxed linen over the bed that Freya had prepared a few days earlier. He settled Hope on the bed, sat beside her, and caressed her cheek. “You've had pains all evening and didn't tell me."
Her cheeks flushed. “You would have put me to bed earlier if you had known, and the walking eased my back."
"Your count isn't wrong, love. You expect problems."
Hope hesitated, gazing into his eyes, and answered truthfully. “Aye. Promise me something?"
"Anything."
She dropped all pretensions and clutched at his plaid. “Afore sending for Cassie and the midwife, bring Harry up and lay a red ribbon over his perch. If he brings it to you afore this is over, do not let anything keep you out."
"You'll not die on me,” he ordered, gripping her hand.
"'Tis not my plan. I've built up some strength, but mayhap not enough. If I get too weary, I may need to borrow some of yours. Will you promise me?"
"You have a chieftain's promise to his most precious treasure."
"I love you so much.” She raised her free hand to his jaw. “Kiss me and hold me close. ‘Twill increase the strength I start with."
He gave her a loving kiss and held her in a possessive yet tender embrace. “I love you, Angelaspera. Do not let my heart stop beating."
A contraction gripped her belly, and she tightened her hold on him. When her tension eased, he laid her against the pillows and caressed her cheek. “I will get Harry while you guard my heart."
* * * *
Exhaustion and fear threatened to overwhelm Cassie. She wiped perspiration from Hope's brow and upper lip. They had tried all night and all day to reposition the babes without success. Hope seemed to have entered a perpetual contraction. Strained waxiness with blue lips and dark circles under Hope's eyes gave her the look of a corpse. Only her shallow breathing confirmed life. If the babes did not come soon, that sign would pass away.
"Do you want me to try turning them again, Hope?"
"Send for...Leonce."
"Nay.” Cassie took hold of Hope's hand. “He will think you're dying, and we cannot give up."
Cassie felt concerned as a weak-looking Hope brushed her lips with her tongue. She sensed that Hope needed Leonce's strength to finish this labor and had none of her own left to spare arguing.
"Harry...to our chief,” whispered Hope, turning her head toward the perch by the hearth She lifted her free hand and pointed toward the pelt-covered window. Her hand fell limply by her side.
"Harry, nay!” Cassie cried, turning toward the perch.
The warrior eagle ignored Cassie. With red ribbon in beak, he used his powerful talons, pried back the pelt, and slipped through.
Cassie spun back around. “Hope, he will be devastated!"
"Cannot be having men in a birthing room,” Kendra, the midwife, agreed. “They're not strong enough to stomach it."
"When...he arrives...let him in...Cassie. You...must do what...we talked about."
"I don't think I can,” Cassie whispered, clutching Hope's hand.
Hope squeezed Cassie's fingers. “My babes...will die...me too, if...you do not."
"Hope, I'm here!” Leonce pounded on the outside of the door.
"Nay, Chief. Cannot be having men in here,” Kendra called.
"Cassie, I need...his strength...Open the..."
"Aye, Hope. I will let him in.” Cassie released Hope's hand and turned.
The board barring the door splintered, and the portal slammed open. Leonce went straight to the bed with a concerned look on his face. He leaned over and lifted one of her hands, tenderly brushing back a loose strand of damp hair. “I'm here, love. Tell me what you need."
Hope dragged in a breath. “Our babes...not right place...Cassie will pull...I...no strength...sit behind...raise shoulders...need you...to push."
Leonce raised Hope's limp body and rested her head and shoulders on a cushion on his lap as he sat behind her. Cassie folded up the linen from the foot of the bed, and the midwife helped her position Hope's legs.
"Remember...packing, Cassie...Will bleed...bad. And badge...Don't forget."
"I will remember. Save the strength you have left. MacPherson, spread your hands over her belly. When I tell you to push, apply a steady, firm pressure."
He splayed his hands over Hope's abdomen. Cassie washed her hands in herbal water and turned toward the bed. “Are you ready, Hope?"
"Aye."
Cassie closed her eyes. “Oh Lord, I do not know if I can."
"You are my...only hope,” Hope pleaded.
"Lord, help us both then."
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Chapter Forty-Nine
* * * *
Leonce brushed his lips against Hope's hair as Cassie eased her hand into the birth canal. Hope turned her head to the side, and a low moan escaped her.
"I found the problem.” A frown tugged at Cassie's brow. “They are hugging. Let me figure out which feet belong to which so we can get them out one at a time."
"There is more than one?” Leonce's gut wrenched as Hope moaned again.
"I have a set of feet. I'm bringing them around.” Cassie pressed upward on Hope's abdomen and maneuvered the tiny body inside. A mewling whine escaped Hope. “Lord, Hope, scream. You have been silent too long. The baron is not here, and ‘twill make you feel better. Are you ready, MacPherson?"
"Aye.” Sweat beaded on his brow.
"Push now,” Cassie said as she pulled the slimy feet in her hand.
Leonce applied firm, even pressure.
"'Tis a boy, Hope. A little more pressure, MacPherson."
Leonce pushed harder. An agonized scream tore from Hope. Then she went limp. The babes, still hugging each other from opposite directions, came out in a swish, the second one feet last. Kendra tied off and cut the cords as Cassie pressed a cloth against the birth canal, stemming the flow of blood.
"We have them both, Hope.” A note of hysterical relief lifted Cassie's tone. “They are beautiful boys. Hold this cloth, MacPherson. We'll see to the babes."
Leonce gently lowered his unconscious wife onto the bed and held the linen against Hope's birth canal. Cassie and Kendra carried the babes over to a crib by the hearth.
He didn't spare a glance at his sons, so worried was he about Hope. His chest constricted. Bright red blood trickled around his fingers. “Lady Fraser, she is bleeding through the cloth!"
Cassie left both infants in Kendra's care and rushed to the bedside. “I feared this. Let me over there."
Leonce moved and watched helplessly as Cassie took away the blood-drenched cloth. She replaced it with ano
ther, which she inserted into the birth canal. Placing a hand on Hope's swollen belly, Cassie sat back and looked at Hope's strained face. “I'm glad she fainted. The next part is not as bad, but she will not have to suffer it."
"What do you mean next part? Stop it!” Leonce ordered. “She has been through enough."
"No one can stop it.” Cassie pulled the bed linen down to Hope's knees. “The birth sac must come out. When her contractions begin again, I'll remove the packing so it can pass, then put the packing back. She must keep it in for seven days and stay off her feet to keep from bleeding too much. Even with precautions, there is danger. She could get a fever."
"I'll not allow it.” He moved to the head of the bed, picked up a damp cloth, and mopped Hope's brow. God help him, he couldn't lose her.
"You can leave if you wish. We'll not need you for this next part."
"I'll stay until she wakes."
"She is exhausted and may sleep for some while."
"Then I'll stay for some while.” Leonce smoothed Hope's hair over the pillow. He refreshed the cloth and washed her face.
A tired smile curved Cassie's lips. “I am glad you love her, MacPherson. Ian stayed with me too, but I'm not supposed to tell."
Leonce paused in his task and looked at Cassie. “I think, Lady Fraser, that Ian and I both chose well."
Leonce watched Cassie as she delivered the birth sac, replacing the packing with one she had soaked in an herbal solution and coated with a salve. She then went to the hearth and checked on the twins. Kendra had them cleaned, bundled, and placed in the crib. He drew a linen over Hope, having already bathed her, and removed the soiled gown and bedclothes. Cassie leaned over to pick up the discarded laundry. He placed a hand on her shoulder to halt her.
Leonce took Cassie's hand and pulled her up. “Seek your husband and your bed, Lady Fraser. Freya will take care of this."
"Are you sure you do not want me to stay? The next day will be crucial. She could still take a fever or bleed."
Leonce gently squeezed her hand and gazed at Hope. “Go rest. I'll not leave her now. I'll call you if there is a need."
"I will return early in the morn if you do not send for me afore then. Would you like to see the babes afore I go?"
"Aye.” Tearing his gaze from Hope, Leonce followed Cassie to the crib. Two tiny bundled infants lay side by side, looking just alike. “Damn! They're wee bairns!"
Cassie smiled. “But they seem healthy and have all their fingers and toes. Though she is weak, Hope has milk. They have a good chance if she does well."
"I appreciate all you've done,” he said, his eyes still on his sons. “I know you were afraid."
"Aye, but Hope has saved me more times than I can count."
Leonce fingered his chieftain's badge, which was pinned to one of the bundles.
"He is your first. Hope bade me make sure ‘twould be no confusion. I'll find Freya and then retire."
After Cassie left, Freya came and straightened the room, cooed over the babes, and fretted over Hope. Leonce ushered Freya and Kendra from the chamber, then stared at his sleeping sons, marveling at the miracle of life.
Slipping into the bed, he pulled Hope onto her side against him and held her in his arms.
"Are they beautiful, Leonce?” she mumbled, petting his chest.
"Aye, Angelaspera.” He closed his eyes. “We have two beautiful male cubs with all their toes on their paws."
Hope rolled one shoulder and groaned. “Leonce?"
"Hum?"
"I do like the way your hands make me feel when you rub my back."
"Do you now?” He smiled and gently stroked her back.
"Aye, ‘tis too bloody bad the Highlands have softened me. I'll not be able to stay awake and enjoy it.” Soon after the words left her mouth, Hope fell asleep.
Leonce kissed her brow and rubbed her back until fatigue overtook him. He drifted into a peaceful slumber, dreaming of his angel who kept her long-ago promise and gave him so much more.
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Chapter Fifty
* * * *
Hope hovered on the brink of wakefulness, fighting a losing battle with the urgency nature foisted upon her. A babe cried in the background. How could the noise reach the chieftain's chamber? There were no infants at the keep. Yet. Smiling in her drifting state, she lowered a hand to her belly to pet her babes. Zounds! Her eyes flew open as the last few days flashed through her mind. She was a mother!
The crying sounded louder. Her own need was compelling, however. Leonce slumbered beside her with an arm around her shoulders, and she decided to ease away from him. Leonce awoke, halting her with his arm.
"What is wrong?” He wiped a hand over his face.
She threw her hair over her shoulder and rose up onto an elbow. “A couple of people in this chamber have urgent needs."
"I'll check on them. You go to sleep."
"Leonce, wait.” She grabbed his hand. “Might you help me to the garderobe first?"
"Aye.” Leonce rounded the bed, lifted Hope in his arms, and carried her to the small closet off their room. Then he hovered over her.
Zounds! After all they had been through, there was still one thing she couldn't do in front of him. “My thanks, Leonce. Want to check on the babes and give me a moment?"
"Lady Fraser said you were not to get out of bed for seven days because there is a danger of bleeding and fever."
Hope snorted. “I should not walk or strain for five days. I'll be fine here for a few moments."
Leonce hesitated.
"Think I would suffer through the last two days only to die when the worst part is over?” Hope cast him her MacFury grin.
"Nay, love. I'll go check the bairns.” He kissed her brow and left.
Hope soon decided she had attained all the relief she was likely to achieve until the packing came out. Leonce returned, carried her back to bed, and sat next to her. “Leonce, take me over to see the babes."
"You're to stay in bed. ‘Tis a chieftain's order.” He tapped her nose.
"But I'm their mother and have not seen them yet. And why does one cry?"
"They smell bad.” Leonce wrinkled his nose and shuddered.
Hope rolled her eyes. Her fierce warrior brought low by baby poop. “Then their wrappings need changing. Please, Leonce? If you'll not take me there, help me sit up and bring them to me."
"You need sleep. ‘Tis only a few hours since they arrived."
"I refuse to sleep until I have held our babes.” She crossed her arms and set her stubborn jaw. “And bring me some extra wrappings from the pile on the table by the crib, the blue phial next to them, and a couple of damp cloths."
Leonce scowled at her order-tossing habit. “Anything else?"
"You can wipe that cursed frown off your face and kiss me. You can share my joy the first time I hold our sons."
"Ah, Hope.” He kissed her and held her close. “I don't mean to frown. Lady Fraser says you're still in danger, and I'm fretting about you."
"I know.” She caressed his jaw. “I promise not to do anything to injure myself. I know what my risks are and intend to avoid them."
"I'll be right back.” He brushed his lips across hers and went to the hearth area. He dampened a couple of cloths from a water bowl and draped them over the end of the crib. He picked up the entire pile of linens and the blue phial and put them on the bedding beside the tiny infants. Picking up the crib, he carried it to the bedside and helped Hope sit up against a mountain of pillows. “'Tis the badged one who cries."
"He came first, so should have your name. Hand wee Leonce to me.” She felt the excitement in her voice.
"You want me to pick him up?” He cast an incredulous glance at her.
Hope raised a haughty brow and flicked her wrist in the air. “Nay. Tell him you're chieftain and command him to float through the air."
"Are you in pain?” he asked, concern weighting his tone.
She blushed. “Nay, I ap
ologize for my surly remark. ‘Twill be well, Leonce. Place a hand under his head and neck and one under his lower back."
Leonce lifted the odiferous, squalling infant, holding the babe away from himself, and handed the bundle to Hope.
She opened her mouth in awe at first sight of her son. “Zounds! He's so teeny.” She glanced at Leonce and then back at their son. “He looks like you."
He grunted. “I've not got a flat, stubby nose."
Hope snorted. “He'll not either when he grows. Will you, wee Leonce?"
She kissed the top of the babe's head. He ceased his squalls and looked toward her. Then wee Leonce began wailing again.
"Your papa is right. You do smell bad. Let's get you cleaned up.” Hope unbundled the infant, removed the soiled wrapping, and handed it to Leonce. He balled the wad and threw it into the fire. Hope cleaned wee Leonce and applied oil to his bottom from the phial. She replaced the wrapping and bundled him as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Why do you weep?"
Hope dashed her fingers at her wet cheeks. “He is so wonderful, and we made him, and I am so happy."
"Why does he still cry?” Leonce sat on the bed, looking at their son.
"Mayhap he is hungry.” She lowered the bed linen and raised her son to her breast. After a brief search, wee Leonce latched onto her nipple with ferocity. Hope gasped. “He'll bloody well grow up to be as strong as you too."
A smile tugged at the corners of Leonce's mouth. “'Tis terrible to admit, but I am jealous of my son."
She caressed his stubbled jaw. “I'm longing for you too, Lion."
They sat in silence, enjoying a quiet interlude. As the babe let go, having had his fill, Hope's stomach grumbled, and Leonce chuckled. “If my lioness will be all right alone, I will go see what I can find to eat."
"The lioness will be grateful.” Hope raised wee Leonce and held him over her shoulder, gently tapping his back.
"Do you want me to put him in the crib first?"
"Nay. He needs to burp afore he lies down. I'll enjoy holding him for a while more."
Leonce left and soon returned with a tray. Hope was tired, but smiled as she relinquished her sleeping firstborn to her husband, who deposited the babe in the crib. Leonce placed the tray on Hope's lap. It overflowed with roasted chicken, shaved roast, crowdie cheese, bannock bread, a cup of milk and a goblet of ale.
