Labor of Love

by Felicia Rogers

  “I’m sorry, Lady Cameron, but she won’t stop fussin’.”

  “Oh, she is probably just hungry. Come to momma, Eva.” Sorcha carried her to their rooms and sat down in one of the chairs.

  Grant openly admired her form, as she loosened her gown to feed their daughter. The longer they waited the more restless he became.

  Sorcha asked, “Are ye all right?”

  “Aye, I’m all right. How is the wee one?”

  “She should be satisfied soon.”

  “At least someone will be,” he mumbled under his breath. What a way to feel, jealous of a wee babe.

  “Come sit beside me, Grant.”

  He obeyed for lack of anything better to do.

  “Tell me of yer family.”

  That was the last thing he wanted to discuss before enjoying his wife’s company. But while the babe nursed, he needed something to occupy his mind. “Where should I begin?”

  “Hmm…how many sisters do ye have again?”

  Just because he wanted to make sure she understood he was the last male, he started with Samuel. “Samuel was the babe and my only brother. I’m the eldest and I believe there are five sisters.”

  “Ye believe? Ye mean ye don’t know for sure?” she said incredulously.

  “There are so many and they look so much alike, I lost count,” he said, mirth in his tone.

  “Ye are terrible!”

  Grant didn’t speak for a moment. His playful attitude was replaced by seriousness as he placed his hands on Eva’s head. “I find myself wishin’ the wee lass had belonged to Samuel.” He walked the room restlessly. “I don’t know how I would feel if I had to think about lovin’ ye after ye had been loved by Samuel. But it would’ve been easier to face my father.” He paused. “Ye must think I’m selfish.”

  “Nay, I understand. Loss is never easy to accept.”

  “Sorcha, forgive me. I have no right to whine after all ye have suffered.”

  “Oh, Grant. Every life is precious and means something to someone. Even Festus with all his faults was loved by God and Lorcan. We must remember Samuel died a martyr, a hero to the community, and he wouldn’t wish for us to grieve overly long.”

  “Aye, I know,” he said, bowing his head.

  “And yer father will know this as well. He knew what Samuel was about. He knew what Samuel had in mind when he left for Ireland. And when your father struggles to get through those tough times, we will be there for him.”

  “Sorcha?”

  “Aye?”

  “Thank ye.”

  “Ye are welcome.” Sorcha turned suddenly shy, lowering her eyes. “I believe Eva has fallen asleep.”

  Grant took his daughter and carried her to a wooden cradle that sat against the wall in their room. Sorcha followed him and watched as he gently laid Eva in her bed. “Where did that come from?” She whispered.

  He rose up and faced her. “I made it.”

  As she pulled him away from their sleeping daughter, she stopped beside the bed. Her arms snaked up around his neck, and she leaned back her head to look into his face. “Well, aren’t ye full of surprises.”

  He laughed under his breath. “Yer one to talk.”

  “Remember I told ye. I am open with nothing to hide.” Sorcha placed her fingers at the nape of his neck and grasped the ribbon that held his hair, pulling it free. Brown strands fell into her hands and she ran her fingers through them, enjoying the feel. He shivered when her fingers came into contact with his bare skin. He waited patiently, his hands resting on her tiny waist.

  She kicked off her soft shoes and crawled backward onto the bed, bringing him with her. They lay on their sides facing one another. Sorcha touched him on every exposed place. She ran her hands over his defined forearm. Then she ran her hands through the curly hairs that peeked out of the v of his tunic.

  Her hand continued to travel upward until it landed on his lips. She rubbed his bottom lip with the tip of her finger, when he thought he could stand it no longer she leaned in and kissed him. First it was slow, as if she was testing the waters. As she realized he wasn’t going to harm her, she became more brazen.

  Her body scooted into his. His hands explored her. As they kissed, their clothing magically disappeared and they melded together as one.

  ****

  Sorcha awoke to a whimpering noise. She felt like she was being held down and she fought to free herself. She struggled, opening her mouth to scream.

  “Wait a moment lass, and I will free ye.”

  Her panic intensified, he was back again. Hadn’t he hurt her enough?

  When Grant touched her, she jumped and fell into the floor, hitting her head against the wall. She screamed out in pain, causing Eva to respond in kind. When the clear piercing wail hit Sorcha’s ears, it shocked her into awareness. The first thing she noticed was that Grant was by her side.

  “Are ye all right?”

  Sorcha wasn’t sure. Bare from the waist down, her hair hung in front of her, the only thing keeping her decent. Her legs were wrapped and tangled in an array of color. She would be bruised in the morning, her bum ached already. “What happened?”

  Grant helped her back into the bed. “Eva woke up, and ye looked so comfortable I didn’t wish to disturb ye, so I was tryin’ to comfort her. But ye must have heard her and tried to wake up. Then ye started kickin’. I laid her back down to try and help ye, but ye scooted away from me and fell into the floor.”

  Eva was becoming more and more agitated with each passing moment. “Can ye bring her to me?”

  “Aye.”

  Eva’s little back arched, and she tried to shove her whole fist into her mouth. The tiny babe was red faced from all the crying. Sorcha soothed her and readied her to eat. It took some time but finally Eva calmed down and snuggled into Sorcha.

  “I’m sorry, Grant. I was having a bad dream,” she hung her head in shame. She figured he understood she thought Festus had come for her again.

  “Nay, don’t do that.”

  Grant nudged her chin until she looked at him. “That’s better. We are husband and wife, and there will never be any shame in our love, do ye understand?”

  “Aye, I understand.” It felt much better knowing he wasn’t holding her fears against her.

  “I’m glad we settled that. Now while ye feed my little girl I believe I will seek out some refreshment.” He bent and gave her a lingering kiss. “Don’t forget me.”

  Sorcha giggled, “How could I?”

  They carried on like that for days. At night making love, during the day enjoying one another’s company.

  When they ventured out the only traveling companion she saw was Ailbert. He had become a regular around the keep. It was clear to anyone who looked the young lad was smitten with Tamara.

  Several times Sorcha watched as Arbella tried to approach the subject of the budding romance with Grant. Always he would turn aside and ignore her. One night as he held her in his arms, she decided to give the conversation a try on her own.

  “Isn’t it great bein’ in love?” she asked, rubbing her finger in a circular motion over his exposed chest.

  “Aye, it is,” answered Grant.

  “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone could feel this way?”

  “Aye, it would.”

  “Do ye know what I heard?” she asked.

  “Nay, what did ye hear?”

  Grant relaxed. He rubbed her arm with his fingertips, bringing up goose bumps. His eyes were closed as he struggled to stay awake and listen to her. She hoped she wasn’t making a mistake in mentioning it right now. “I heard we might be goin’ home soon.”

  “Aye, we might.”

  “Perhaps we should consider takin’ an extra person along.”

  He rose up on his elbow and looked into her face. “And who might that be?”

  “Well, I thought…” Her words faltered.

  “Aye…ye thought…?” he said, urging her on.

  Courage gathered. “Well I thought w
e should take Tamara with us.”

  He fell back again into his pillow with a thump. “Nay.”

  “Nay? Is that all ye can say? Well, I want to know why not? She is wonderful with Eva. And ye said yer self someone like her would be a heavenly addition to the Cameron household.”

  “We aren’t takin’ Tamara.”

  “Humph,” she said, flopping her body onto the bed next to his.

  “Ye don’t understand.”

  She rose up in anger. “Ye tell me that a lot. If I don’t understand then help me to understand.”

  Grant remained lying down, turning his head to look at her. “Verra well. Just to let ye know, I know all about Ailbert and Tamara.” She went to interrupt, but he stopped her, placing his finger across her lips. “Don’t interrupt me lass. I know ye think Tamara should leave with us and marry Ailbert and live happily ever after. But the truth of it is, Arbella believes Ailbert should remain here, marry Tamara and live happily ever after.”

  “What? How could she?” she said indignantly while sitting up in the bed.

  “Now don’t be angry with Arbella. Tamara is her first friend and her best friend. Tamara’s family is here, and I doubt she wants to leave. As for Ailbert, he canna stay until he returns to Cameron lands and speaks with his father. If my uncle agrees, Ailbert can return.”

  “Let me get this straight, ye were never tryin’ to stand in the way of their love?”

  “Nay, of course not.”

  “I didna think so.” Sorcha lay down next to him, and he took her into his arms. Leaning in, she kissed him. He deepened the kiss. After that she remembered nothing save sharing their love once more.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  A fortnight later, they were ready to travel. Grant had been waiting for this day for years. Sorcha and Eva rode on their own horse surrounded by Camerons. A stubbed up Ailbert led the way.

  Grant had spent countless hours listening to the boy’s whimpering.

  “Please Grant, let me stay. Ye can tell pa what happened. Ye can tell him ye gave yer permission. Ye know he won’t mind. Ye will be laird someday. He has to listen to ye.”

  Grant told the lad to stop sniveling and whining like a small lass. He ordered him back to Cameron lands, but gave him a promise he would stand up for him. He would suggest to Ailbert’s father that letting him marry into the Sinclair clan would be a noble honor. Ailbert finally agreed, but he wasn’t happy about it.

  Tamara appeared even less happy. All the farewells had been said. All the affectionate motions of hugs, backslaps, and handshakes were given. As they left Tamara stood crying at the gates supported by her brother, Filib.

  Grant had almost given in when he saw Sorcha’s disapproving gaze peering at him, but he knew he couldn’t. Aye, Ailbert was correct his father would have accepted his decision. When Grant placed himself in the same situation he realized if his laird gave away Eva without his permission, he would be furious.

  Still he would stand up for Ailbert. With Grant’s support, the lad was sure to return to Sinclair lands and marry his girl.

  As they passed through the gates on his way toward home, Grant reflected on how many times he had headed in this direction. Each time he was alone and utterly lost. Each time he had been unable to make it.. But today, not only would he take his wife and daughter with him, but he would also be bringing a new family—the family of God. He couldn’t wait to arrive home and tell everyone about what had happened to him.

  ****

  The trip home took longer than normal. Multiple stops were required to feed Eva, change Eva, and allow Sorcha to rest. When the Cameron keep came into view, Grant’s heart swelled with pride. He heard Sorcha’s gasp of pleasure at the sight.

  “Grant! It is huge!”

  Grant laughed heartily. “Aye, it is.”

  Colin added, “It has to be! There are so many Cameron lasses havin’ babes we had to build on just to hold them all!”

  Everyone laughed but Ailbert. Grant wondered if he realized once he married Tamara he would no longer be a part of the Cameron chaos. Of course, he would always be welcome and Grant was certain there would be many visits, but it would never be the same.

  They arrived inside the gates at noonday. The yard was empty as families had adjourned to take their meal. Grant watched Sorcha as she looked at her new home.

  Busy watching his wife, he was surprised by a gruff voice. “Grant?”

  At the front door of the keep stood an older version of himself. Grant climbed from his horse. At the sight of his father, he took off running toward him. His father did the same. They met in the middle, clasping each other in a fierce embrace.

  “Father, it is good to see ye.”

  “Grant, my son, it has been way too long.”

  Grant fell to his knees and bowed his head. “Father, forgive me for staying away.”

  “Ye are forgiven. Stop stalling and introduce me to the young, blushing lass behind ye.”

  Grant stood and stepped away. He came to Sorcha’s side, taking Eva in his arms. Sorcha dismounted and walked humbly toward his father. He had reassured her they would be accepted, but even Grant’s hands shook as they approached his father.

  “Father, I would like ye to meet my wife, Sorcha, and my daughter, Eva.”

  “Yer wife and daughter?”

  Grant spoke with a penitent voice. “Father, forgive me for not seekin’ yer approval for my choice of wife.”

  Valan Cameron looked thoughtful, tapping a finger to his chin. “Ye are askin’ to be forgiven of much, my son.”

  Grant held Eva in one arm and clasped Sorcha’s hand with the other. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking. He wished his father would get on with his punishment, and they could move on. Grant took a deep breath, and said, “Aye, I am, my Laird. But just as the Lord, my heavenly father is just to forgive, I believe my earthly father can do the same.”

  Tears were shed from the old man’s eyes as he lifted his arms and shouted. “Bring the fatted calf, for tonight we feast. Because my son, who once was lost, is now found.”

  ****

  The family was accepted into the fold. Sorcha was tossed around between so many sisters, brothers-in-law, cousins, aunts, and uncles, she lost count. Eva was the newest Cameron babe, and she went from hand to hand as everyone wanted to hold her.

  Sorcha visited with the women while Grant spoke privately with his father about Samuel. She never knew how much Grant explained of her own relationship with Samuel, or if Valan Cameron ever knew of Eva’s true parentage. What she did see however was the grief the Cameron laird carried over his youngest son’s demise. That day when Valan went in to talk to Grant he was a happy soul, but when he came out he carried an aura of sadness.

  Valan walked to the family member who held Eva. He took her into his arms and carried her around for the rest of the day, talking to her and showing her her new home.

  That night when Sorcha and Grant settled into their room, they stood at the window and looked out at the full round moon. Grant stood behind her with his arms wrapped around her middle. She leaned her head back against his chest and sighed.

  Grant placed his chin on the top of her head. “Are ye all right?”

  She answered honestly, “Aye, I am.”

  Epilogue

  Grant bounced a fussy Eva on his knee as the bagpipes played. If Sorcha didn’t hurry back from the garderobe, she would miss the beginning.

  She slid into the seat next to him. “Did I miss anything?”

  “Nay, the music just started. What was it this time, the entry or the exit?”

  “Grant, must ye be so crude.”

  He grinned broadly. “Aye, I must.”

  She shifted in her seat. “If ye must know, it was the entry. I never had this much sickness with Eva. Must mean it is a lad.”

  “Are ye tryin’ to imply havin’ a lad would make ye sick?”

  “Aye, I am. Now hush with ye. Here she comes.”

  Tamara wore a gown of dark blu
e. A halo of flowers was weaved together and placed atop her honey colored hair. Ailbert waited with the minister under the arbor. Arbella and Duncan had decided to keep the arbor to use for weddings. Because Grant helped in convincing Ailbert’s dad wedding a Sinclair was a noble idea, Ailbert honored him by insisting they marry in the arbor.

  It was a beautiful ceremony, and it brought back memories of his own wedding to Sorcha. As he watched her facial expressions, he realized how blessed he had been to find her. If not for Samuel and his desire to spread the gospel, he never would have met the love of his life.

  Grant thanked God every day for Sorcha. Watching over her and their family had become a labor of love he was more than happy to accept.

  About the Author

  Felicia Rogers, born and raised in the southern part of the United States, is a Christian wife and mother. She is just your average, ordinary woman, with a side interest-- writing. For eleven years, every waking moment of her life was consumed with changing diapers, wiping noses, and kissing scrapes. But now that her children have grown and she enjoys a modicum of freedom, in addition to taking care of hearth and home, she writes! She enjoys adding a flavor of realism and humor to her all too real romance stories. For what is love without a little laughter?

  Also by Felicia Rogers:

  Chapter One

  She should be here any moment. Mabel had said ten o’clock and assured Caleb the lady was never late. Now here he sat, sipping hot coffee and watching Joshua make snow angels in the yard. His mind relaxed and drifted to his earlier conversation with Mabel.

  “You need help with that boy.”

  “I know I do. But not just anyone will work. Joshua is special.”

  “Yes, Caleb. I know all about his intelligence. And the lady I have in mind is perfect for him. Besides, she needs you as much as you need her.”

  “Tell me about her. Why would she be willing to work for me?”

  Since Kelly, his wife, had left him almost six years ago, Mabel a nosy friend from church, had been hounding him to find a housekeeper for his home. ‘A woman’s touch, that’s what it’s missing’—was her favorite thing to say. Her intentions good, Mabel was an old biddy to some but like a second mother to others.