The Draig's Wife

by Lisa Dawn Wadler

  “None will have any doubts once we have wed again and I announce the coming of our child,” Declan finished. “All rumors will fade. Besides, it gives me a fine excuse to claim you again.” His wink did little to erase the sting of what was being said behind her back.

  Cortland mumbled something she didn’t quite catch about claiming while she scowled at Declan’s smug grin.

  “No,” Emma said.

  “What?” Declan challenged from across the table.

  “We are still married, or did the last few days have no meaning to you?” Though a part of her enjoyed throwing his words back at him, too much of her hated the thought that they would validate the concept that the marriage had ended with vows again spoken before the clan. “Everyone in the village bore witness to our wedding, and too many interrupted our wedding night. There is no way I’m doing that again.”

  “Consider it more of a formality, Emma,” Cortland added. “You both sign a contract before all, no more.”

  “No, and don’t talk to me about contracts,” Emma said as she rose and handed Thomas back to Aalish. “If I never see another contract, I’ll be quite happy.”

  Attempting to stomp, Emma managed to limp to the window to watch the girls play in the fresh air. Whispers happened behind her, feet shuffled, and she waited for Declan to speak once they were alone.

  “‘Tis only parchment,” he crooned into her ear while he wrapped his chest to her back.

  “Then it doesn’t matter,” she countered.

  His hand covered her belly and their child, and she sighed into his touch. “It means too much to have to sign it again, especially in public. It means that . . . that you threw me away. And that’s what everyone will think. You know it.”

  Silence filled the cottage, and Emma kept her eyes on the children who laughed and currently delighted in Cortland’s chasing them through the tall summer grass. Declan held her tight and for once kept silent.

  “I can’t do it,” Emma whispered, ashamed at her weakness. She knew paper had no meaning between them, but seeing their contract burn had left scars.

  “Then I won’t ask you to, nay this day,” Declan said against her hair. “All will see us together as we feast, and the clan will rejoice in the news of our bairn after I tell the village of poison and the falsehoods designed to keep you safe. Our warriors accepted the tale.”

  Emma turned in his arms and buried her face in his neck. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  With his hands holding her tightly, he said, “Another contract will be needed for the family records. It can be done in private and as many moons as you need from now.”

  A heavy sigh left her lips at the reality of what he had done and warred with her want of their future. Breaking the awkward silence, she whispered, “I need some time before I can face that.” She knew it was stupid, yet signing another contract remained too real in too many ways. It’s too soon.

  Turning again to the window, her gaze followed Cortland, who chased the girls around the cottages to their cheerful cries and Thomas’ screams. “He’ll be leaving soon,” she said. “I can’t imagine life without him here.”

  “Neither can I,” Declan whispered. “Though as long as he leaves his cherished daughter in my care, all will be well. Her wisdom will guide me.”

  “Well, since his daughter plans on staying with you, it should be fine,” Emma replied. “Though she is concerned she just spoke in the third person.”

  Declan laughed and shifted her to face him. “You are daughter and wife. Add in mother, and there are many of you.”

  “We are all in love with you and plan on sharing our life with you,” she quipped.

  “Then all of us will have a fine life together,” Declan whispered against her lips even as he chuckled.

  Changing the topic, she said, “We need to tell Mary about the baby before she hears about it tonight.”

  Declan pulled back to smile down at her. “On this we are agreed. Let us go outside and tell her together.” His gaze swept over her face, and a warm hand cupped her cheek. “You look tired.”

  “I am,” she admitted. The strain of the last few weeks combined with the previous night had finally caught up with her. To avoid his being worried, she added, “Aalish said it’s normal. I think after we tell Mary I’ll go lie down for a bit.”

  “We can leave her in the village, and I will see you to your rest,” Declan said after he placed a chaste kiss to her lips.

  “I said I needed rest,” Emma teased.

  With a pout, he said, “Then I will see to my tasks and fetch you in time to bathe and dress for the feast.”

  A hot bath in the tub sounds like heaven after weeks of the lake. Even with the delightful thought, other possibilities began to dance in her mind. “Bath first, then tasks.” She leaned in to kiss him where his jaw met his ear, knowing full well what it did to him. “But given that I need rest, having you there to wash my hair would be extremely helpful.”

  Declan chuckled against her ear. “You are wise, wife. Caring for yours needs is first in my thoughts. The tasks may wait until the morrow.” Taking her hand in his and entwining their fingers, he led her out into the bright light of the day.

  Epilogue

  Summer 1421

  Standing outside his chamber door, Declan sighed with relief. He had only been gone five days, yet it had seemed a small eternity to him. The trip to the mines had been necessary, and he knew Emma had been correct that the journey would take ages with a four-month-old bairn, yet he regretted their time apart. To make it worse, the hour grew late, and he had no wish to wake her.

  Pushing open the door, relief filled him when he saw the candles burning on the table. The pale blue eyes that turned to acknowledge him weren’t the ones he craved.

  “Welcome home, Declan. Emma spoke of your task. I trust all went well.”

  Emma gave him a quick smile and then lowered her gaze back to their son who nursed. There was a part of him that would always seek Cortland’s approval even if his former first resided on his own lands and only came as a visiting member of the family. “Aye, old man, all went well.” Casting his gaze back to his wife, Declan spoke for her benefit. “My wife’s notion on how to choose a new leader for the lands surrounding the mines held much wisdom.”

  Earlier in the week Declan had received a message with the sad tidings that the man appointed years ago by his father had passed from life. Being laird held many benefits and also many duties. Declan had ridden the same day to appoint a new man to care for those who lived on those lands. Emma had suggested that whoever was seeing to the needs of those on the lands of the mines be chosen as leader, rather than one who would boast it was his right.

  Emma grinned at Cortland but remained silent. Why doesn’t she speak to me? “My daughter told me of her suggestion, and I heartily approve. To lead is a deed, nay merely a title. Who did you choose?”

  As Cortland knew all of those who resided on the faraway lands, Declan told him about the man who claimed the title should be his by right and the one who asked for nothing while handling the duties. “There was no choice. I have faith in Palmer and his ability to oversee all.”

  Cortland readily agreed. “He is a fine man with a wife and children. Such men work diligently and with an eye toward the future.”

  Turning his head at the whimpering cry from his son, Declan caught a quick peek of his wife’s ample chest that was too quickly masked by the greedy bairn. Emma let out a brief chuckle. “He looks just like you sometimes.” None would ever doubt Robert’s lineage. Like those born of the Draig for generations upon generations, Robert had hair dark as night and bold green eyes. Even the child’s name came from clan lore, named for the legendary Robert the Bruce—whose edict brought them together.

  Without any hesitation, Declan laughed. “Our son
is wise and seeks comforts only one woman will ever provide.” Cortland’s disapproval came out as a low grumble.

  Declan hoped that Emma caught his meaning. He sought only her, and he savored their happiness as the most important aspect of his life. I will nay have her ever think to question me about my behavior while I was away. She is all I will ever want or need.

  “Your son grows strong. I would swear he has doubled in the last moon. His grip is firm, and before long I will place a sword in his hands and begin his training.” Cortland beamed with pride and love for the child as any grandfather should.

  “As you train Mary,” Declan added.

  “Aye, Mary is taking to the sword like a fish to water. Emma has done an admirable job with the training. ‘Tis my pleasure to continue and add what I am able. Your daughter had me on the training field as soon as I entered the courtyard this afternoon. I barely had time to help Kathryn down before Mary dragged me away.” Cortland added mention of what he had shown Mary and then boasted at how quickly his granddaughter learned.

  “Mayhap you should come to visit more than once a month.” Emma’s voice aired what she had told Declan many nights as they spoke before the fire. She missed Cortland, even if she understood his desire for a quiet life with Kathryn.

  Cortland rose and bent low enough to kiss Emma’s head. “First light?” Some moments were sacred between father and daughter. Time together on the fields remained one of those.

  “Provided Robert cooperates, absolutely.” Joy lit her eyes, and Declan loved the sight of her happy.

  “Knock on the door when you are ready.” Cortland began his walk to the door. “Speak of what you told me before sleep carries you away.”

  A thousand fears crept into his heart as he repeated Cortland’s command in his head. What must Emma tell me? Was there foul news when I was away? Is Mary ill?

  Declan gripped Cortland’s arm to prevent his departure. Without words, the laird’s harsh gaze questioned. Cortland only said, “Ask your wife. On the morrow, I would find time for us alone. I would hear of your days.” The benign request was accepted, and Cortland shook off the hold and left Declan to bolt the door with apprehension churning in his gut.

  With a steadying breath, he strode back to the chairs to demand Emma’s tidings. What if someone arrived who told her tales of my past? Shortly after they had defeated Glenn, his wife had been forced to endure a few visits from other lairds and women Declan had known too well. Most came under the guise of support when all they craved was the tale. The women had other motives that had been quickly banished, but not before Emma had caught wind of intentions. But would tales of the laird’s exploits bother her when our bond is strong?

  Emma lifted Robert and held the bairn out to him. The routine had become a part of the day, and night, that Declan adored. His wife took care of feeding, and he walked while rubbing the child’s back. I doubt she is angry if she hands me our son.

  The tiny, warm body snuggled against his chest, and Declan began his path across the chamber while Emma’s gaze followed him. “Are you going to defy your father, or will you speak to me?”

  Robert let loose a resounding burp, and Declan paused as his wife blocked his path with tears in her eyes. “I don’t even know how to explain it to you. It was so big and wonderful.”

  Any lingering worry fled, and Declan kissed Robert’s head as he softly shifted his weight from leg to leg to soothe the child to sleep. “Speak it, wife.”

  Wiping a tear from her cheek, Emma lifted her hand to touch his. “I missed you so much.”

  “As I missed you. Tell me before I grow concerned that your news will nay be fine to me.”

  Emma grinned and held out her arms for the sleeping bundle. “It took me forever to get him to sleep while you were away. He prefers your walk to mine.” She placed the sleeping infant in the cradle, and as she did every night, she stayed to watch him.

  Declan stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, taking pleasure in the weight of the heavy breasts that settled on his arms. Such delights may be for the bairn, yet there is enough for me, as well. He adored the body that had belonged to his wife upon first sight and found equal delight as she had rounded with child. Her body currently held flesh and curves. I will always want her.

  In his sleep, Robert lifted his arms in what Emma referred to as surrender. As if a Draig would ever surrender.

  Emma leaned back against him. “Tonight when I put Mary to bed, she held Robert as we made up stories. It was so sweet. I wish you had been there to see them together.”

  Declan knew better than to remind her it was a sight he viewed every night. “What a fine pair they are together.”

  Emma turned in his arms and wrapped him in her embrace. When she pulled back, her voice waivered. “She asked me if Robert would call me mama. I said of course he would.” Another tear leaked from her eye and ran down her cheek. Swiping it away with his thumb, Declan waited for what he knew would follow. “Mary asked if she could call me mama, too. She said it was so Robert wouldn’t be confused, but her beautiful eyes held fear of rejection, as if I could ever not give her everything.”

  “You were wise, wife. You said we should give her time to ask when she was ready.” Emma had rebuffed his thoughts on telling Mary to refer to her as mama.

  “But don’t you see how huge this is? She sees me as her mother.” Tears slipped faster than Declan could wipe them away.

  “Mary kens your love for her. No child has ever had more love than our daughter. She has you and Aalish. But ‘tis fine that she will honor you with the title you deserve.” Emma buried her face in his neck, and his hand wound into her hair while he held her close.

  “I will always regret missing such a fine evening.” While another piece of perfection had slipped into his world, Declan loathed being absent when the love had been declared. I swore to be a better father and to spend my life devoted to my family. Yet, I missed a night to be savored.

  “Mary may not have said anything if you were there.” Her words whispered against his skin. Emma lifted her head, and her lips twitched. “I thought we decided a long time ago that we don’t do regrets.”

  Declan chuckled. “You speak truth. I dinna carry a single regret for our life together.” Shifting his gaze from her to the bed. “To think I first spoke of regret when you were forced from my bed to care for our daughter. Could you have imagined what we would become?”

  Emma laughed and then slapped her hand over her mouth to conceal the loud outburst. She dared a glance at Robert to make certain he still slept. “If you are referring to that drunken night, no. I had no idea it could lead us here.”

  Declan frowned at her. “I did. I knew from the first touch that we would be here, together.” He knew she didn’t believe him, but it didn’t matter. “Well, mayhap I kenned that you in my bed would make you my wife. But I never dared to hope for all we share.”

  “I love you.” Her simple declaration never failed to fill his soul.

  “As I love you.” Declan’s mind wandered to their beginning, to that night when he nearly claimed her in a drunken stupor. “I once asked you if you would have allowed me to claim you that night had we not be interrupted. You never answered me.” His hands lifted to her face. “What would you have done?”

  Her eyes slid away from his. “That was over a year ago.”

  “So? You ken the answer. It matters naught as you will always be mine.” He was surprised at how badly he wanted to know.

  Emma’s hands gripped his wrists and lowered his hands. “I just don’t know. That night will always be a bit blurry in my head.” She’s toying with me.

  “Mayhap I should refresh your memory.” Before she could answer, Declan pulled her close and nudged her cheek with his nose, willing her to meet his mouth. As she had that night, a soft sigh left her lips b
efore they met his. With a whisper of a kiss, he led her down the same trail of exploration. Lips meshed with harmony, and her tongue danced with his.

  That drunken night, with that first touch, had lit a fire that still burned in his blood. Declan slowed their kiss and briefly pondered leading her until her back met the wall to replay each and every moment. But life with a bairn had taught him to act quickly and never assume the child would sleep as long as preferred.

  Declan gave no warning as he bent and then scooped a startled Emma into his arms. In a few steps, he stood at the side of the bed. She grinned as he threw her and her back landed with a thud against the bedding.

  “Oh, shit,” Emma giggled as he crawled over her prone form to cover her.

  While he couldn’t remember exactly what he had said, he made do with what he wanted to say. “Save your regrets for another life. I would have your love given freely, to be returned to you as my heart.”

  “If you had said that then, well, I doubt I would have said no.” Emma teased him, and he adored it.

  Settling against her clothed body, his arousal blatant against her belly, he shook his head. “Drunk men rarely are able to express their hearts. But I knew I wanted you that night. I wanted you to be mine even if I dinna ken the why of it.” He placed a chaste kiss to her grinning lips. “Would you have allowed me to love you?”

  When she hesitated, he ran his lips down her jaw and then over the tender skin below her ear. A gasp came from his wife. He whispered, “Would you?”

  “You know I can’t resist you.” Emma’s body pushed up against his to confirm her desire.