All he wanted to do was spend time with her alone in their chamber, and make love to her, and he would get a chance to do that once they were alone later. Hope’s gaze met with his from where he sat across the room, and she grinned.
He stood up and made a toast, to a new era, and everyone in the hall cheered. When he took the Lairdship the first thing he did was to get rid of every corrupt official in the court.
Lyall’s greed had corrupted the heart of many men and he made sure to wipe the slate clean and appoint new honest men he could trust.
He gave the guards loyal to his uncle a second chance to prove themselves loyal to him, after years of working for his uncle. The feast was a celebration of a new reign of peace and prosperity.
Later that night, after Ian had fulfilled every imagination he had thought of while staring at Hope in that lovely dress during the feast, he lay on the bed with her snuggled close to his chest, and closed his eyes.
“So, what happens to the treasure?” Hope asked.
“Just like every Laird before me has done, we will pass on the knowledge to every first-born son, and heir to the Lairdship. The myth will live on and the song will be taught to children born of this Clan for generations to come.
“Laird Merrick was right… a treasure like that would only corrupt the men of Galloway. My uncle hadnae even found the treasure and he was so obsessed with it, it caused him to kill his brother. It would do nay good if we told anyone it was real, so as every other Laird did, we bury it.
As he spoke, Hope raised her head and stared into his eyes. She slowly took his hands and placed it on her abdomen, and a smile spread out on her lips. “Do ye think we will have a lad first? Or a lass?”
Ian’s eyes widened. “Are ye–” his voice trailed off, and Hope nodded, and burst into laughter.
“Aye, I am with child,” she announced, and Ian’s heart burst with joy. “I was feelin’ sick earlier, and Orlaith tried to treat me,” she added.
Ian burst into a melodious laugh. He pulled her close, and smacked his lips on hers, stealing her lips for a passionate kiss that made his heart flutter. His hands moved to her stomach, and he gently touched it.
“Ye have made me the happiest man in the entire Galloway,” he said, and Hope placed her hand over his.
“I hope we have a lad that will have yer eyes.”
“Lad or lass, I dinnae care which comes first,” he said and kissed her again. “I will cherish any of them as much as I cherish ye, Hope.”
He made the announcement to the entire Clan the next day and together they counted the days until their family would grow. Ian concluded in his heart that he had found peace with Hope, and now with a child, he had no reason to want anythin other than the peace he already had.
The End?
