— Or maybe he finally understands the importance of solemn occasions, I counter.
— Possible. Or maybe he’s saving something spectacular for our wedding.
At the mention of our wedding—just a few months away—my stomach flips. Not with nerves this time, but pure anticipation.
— Speaking of our wedding, I begin, sensing the perfect moment for my surprise. There’s something I need to tell you.
He tilts his head, intrigued by my tone.
— Something serious?
— No. Something wonderful. At least, I hope you’ll see it that way.
I take a deep breath. I had planned to tell him tonight, in the privacy of our room—but something about this moment, surrounded by our ancestors’ legacy and the symbols of our love, pushes me to say it now.
— Alistair… we’re going to have a new addition to our family.
He stares at me for a few seconds, not understanding—then his eyes widen.
— You mean…?
— I mean our baby will be attending our wedding in utero, I confirm with a smile I can’t hold back anymore.
The expression that crosses his face is worth every treasure in Scotland. Shock melts into a joy so pure, so radiant, it brings tears to my eyes.
— Keira… are you sure?
— The doctor confirmed it yesterday. I even have the ultrasound pictures in my bag.
He lifts me into his arms and spins me around, not caring in the slightest that half the village might be watching. When he sets me down, his eyes are shining openly with tears.
— A baby, he murmurs, like he’s testing the word. Our baby.
— What do you think?
— I think it’s the most beautiful gift you could ever give me.
He takes my hands and presses them to his lips.
— I love you, Keira McGregor. More than words could ever express.
— I love you too, Alistair McKenzie. Forever.
An approving bleat makes us both look up. Hamish is watching us with what looks suspiciously like a satisfied grin.
— I think he approves, Alistair says with a laugh.
ALISTAIR
Evening settles over the Highlands.Most of the guests have left, but our families have gathered in the main sitting room of McGregor Castle for a more intimate celebration.
Keira and I have just announced the baby, triggering an explosion of joy and emotion that still echoes through the room. My mother has been crying happy tears for the past ten minutes, and Maggie has already started planning a nursery “worthy of a little McKenzie-McGregor.”
— You do realize this child is going to grow up surrounded by more love and tradition than they’ll know what to do with? Callum murmurs, stepping up beside me with a glass of whisky.
— That’s exactly what I’m hoping for, I reply. That they inherit the best of both our families.
— And avoid the McGregor stubborn streak, Jane adds with a wink at Keira.
