Rebbie nodded. "I meant to tell you, congratulations on the birth of your wee son."
"I thank you." Alasdair smiled proudly, taking on the look of a man who was indeed happy.
"Even though Jamie won't inherit your titles," Lachlan said, keeping his voice low, "and you cannot claim him publicly, you're still fortunate to be able to raise your son."
"I agree. That will be enough." Rebbie was very much looking forward to it, in fact. It had been a bit odd, yet thrilling, to discover a wee version of himself. 'Twouldbe fun talking to the lad each day, giving him rides on Devil, and teaching him how to ride a pony of his own.
"Even though neither Kean nor Orin will inherit my title or this estate," Lachlan said, "I can provide them anything else they might need."
Rebbie nodded, knowing how much Lachlan loved his two illegitimate sons.
"And now we both must get busy siring male heirs, aye?" Lachlan chuckled.
Rebbie grinned. "'Tisa job I look forward to."
***
A sound woke Calla. What was it? The room was dark but for a low-burning fire in the hearth. Rebbie padded across the rug toward her.
"Are you awake?" he asked, his voice hushed.
"Aye. Where's Jamie?"
"In the children's wing with the other lads. The nursemaids will have their hands full getting them to go to sleep."
She grinned. "Indeed."
Rebbie sat on the chair by the bed. "Does your arm pain you?"
"Not overmuch." Twinges of sharp pains stabbed at her flesh, but she was determined to ignore them. "Gwyneth stitched up the cut neatly and gave me some whisky."
"Ah. Does that mean I can take advantage of you, m'lady?"
She loved the teasing, sensual tone of his voice. "Aye. Please do." She grinned, her heart rate increasing with excitement.
"I was but jesting, my love." He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I wouldn't dream of it, with your injury."
"Blast. You are too much a gentleman."
He snickered.
"What are you doing over there?" she asked. "Take off your clothes and get into bed."
His brows shot up. "Indeed?"
"You slept with me when I had the head injury, remember?"
"Aye. If you're certain."
She nodded and scooted over. Enthralled, she watched as he disrobed, baring those luscious muscles in the low light and shadow of the fire's glow.
"You'll be glad to know I had a bath after supper." He crawled into bed and snuggled up to her, his hard body a welcome warmth against her. Indeed, he did smell fresh and clean.
The maids had helped her bathe, too, after her cut was stitched up. She'd wanted the lingering and disgusting feel ofClaybourne'stouch scrubbed from her skin. But naught could make her forget the cool, slimy sensation of his skinny fingers exceptRebbie'stouch. The heat of his body seeped into her, making her feel at once relaxed and invigorated. Renewed.
Aside from how much she wanted him, she also needed to explain a few things.
"I want to tell you again how sorry I am for not trusting you sooner," she said. "I was terrified to tell you about Jamie, especially after we… shared a bed at Tummel. I feared you would hate me forever."
