Page 84 of My Notorious Highlander

Isobel was with child?

Jessie's mouth dropped open, and happy tears burned her eyes. "In truth? That is wonderful!" She embraced Isobel, knowing her friend had been worried for the past several months when she didn't conceive right after the wedding. Some had thought it could've been because Isobel had almost died from the deadly nightshade poisoning last winter.

"Aye." Isobel drew back, beaming.

Jessie turned to Dirk and embraced him. "Congratulations, brother. You will both make wonderful parents," she said, moving back.

"I thank you." He grinned.

She had never seen him look happier.

"We have not announced it to the clan as of yet," Isobel said. "Although Seona and Keegan know—Seona was with me when Nannag told me—but we wish to keep it a secret from the rest of the clan for now."

Jessie nodded. "I'll not murmur a word."

"We'll have a celebration feast, once everyone is more recovered from their injuries," Dirk said.

"Speaking of which, I'm starving," Isobel said, moving toward the door. "Let's eat."

Dirk chuckled and joined her in the corridor. "I'd best order more supplies."

Isobel gasped and gave his arm a light swat.

"I only meant that my son will need a lot of food as he's growing." Grinning, he placed a hand upon her still flat belly.

"And what if the bairn is a dainty daughter, like me?" Isobel asked.

"I'll be thrilled, of course."

Watching the two stroll toward the great hall, Jessie smiled and shook her head at their playful exchange. She knew her brother would be overjoyed with either a healthy son or daughter, but men always had to brag that they were going to have a son, especially as a first born.

Jessie checked on Torrin again and found he was still sleeping. The bleeding was slowing, thanks be to God.

"I will watch over the laird," Flora said, ushering Jessie toward the door. "You go eat something afore you starve."

"I'll be back soon."

Flora nodded and closed the door behind her.

Jessie joined Dirk and Isobel at the high table in the great hall. Iain and a few others were already sitting there as well. She wanted to eat quickly, then go back and sit with Torrin. In truth, she had no appetite, but she was growing weak and jittery; it had been many hours since she'd last eaten. Isobel directed the servants to start serving supper. It was later than usual and everyone was famished.

Jessie was glad to see Seona and Keegan approaching the high table, her arm linked through his.

"'Tis good to see you again, cousin," Jessie said to Keegan, his long tawny hair freshly washed. "I hear you're married, now."

"Aye, indeed. I'm a lucky man." He grinned, his pale blue eyes alight as he pulled out a chair for Lady Seona.

She was beaming as she took her seat beside Jessie.

"Congratulations to you both. How did this come about?"

"Thank you. We'll have to tell you about it when we have more time," Keegan said, sitting beside Seona. "'Twill take two or three hours, I'm thinking."

"In truth? You must've had quite an adventure."

"We did. Although, not all of it was pleasant."

"Where is your sister?" Jessie asked Seona.