AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“My first wedding in Talamh. I’m not sure any that follows can hit this mark. Are they always so crazy happy?”
“Well, a wedding’s a pledge with a fine party after. The marriage after that is the work. And they’ll work, will Harken and Morena. Squabble some as all do, and love and love, then squabble some more. But they’ll work.”
Smiling, she rubbed circles on the mound of her belly. “I wonder could I ask a favor of you?”
“Of course.”
“Would you fetch Mahon for me? He’s out there dancing his feet off with Mina and the rest, and fetch my mother as well, if you will.”
“Sure. Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong, no. Just time.”
“Time for— Oh! Don’t move, I’ll—”
“Wait.” Aisling held up a hand. “Wait this one out with me. Block yourself now, as I’m taking your hand. Block.”
She didn’t block in time and felt the contraction build. The rise of pain and pressure shocked her enough that the shield went up instinctively as Aisling gripped her hand and breathed.
“You’re in labor. How far apart, how— I don’t know why I’m asking, as I wouldn’t have a clue. I’ll get Mahon.”
“Just another moment. Started coming on when we crossed over. Starting to mean it now, it is. There, all done for the moment. I’ll want Marg as well, as she’ll be midwifing.”
“I’ll get them.”
“Oh, and ask Keegan if he’d see to the boys, would you? They’ve another hour or two in them before they tucker themselves.”
“We’ll look after them. Don’t worry, don’t worry about anything.”
“Oh now, I’m not a bit worried.” Aisling laughed it off with a toss of her hair. “It’s my third time around, after all. I know what’s coming.”
Worried enough for both of them, Breen sprang up, bolted throughthe dancers to Mahon. “Aisling. Aisling says it’s time. The baby, time for the baby.”
“Is it?” The smile broke over his face. “I’ll fetch her mother and Marg.”
“No, just go. I’ll get them, and see to the boys. Just, well, go.”
“Thanks for that.”
When he started toward Aisling, Breen darted off with Bollocks prancing at her heels. She spotted Tarryn carrying two more jugs of wine to the feasting table.
“Aisling, the baby. She says it’s time.”
“Is it? Ah now, that’s lovely. And there, Mahon flying her to the cottage. Would you take these so I can go to her?”
“Yes, yes. And I’ll find Marg, and we’ll look after the boys. You should really go. She was having contractions.”
“The only way to birth a babe, after all.” With a quiet sigh, Tarryn looked around. “New lives starting. Harken and Morena starting theirs, and a new baby to be welcomed to the world.”
She handed Breen the jugs before she walked away. “What a grand solstice.”
Breen hugged the jugs to her, looked down at Bollocks. “Find Nan. You find Nan for me.”
Because she’d spotted Keegan with a tankard of ale and a group of men, she aimed straight for him.
“Your sister’s having the baby.”
“Is she now?” He took the jugs from her, set them down. “A busy night for the O’Broins.”
