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“Actually, I talked you into that,” Eve said serenely. “I wanted it settled to put MacDuff out of his misery. And you needed some research to occupy you when you weren’t painting. You’ve always had to be almost feverishly busy to be happy.”
“Not feverishly.” Jane smiled. “And you can’t say I haven’t been happy during these last months. I’m always happy with you, Joe, and Michael.”
“And we’ve been happy to have you here,” Eve said. “But it’s time you stopped marking time and started living again.”
Jane’s brows rose in surprise. “I beg your pardon?”
“You’ve been on the phone with MacDuff and Rodland several times every week. It’s clear you’re worried about the damage done to the castle. If you’re that concerned, you need to be there to take care of it yourself.”
“Anything else?”
Eve nodded. “And you need to go right away. Most doctors don’t like women to travel during late pregnancy.”
Jane started to chuckle. “Does Caleb know you’re kicking us out? I’ve been very careful not to even hint that he’d not be welcome in our family.”
“And he’s aware of that. He’s very intelligent and he wants you to be happy. He’ll make his own way in our family to assure that ending.” She tilted her head. “And naturally I decided I’d have to go through Caleb first to make everything turn out right. I gave him a call last night and we had a nice discussion.”
“And?”
“He has that Gulfstream that’s super comfortable and I suggested that it would be best for you. He agreed, of course.”
“Of course.” Her eyes were twinkling as she gazed at Eve. “And he thought you were as wonderful as I do. You’re an amazing woman, Eve.”
“That goes without saying. We’re both amazing. And that’s why we can be honest with each other—because we know it’s all about love.”
Jane got to her feet and gave Eve a hug. “Ever since the beginning,” she said huskily as she headed for the porch. “And now I’d better call Caleb and tell him that everything you’ve planned is great with me. Any other instructions?”
“Call me every other day. Take care of yourself. And tell MacDuff to get a room ready for me, because I’m going to show up when it’s time for that little girl to appear on the scene and be with you for the birth.”
“All will be as you command.” Jane was grinning. “She’s already making her every desire known. I can hardly wait to see the two of you together.”
***
MacDuff’s Run
Three Weeks Later
Jane smothered the scream, her fingernails digging into Caleb’s hand. “Did you call Eve?”
“Right after you told me. She said she’d be on her way as soon as she could pack a bag.” His gaze was on her face. “I don’t like this. Why don’t we call an air ambulance and get you to a hospital?”
“By the time we got there, the baby would probably have already been born and be howling her lungs out. You know she marches to her own drummer or she wouldn’t have been in such a hurry to send me into labor. It happened in the blink of an eye.”
“We should still try to—”
“No!” She tried to keep from screaming at him. “MacDuff said there’s a midwife in the village and he’s already sent Rodland there to bring her here. It will be fine, Caleb.”
“Son of abitch. You’re in pain,” he said harshly. “I can’t take it. There’s nothing fine about that.”
“But there’s nothing that weird about it, either. It’s happened to women for thousands of years. Do I like it? Hell, no. But I can put up with it since she seems determined to immediately join the human race.” She was feeling dizzy, and she shook her head to clear it. “Maybe she thinks she has something to…say.” She tried to keep from slurring. “Or maybe she’s an artist like her mom or…even…Rembrandt.” She giggled. “Rembrandt. Wouldn’t that be cool?”
“Absolutely,” he said hoarsely. “Can I go get some whiskey for you?”
“No, I don’t know what the rules are. I suppose I should have read up about it.”
“You didn’t realize she was going to be this impatient. She should give you a break.”
“We’ll work…it out. I can see you…in her.”
