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Bhric walked to the door and cast one last look at his wife and saw courage but also a bit of fear on her lovely face, and he wished he did not have to leave her. She sent him a brief wave and he returned it with a smile, then reluctantly walked out the door closing it behind him.
* * *
“You are going to wear your boots out if you do not stop pacing,” Sven warned him.
“It has been hours and not a single word from any of them,” Bhric said with a glance at a Fen who kept anxious eyes on him.
“Not true. Ingrid said all was going well the two times she came and took Astrid to feed.”
“That tells me nothing,” Bhric argued.
“It tells you that your wife does well. Sit, have a drink, and tell me what happened that has changed how Marta feels about your wife and your wife feels about her,” Sven said.
“I cannot. I have given my word,” Bhric said. “Maybe one day in the future. For now, know all is well.”
“That suits me, but you are not going to get away with that response with your sister. She is determined to find out,” Sven warned.
“I already know,” Ingrid said with a smile and handed a content Astrid to her da after entering the solar. “But like my brother, I am sworn to secrecy.”
Sven’s mouth hung open as his wife waltzed out of the room. He shook his head. “How does she do that? Find things out. You have got to tell me now. She will torment me with it. You must tell me.”
“Does she know or does Ingrid make it appear that way so I will now discuss it with her, and she will find out?” Bhric said with a laugh.
“You are right. It is good you remind me how devious your sister can be.”
“Something you should remember yourself,” Bhric warned with another laugh and finally dropped down in a chair. “I prefer battle to this endless wait.”
Sven grinned. “I was relieved I had a battle to fight while Ingrid was birthing our bairn. It was much easier returning home to find it over and done, my daughter born. A good battle takes your mind off everything.”
About an hour later, Shea appeared with food for the two men. “Marta says to tell you that Lady Tavia is doing well, and it should not be long now.”
“How long is not long?” Bhric asked.
“Marta did not say, my lord,” Shea said and hurried out of the room.
An hour later Bhric started pacing again, then stopped when he saw Marta standing in the open doorway. He stared, his heart hammering in his chest and was relieved when Marta smiled.
“Your wife has given you a fine son.”
“A son and an heir to the Clan MacShane,” Sven shouted in joy and his sleeping daughter woke with a cry.
Bhric felt an intense pride in hearing he had a son.
Marta’s smile grew. “Your wife also gave you a daughter.”
“Twins?” Sven yelled and his daughter he got to stop crying from his last outburst began to cry again.
Bhric had to sit, he was so shocked, though he was quick to ask, “Tavia?”
“She is a strong woman and did well. She asks for you,” Marta said.
Bhric was quick to follow Marta out of the room, Fen hurrying out with him, though he stopped her when they reached the stairs. “All is truly well, Marta.”
“It is. My granddaughter is much like her mum, strong and courageous. I am so proud of her,” Marta said.
Bhric hugged the woman to her surprise. “Congratulations, Amma.”
“And you as well, Da,” Marta said with a huge smile as Bhric flew up the stairs, Fen keeping pace behind him.
