Page 110 of The Icy Highlander's Virgin
"And I should have consulted ye before givin' Ewan advice about the farm dispute."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, hands clasped, both recognizing that they'd stumbled onto something important about their partnership.
"I daenae even ken why I was so emotional about it," Erica said finally. "It felt like... like someone else's anger, if that makes sense."
"If there's a little bairn in yer belly, that would explain the emotions," Lachlan said thoughtfully. "Among other things."
"How would ye ken about such matters?"
He smiled slightly. "As laird, ye learn a lot of things.. Including what to expect when the women in yer clan are breedin'. The midwives are quite educational when they're explainin' why someone's husband needs to be patient with mood changes."
Erica felt heat rise in her cheeks. "Are ye sayin' I was actin' like a... like a temperamental broodmare?"
"I'm sayin' ye were actin' like a woman whose body might be changin' in ways that affect her mind and emotions. There's no shame in it."
Before she could respond, he leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. "The meetin' ye so elegantly interrupted was important, and the councilmen are still waitin'. I need to go deal with that. I want ye to spend the rest of the day in bed, restin'."
"Lachlan—"
"Nay arguments. Whether ye're with child or just exhausted from everything that's happened lately, ye need rest. I'll have Ada bring ye some soup."
A few minutes later, Ada appeared with a steaming bowl of soup and a concerned expression.
"How are ye feelin', lass?" the older woman asked, setting the tray on the bedside table.
"Better. Still tired, but better."
"Eat the soup. It's got herbs in it that'll help settle yer stomach if ye're queasy."
"Do ye think I might be...?"
Ada's weathered face broke into a knowing smile. "I've been wonderin' for the past week. Ye've been pickin' at yer food, and yesterday I caught ye nearly cryin' over a kitten in the stable. A healthy young woman who's been properly bedded by her husband? It wouldnae surprise me at all."
After Ada left, promising to return later to check on her, Erica lay in bed staring at the ceiling. The possibility of carrying Lachlan's child filled her with both excitement and terror. She was only just learning how to be a wife and a clan leader—was she ready to be a mother as well?
The soup smelled delicious, but the thought of eating made her stomach turn slightly.
Despite Lachlan's orders to stay in bed, restlessness began to overtake her. The chamber felt stuffy and confining, and she found herself craving fresh air and sunshine. Surely a gentle walk in the gardens wouldn't hurt?
She slipped out of bed, pulled on a simple dress, and made her way quietly through the castle corridors toward the gardens,hoping that some time among the flowers might help settle both her stomach and her churning thoughts.
The fresh air felt wonderful against her face as Erica made her way through the castle gardens. The afternoon sun was warm, and she could smell the rich scent of earth and growing things that always made her think of home. She was mentally planning where she might plant her own garden—perhaps heather and wild roses like she'd had at McLaren—when she heard the sound of a child's laughter.
Following the sound, she found Hayden crouched beside a patch of daffodils, apparently having a serious conversation with a small frog.
"And what are ye tellin' that poor creature?" she asked, settling beside him on the grass.
"M'lady!" The boy's face lit up with pure joy as he threw his arms around her neck. "I thought ye were sick! Mother said ye were in yer chambers sleepin'."
The fierce hug and his genuine concern filled Erica with a warmth she hadn't expected. "I'm much better now. What are ye doin' out here all alone?"
"Watchin' the frogs." He carefully picked up the small creature and showed it to her. "This one's got spots like stars."
"So he does." She studied the boy's earnest face, noting how gently he held the fragile animal. "Do ye spend much time out here by yerself?"
Hayden's expression grew a bit wistful. "Aye. There's nay other children to play with in the castle. It gets quiet sometimes."
The simple statement tugged at something deep in Erica's chest. She found herself imagining the castle filled with children's laughter—little boys like Hayden, perhaps a daughter with Lachlan's blue eyes...
