Page 82 of The Highlander's Runaway Nun
Laura reached out, taking Emilie’s hand warmly. “I am glad for ye, truly. A good husband is a blessin’, and Archer sounds like a man who treasures ye, as Bradley treasures me.”
Emilie’s gaze softened, with a touch of wistfulness in her eyes.
“Aye… I never believed I would find a love like it, the kind that sets your soul alight. I thought me lot was duty and arrangement, nothing more.”
Laura smiled, her fingers gently stroking the curve of her belly.
“It changes everythin’, does it nae? To love and be loved. To cradle the life we’ve created together… nothin’ compares, Emilie. Nae the wealth, nae the name, nor the land.”
Emilie nodded, her eyes glimmering with the memory of the first time she realized her heart had found rest.
“It does, Laura… it truly does. I had feared duty and routine, but love… love is somethin’ that transforms ye, body and soul alike.”
Laura’s smile widened, a hand resting protectively on her stomach. “And so I am blessed. Bradley… he is steady, strong, kind… yet fiery, aye, but I would have it nae other way. Our bairn… it is the promise of all that is good in this world.”
Emilie laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “Aye, and I can see it in ye, Laura. Ye glow with it… love and life, all in one. I feel it when I am with ye. It warms me heart.”
Laura’s eyes softened as she regarded her friend. “And I am glad to have ye here, Emilie. To speak of these things with someone who understands the trials and triumphs of life, marriage, and love… it makes the joy even sweeter.”
Emilie reached over, squeezing Laura’s hand gently. “Ye must tell me… does Bradley treat ye as a king should treat his queen?”
Laura laughed, the sound musical and full of light. “Aye… he does, Emilie, in every way that matters. He is fierce, protective, and tender. He loves me, and he will love this bairn… our child. I could ask for nothing more.”
Emilie shook her head with a gentle smile, her eyes misty with emotion. “It warms me to see ye like this, Laura… so full of life and hope.”
Laura felt a sudden, sharp warmth trickle down her legs. Her eyes widened, panic rising in her chest.
“Emilie… it’s… it’s happenin’,” she gasped, clutching at the heavy folds of her dress. “The baby is comin’.”
Emilie, quick and steady despite the shock, pressed a hand to Laura’s arm.
“Laura, daenae fash yerself, we’ll manage it!” Emilie exclaimed, voice firm and commanding.
She hurried toward the hall, calling for a maid, her skirts rustling as she ran.
Within moments, Cora arrived, her expression taut with urgency. “I’ll fetch Nancy the midwife and me Laird immediately,” Cora said, already pivoting toward the door.
Laura’s hands trembled as Emilie helped her to the bed, easing her down onto the soft mattress.
“Ye’re safe, Laura… just breathe with me, lass,” Emilie soothed, steadying her friend’s shaking body.
The room was bright with morning light, yet Laura felt as though the world had narrowed to this single, overwhelming moment. Her heart thudded in her chest as another contraction gripped her, leaving her gasping.
The door burst open, and Bradley appeared, his face a mixture of fear and resolve.
He strode to her side, kneeling on the edge of the bed and taking her hand in his own.
“Laura, me love… me brave, fierce lady,” he whispered, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. “What do ye need? Tell me… what can I do? What’s going to happen?”
Laura exhaled, a shaky laugh escaping her lips despite the intensity of the moment.
“Bradley, ye’re more anxious than I am, and that’s sayin’ somethin’,” she said, her voice light despite the pain surging through her.
Bradley chuckled, though it was edged with tension, his hands tightening around hers. “I want everythin’ to be just right for ye, Laura… every last thing,” he said, his eyes glinting with love and worry.
Cora returned swiftly with Nancy, the midwife, whose hands were already deft and sure as she moved toward Laura’s side.
“Ye’re in capable hands, me Lady. Breathe deeply, and trust us,” Nancy instructed, her voice calm yet firm.
