Had Mari really thought she wanted this? Pain had been such a constant part of her life for so long—something to be avoided. But this was different. This was pain and joy mixed in a way that gave Kenna the strength of a warrior.
“You’re doing so well,” Mari assured, though her face must have betrayed her concern because Kenna gave a strained bark of laughter.
“How many women have you seen birth a babe, sister?”
“Admittedly none, but I have to say you’re doing it wonderfully because that’s how you do everything.”
Another laugh.
At least Mari was keeping her sister entertained in her time of what was clearly excruciating pain. Mari couldn’t believe her sister was even capable of laughter.
But then Mari remembered the sheer insanity that took over a person when pain reached that unbearable state. When one became lost to it and couldn’t care or focus on anything.
Kenna screamed through another pain, then slumped against the bed. “Poor Lachlan. I know he hates to hear my cries, but it’s beyond me to hold them in.”
“He looked rather pale when I arrived,” Mari admitted. She thought of what Cam had told her about being at his side. How it made them both stronger. “I wonder that it wouldn’t be better for him to be in here with you offering his strength. Surely he would feel relieved to know what is happening. From out there, he’s sure to think the worst.”
Kenna blew out a sound of agreement. “The man is banished for some reason that makes no sense to me. I surely didn’t get this way on my own. Why should I have to bear it by myself?”
Mari stood and went to the door. She wasn’t able to help her sister with her pain, but she could do something about this nonsense at least.
As soon as she opened the chamber door, four men spun to face her expectantly.
“Is the babe here? I didn’t hear crying. What’s wrong?” It seemed Lachlan’s legs wouldn’t hold him.
“No. The child hasn’t been born yet, but you have bigger hands than I do, and you can allow Kenna to squeeze them without damage. Come in.”
Lachlan blinked twice in surprise before rushing into the room.
“What are you doing?” Abagail scolded. “You can’t allow a man in the birthing room.”
“He’s not a man, he’s the father. Besides, it’s his room. It’s his wife. It’s his child. Why can’t he be here? He’s seen men mangled on the battlefield. This can’t be nearly as bad as that.”
Lachlan gave her a grave stare. “It’s far worse, I assure you.”
Mari swallowed and nodded. She understood. It was different because this was the person he loved above all others, and Kenna was in a dangerous position while he could do nothing to assist except hold her hand.
“Still,” Mari pressed on. “I believe your place is here beside your wife, to encourage her. It has to be better than waiting out there.”
“Kenna, do you want me to go?” he asked, because the decision was hers.
She shook her head, her wet hair curling up at her temple. “Stay, please.”
“Of course. I just wish I could do something,” he said, kissing her head. “I’m in awe of you, wife.”
Mari went to get a fresh cloth and gave it to Lachlan, instructing him to use it to wipe Kenna’s brow.
Kenna spared a small smile and then groaned with pain. Lachlan’s face went even paler—if that were possible. Perhaps that was the true reason men weren’t permitted into the birthing room. For all their physical fortitude, muscles didn’t make them strong enough for such things as birthing babes.
Mari pushed him onto a stool facing the head of the bed and Kenna, so he wouldn’t see what was happening below. Mari had gotten a peek of that and didn’t think she’d ever recover. No good would come of shocking Lachlan. He was distraught enough.
His hand surrounded Kenna’s, only her white knuckles were visible between his strong fingers. He whispered encouragements as Kenna panted through the next pain.
“Do ye hate me?” he asked Kenna when it had subsided.
She shook her head. “Not as much anymore— Oh!”
Another pain came on quickly, and Abagail—still frowning at having a man in her domain—nodded. “It’s time.”
Kenna let her head fall back and nodded as if understanding the vague instructions from the healer. This time she pushed, and Lachlan moved to her side, supporting her and talking her through it with soft words only for her. Mari felt a twinge of jealousy at the intimacy of the moment.
When she looked down to see a dark head protruding, the moment of jealousy subsided.
“Again,” Abagail demanded.
Mari lost track of time, and the number of times Kenna pushed, but eventually the child—another boy—was free from his mother and wailing up a storm.
Abagail wiped him briefly and wrapped the babe in a linen as if she’d done such a thing hundreds of times. Then she dropped the child in Mari’s arms while she attended to Kenna.
“Hello, nephew. What a weighty lad you are,” Mari cooed while carefully taking him to his waiting parents. “A big, beautiful boy.”
Kenna nodded that Lachlan should take him. Mari saw him brush a large hand over both cheeks before reaching out to take his son. He smiled and laughed and cried a bit more as he looked at him.
“He’s a strapping lad, love. You did so well.” He brought the child close. “This is your mother. You’ve worn her out, so go easy on your fussing.”
The babe stopped crying as if obeying his father’s command.
Lachlan glanced over at Abagail. “’Tis just the one, aye?”
“Look at the size of him! Surely there’s no more room,” Kenna said with an indulgent smile. “He needs a name.”
“Aye. A big boy will likely be a big man someday. Like Cam, I hope he also has a big heart. What do you say to naming him Cameron?”
Kenna smiled
