The cradle near Charlotte was the center of the women’s attention. Hugh and Charlotte’s son, Richard, was a handsome babe.
He glanced out the window at the newly fallen snow and settled down to the warmth from the fireplace. His brothers sat with him as they told each other what was happening in their lives.
Every so often one of their wives burst into laughter. At other times, they peered into the cradle and made cooing sounds. Isabella picked up young Richard and glanced at Graham.
“She’s excited with the babe coming in the early spring. We’ve decided to name the child James, if a boy, or Jacqueline, if a girl. See how she holds Richard. I’m glad she’s practicing with your son and not our babe.” Graham smirked as he brought the goblet to his lips.
Hugh sputtered, unable to find a reply.
Lifting his goblet of wine, Donald chuckled.
“Why do you think he’s grinning?” Hugh asked Graham sitting next to him.
“He’s thinking how much he enjoys sitting with us instead of climbing rocks and dodging villains,” Graham said.
“You laugh. I am finished with adventures. I’ve had enough to last me a lifetime.”
Hugh leaned close to Graham. “Should we tell him?”
“Tell me what?” Donald sat up.
“Married life is an adventure… of a different kind.” Graham paused. “Then, if you’re lucky, there are babes.”
That sent the brothers laughing.
“Adventure?” Andrea had come to him and stood next to his chair. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
Charlotte and Isabella, still holding Richard, came over to their husbands. “You’re not planning on looking for other relics, are you?”
Donald rose and stood behind Andrea, his hands on her shoulders. They both looked at the others.
“I agree with you. No more adventures. But did Andrea listen?” Donald said to his sisters-in-law, his eyes twinkling.
“Our next adventure starts in late spring,” Andrea said.
Isabella handed Richard to Graham, who had no idea what to do. The women hugged and kissed Andrea. His brothers pounded his back.
Isabella took Richard from Graham, who let out a sigh of relief, and handed the child to Andrea.
Donald’s chest swelled watching her with the babe.
“What will you call the tot?” Hugh asked.
“William,” Donald said.
“And if the babe is a girl?” Graham asked.
Donald turned to them both. “I assured Andrea the babe would be a boy.”
Later that night
“I find it amazing how I get lost in your eyes.” Andrea put her arms around him.
“Do you see that you are my true love? You make my life complete,” Donald said, holding her close. “Anywhere you are is where I want to be. No place else. You are my adventure and my love.”
“Here. Here in your arms, with our family around us, is what I want for us and our children. I want to chatter with my sisters. I want to root for you on archery butts, I want to taste Graham and Isabella’s wine. But most of all, I want you. You have always been my destiny.”
“Aye, and you are mine.” He held her in his arms and sealed their pledge with a kiss.
The End
About the Author
RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author of historical and contemporary romance. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all.
Ruth lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her author voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing romance.
Visit her website (ruthacasie.com) to see what she writes. Her historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary suspense will keep you turning the pages until the end. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures.
@RuthACasie
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