by Jo Barrett
“Like that’ll ever happen,” she said with a deep chuckle, tossing back her head and sending her long wild curls sliding over the fabric of the chair.
How he longed to love her thoroughly and see that mane of fire spread across his chest, but other matters took precedence over his increasing longing.
He returned to his place at her feet, gently cradling her belly in his hands. “I’ll send someone, an emissary.”
She lifted her head. “Who? No one knows—” A crooked grin stole across her lips. “Do you think he’ll go?”
“Aye, love. He’d lay down his life for you—for me.”
She giggled. “Jenny’s gonna’ freak.”
He gave her a perplexed look, lost in her use of such an odd word. When would he ever learn them all?
“I mean, she’s going to be totally stunned. He’s what you might call her idea of a knight-in-shining-armor.”
“That rogue?” he asked chortling heartily.
“Did someone call?” Ian asked, strolling into the solar, a teasing grin on his too-handsome face.
Colin exchanged a knowing glance with his love then rose. “Aye, my friend. We were just speaking of you.” He clasped him across the shoulder and guided him toward the large window looking out over the island. “Amelia and I are in need of a favor.”
“Anything. You have but to ask.”
Ian glanced at Amelia sitting in her chair, struggling to raise her feet onto the stool, but he made no move to assist her. All knew of her determination to do things for herself. She reminded them more often than not.
Ian smiled. “Ah, you have finally decided on the child’s guardian. ‘Twould be an honor.”
Amelia paused and looked at Colin, then bit down on her bottom lip, holding back her laughter. Although they had agreed on Ian as their child’s guardian, he would never guess what they truly wished of him.
An idea flashed between him and his wife, and Colin turned back to his friend. “Aye, Ian, we wish you tae be the bairn’s guardian, but ‘tis Amelia’s wish for the babe tae have two such protectors. Unfortunately, the one we’ve chosen isna here. We would like you tae fetch her back in time for the birthing.”
“Of course I’ll escort the lady,” he said, and took Colin’s hand in agreement. “Where shall I find her?”
“She lives in the U.S.,” Amelia said, watching Ian closely.
“The—you mean to say you want me to—to—good Lord.” He paled and slumped in a nearby chair.
“Will you do this for me, my friend? I know ‘tis a lot tae ask, but Jenny is a healer from Amelia’s time. She wants her here tae make sure the babe comes intae the world safe and hale. I’ll understand if you doona wish tae do this.”
Ian swallowed hard then got to his feet. “Nay. I said I would, and I shall.” He turned toward Amelia. “I am your servant, my lady. Tell me what to do.”
Look for the sequel to Highlander’s Challenge, coming in the spring of 2008.
Can Ian bring Jenny back in time to help deliver Amelia and Colin’s baby? Or will something or someone get in the way?
A word about the author…
Jo currently resides in North Carolina with her patient and supportive family while she juggles her writing career and her position as a programmer analyst. In her early years, she wrote folk songs, poetry, and an occasional short story or two, but never dreamed of writing a book. She didn't even like to read! But one fateful day, she picked up a romance novel and found herself hooked. Not only did she discover the joy of reading, but the joy of writing books. These days, if she isn't tapping away at her computer on a story of her own, she has her nose buried in the latest romance novel hot off the presses, and is enjoying every minute of it.
Visit her website at www.jobarrett.net