by Candace Sams
Tearach heard the door creak as it closed behind the Sorceress. All his attention was focused on Kathy. He tilted her head up, wiped the tears away with the pads of his thumbs and held her until she and the baby were quiet.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes,” she sniffed, “I don't know what came over me. Maybe it's one of those postpartum things you hear about."
She tried to make light of it, but it wasn't anything to laugh off. As strong as Kathy was, she wasn't superhuman. She and the baby needed all the rest and support they could get. “Why don't I run a hot bath for you?"
"That sounds wonderful. I'll put Tearyn in her crib."
He tilted his head. “What crib?"
"The one Cairna and I found in the attic. It's in the nursery."
He shook his head in confusion. “Show me."
She pushed her hair back with one hand, cuddled the baby and walked to the door which separated the nursery from the bedroom. Tearach followed. Surprise all but crippled him when he saw the end result after his carpentry work. Selfishly, he'd left the room and never looked back when the basic woodwork was done. Everything about the task had been too painful.
The walls had been painted a very pale shade of green, and tiny dragonflies had been stenciled here and there along with a medieval forest, complete with castle. A circular, green rug covered the floor upon which sat an old oak crib. Memories flooded his mind. How could he have forgotten the very crib he and his siblings had all rested within? He reached out a hand and stroked the well polished wood. Beautiful little blankets lay within its depths, and they were hand embroidered with more dragonflies.
Kathy was busily searching through the drawers for something the baby could wear. She turned and stopped when she saw his expression. “You haven't been in here since we painted, have you? It hurt you too much to think Tearyn would never sleep here.” She stated the last part as fact.
He nodded. “I don't even remember doing the woodwork. I just wanted to get it done and get out as fast as I could. That time was wasted in self-pity and can never be retrieved. Can you forgive me, Kathy?"
"I'll forgive you if you'll forgive yourself.” She walked to him and touched his chest. “It isn't your fault you survived, Tearach. You understand that, don't you?"
He swallowed hard and nodded. “I'm beginning to."
The baby began to squirm. “I think she's hungry. Could you hold this while I feed her?"
Tearach took a tiny garment from Kathy's hand and watched her settle in his mother's old rocking chair. She dropped the shoulder of her dressing gown and began to nurse the baby. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Her golden tresses flowed over one shoulder while a green little infant hungrily drank milk from one full breast.
"What do you think of our decorating?” she asked.
He walked around the room, lovingly touching each dragonfly and piece of furniture. Then he knelt in front of the rocker. “It's the most wonderful place, Kathy. You and Cairna must have worked very hard."
"We wanted it to be special. Cairna says that in the spring and summer the Pixies will fly through the open window and watch over the baby."
Tearach looked toward the large picture window with its billowy white curtains and grinned. “They will. Pixies love babies. It's said they once watched over human infants until they were all chased away."
"That's so sad,” Kathy murmured and stared out the window.
"Maybe they'll do so again one day.” He could only hope for such a world.
They gazed at each other for several moments. Then Kathy stretched out her hand. “Could I have her gown?"
He looked down at the little sleeper he'd clutched in his hand. Kathy had spent a great deal of time sewing it and other garments for the baby. She'd done everything without him. “If you change her, I'll bring the crib into the bedroom. She can sleep by the fireplace where it's warm."
While she busied herself with the baby, he lit the fire, positioned the crib a safe distance away and then ran a warm bath for Kathy. All these were mundane tasks that, for any other man, would have been normal duties. But he took each job to heart. It made quite a difference when you never thought you'd have a child and a beautiful woman to love. And very soon, he'd tell Kathy how much he loved her.
When he was sure everything was perfect, he went into the nursery to find Kathy playing with the baby by crooning to her instead of dressing her. She laughed when he pretended to swat at her behind, and chased her off to her bath. He laughed at his own inability to resist dawdling with Tearyn. She was too cute for words and sheer joy filled him when he touched her. Even as a newborn, the baby seemed to smile a great deal. At least, that's how he chose to translate her little expressions. The only thing she could actually do was grasp his fingers and focus on the sound of his voice, but she knew he was there. It was as if Tearyn was trying to bond with him as much as he was with her. “You know I'm your father don't you, sweetheart. No man will ever love you the way I will. Not in this life or any other.” He kissed her tiny hands and feet and cuddled her close.
Kathy heard his voice and tried not to start crying all over again. He was going to make one hell of a father. And when a young man walked through the garden gate one day to take his little girl away, there was going to be an almighty fight. Walking into the bathroom, Kathy was amazed to see a tub full of scented bubbles. She'd have given a lot to watch Tearach laying out the fluffy white towels stacked neatly nearby, or preparing the basket filled with luxurious soaps, scents and fripperies a woman so loves. Gifts, no doubt, from Cairna. She cheerfully dropped her robe and wasted no time taking full advantage of the luxury.
After positioning the cradle where he could watch it, Tearach walked into the bathroom. Kathy's eyes were closed and she leaned back against the end of the tub. Her shining hair was piled on top of her head and she was chin deep in bubbles. He'd never get over how lovely she was. From the first, he'd acknowledged it, but now he was free to indulge in fantasies. He vowed that, as soon as a doctor said she was ready, they'd make love until neither of them could move. So long as the lady was willing. It was his pleasant task to make sure she was.
He knelt beside the tub and began to massage her shoulders. She took a slow, deep breath, exhaled and moaned her approval. Gently, he lowered his hands to her milk swollen breasts and carefully squeezed.
As his hands worked their wonders, Kathy's breasts felt less achy, and she arched herself further back. Soon, his hands began to massage other parts of her. His touch was so soothing, yet her body responded as though an electric current were running through it. She wanted more. She opened her eyes, looked deeply into his and raised her arms for his kiss. It was slow, lingering and full of potential. She drew a deep groan from him before he pulled slightly away.
"Kathy, we shouldn't go further. Your body needs to heal."
"I want you,” Kathy heavily breathed, surprised she could have such a physical reaction so soon after birth. It might be part of the magic of this enchanted place or the man himself. Maybe a combination of the two. Right now she felt no pain, only a slow, burning passion for this green giant of a man.
"Never doubt that I want you, too. But we need to wait. These herbs are a special mixture.” He waved his hand at the tub and grinned. “Their purpose is to help ease your pain and for relaxation. Maybe they're doing the job too well."
She brought shaky hands to her face and tried to still her body's desires. Tearach loosened her hair and let it fall. Using a pitcher, he washed it with a luxurious witch hazel shampoo, rinsed it, then towel dried and brushed the thick waves until they glistened.
"Stand up,” he instructed.
She could only listen to his voice and do as he requested. Every part of her seemed to relax, yet screamed for more of his touch. It had been one of the most intimate experiences in her life, and stopping seemed like a crime against nature. Without opening her eyes, she leaned into him and felt herself being cocooned in a large soft towel and gently d
ried. Sleep came to her almost instantaneously.
Tearach lifted Kathy from the tub, carried her into the bedroom and lowered her onto the soft mattress. Then he lovingly pressed downy covers around her. After checking on the baby once more, he returned and took a moment to gaze down at Kathy's beautiful face and the golden hair shimmering on the green satin pillow. He undressed then lay beside her. His hands caressed her shoulders in a soft circular pattern meant to ensure a deep sleep.
He focused everything within him on her comfort. From puberty, the men of his race were trained to see to the new mother's welfare, the minimization of pain and her total happiness. It was a gift bestowed out of the purest love and a way of helping the givers of new life recuperate as quickly as possible. Three rules were always followed. First, a woman who'd just given birth was never left alone. Second, she and the baby were respected and given a period of quiet with the baby's father so they could all bond. And third, if the situation should arise, the father would give his life protecting his mate and their infant. With his heart more open than at any time in his life, Tearach was prepared to give everything. He felt the strength to fight off the entire world if he had to. Happiness lifted him to a place so unfamiliar it became overwhelming. His hands and body shook with emotions he struggled to control.
Kathy sighed in response to his caresses and he carefully pulled her close. During the night, he'd check on his newborn daughter and gently hold her. In this way, alternating his attentions between the baby and the mother, the two of them would know they weren't alone, that a safe, caring presence was always near. It was meant to be a time of intimacy, of great sharing and love.
* * * *
When Kathy awoke, there was a light scent of flowers in the air. She slowly opened her eyes and saw a vase of the most beautiful salmon-pink miniature roses on a nearby table. She grabbed her bathrobe off the end of the bed and got up to admire the bouquet. There was a card lying beneath the blossoms. In a bold masculine hand, a message was written in quotation marks.
"The moving finger writes; and, having writ, moves on; nor all your piety nor wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all your tears wash out a word of it."
She thought for a moment and then remembered the source of those familiar lines. Tearach was trying to assure her he was accepting the horrors of his life as being in the past, that things couldn't be changed and life had to go on. She clutched the note to her heart and tried not to cry. Her body might ache, but her heart felt like dancing.
"Good morning, Kathy. Did you sleep well?” She turned to see Tearach holding Tearyn in his arms, rocking her.
"These are beautiful.” She glanced at the tiny roses. “And the note...” Her voiced trailed away as words failed her.
He walked toward her. “A small gift compared to what you've given me."
"Not small to me. I ... it's amazing.” She attempted a small laugh, though the lump in her throat prevented it.
"What?” He smiled encouragingly.
"A Goblin quoting Omar Khayyam."
"It's amazing that I exist at all, isn't it?” He paused. “Do you want to know the really strange part?"
"What?"
"A firefighter who reads Omar Khayyam!"
She burst out laughing and stretched up to kiss him. “I deserved that."
For a moment, he grinned back. There would never be a better time than now. “Kathy ... I've wanted to talk to you.” Hearing her mother's voice, the baby began to cry for breakfast. Tearach shook his head and sighed. “I guess you'd better feed her. If she takes after me, she'll have a larger appetite than any three babies."
Kathy took Tearyn and cuddled her. The baby was so like her father and Kathy couldn't have been more pleased. She loved them both so very, very much.
Later, while she rested, Tearach read to Kathy from several of his favorite books. She was discovering quite a few things about the strong, caring man who had abducted her. He loved good books, quiet times and being with those for whom he cared. And she knew he did care for her and the baby. It was only a matter of time until he spoke the words. It had to be in his own time and in his own way. Until then, she'd wait. Tearach would time things right, of that she had no doubt. When he decided to speak up, she would tell him how her own feelings had changed. They'd both progressed from enemies to allies to friends. Now lovers. She considered all this while listening to his deep, calming voice. She fed the baby once more and then felt almost compelled to sleep.
A soft knock upon the door broke Tearach's perusal of the sleeping Kathy and their child. Their child. After he called permission to enter, Cairna came into the room bearing a large box.
She smiled and glanced toward the sleeping mother and baby. “I have the things you'll need. They're all ready."
"Thank you, sweetheart. I guess, since everyone is celebrating the baby's arrival, a spectacular entrance will be called for."
"Of course! I just can't wait!” she whispered and hopped up and down in excitement.
He couldn't help laughing at her exuberance. He was feeling a little giddy himself. And Kathy deserved to be presented to the crowd in a superb fashion. She'd saved his people—saved him. And she deserved to take her place as his mate and as a leader before his people. Before the night was over, he'd ensure they all knew and respected her for what she'd done.
Remembering the concerns Kathy had voiced to Shayla, he was determined to make sure she felt accepted and protected. One way he hoped to accomplish this was to show her how highly regarded she'd be. He hoped the boxed gift would not only please her, but enable her to meet the members of the Order with the royal dignity due his mate.
He opened the large box and smiled. “Exactly as I wanted. Thank you, Cairna.” He was rewarded with a large grin from his niece. She nodded and quietly left the room, peeking at the baby again before she retreated. With his heart filled to the point of breaking, he picked up Tearyn and sat by Kathy, eager for her to awaken.
Chapter Thirteen
When Kathy awoke, it was to find Cairna sitting in a chair by the bed.
"Good afternoon. How are you feeling?” the girl asked, getting up to sit beside Kathy. A hot pot of tea steamed invitingly nearby.
"Hello, Cairna. I feel wonderful.” She smiled. “How do you like your new cousin?"
Cairna shot her a bewitching smile. “Oh, Kathy, she's the most beautiful baby. I think she loves to be held. She's so cuddly, and I want one too."
Kathy shook her head. Youth had a way of romanticizing a great many things. There would be times when the baby was sick or teething. She'd cry a great deal and patience would be necessary to get through the day. “Just don't hurry it, honey. You and Rome have time. Take some of it for yourselves, first."
"I hear what you're saying, but it's hard,” Cairna said and reluctantly handed the baby to its mother.
"Where is Tearach?” Kathy asked as she looked around the room.
"He didn't want to leave you, but tonight is very special. He had to get ready and asked that I help you and the baby. You should have seen his face. He just can't stop smiling. And it took every ounce of conniving Rome had to get him downstairs."
Kathy tilted her head as she nursed the baby. “What happens tonight?"
"The baby will be presented to everyone, and we have special clothing, food, music ... Oh, Kathy, it'll be wonderful."
Kathy nodded when she remembered the stories about the naming ceremony. Then she looked down at the bundle in her arms. “Well, I guess she is pretty special."
Cairna gently gripped the baby's tiny hands. “Was it very painful? Having her, I mean."
She nodded. “It hurt like nothing I've ever been through, but nothing good ever comes easy. You'll see one day."
"Were you afraid?"
She thought for a moment. “Not for me. Certainly I was for her.” She nodded at the infant.
"I don't know how I'll go through it. You're braver than me. Will you help me when I get pregnant someday?"
> Kathy pulled her forward and hugged her hard. “Of course I will. We're family, aren't we?"
Cairna threw her arms around her. “Oh, Kathy, I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't been on the trail that day. I love you."
Swallowing the lump in her throat was hard. “I love you too, honey.” She hugged Cairna hard and then gently pushed the girl back. “Now help me and the baby get ready. I don't exactly know what I'm supposed to do. I know you must have told me about all this, but I'm sure I've forgotten almost everything."
Cairna grinned and walked to where a large box sat in a chair. “I'll go over it while we get ready. First, this is for you and this is for the baby."
The girl held up two, dark green velvet garments. One was a Druid robe, exquisitely trimmed in silver. The other was a bundling blanket for the baby that matched. “They're lovely!” Kathy exclaimed and got up to examine them closer.
"Wait until you see Uncle Tearach. He'll be so grand you won't even recognize him,” Cairna boasted. “Rome is helping him get ready as tradition dictates."
In a crowd of a billion, Kathy knew she'd recognize Tearach. With her eyes shut and a storm sent from hell blowing around her, she'd recognize the man that had captured her very soul.
* * * *
Tearach paced, accepted another goblet of ale, and then turned to pace some more. The men with him made jokes about his new status as a father. But it was all done in congenial fun, and he laughed with them. It felt so good to do so. Right now, however, he was wondering where in hell Kathy and the baby were. The sun would set soon. He wanted his woman with him when he walked into the Goblin Meadow to present his family for the first time.
It was over! Eight years of heartache, loneliness, and fear were over. He would never forget the horror of Exmoor, but this was where life started again. And he vowed to make his and Kathy's lives right. He'd start by showing off the baby and soon he'd accept Kathy as his handfasted mate. Then they'd make an entire house full of babies. All running, playing, fighting, and loving under the same roof. He wanted endless noise and excitement.