Kenna let her gaze wander, confident in the knowledge that Gunnar would keep her from tripping over anything. The walls and ceiling were forged out of the stone of the mountain and sconces that had been replaced with electric lights still held an ancient feel.
A few hundred yards down the tunnel, Gunnar released her hand in order to unlock another door and then again stepped back.
Kenna walked through and gasped. “Oh, my word.”
She’d just stepped into a world of stunning opulence countered by a homey feel. Gunnar wrapped an arm around her from behind and moved her further into the room. “This is our home, sweetheart.”
They were standing in a giant great room with three picture windows that overlooked the snowy ground outside. The vaulted ceiling held the biggest chandelier she’d ever seen, and a two-sided fireplace broke the room into two areas. One for reading, with overstuffed chairs and small game tables. On the other side was a large, flat-screen television with a sectional that could seat about six people comfortably. “I feel like I’m in one of those American log homes, only on steroids.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“Aye, love, it’s a very good thing.”
“Good,” he said, and chuckled. “Because I just finished the renovation ten years ago and I love it, but we could change it if you don’t.”
“I don’t want to change a thing... but back up. How is this our home?”
“Because it was mine. Ari and I both have homes here, and now this one is ours.” He turned her to face him and kissed her. “Come. I’ll give you the tour.”
The tour took almost thirty minutes, and Kenna knew she’d want to be here as often as possible. The kitchen, although large, was the place that the chef and his assistants spent most of their time, so it was more of a commercial-grade space, but still very pretty.
There were six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, almost ten-thousand square feet of space, but Gunnar saved the best for last. Leading Kenna back downstairs, he took her back to the great room and over to the windows. He pointed out to the right. “Just past the fences there, it’s hard to see with all the snow, but our stables are there. I’ll take you out there tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait.” She leaned against him watching the snow. “I wish we could ride.”
He stroked her hair. “As soon as you have the baby, we’ll go, yeah?”
“I would love that.”
“For now, sweetheart, it’s time for you to rest.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
Kenna followed him upstairs and changed into one of his oversized T-shirts before burrowing into the beyond comfortable bed, falling asleep almost immediately.
“KENNA?” GUNNAR CALLED up the stairs.
I’m not ready.
He grinned. Elskan, we are already late.
“But I’m a whale,” she said from the top of stairs.
Gunnar frowned and rushed up to meet her. “You’re not a whale, sweetheart. You’re my beautiful, glorious, sexy, pregnant mate.”
“Who’s as big as a whale.”
“Stop it,” he ordered. “You’re beautiful, Kenna. You’ll not speak that way about my mate.”
“Everything has changed in just three weeks!” she continued.
“How so?”
She threw her hands in the air. “We were shagging like rabbits back then. Now it’s virtually impossible to lie on a shag rug, let alone enjoy it.”
Gunnar tried to stop himself from laughing, but failed.
“It’s no’ funny, Gunnar!”
“Já, elskan, ’tis a bit.” He kissed her gently. “We’ll be back to shagging in no time. In the meantime, we don’t have to stay for long... it is Jesska’s family after all. We’ll have plenty of time to spend with them.”
She sighed. “I feel like we should stay as long as we can.”
“Your family arrives tomorrow, are you not looking forward to that?”
“Aye, I am. I’m just not quite ready for Christmas. I’m not even done shopping.” She gripped his arm. “Angus is the hardest to buy for.”
“Fiona should be able to help you.”
“Oh, thank you, love, why didn’t I think of that?” she droned, sarcastically.
He chuckled. “What did she say when you asked?”
Kenna shrugged. “She had no clue.”
“Right then. Let me buy for the men in both our families and you buy for the women.”
She bit her lip, considering his suggestion. “That’s actually a really good idea.”
“I know, sweetheart.”
Kenna patted his cheek. “You’re both smart and cute. Winning combination, love.”
Gunnar grinned. “You’re very lucky to have bonded with me.”
“Don’t I know it.” She started down the stairs. “Okay, we’re late. Let’s go.”
Gunnar stopped her and moved in front of her. Once downstairs, he followed her through the door to the tunnel and locked it behind him. “You know, you still haven’t let me know about sleeping arrangements. If you want your family to stay with us, they can, Kenna. Just say the word.”
“I’m still deciding. We’ll talk to them and find out what they want to do.”
Gunnar nodded and unlocked the next door, leading back into the hobbit hole. They continued into the main house and Kenna let out a little squeak to find Payton speaking with Jesska. “You came!”
Payton laughed as she wrapped her arms around her sister. “Surprise!”
“I thought you’d be with the Gunnachs.”
“She is,” Samantha said as she came into Kenna’s sight.
“You’re here too?” Kenna hugged her while Gunnar headed off to find the men.
“Everyone’s here. I think most of Scotland has descended upon this very small fishing town.”
“What about your family?”
“We were just in Georgia for Thanksgiving, and my parents decided they wanted to go somewhere warm for Christmas, so they’re off to the Bahamas.”
“Sacrilege,” Kenna retorted.
“Right?” Samantha shivered. “The thought of sunshine and heat is hard, but on Christmas? No thank you.” She giggled. “Dalton opted for the sunshine, the beast, so he’s joining our parents.”
“Well, I for one am so happy you’re here.” Kenna grinned. “Where are Connall and Pepper?”
“They’re getting their kids down. Callum doesn’t like change, so Connall is the only one who can get him past the different sleeping space,” Samantha said. “Kade, Brodie, and Kaspar are in Kaspar’s office, I think, and my kids are asleep upstairs. We brought a couple of nannies with us to help with the brood.”
“Good idea,” Kenna said.
“Angus and Fi are coming in tomorrow, right?” Samantha asked.
“Aye. With Gillian. Nevin and his family are coming as well.”
“Full house.” Samantha chuckled. “We’re going to have so much fun.”
“Yes, yes we are.”
Samantha smiled. “How are you feeling?”
“Huge.”
She giggled. “That’s normal. If you want me to do a quick check before Gillian gets here, I’ll be happy to.”
Samantha became a research physician when she was human and, since her conversion, she was making strides in researching the differences between human and Cauld Ane blood, along with the treating of human diseases using Cauld Ane blood. But beyond that, she was a gifted doctor, as was Kade, and together they were pretty awe-inspiring.
“I would like that, Samantha,” Gunnar piped in.
“Where did you come from?” Kenna accused.
He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist. “She’s having difficulty breathing.”
“I’m not really. I feel great right now.”
“May I?” Sam hovered a hand over Kenna’s stomach. Kenna nodded and Sam laid both hands on her belly. “Our babies are typically bigger than most human babies, so they run out of room really quickly. When you feel short of breath, I
’ve found that if you lie on your side, you feel some relief.” She continued to run her hands over Kenna’s abdomen. “He’s right where he needs to be, Kenna, so you feel good to me, but I think you might deliver early.”
“I’m good with that,” she said.
“I feel ya.” Sam giggled. “You might just have a Christmas baby, honey. What an amazing gift that would be.”
Kenna laid her hands over her belly and leaned back against Gunnar, who kissed her temple. “That would be pretty incredible.”
“You should sit down, elskan,” Gunnar ordered.
“Yes, you should,” Samantha echoed. “Kaspar relegated Jesska to the sofa not long ago, you should join her.”
“Teaming up isn’t very nice,” Kenna grumbled.
Samantha just smiled while Gunnar led Kenna away.
“Oh, look, company,” Jesska quipped as Kenna sat beside her.
Kenna couldn’t help but giggle. “I have never been this idle in my life.”
“You and me both, sister.”
“Can I get either of you something to drink?” Gunnar asked.
“Scotch,” Kenna said, at the same time Jesska said, “Wine.”
“And now that we’re back in the real world,” Gunnar continued. “Tea?”
Kenna smiled up at him. “Yes, please, love. Thanks.”
“I’m fine, Gunnar,” Jesska said, also smiling. “But thank you.”
Gunnar walked away and Kenna faced Jesska. “Did you talk to Kaz about shopping?”
Jesska nodded. “He’s happy to drive us down to Patreksfjörður for a few hours if that’s okay with you.”
“Since I know nothing about it, I’m sure it’ll be perfect.”
Jesska giggled. “It’s not far, but since there’s really nothing here, it’s a safer bet. I ordered a few things and had them shipped to Megan earlier this month, so I don’t have much to buy.”
“I bought a few things and wrapped them here as well, so it’s all good.”
“I talked to Samantha about doing a secret Santa thing, so she’s writing up everyone’s name and we’ll pull names once everyone arrives tomorrow. None of the adults planned ahead for gifts, other than for the kids.”
“That’s a great idea... considering I didn’t plan for the adults either.” Kenna grinned. “And it takes so much stress out of it.”
“I know. It was actually Megan’s idea. She’s so good at all that kind of crap.”
“I’ve really liked getting to know them over the last year,” Kenna said. “It’s so nice to have them so close.”
“I miss them. A lot.” Jesska sighed. “I can’t wait until my parents arrive. Although, they don’t get here until the twentieth, but the thought of spending so much time together is a little nerve wracking.”
“How come?”
“Before Kaspar, I was getting ready to be engaged to my high school boyfriend, but he was murdered before we could even technically get engaged.”
Kenna gasped. “Oh, Jess, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s all good now. I’m not sad anymore... not for me, anyway. But I had a major cutting issue and nearly killed myself during a particularly dark moment. My parents committed me, because at seventeen, they could.”
“They were obviously concerned about you.”
“Yes, but I couldn’t see it back then. I didn’t speak to them for a long time.”
Kenna squeezed her hand.
“Kaspar’s made me see that they were doing what they thought was best.” She gave Kenna a sad smile. “Megan and Cameron tried to tell me as well back in the day, but there’s nothing quite like your mate to set you straight.”
Kenna chuckled. “Ain’t that the truth.”
“Anyway, it’s still weird, but we’re all trying to work past it and get back the closeness we once had.”
“You’ll do it, Jess.”
“Thanks.”
Gunnar arrived with a cup of tea and some of Kenna’s favorite shortbread biscuits. “Are those Walker’s?” she asked.
“Já, elskan. Payton brought them.”
“I love you, Payton,” Kenna called out even though she didn’t know where she was.
“Love you too,” Payton returned.
“I’m going to find my brother,” Gunnar said, leaning down to kiss Kenna gently. “Just call me if you need me.”
“I will, love. Thanks for the tea.”
He smiled and walked away just as Payton flopped down beside her sister. “I could not get your beast of a nephew to go to sleep,” she complained.
Kenna grimaced. “Uh-oh.”
“I swear that kid knows his cousins are next door and all he wants to do is play.”
“You didn’t bring a nanny?” Kenna asked.
“Not one who can lift a small house.”
Jesska dropped her head back and laughed. “Ohmigod, Payton.”
She shrugged. “He eats like every hour. It’s insane. And he’s as tall as a five-year-old human. But he’s always been a great eater and lousy sleeper. At least Pepper feels my pain somewhat. Callum was the same, but not Samantha. No. She has perfect wee children who feed every three to four hours, and Phineas has been sleeping through the night since he was six weeks old! Wee ratbag.”
“Have a biscuit,” Kenna retorted, and handed her the shortbread.
Payton giggled and took a bite. “Thank you.”
“Is he down now?” Jesska asked.
“Yes and if the nanny can’t get him to calm if he wakes, Brodie’s up, so I have some relief for a couple of hours.”
“So... you’re waiting a bit to have another, then?” Kenna predicted.
“Aye. When he’s eighteen, we’ll talk.”
Jesska laughed. “Good luck with that.”
The rest of the afternoon flew by for Kenna and she relaxed more and more as time went on. She couldn’t wait for the rest of the festivities to commence. They had a lot of plans over the next two weeks and felt like she’d burst with the excitement of it all.
THE NEXT MORNING, Kenna was awake before Gunnar. This was such a strange phenomenon that she decided to surprise him with breakfast. Arriving downstairs, she put on a pot of coffee and pulled out everything she’d need for omelets. If she’d thought the kitchen in Reykjavík was a dream, then this one was a waking fantasy. For a man who didn’t cook, he certainly knew how to outfit a kitchen.
Elskan, where are you?
Kenna smiled as she cracked eggs into a bowl. Serving my man.
You should be resting.
Come and taste my omelets and then tell me that.
Gunnar walked into the kitchen a few minutes later, glorious in his pajama bottoms that sat low on his hips and a white singlet. Kenna stopped her whisking for a second to admire him. “Good morning, gorgeous.”
He smiled, walking around the island to kiss her. “Good morning.” He hunkered down in front of her and kissed her belly. “How’s our son?”
“He’s doing cartwheels right now because he knows you’re talking to hm.”
“Sit down, elskan.”
“I’m fine, love. I feel great.” She stroked his cheek. “Why don’t you pour the coffee? I’ve brewed a pot.”
“Then you’ll sit down?”
She giggled. “I’ll sit down when I’m done and leave the dishes to you.”
He rose to his feet and kissed her again. “I can live with that.”
“Good.”
Kenna hummed as she prepared omelets and bacon, along with fresh fruit she’d found in the fridge. Whoever had done the shopping had done a thorough job of stocking up on whatever they would need.
As soon as she’d slid Gunnar’s omelet onto his plate, he grabbed both plates. “You sit down. I’ll do the rest,” he ordered.
Kenna picked up the coffee mugs and smiled. “Thank you.”
He followed her to the large kitchen table and set a plate in front of her before gathering utensils and joining her. Kenna sipped her coffee as Gunnar took a bite and swal
lowed. “Ljúffengur, elskan.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Seconds later, Kenna felt pain in her abdomen and took a deep breath.
“Kenna?” Gunnar reached for her, but she shook her head.
“I’m okay, love. He’s just moving around.”
Gunnar stood and picked her up out of her seat. “What are you doing?” she squeaked, barely saving her coffee mug from shattering on the ground.
“You are going to rest and there will be no more making breakfast until after you have the baby.”
“Gunnar,” she admonished as he continued up the stairs with her. “This is all normal. I’m healthy, the baby’s healthy. You can’t lock me away because I feel like a beached whale right now.”
“I’m going to have Samantha come and check on you.”
“Gillian will be here in less than two hours, don’t bug Sam.”
He set her on the bed and frowned. “On your side, sweetheart. Like Sam said.”
She stretched out, reaching for his hand. “I’m okay, love.”
He linked his fingers with hers at the same time he pulled his phone out and put it to his ear. “Kaz, já, Kenna líður ekki vel. Gætirðu beðið Sam að koma, vinsamlegast? Fylgdu henni beint upp í svefnherbergið okkar? Já, þakka þér.” (Kenna’s not feeling well. Could you ask Sam to come please? Escort her straight to our bedroom? Yes. Thank you.)
Kenna closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. I really am okay, Gunnar.
“Humor me,” he said, and grabbed clothes to change into.
More pain rolled through her, but she tried not to react, however, that didn’t go so well for her.
“Ansans,” Gunnar hissed.
“I’m okay, I’m okay.”
“You’re not okay,” he accused, sitting beside her and laying his hand on her belly. “I can feel your pain.”
“That helps,” Kenna said, and licked her lips. “Keep doing that.”
A knock at the door brought Kade and Samantha.
“You’re not well, Kenna?” Samantha asked as she stepped to the bed.
“I’m fine. Just a little pain.”
“Okay, honey, let’s have you roll on your back,” Samantha directed. “Gunnar, can you move to the other side, please. Keep contact with her... it’ll help.”
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