Too Scot to Hold (The Hots for Scots #8) - Caroline Lee Page 0,13

piece of bread off the table. “Moira, please have some trays of easy food sent up; I suspect we’ll all be needing it.”

He met and held Finn’s gaze as the man wrapped his arm as far around his wife’s middle as he could. “It will be aright,” he assured his brother, though he raised his voice as if addressing all the expectant parents at the table. “Merewyn is experienced, and I’ll be here if ye need aught. Ye’re about to meet yer son or daughter.”

When Graham grinned, Davina wondered if she was the only one who noticed how unnatural it looked. He wasn’t one to smile often, but when he did, it looked naught like this. This smile must be one he mastered for reassurance, and it seemed to work, judging by the way Finn’s shoulders relaxed slightly as he leaned in to whisper in Fiona’s ear. She huffed out a little sigh, but her lips curled upward gamely, and the family knew she was ready.

But Davina couldn’t tear her gaze away from Graham, impressed beyond words at how he’d taken control and calmed them all. Malcolm was already at the door on his way to fetch Merewyn from the village, and Davina knew Fiona would be safe.

She just hated feeling so helpless, especially when the man she loved was so—

The man ye love?

She blinked.

Dinnae be ridiculous. Graham made his feelings clear, remember?

But at that moment, he turned and met her eyes, and Davina sucked in a startled breath at the intensity in his dark blue gaze. She was seeing him in his element, doing something he was blessed to do, and she couldn’t deny it was compelling. He was compelling.

He offered her a brief nod, and she found herself smiling in return. It was a little smile, but he must’ve appreciated it, because his own lips twitched, just slightly.

It was enough.

And then he was hurrying up the stairs after Finn and Fiona, leaving the family in chaos in his wake, and Davina wishing she could do more.

Chapter 3

Aright, if Graham was being honest—with himself, at least—he wasnae exactly experienced when it came to birthing human bairns. He’d been present at three births with a midwife, and even one where he was in charge, although that mother had already birthed five bairns and pretty much did everything herself.

But he understood the mechanics, understood what to do if things went wrong, and had delivered enough lambs and calves to know what needed to happen.

Although mayhap ye shouldnae mention yer animal husbandry experience to Finn.

Like any birth, Fiona’s didn’t happen right away. The first hour was spent getting the room ready, making certain Merewyn had all she needed, and settling the parents. Lara brought some food, which Finn and Graham both ate while Fiona paced, holding her stomach and sweating.

Graham’s brother was a mess, and he did his best to distract the man with conversation. Merewyn sent a grateful look his way, so he had to assume ‘twas appreciated.

‘Twas full night by the time Lara took the empty tray away after kissing Fiona’s cheek and telling her how excited everyone was for her. Fiona’s contractions were coming closer together now, and she had to stop her pacing when they hit. It was helpful for her to lean on something, so Finn often held her upright during the pains. Graham leant an arm once or twice as well and kept up a steady stream of murmured encouragement.

Finally, Merewyn had her lie on the bed in order to examine her, and Graham pulled Finn nearer the door to ask a mundane question for distraction. When Merewyn stood, her hands on the small of her back, Graham eyed her with worry. Her bairn was due any day now as well, and he hated she was doing so much physical work.

“We’re close to the big moment now.” The midwife sent Fiona a fond look before switching her gaze back to Finn. “Ye need no’ be here. ‘Twill be much easier, for all of us, if ye’re below with yer brothers.”

Finn lunged for the bed. “Fee?” he asked, grabbing her hand.

The pregnant woman was trying to push herself upright, and her husband helped shove pillows behind her. “I’ll be—” She gasped, squeezing his hand. When the pain passed, she offered him a smile as she panted, “I’ll be fine. I’m in the best hands, and I’d rather ye no’ see me like this anyhow. Go sit with Duncan and the others and tell yer da he’ll have