Chapter 31
“T ake it off,” Beth pleaded, tightening the death grip she already had on his hand. “ Now , damn it!”
“Aye, my love, my pet, in a wee minute.”
Sick to his stomach, Duncan cast worried glances toward Rachael and the midwife. ‘Twas the tenth time his ladywife had demanded he slip the ring from her finger in as many minutes.
“Is all well?” he demanded of the women tending Beth.
Both women nodded. Rachael placed a cool compress on Beth’s brow. “Aye, my lord. Actually, she is doing verra well. The babe should be here momentarily.”
“Don’t believe them,” Beth hissed through clenched teeth. She tried to roll onto her back again, but he gently held her on her side as the midwife had ordered.
“Hush, dearest, hush, ‘tis almost over.” Leastwise, he prayed it so.
Why in God’s name had he allowed Beth to talk him into this? A husband’s place during a birthing was pacing the great hall or out on the lists. Not here, where her every tear and cry rent his heart to shreds. ‘Tis barbaric, this custom of hers!
Watching Beth grimace yet again, he wanted out so badly he would have given his sword arm to escape. But he’d promised to see her through, and so he would. “Ye are the bravest, lass.”
“Duncan, if you ever want to see the light of day again, you’ll take…OOOW!” Beth’s face contorted into a frightful grimace.
The midwife popped up from between Beth’s legs. “That’s right, my lady, push!”
As Beth’s nails dung deeper into his flesh and her face turn fuchsia, his fashing turned to panic. “What is—”
Rachael placed a hand on his shoulder, “’Tis well, my lord, the head is here.” To Beth she said, “A deep breath, mon ami , and push!”
Beth growled, and the midwife crooned, “‘Tis well done, lass; now pant.”
Rachael started panting so Duncan started as well. Sweat-soaked, Beth locked her gaze on his and followed suit.
“Lass, have I told ye how much I love ye?”
Before she could answer the midwife coaxed, “Now one deep breath. That’s the lass. Now push! One more grand push, and ‘tis done.”
Apparently the promise was all Beth needed. She gritted her teeth and bore down for all she was worth.
In a heartbeat she heaved a great sigh and relaxed in his arms. When a strident cry suddenly filled the solar, he released the breath he’d been holding and laughed.
He’d never felt such relief in his life. His Beth had labored, given birth, and was still alive.
He brushed the sweat from her brow and kissed her. “I love ye beyond all words.”
With her eyes still closed, she smiled. “You’d better.”
“My lord.” The midwife chuckled as she held up a plump, furious, red-faced babe for his perusal. “Ye have a bonnie son.”
“A son.” His heart swelled to near bursting as he looked upon his handsome heir. ‘Twas a miracle.
Crying, he pressed his forehead to his wife’s and whispered, “Ye saved my soul, my beloved Beth.”
She stroked his cheek. “Nay, my love, you did it yourself.”
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