Chapter Five
The Bairns
Jake stepped through the door of his parents’ bedchamber, Aline close to his side.
Aunt Jennie had let them know that their mother might not have much time left.
“I would suggest you each go in with a fond memory of your mother. If you cannot talk to her, talk to your father as if she were listening. She’s going in and out, fighting to breathe.”
He settled Aline in the chair and stood behind his wife, his gaze locking first on his father, the pain in his eyes so strong that it frightened him. It didn’t make sense that he was about to lose his mother.
Aline said, “Maddie, I’ll never forget how you welcomed me into the clan without question. And my sisters adored you. You helped me so much, and I love you for it.”
Gracie entered, tears running down her cheeks. “Maddie, yours was my favorite lap in the world when I was younger. I enjoyed your storybooks so much.”
Jamie caught his brother’s gaze and knew it wasn’t good. Jake looked like he was about to be ill, and little ever bothered Jake. Losing their mother was too much for any of them. He took in her small form cradled in his father’s lap.
His mother’s breathing was labored, her face pale.
She had always carried the smile that gave comfort to everyone.
How would their clan go on without her? “Mama, I remember traveling to Aunt Brenna’s festival in the snow. What an adventure you brought us on. I’ll never forget riding with Mac, following Midnight. And the Yuletide festival with all the Ramsays was the best ever.”
Jake added, “I loved the summer festivals, especially when Da had to separate Jamie and me.” Their father chuckled over that.
“Aye, you two were going to tear each other apart before the race even started, and do you remember who beat you both?”
Jamie cast a glance at his brother just as they answered in unison, “Molly.”
Jake added, “She was the fastest ever!”
The door opened and Kyla entered with Finlay, so Jamie motioned to his brother that it was time to leave.
Finlay wrapped his arm around Kyla as she stepped forward, then moved to the chair, leaning in to kiss her mother’s cheek.
“Mama, my thanks for teaching me how to decorate the hall. Your Yuletide decorations make every year so special. The greenery, the boughs of berries, the ribbons under the torches are always so beautiful.” Her breath hitched as the door opened.
Sela came in, Connor behind her. “Maddie, you saved my daughter when I feared I’d never see her again. I will always remember you for that. I don’t know what would have happened to Claray if she’d been forced…”
Her breath hitched as the tears started, the sounds of Kyla’s and Sela’s tears echoing in the chamber.
Connor said, “Mama, I’ll never forget when you walked out of the keep wearing those leggings and the tunic when we were going to get Claray. Everyone in the clan stopped what they were doing to watch you stride out to the stables. It was the first time you’d ever donned leggings.”
Finlay added, “I dropped my sword. Nearly took my toes off.”
That set them all to laughing. Sela said, “You were so beautiful riding through the Highlands in your leggings.”
Finlay said, “My favorite memory was the night the cousins were born. It was the night Jake brought Aline out when Jamie and I were arguing about who was going to be first. And you were with Kyla and me, but I passed out when Alick was born. Best night ever.”
Their mother opened her eyes and smiled. “I love you all so much. Thank you for…those…wonderful…thoughts.” And she fell asleep again.
Kyla looked at their father and said, “Da, are you all right?”
He fussed with their mother’s hair and said, “I’m fine right where I am. She was always by my side when I needed her, so I will do the same.”
The door opened and Elizabeth and Thorn entered with Maeve behind her, Maeve already sobbing before her gaze ever settled on their mother.
One group left while the other settled. Elizabeth hugged her mother, laying her head on her chest. “Mama, I’ll miss you so. Please don’t give up yet.”
Maeve couldn’t speak, she was so upset by Maddie’s color, her breathing. She looked like a wee bairn in her father’s large arms. When had they both aged so?
“Mama, I love you.” Then she cried so hard that her father pointed to the door.
Maeve left, Elizabeth staying behind to fuss over the chamber. “Da, what happened with these covers?”
“Your father happened, that’s what,” Thorn said.
“Mama was too warm.”
Elizabeth laughed. “You always loved Mama to an extreme.”
“Just the way she’s loved me.”