Epilogue

Epilogue

Six Months Later…

The warm summer air flowed through the window of Blair and James' chambers. The sweet smell of honey and grass warmed Blair's senses. The crops had been more plentiful than anytime in James' memory, and the town was flourishing once again. The travelers from the ports were flowing in on their way to other parts of the Highlands bringing money and goods to the people of the clan. It had taken a lot of hard work, but James had managed to bring life back to his clan in such a short period of time.

One of the things James struggled with and often asked Blair's help with were the politics of it all. He remembered all of the allies they had when his father was alive, but had to convince the other Lairds that they were no longer a tyrannous clan. The news of Angus' death spread quickly, though, and many of the other clan leaders came to visit to see if it were true. In the early days of James' return, it was important, as many of the clans sent for goods and helped to repair the village and homes.

As time passed, there were only two clans who had not yet answered James' calls, but they were informed by the remaining elders, and the guards that those clans had been allied with Angus, and could now be considered enemies. One of those clans was her uncles, which was no real surprise to Blair. She had taken the time to send a request letter to them, requiring the return of her sisters but had never heard anything back. Blair had never expected a reply, nor did she think it would work, but they felt an initial request was smart. Not only did it inform Blair's uncle of the new lairdship, her new status, and their intentions, it let them know that the McFergusons were no longer their ally.

Blair walked up to the window and looked out, holding her dressing gown closed as she waved down to McCleary and James, standing on the grounds, instructing some of the new guard recruits. James held Blair's security at the highest importance, and knew that he needed more protection for the clan, especially with her cousin most likely having his eyes on them for revenge. One thing Bram did not take well to was being bested, and Blair knew it would only be a matter of time before he made a move, if they didn't first.

"Blair," Clara said quietly, poking her head in the door. "Are you ready?"

Blair sighed and nodded, closing the drapes. "I don't know why we're making such a fuss. I am a bit under the weather, but I'll be fine."

Clara walked in with a bowl of warm water and some rags. Behind her, Agatha walked in carrying a basket of tools and elixirs. "Yes, but you've been under the weather fer about a week now and ye promised yer groom you'd let Agatha take a look and make sure ye're alright."

Blair smiled at Agatha and walked over, hugging her tightly. "Thank ye fer coming out. I know ye don't like to leave yer cottage."

Agatha patted Blair's cheek. "I actually am quite fond of things out here. I got to meet the healers, see the village. It's nice here. Now, come over here and sit down on the bed."

Blair thought the whole thing was silly, but she had been a little worried about not feeling so well. She took off her dressing coat and sat down on the bed. "I've been a bit dizzy, sick to me stomach, I've vomited a few times, and I've been more restless at night than normal."

"And ye look as white as a ghost," Agatha added, tilting Blair's chin up to look at her face.

Agatha pulled a couple of things from her basket and Blair sat on the bed, making a face at Clara. Clara shrugged, crossing her arms over her chest. "Be sassy all ye want. It's important ye stay healthy. And ye know James isn't gonna let ye do anything until he knows ye're safe."

Blair groaned, rolling her eyes. Agatha examined Blair, moving over different parts of her body. She said nothing, just focused, every now and then closing her eyes and whispering something. After a few moments, Agatha stood up and dropped her things in the basket, giving a nod.

Blair glanced at Clara who shrugged and pulled a blanket over her lap. "Did ye find somethin'?"

"That I did," Agatha replied without elaborating.

Clara sighed. "Well? What is it? Can ye give her some medicine to cure it?"

Agatha chuckled merrily. "There's only one cure fer what ails Blair, and that's about six months of time."

Blair furled her brow. "What? Why?"

Her eyes darted to Clara who suddenly broke out in a huge smile. She walked over to Agatha, grinning. "Is she really?"

Agatha smiled. "I'm positive. And strong too."

Blair stood up and crossed her arms over her gown. "Can one of you tell me what's going on?"

Agatha nodded at Clara who took Blair's hands. "You're gonna have a baby."

Blair's mouth dropped open and her hand pressed against her stomach. "I'm…pregnant? How? Well, no I know how. But…we were going to wait until after I rescued my sisters."

Agatha reached out and touched Blair's hand. Blair stopped in her tracks, her eyes closing. In her mind visions raced around. She could see a baby boy, strong, crying. She could see a toddler playing in the very fields that James played. As the vision ended, Blair opened her eyes and a tear trickled down her cheek.

Just then there was a knock on the door and Clara hurried over to help Blair into her dressing coat as Agatha opened the door. James walked in with a smile but it quickly faded when he saw the tears on Blair's cheek. "Oh no. What is it? Whatever is wrong, we will find the best healers and we'll get you better."

Blair smirked at Clara who giggled and walked over, picking up Agatha's basket. "Come on Miss Agatha, let's let the two chat."

James watched in confusion as they left and turned to Blair. "I'm confused."

Blair whirled around to face James. She reached down and took his hand, placing it on her belly. James looked at her for a moment before his eyes went wide. "Are you? Are we having a baby?"

Blair laughed and nodded. "Aye, and Agatha showed him to me."

"Him? A boy?" James pulled Blair in and hugged her tightly.

He pulled back and gently kissed her before looking into her eyes. She smiled for a moment and then her eyes shifted away. James took her hands and sat down with her on the bed. "What's wrong?"

Blair took in a long breath. "I'm happy about the baby, I am. But…"

"Your sisters," James said. "Blair, there is nothing more important to me than getting your sisters back, we just have to be smart about it. If they catch on to what we're trying to do they could hurt them, or worse. We have spies in the keep, staff who are watching out, and guards too."

Blair shook her head. "But after Callum…and his family…how many guards will stay loyal to that?"

James turned Blair toward him. "Callum died a hero to so many guardsmen, and they are willing to put their lives at risk fer the girls. They are my family now, and always have been. They will make sure they are safe until we can figure this out. I promise you, on my life, I will not stop until I get them to safety."

Blair nodded and leaned into James, letting herself relax into his arms. She thought about the baby growing inside of her, and the unsure future that lay ahead. The one thing she had that was different was James there, promising to get her sisters. She knew without a doubt he would follow through with that. She knew one day she would be reunited with them, and they could all be together as a family. Blair had been given a life she never thought she'd have, and she was determined to give that to her sisters as well.

She just hoped that by the time they got to them, it wasn't too late. Life was changing, and Blair allowed the happiness in just as much as the worry. She was going to be a mother, but she would never stop fighting for her family, new and old.

Thank you so much for reading my book!