18. Chapter 18 - Kaitlyn

We were so excited for the new baby by the time James and Sophie came through the front door — they were nervous, exhausted, and beaming with happiness.

The baby was tucked in James's arms. Sophie was led to the couch, her feet put up, a blanket over her lap, the baby was placed in her arms, and all around her the kids gathered to see the baby. Zoe and Isla were speaking in loud, awed whispers, Archie and Ben acting very grownup and ‘getting things' for Sophie when she asked.

And Jack and Noah being interested for about one minute then going about their business of crawling around and trying to demand all our attention. It wasn't working very well because a newborn is entrancing. We all just watched Junior sleep.

James was very proud. He fussed around Sophie making her comfortable.

Quentin looked around with his hands on his hips, "Man, this is a lot of kids."

Magnus smiled. "Seven, tis about right for us, daena ye think, Colonel Quentin? We hae reached the right amount."

I said, "Are you saying this is enough? I never thought you'd ever say such a thing."

He said, "Tis not enough, we can always hae more, but we hae finally got a good amount, tis not a crisis anymore."

We all laughed.

Zach said, "Magnus this is a lot of kids, can't believe you finally think this is a good amount."

"We hae three pairs and then a new one, he is a promise of the next one coming tae make it even — anyone else with child? We will soon need another!"

Lochie came from the back room, dressed in his dress shirt, dark coat, three medals pinned to his chest, a dark tartan kilt, long clean white socks with black flashes, and dress boots. He looked very handsome with his red hair combed back, his cropped beard accentuating his jaw.

Fraoch said, "I see ye are dressed three hours too early all the same."

"I cleaned the stables and lifted weights, I daena hae anythin' else tae do." He went over and gazed on the baby for a moment. "Och he is a fine boy, Master Cook, Madame Sophie, ye hae done well."

Then he stood, looking around, well overdressed for the afternoon. He turned to Emma, "Madame Emma, dost I still smell of stable?"

She sniffed. "Nope, you smell of cologne."

"Good, I scrubbed."

She adjusted his coat and brushed off his shoulder. "You look very good."

He said, "I wanted tae thank ye, Madame Emma, for helpin' me read — did ye ken that is her favorite thing tae do? Tis like we are meant tae be."

Emma said, "You're welcome, Lochie, I'm really proud of you. You have cash in your wallet?"

"Aye, I am ready for everythin'."

He sat on the barstool and sighed. Checked his watch, then tapped his fingers on the counter. He checked his watch again.

Fraoch groaned. "Och nae, I will hae tae go out and do something else or I will throttle the lad."