Ruddock went to his wife, his big powerful arms closing around her to cradle her with love. “Cry as many happy tears as you want, wife.”

And Sorrell laid her head against her husband’s thick chest and did just that.

Tarass burst into the room and stopped when he saw his wife sitting up in bed, looking as beautiful as she always did and cradling his son in her arms as Thaw sniffed at the little bundle with curiosity.

He hurried to his family.

Willow turned to leave and saw Slatter enter. He spread his arms wide, and she eagerly went to him and stepped into his loving embrace, a few tears trickling down her cheeks.

They left the room together, Slatter keeping one arm around his wife as he closed the door behind them.

“Your son,” Snow said proudly when Tarass stepped next to the bed and peered down at the bairn.

He stood speechless.

“He has his da’s handsome features,” Snow said.

Tarass touched his sleeping son as if he needed to see that he was real. “My son. My da would be proud knowing the Clan MacFiere lives on.”

“Then it is only fitting that he has your da’s name,” Snow said.

Tarass once again found himself speechless, though not for long. “My da would burst with pride that a grandson carried his name.”

“The first of many grandsons and granddaughters who will carry on the MacFiere name,” Snow said with pride the thought brought her.

Tarass leaned down and kissed his wife’s brow. “I’m relieved you delivered our son fast. I don’t think I would have survived hours on end of you in pain.”

Snow laughed. “Either would I.”

Thaw got up on the bed, licked Snow’s face, sniffed Winton, then went to the bottom of the bed and curled up as if the ordeal had exhausted him.

“I’m with you, Thaw,” Tarass said and slipped off his boots before he got into bed beside Snow and slipped his arm around her, then reached down to gently touch his son’s tiny fingers. He felt a tender warmth run through him, felt his heart fill with joy, and was reminded of what it was like when his mum and da had been alive. This was family. This was love, and he silently thanked the heavens for sending Snow to him.

He kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Snow, and that will never change.”

“It better not, husband,” she teased.

“I’m yours always,” he assured her.

She looked up at him and frowned.

“What’s wrong?” he asked anxiously, worried she wasn’t feeling well.

“I don’t know if that’s long enough,” she said, a soft smile spreading over her face.

“Can’t do without me, can you, wife?” he teased, kissing her gently.