Evanna’s face was pale and streaked with sweat. ‘Not all first babies take ages.’ She broke off and Flora could see that she was struggling with pain.

Agitated, Logan stood up. ‘I’m calling the air ambulance.’

‘The wind’s too strong,’ Conner said in an even tone. ‘They can’t fly. I’ve already rung them.’

Evanna lifted a hand and touched Logan’s face. ‘You have to calm down,’ she urged softly. ‘You’re panicking and I need you.’

‘I’m not panicking,’ Logan said tightly. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be sorry. I understand—and I love you.’

‘All right—enough.’ Conner pulled a face. ‘You’re making me feel ill. Flora, did I hear you asking Janet for a delivery pack? I presume such a thing exists on this godforsaken island?’

‘We have everything,’ Logan growled, his hair roughened from the number of times he’d run his fingers through it. ‘I made sure. I’ve got the equipment to do a Caesarean section if it’s necessary.’

‘It’s not going to be necessary,’ Conner said calmly, washing his hands. ‘Evanna, I’m going to take a look and see what’s happening. Logan, go and check on Kirsty.’

Logan’s jaw tightened. ‘I’m not leaving her.’

Conner inhaled deeply and let the water stream off his hands into the sink. ‘Leave the room, Logan. All this drama is giving me a headache.’

‘No.’

Conner dried his hands and then pulled on the gloves Flora handed him. ‘I can’t concentrate with you hovering, ready to shout abuse at me.’

‘What do you know about delivering babies?’

‘I’m full of surprises.’ Conner turned away from Logan and concentrated on Evanna, his smile gentle. ‘The problem is that no one on this island trusts me.’

She gave a wan smile. ‘I trust you, Conner.’

‘It’s all going to be fine, you know that, don’t you?’

She swallowed. ‘Yes…’ Her voice faltered but she returned his smile. ‘Of course it is. Have you—have you ever delivered a baby before?’

‘Do you think I’d be here now if I hadn’t? I love delivering babies,’ Conner said smoothly, moving to her right side and glancing at Flora, his gaze faintly mocking. ‘Delivering babies is my favourite thing.’

Evanna clutched his arm. ‘You really have done it before?’

‘Loads of times,’ Conner said easily, and Logan snorted.

‘Oh, for goodness’ sake! I suppose you’re going to try and convince us that the army is popping out babies all the time.’

‘Of course not.’ Conner’s gaze didn’t flicker. ‘But the locals are. And they always came to us for help.’

Evanna gave a low moan and reached for Flora’s hand. ‘Actually, Logan, I think you should ring Meg and check on Kirsty. She was a bit off colour this morning.’

‘But—’