Gwen didn’t miss the look of unease that crossed Greylen’s face now. “Oh, good God, Greylen. Stop worrying and ravish your miserable wife.” Why he seemed shocked by her outburst escaped her. “I’m sorry, Greylen, please help me. I need to feel you inside me, please.”

“You know I’ll make love to you, Gwen. And you can count on more than a mere ravishing. I have no control where you’re concerned.”

Greylen lay on his side and pulled her against him, resting her leg over his hip. He calmed her with his kisses, calmed her with his hands, then entered her from the same position.

Gwen tried to push against him, almost crying in frustration as another position bit the proverbial dust. She felt big and awkward, when all she wanted was to feel consumed.

Greylen sensed her aggravation, fixing her distress by rolling her beneath him. He placed her on all fours and gave in to both their needs. His forceful thrusts penetrated so deep, they cried out in release only a minute later.

“Bless you, husband,” Gwen said breathlessly as Greylen lay above her.

Greylen chuckled in her ear, his head resting on the pillow next to hers. He felt their son turn as he held her stomach beneath them. “I fear ’tis a mixed blessing, Gwendolyn.”

“After that, you’ve been elevated back to hero worship,” she said adoringly.

“When had I joined the lower ranks?” he asked.

“Never.” She giggled. “It just sounded good.” They remained as they were until their breathing returned to normal. Gwen suddenly became very serious. “You’ve always been my hero, Greylen, even when you weren’t there.”

“I’ll always be your hero, Gwen, from now until forever.”

Two weeks later, Greylen made true to his words. He was just returning from a successful hunt with his men when Ian rode to greet them at a breakneck pace. They’d barely halted their mounts, but Ian’s words nearly stopped his heart.

“Gwendolyn calls. Her time is here. ’Tis not going well, Greylen.”

His heart constricted as he spurred his black to the keep’s entrance, vaulting off the beast before he came to a complete stop. Though Gwen seemed fine this morning and insisted he join his men, he damned himself now for leaving. The keep’s doors were already open, and he could hear his wife’s distress as he raced up the stairs.

Duncan paced in front of their chamber, holding his hand on the latch as Greylen looked to him for answers. “It sounds bleak,” Duncan told him. “All seemed fine till the last hour, then she called that we bring you as soon as possible. Lady Madelyn and Anna didn’t agree with your wife’s wishes, but we serve Lady Gwendolyn.”

Duncan had ended his statement half in question and Greylen gave him the answer immediately. “Aye, ’tis Lady Gwendolyn whom you serve.”