“I still owe you a beating for setting such a precedent.”

“Aye, you might, but Isabelle insists you be present.” Greylen grinned. “I relish the day.”

Gwen had just ordered Isabelle to strict bed rest. By the beginning of her third month, Gwen informed them that Isabelle was carrying twins. It was easy to tell, even without her stethoscope, which confirmed the two heartbeats. Isabelle had been so overcome with nausea and fatigue, and she started to show very quickly. Isabelle was terrified after Gwen’s delivery, but Gwen assured her that she’d be fine. Gwen also offered Gavin’s assistance. He had no choice but to agree.

Things became somewhat normal again. Greylen and his men saw to their summertime duties with enthusiasm, and Gwen began to exercise again. Her body was finally returning to normal and with her runs and sit-ups she felt better than ever. Greylen ran with her in the early mornings after she fed the baby. And now that Tristan was sleeping in the nursery with Anna, they left him in her care for the hour they were gone.

They were so consumed with a new baby that their birthdays and anniversary had passed with little fanfare. But Greylen did commemorate both occasions. The first being their birthdays. The night he’d pulled her from the water one year ago.

He took her to the shore and, since they only had an hour as Tristan was a few weeks old, Greylen had had everything prepared. There was a roaring fire when they arrived, and he held her between his legs as they shared the moment alone. Then he surprised her again, removing her iPhone and speaker he secretly tucked in a satchel. “I propose a new tradition, wife,” he said, holding her tightly.

“Do I have to sing?” she teased, looking up.

“God forbid.” Greylen laughed. “Although, when we’re sotted, ’tis not so bad.”

“Get on with it, husband. What’s this new tradition?”

“Since it’s my idea, I’ll be the first,” he said with a squeeze. “But I thought that every year we could each choose a song to dance to.”

“I’m impressed,” Gwen exclaimed.

“Shut up, Gwendolyn.” He laughed. “Join your husband.” He stood, leaving her for only a minute as he pressed buttons. Then he held her in his arms, moving her around the fire as he whispered the words of “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain.

For their anniversary, he surprised her with a special dinner in the great hall. His family and men were present, and Tristan joined them, passed between everyone as they took pleasure in the entire evening together. Gwen even enjoyed a small amount of wine for the first time in months. But she became so tipsy, Greylen had to carry her upstairs, teasing her as she giggled in his arms.