Once Upon a Highland Moon (The Highland Moon Series) Read online

  Carefully cradling the tiny girl, he sat down on the settle beside his father, and waited for Jillian to place his son in the nook of his free arm. Galen had never held more than one bairn at a time. He dared not move, for fear of breaking one—or both.

  Kade chuckled and knelt on the floor beside Galen. "You've got your hands full, lad—literally."

  Duncan placed his large finger in the girl's tiny hand. She grasped it and held on. "She has a mighty grip for such a wee lass," he said grinning broadly. "She's a pretty thing—like her mother."

  Galen smiled. "Aye, she is at that," he said, seeing Sorcha's same red hair and fair skin on his daughter."

  "I've a niece and nephew all in one day," Ewan bragged, gently touching one bairn, then the other.

  His father brushed his finger across his grandson's cheek. "She's given you an heir, Galen, and a fine one at that. See how he kicks his feet? He'll be an excellent warrior someday."

  Cinead grinned. "If he takes after his da, he'll need to be quick on his feet, if he's to escape all those angry fathers."

  They all burst into laughter and the girl began to wail, quickly followed by her brother. Their shrill cries echoed through the castle.

  Galen looked at Kade for help. He didn't have a clue what to do.

  "Give her to me," Kade said, gently slipping his hands beneath the wailing girl. He rocked her back and forth in his arms, all the while making some sort of clucking sound—like an old mother hen. Galen rose from the settle and began to mimic Kade's actions and soon both bairns grew quiet.

  Cin chuckled. "The two of you would make fine nursemaids," he said, which cost him a glare from both men.

  The bedchamber door opened again. "Your wife wishes her children back—and to see you," Jillian said.

  She took the girl from Kade's arms and followed Galen into the bedchamber.

  Sorcha looked exhausted and pale, as Elis straightened the bed covers.

  Galen frowned. "Is she well?" he asked the healer.

  "Aye. The lass had no' trouble at all birthing the twins," Elis said, gathering up her things and leaving the room.

  Galen's heart was near bursting with joy as he placed the wee lad in Sorcha's out-stretched arms.

  She smiled up at him. "Are you pleased that there are two?"

  "That I am." He smoothed back her mane of damp curls and pressed his lips against her forehead.

  Jillian gently placed the girl beside her on the bed. The boy was still asleep, but the girl was swinging her arms and kicking her feet.

  Galen chuckled. "The wee lass is feisty as a wildcat, just like her mother."

  "I'll be right outside if you need me," Jillian said, then closed the door behind her.

  Galen sat down on the edge of the bed, careful not to wake the sleeping lad. He slipped his finger beneath Sorcha's chin and tilted her head up, then covered her mouth with his. After a long moment, he lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. "Do you ken how much I love you?"

  She smiled up at him, and as always, his breath caught. "Perhaps you should show me," she said, a misty glint in her lovely green eyes.

  Galen chuckled. Always happy to oblige the woman he loved, he kissed her again.

  Works by Gwyn Brodie

  "Beneath a Highland Moon," Book 1 of The Highland Moon Series

  "Once Upon a Highland Moon," Book 2 of The Highland Moon Series

  "Chasing a Highland Moon," Book 3 of The Highland Moon Series (Fall of 2014)

  About the Author

  Gwyn Brodie loves Scotland, its amazing history, its wonderful people, and travels there whenever she can. While in Scotland she enjoys learning about her ancestors the Murray, Clark, Boyd, Ramsey and McTavish clans. She lives with her husband in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and besides writing Scottish historical romance, she enjoys gardening, reading and refinishing old furniture.

  Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/@gwynbrodie

  Friend me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/gwynbrodie

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Epilogue

  Works by Gwyn Brodie

  About the Author