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Iver stood by his wife's side during the entire recitation and could barely believe his ears. As he listened to all Enya had disclosed, he knew in his heart he never should have been surprised. Since he had first laid eyes on her, he had witnessed much of Gwyn's strength and courage.

But in the moment when Gwyn nearly collapsed from the pains emanating from the bairn, Iver knew she had perhaps done too much in her quest. And it frightened him.

He desperately wanted and needed her by his side for the rest of all time, and he feared he could not protect her from this.

While he was not yet a father himself, he knew that the bairn was coming early.

As Iver took his wife in his arms, his eyes locked with the Laird MacLaren's. There was a noticeable fear within his and an unspoken prayer offered up between the two in that moment. They clearly all knew what was at stake.

It was only a moment later when Iver had brought Gwyn to their chamber and laid her within the bed when the midwife arrived. When the three men who stood over Gwyn refused to leave the room and each with their own reasons, it was the midwife who nearly shouted in horror.

"Men to a birthing? None of you are welcome nor will you be allowed to stay! You must leave this room so I can tend to the lady and care for her appropriately."

It was Gwyn's voice of reason that spoke from within the bed.

"Donnan, please go and get Enya. While I know she can not assist, please place her in the bed next to me and make her comfortable.

She will be my voice and my strength and will call out to you if you are needed.

It is my wish that the three of you will not be here, but in the room next awaiting for the arrival of our bairn. Now go, please, and do not argue."

Gwyn attempted to place a smile upon her face but the pain that began exploding within her body was excruciating.

Not even for the three men's sakes could she hold back.

A strangled cry was released from deep down inside as the anguish ripped through the very depths of her core.

Never had she felt such a fully consuming agony.

How she wished she could have been brave for the sake of those of her own for just a short while longer.

Nevertheless, as they startled away to do her bidding, she made one final desperate plea.

"Iver?"

As the final waves rocked her body, Gwyn extended her hand outwards as she locked eyes with her husband begging him silently to return to her side.

Iver moved quickly next to the bed grasping of her hand as he kneeled on the floor before her.

"Oh, Iver, I must know before our babe is born since this plays so heavily upon my heart. Have I shamed you? Will you ever forgive me for all I have done? I am truly very sorry-"

"My lady, are you speaking of your trusting nature that put the lives of the three children of the Laird MacLaren in peril?

Or are you referring to the recent actions when you sent the young Durell out on his own on that risky ride back to the MacLaren keep?

Or are you perhaps speaking of your reckless behavior with the unknown clansman in your pursuit to protect Enya? "

Gwyn was nearly breathless as she lowered her gaze and was almost afraid to speak. By his words, she now had gained an insight to where his mind had traveled. At that moment, she wished she had not let him down so.

"I suppose I do speak of all of these transgressions, my laird, for it is all of my actions that pain me."

Slowly, he moved his fingers below her chin to ensure she was looking into his eyes as he spoke. What pained him the most were the tears and the devastation reflected heavily upon her face.

"You are the woman I have fallen in love with and one I am more than proud to call wife.

You could never have known of your uncle's deceit and it was your own father who did not even suspect it.

And Durell…you did what you had to do. But before that day even occurred, you had given him the skills to make it safely back to his father.

You did that. I am also afraid of what may have happened to the poor lad had you not sent him away.

While it must be painful to admit, Ennis had already taken your other brothers from your family and this one, could have gone just like the rest."

As Iver absently brushed his thumb over Gwyn's cheek in his attempt to wipe away her tears, he smiled as he continued to speak.

"But it was Enya's words of all you have endured in these last days that were the most telling for me.

That was simply a slight glimpse into the woman I have yet to really come to know.

I have witnessed much in our early days together with how you cared for and instructed Durell, but with this last show of selflessness-"

Gwyn found she was holding her breath waiting for his final words to come.

"My dearest Gwyn, it is so very difficult for me to believe I am worthy of one such as you."

"Truly, Iver? You are not angered with me for placing my family in such danger? And the clansman, I will not lie. He touched me in a way only you-"

"You are my love and my life and there is nothing you could do that would ever shame me. I love you and I am more proud of you than I have a right to be."

Slowly and as he held her gaze within his own, he lowered his head as he brushed his lips over hers feeling the beat of his heart to quickly accelerate.

Even as she was now, she stirred something in him he never thought possible and he understood she had blessed his life.

Iver knew without a doubt he loved Gwyn and would cherish her for the rest of his days and for as long as they would be allowed to remain together.

*****

It was not long into the night with Enya by her side when Gwyn gave birth to a small baby girl.

She had ten little fingers and ten tiny little toes but she had a full head of dark hair which was the color of midnight.

And she was strong. Gwyn was very frightened she would not survive especially since she had never seen a babe so little.

Even still, she breathed and she suckled from her breast and did everything any other healthy bairn would do.

As the warmth spread through Gwyn's body for the love she had of this child, she knew she and Iver would do everything in their power to give her a chance at survival. This bairn was of Gwyn's own blood and that of Iver, and she knew there was no one sired who could ever be stronger.

The hope Gwyn had for a favorable outcome was as powerful as the love she shared with Iver.

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