Highlander's True Love: A Cree & Dawn Short Story Read Free Page B

you, sweet child, you will help him lift it.”
    Dawn patted her heart, then hugged herself.
    “I know you love Cree with all your heart and your babes as well, remember though, this woman feels the same.”
    A catch to her heart had Dawn gripping at her chest. Could this woman possibly love Cree?
    “Love can be troublesome,” Old Mary said, then took a sip of her drink. “Nothing is perfect and true love has a way of being tested from time to time, but then true love has a way of surviving even the harshest of tests.” After she took another sip of her brew, she said, “You brought enough meat pies for the young lad his mother, did you not?”
    Dawn smiled and gestured.
    Old Mary grinned. “Aye, you are right, I know you well. Now be off with you. The woman and lad were settled in Dunmore’s cottage, since it has become too small for him, his wife, and his growing brood of soon to be six.”
    Dawn’s smile grew thinking of the large family that seemed forever cheerful.
    Old Mary laughed softly. “You already have a good start on the large brood you will have one day.” Her laugh turned hardy. “Though, I do not know if Cree will survive all the births.”
    Dawn felt a soft laugh bubble inside her, though it could not be heard. She slipped the basket over her arm, gave the old woman a hug, and left the cottage.
    The mist was dissipating and the chill already gone. The sun would soon be shining and it would be a lovely summer’s day to enjoy. And Dawn intended to enjoy it, for no matter what the woman told her, it would make no difference. Cree and she loved each other and nothing—absolutely nothing—could change that.

Chapter Four
    Dawn approached the door of the cottage with apprehension. Part of her was eager to learn the truth and another part did not want to know. It disturbed her even more that she felt a twinge of jealously toward this woman. Giving birth to the twins had made her feel that she had given something to Cree that no one ever had, and it had made the birth of her babes special. Now with the possibility that Cree may already have a son, the twin’s births seemed less important.
    She smiled and shook her head. That was a foolish thought. Nothing could make the birth of the twins less important.
    What if he had loved this woman?
    The thought startled her and sent more than a twinge of jealousy racing through her. She did not want to think that Cree could love another woman let alone make love to her. Though, one was a possibility if the lad proved to be his, but had love been involved or had it simply been a night of lust that meant nothing to him?
    Dawn knew only Cree could be the one to answer that and the time would come, whether he liked it or not, when she would have her answer.
    Fortified with curiosity, Dawn’s apprehensive steps turned eager and she hurried to the front door and knocked.
    The woman’s eyes turned wide upon opening the door and seeing Dawn standing there. She shook her head as if trying to regain her senses, then acknowledged Dawn with a respectful bob of her head and said, “My lady.”
    Dawn smiled and raised the basket, then pointed to the woman.
    “For me?” she asked.
    Dawn nodded and also placed her hand in front of her as if demonstrating a small height.
    “For Aidan as well.” The woman grinned, pleased with herself for understanding Dawn’s gesture. She stepped aside. “Please come in and meet my son.”
    Dawn grew alarmed when she saw that the lad lay in bed, looking pale, his eyes fluttering between wake and sleep. She turned a concerned expression on the woman.
    “The trip here has been difficult and the last couple of days he has not been feeling well. He needs rest.”
    Dawn’s hands started flying, for she felt he needed more than rest, a brew to start with and perhaps a chest poultice.
    “I am sorry, my lady, but I do not understand you.”
    Dawn held up her one finger, pointed to the door and then back again.
     “You are going to go and