Six months later...

KENNA WALKED TOWARD the library of Payton’s home in an attempt to find her mate. She and Gunnar were visiting for a couple of weeks so that Gunnar could work with Connall’s horses. It was the perfect opportunity to visit family and snuggle Killian who, at barely six months old, was the size of a small horse.

Walking into Brodie’s library, she stalled to find Gunnar and Brodie, heads down, studying something on Brodie’s desk.

“Here you are,” Kenna said, trying to keep her irrational exasperation from her voice and failing miserably. She’d been on edge for the past week or so and not sure why.

The men looked up and Gunnar smiled, waving her over. “We’re just looking at house plans.”

“For who?”

“Us.”

“What?” she asked as she joined them at the desk. “I thought you were just complaining about the fact we can’t find anything in Edinburgh.”

“But there is something here,” Gunnar said, wrapping an arm around her.

Were we going to talk about this before you surprised me?

He raised an eyebrow, but didn’t have a chance to answer because Brodie started in. “I have six acres at the edge of my property that I either need to build a home on or let go. Payton wanted to build a home on it to house family when they come... we’re all growing in numbers now, and even this house can’t accommodate everyone.”

Kenna nodded, her irritation easing a little bit. “You don’t still want to do that?”

“Not if you and Gunnar want it,” Brodie said. “He’s offered a more than fair price for the land and it means Payton will have you close when you come to visit. But it’s up to you, Kenna. I really don’t mind either way.”

“We’ll talk it over and let you know before we leave,” Gunnar said.

Brodie nodded just as Payton walked in with Killian. “Da!” he squealed.

“There’s my wee moose now,” Brodie crooned, catching his son as Killian pitched forward reaching for him. “You almost took yer mum out, Kill.”

“You’ve got that right,” Payton said. “You need to stop growing, love.”

Killian settled his head on Brodie’s shoulder and stuck his thumb in his mouth. Payton eyed Kenna as she shrugged away from Gunnar.

“Can I borrow you for a bit, Kenna?” Payton asked.

“Aye, lass,” she said, glancing up at Gunnar. We’ll talk about all of this later.

Gunnar nodded, leaning down to kiss her gently. What are you keeping from me?

Nothing, why?

“Go with your sister,” he said. “We’ll make some decisions when you get back.”

Kenna nodded and followed Payton out of the library. Payton grabbed her arm and dragged her into the bathroom.

“What are you doing?” Kenna squeaked.

Payton held up a pregnancy test. “You are going to pee on this stick.”

“What, why?”

“Because you’re irritable, snappy, and being an all-around bitch to your mate.”

Kenna scowled as she crossed her arms. “That doesn’t mean I’m pregnant.”

“Your ta-tas are also twice their size.”

“They are no’!”

“Pee!” Payton turned toward the door. “I won’t look.”

“Bloody hell, Payton, I’m no’ peeing with you in the room.”

Payton plugged her ears. “I won’t listen either,” she said in an almost shout.

Kenna let out a frustrated groan, but did as her sister ordered and set the test on the counter while she washed her hands. She tapped Payton’s shoulder and Payton turned to face her again.

“Have I really been treating Gunnar that badly?”

“Aye, love you have,” Payton said. “It’s completely out of character for you. You don’t even speak to Max like that, and he can be an arse.”

Kenna dropped her face in her hands. “I’m just a wee bit off at the moment.”

“I know, sis.” Payton leaned forward and let out a, “squee!”

Kenna gasped. “It’s positive.”

“Kenna?” Gunnar knocked on the bathroom door. “Are you all right?”

“I’ll leave you to talk,” Payton said. “Be nice.”

“Och, go on with you.” Kenna pushed her sister gently out of the bathroom and wrapped her arms around Gunnar’s waist. “I’m so sorry.”

He slid her hair away from her neck. “What are you sorry for, elskan?”

“I’ve been such a horrid shrew.”

“Who told you that?” Gunnar chuckled. “It’s not true.”

She smiled up at him. “You’re a horrible liar, but I love you for it.”

“So, we’re going to have a baby?”

Kenna grinned, nodding. “We’re having a baby.”

Gunnar pulled her close, kissing her gently. “I love you.”

“I love you too. I’ll try not to let my emotions overtake my normally sweet, agreeable self.”

Gunnar burst out laughing. “Sweetheart, you’ve been a little on edge, but you’re still sweet and agreeable.”

“Not according to Payton,” Kenna grumbled. “She said I’m being a bitch.”

“Ansans,” he hissed. “You are not.”

“Thank you for that, but I need to be nicer to you.”

He lifted her chin and stroked her cheek. “How about I decide if you need to be nicer to me? This is none of Payton’s business, Kenna. You and I are a team, já?”

“Don’t be mad at Payton, honey, she was on your side.”

“I’m mad at no one.” He tempered his annoyance with a smile. “But I also don’t want you thinking you’ve done anything wrong. I’ve known something’s been up with you for the past week. It’s not just the edginess. Your body’s also changing.”

“Aye.” She grimaced. “My boobs are huge.”

“And this is a problem, why?” She playfully smacked his chest and Gunnar laughed. He pulled her close again and kissed her temple. “Do you want to talk about the house?”

She nodded and leaned away from him. “But later, okay? Right now I want to process the fact I’m going to be pushing a human being out of my body in less than six months. And then all the scheduling around Christmas. And then—”

He cut off her rambling by covering her mouth with his and sliding his hand into her hair. She sighed as she relaxed against him and smiled against his lips. “Low blow, Gunnar.”

“You’re not going to worry about any of this, sweetheart. We’ll sort it out, and I know our families will help.” Gunnar cupped her cheeks, settling his thumb over her lips when she started to speak. “No. You will enjoy this baby. You won’t worry about details that will work themselves out. Hear me on that.”

She kissed his thumb and rolled her eyes. “When did you suddenly get so bossy?”

“The second you told me about the baby.”

“So you’re going to be like this for the entire six months?”

“Making you relax and doing my best to take away your worries?” he countered. “Hell, yes I am.”

She shivered. “Why does that make me so hot?”

Gunnar dropped his head back and laughed. “I have no idea, but I can cool you down right now if you like.”

Kenna bobbed her head up and down. “Yes, please.”

He grabbed her hand and led her up to their bedroom intending to soothe the desire she was swamping both of them with. However, he only managed to heat them both up again. Kenna wondered if her entire pregnancy would prove to always be this sexy.