Page 75 of The Best of Madeline Grant

Her breathing calmed once she focused on Alex and his protection, the calm in every battle they’d had to face.

A knock on the door interrupted them.

“Enter,” Alex barked, arranging his plaid so he was decent.

Jennie peeked her head inside. “Safe to come in? Are you covered, Alex?”

“Aye.” He waved her inside. “She’s awake, and she drank a bit, but not much.”

“Has she conversed with you? And how is her fever?” Jennie pulled the chair over next to the bed. “My, but you had a battle with the covers, brother dearest.” She giggled as though she were ten summers again.

“Maddie said she was hot, and now she’s not.”

Jennie patted Maddie’s hand, and she opened her eyes. “Maddie, I need to talk with you. Tell me how you are feeling.”

“Alex, would you give us some privacy, please. I need to use the special chair Jennie has for me.” She’d left one she fashioned with a bucket long ago.

“I can help you with that, Maddie. Jennie cannot lift you.”

“Alex…”

He growled, but kissed her forehead and said, “I’m going for some porridge.”

As soon as he was gone, Maddie took Jennie’s hand and whispered, “It’s my time, Jennie. You’ll have to help Alex.”

“Oh, Maddie. I think we can fight whatever you have, but if it’s your time, I’ll not argue with you. I have a potion that should help you rest.”

She tried to push herself up to sit, but she was too weak. Jennie assisted her, and she leaned against a pillow, her breathing slow and painful. She would choose her few words carefully. “No grandbairns.”

Jennie sat on the bed and took her hand in hers. “I have an idea. What if your bairns come in two at a time and they share a favorite memory with you? I’ve done this before, and it goes well. You won’t have to talk. If you get overtired, I’ll have them leave while you rest.”

“Alex too.”

“Aye, I’ll bring Alex back inside.”

The door burst open, and her husband’s large frame filled the doorway. “Maddie? I’m coming back.”

She nodded, knowing he was a bit stubborn, so she’d allow him back in. Jennie explained their plan, then suggested Alex sit behind her to support her. Then she left to search for Jake and Jamie.

Alex climbed in and covered her up, and she tucked the covers up to her chin. Now she was cold again, and she welcomed her husband’s warmth. “Sorry, Alex.”

“Do not apologize to me, wife. You’ve given me five beautiful bairns, countless grandbairns, and raised a sweet adopted daughter. You’ve kept a fine castle and welcomed my clan into your heart. I could ask for no more.” He kissed her forehead again while she fought to catch her breath. “Your traditions and love will be remembered for years to come.”

The door opened, and three-and-ten-year-old Dyna entered, closing it behind her. “I know you don’t wish to see any grandbairns, Grandmama, but I have a message for you. I snuck in so Alasdair wouldn’t see me.”

Maddie knew Dyna had the sight, so she decided to allow whatever she felt she had to do.

“Erena said to tell you that it’s nearly your time. They need you.”

Alex’s voice came out in the lowest tone she’d ever had. “You tell Erena I said not yet.”

“Erena said you cannot change destiny, Grandda. Maddie is the protector of bairns and she is needed. You will join her someday, but not yet. You have more to do for several years yet.”

Maddie heard the huskiness in her husband’s breathing as he fought the tears that wished to come on her account. She squeezed his hand to let him know she was still with him.

“Jake and Jamie are coming now.” Dyna leaned over and kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “We’ll meet again someday. Do you not recall the time by the loch when Kyla was toddling?”

Maddie had forgotten that moment. She peered up at Alex, who said the words she’d been thinking but couldn’t get out. “It was you, Dyna. You had the leggings and tunic on, your color hair and boots. I forgot. You did come to us, but older yet.”