CHAPTER 73

There was a brief argument before Mary shooed Edward and told him to leave her in peace. Caleb and Alan each took an arm and all but hauled Edward from the chamber.

At the doorway, Alan stopped and glanced back at Keeley. His lips lifted in a half smile and she made herself do the same. Then the three brothers disappeared. Gannon stuck his head in and bowed his head in Mary’s direction.

“If you have need of anything, I’ll be outside the chamber door.”

Mary smiled. “Thank you, Gannon.” Then her face promptly spasmed in pain and she issued a grunt as Gannon backed hastily out.

“Ah now, that’s better,” Maddie proclaimed with a satisfied smile. “The birthing chamber is no place for a man. They’re such babies when it comes to a woman’s pain.”

Christina chuckled and Mary nodded her agreement.

“Edward wants to be here. ’Tis important to him,” Mary said softly.

“I’ll make sure he’s here. I told Gannon to tell the others not to let him drink overmuch,” Keeley teased. “You have a ways yet. ’Tis