Epilogue – Months later

Reilly and Virginia sat on a blanket in the shade of the large oak tree. Wolf was carrying his and Virginia's baby, Connor, around and showing him all the flowers and plants near the back of the house. He was talking to the baby and bouncing him up and down. Connor was smiling and grabbing for the flowers.

"Well Reilly, when does Channon come home?" Virginia asked.

"Hopefully soon, this cub is wearing me out. Thank you for letting me stay while he is away in the Third Kingdom with Wendell. Dad was driving me crazy, he is worse than Channon." Reilly replied shifting positions again on the blanket. "I am so tired of being pregnant."

"Trust me I remember, the last month is the worst." She smiled at the younger woman, "So any names picked out yet."

"Yes, Caitlin for a girl and Cullan for a boy." She looked up at the tree. "The full moon is only a week away, I hope Channon is home beforehand. I know how he gets."

"Well, Wendell is well aware of the timing and the fact that you are eight and a half months pregnant and need your husband, even if you have the best midwife in the kingdom."

"And the best family." Reilly added. She sat up when she heard hoof beats on the road in front of the house.

Wolf turned and sniffed the air. "Tone is here." He smiled as he handed the baby back to Virginia. "Sorry little sister." He said to Reilly.

"That's okay. I think I will go and lie down before dinner begins. My back is aching, I'm tired and my feet are so swollen they look like dragon legs." She stuck her hand out, "Wolf could you help me?" she asked.

"I don't think I can lift you little sister, you are swollen like a fresh sausage." Wolf teased as he helped her up.

"Oh very funny, dog breath." Reilly teased back.

Tony was coming around the corner just as Reilly began her slow walk to the Inn. He helped her up the steps and into her room. Doting on her again.

While Channon was gone, she was staying in her old room. The new wait staff Virginia and Wolf had hired lived in their own home. It was a couple of old elves, Saul and Samuel, two brothers who were widowed, and more than happy to help Virginia and Reilly. They had started out as frequent guests and became employees shortly before Virginia gave birth to Connor. Their sister, Dara, was the local midwife.

When Reilly reached her room she closed the door and the drapes but left the windows open so she could hear what was going on outside. Soon she was fast asleep snuggled up against an old shirt of Channon's. He had worn it before he left 6 weeks ago; it still smelled slightly like him. His musky wolf odor was just beginning to wane on the garment. She dreamt of being in his arms and feeling his warm breath against her neck. Something brushed up against her cheek, she pushed it away in her sleep, it brushed against her cheek again. Slowly she woke up and realized Channon was lying behind her on the bed, brushing at her cheek with his cravat. He had missed her so much that he had climbed in next to her still fully dressed.

"Beloved, I have returned." He kissed her, "I have missed you so".

"And we have missed you also." Reilly replied moving his hand to her belly.

"How was your nap", he rubbed her stomach. The baby moved in rhythm with his stroking. "I am told that it soon will be dinner time, and I am famished."

"My nap was fine, I am so glad you are home." She sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. She stretched like a cat. "Let's go down to dinner." Reilly stood up; she began to take a step toward the bathroom and stopped. Channon watched as she grabbed her stomach and fell backwards on the bed. He jumped across the bed.

"Reilly, beloved?" He yelled, taking her free hand.

"Yes…" she began panting. Channon watched in horror as fluid streamed down Reilly's leg. "Um…I will not be having dinner tonight…my water just broke", Channon was bounding around the room panicking. "Channon," Reilly said quietly, "Go get Virginia and hurry". Channon ran from the room to the restaurant.

There were a few guests seated. Tony, holding a sleeping Connor, and Wendell were in their regular booth. Virginia was pouring water in a guest's glass; Channon could hear Wolf banging around in the kitchen. Channon ran up to Virginia, she could see the panic in his face.

"Channon, what is wrong?" Virginia asked.

"Reilly needs you, now." Channon said grabbing Virginia's free hand. "Her water…broke." Virginia put the pitcher down; she called across the room to Tony.

"Dad, help Wolf close the restaurant and then take Connor to the house," Virginia yelled toward the kitchen, "Wolf."

"Huff Puff, what is it I am cooking here." He came out of the kitchen in an apron and hat.

"Reilly is in labor."

"Cripes, tonight? She's got a few weeks to go."

"Yes right now, babies come when babies come, close up the restaurant with Dad, he is going to take Connor to the house, come to Reilly's room when you are finished. I am going to Reilly, Saul, Samuel, go get Dara quickly, Reilly is in labor. Bring her back to the Inn, she will know where to find us." With that, Virginia followed Channon back to the Inn. When they reached the room Reilly was sitting on the bed panting. Dara had told her to pant through each contraction.

Channon began to pace, Virginia sat on the bed next to Reilly. "How are you holding up little sister"? Virginia asked.

"Oh I'm fine I guess, the contractions…" she began to pant again. Channon leapt onto the bed beside her.

"Reilly, what is it?" he asked taking her hand and stroking it lightly. "What can I do?"

"Nothing Channon, just be here for her", Virginia answered as Reilly's breathing slowed down. "This is natural."

Dara stepped into the room; she had a bag with her. Saul and Samuel returned to the restaurant to help with the clean up. Virginia got up and moved out of the way. Dara sat on the bed next to Reilly, "Now missy how are you."

"Oh I've been better. Thank you for coming." Reilly said softly.

"I will be here to see you through this." Dara replied. "Channon, Virginia please step into the hallway. I must examine her and I need privacy, I will call for you when you can return. While you are out please find some towels and blankets."

"I do not wish to leave her." Channon whined.

"Please, Channon, I trust her, remember she delivered Connor." Reilly replied.

"Very well." Channon followed Virginia out of the room. Wolf was just coming up the steps.

"Well, any baby yet."

"No," Virginia replied. "You know it takes a while. Help me find some towels and blankets."

Back in the room, Dara did a quick but thorough examination of Reilly. "Everything is fine. It will be just a few short hours and all will be over." She gave Reilly a spoonful of liquid, "This will help with the pain." Dara called the others back into the room. Channon sat on the bed next to Reilly. Virginia sat on the chair, Wolf and Tony paced in front of the window.

Finally, Dara declared it was time for the cub to be born. Everyone left the room except Dara, Channon and Virginia.

Dara asked Channon sit behind Reilly to support her while she pushed. In a few pushes a beautiful baby girl appeared. Unlike her cousin Connor, she had no tail. Reilly began to cry when Dara placed the baby on her chest.

"Welcome little Caitlin." Reilly said softly stroking the baby's back. "Welcome to the world."

Channon sat quietly behind Reilly, "She is beautiful, just like her mother."