CHAPTER 76
Across the hall, Adam and Beth stood for the longest time just holding one another. There was so much
to say and yet nothing that needed to be said. Everything that really mattered was contained in the circle
of their embrace. The feeling of relief that came with knowing Devan couldn't touch them anymore, was
overwhelming enough. Add to that the knowledge of what had happened during the Quickening and what
that meant for both of them, and it was beyond words.
After several long moments, Adam could feel her head growing heavier against his chest. "How about a
hot bath?" he asked. "And then we get you to bed."
Beth nodded and turned to pick up her gown and robe before letting him lead her across the hall and into
the bathroom. But when he started to draw the water, she interrupted. "If I get in there … I'm not coming
out. Once I lay down I know I'll be out for hours." She smiled wearily. "How about a shower?"
Adam smiled and opened the shower door, turning on the water. By the time he turned back around, Beth
had already peeled off her slacks and socks and was lifting her sweater over her head. He couldn't help
but feel desire for this woman, even dirty and disheveled and beginning her fifth month of pregnancy, she
was remarkable.
"Don't do that." She protested, holding her sweater in front of her.
"Do what?" he laughed.
"Look at me like that. I'm a wreck, and am not likely to improve until late spring."
"You are beautiful to me." He answered honestly, taking the dirty garment from her hands and turning her
so he could unclasp her bra. And despite her mild protest, slid her panties down over her hips and down
to her ankles so she could kick them off.
The shower was steaming, and Beth wanted nothing more than to step in, but to his surprise she began
to slide his shirt up over his body and helped him pull it over his head before her hands moved to the
waistband of his jeans.
"I've got that." He said, knowing what the feel of her hands on that part of his body would do to him. "Why
don't you go ahead … I'll be right behind you."
Beth gave him an almost shy smile before disappearing into the steamy shower. She had only just let the
water soak her hair and body when she felt him step in behind her. He reached over her head to adjust
the spray so it was wide enough to cover them both, and wrapped his arms around her as they let the hot
water wash over them.
It was Beth who reached for the shampoo bottle, and coaxed him into turning around. She reached up
and worked the liquid into a lather as her fingers massaged his scalp. It felt incredible, and Adam closed
his eyes, smiling and rinsing his hair when he felt her have to adjust her stance a little because it was
difficult for her to reach in her condition.
And then he felt her soap covered hands on his body and groaned. "Remind me to do this when we aren't
both exhausted."
Beth giggled a little, running her hands over his chest and abdomen, shivering a little when she felt the
muscles ripple beneath her touch.
"I think maybe it's time we washed you hair." he said, loving the feel of her hands on him but knowing he
could only stand so much before he gave in to the urge to press her back against the tiles and take her
right there.
Gently he turned Beth around and began to lather her hair, sifting through the weight of it. He was almost
done when she picked the bath sponge off the shower shelf, thinking she could wash begin washing while
he finished.
"Oh I don't think so ..." Adam whispered as he took the sponge from her hands and set it back. And then it
was her turn to feel the sweet torture of his soap covered hands on her slick skin. He urged her to lean
back against him as he massaged her hands ... her arms ... and every curve of her body.
"Adam." she moaned as she writhed beneath his touch, closing her eyes and leaning further against him
as she felt his hand mover lower. Sweeping her hair away to one side, he devoured the sweet crevice of
her neck with his lips as his hands couldn't help but do the same to her body. And when he heard the
breathy, high pitched sounds of her release, he supported her completely with his arm and sunk his teeth
gently into her shoulder.
"You know I couldn't help myself." his voice deep as he murmured against her ear, sending another
shiver through her body. "And what about you?" she replied, turning in his arms and sliding her hands
over his chest as she moved against him.
"Later ..." he replied. Kissing her and moving them both back under the spray to rinse off the last of the
soap.
CHAPTER 77
Adam lay face down on the bed while Beth sat on the foot of it, drying her hair. The sound of the dryer
had almost lulled him to sleep, when he heard it hit the wooden floor with a crack.
He sat up like a shot, turning to see Beth clutching her stomach in pain.
"Beth?" he moved to her side, wrapping his arms around her and sliding her into the middle of the bed so
she could lie on her side without fear of slipping off.
"What is it sweetheart?"
"It hurts ... Oh God ... something ... something is wrong." she gasped, curling into a tight ball.
"Ok ... ok ... " he replied, urging her to let him feel the baby and check for movement. And when he did, he
realized something was indeed wrong.
"Owwww ..." she buried her face in the pillow he'd slipped under it to stifle her cry.
"Amanda!" Adam called out loud enough to wake her across the hall. It didn't take more than a minute for
Amanda to realize something was wrong, and tugging her robe tightly around her she came to help.
Duncan had only just finished his own shower, and tossed on jeans and a T-shirt as he followed her over.
"Something's going on with the baby." Adam told her. "Can you sit with her a minute ... I need to make a
call." Beth cried out again, and it tore his heart to leave her.
Pushing MacLeod out into the hall, he turned to see Amanda sitting beside Beth, stroking her hair and
trying to soothe her.
"Her belly is twice the size it was this morning." Adam told Duncan once they were out of earshot.
"What?" Duncan thought that was impossible.
"She's either swollen, or something is going on with the baby ... either way ... she's hurting and I'm afraid
of what may be happening."
"You want me to call the hospital?" Duncan asked.
"No ... " Adam replied. "This isn't normal ... I need you to call Cassandra ... "
"Cassandra?" and then Duncan understood. Something had changed with Beth and the pregnancy ...
something Methos believed had been triggered by the Quickening.
"I'll call her now." he replied, going to get his cell phone out of his room. He'd obviously woken her up, and
she wasn't too enthused by it.
"MacLeod, don't you ever sleep?" she asked. "Not when my friends are in trouble I don't." he replied.
"Oh God .. what now? And why do you have to involve me? Haven't I done enough?"
"Something is wrong with Beth ... and Methos thinks ..."
"I'm not interested in what he thinks ... what is wrong with her?" Cassandra replied impatiently.
"It's the baby ... she's in a lot of pain and he swears it's doubled in size since this morning."
Cassandra rubbed her forehead with one hand as she berated herself. How could she have forgotten
something like that. "I'll be right there." she replied wearily, not giving him any other answers.
By this time Richie and Claudia were in the hallway outside the door. "What's going on?" Richie asked
Mac, but he could only shake his head.
"Beth is hurting and Cassandra is on her way."
"Do you think she'll lose the baby?" Claudia asked quietly.
"Not if we can help it." he replied soberly.
Adam looked up when he realized MacLeod was back in the room. "Did you reach her?"
"She's on the way." he replied.
"Shouldn't we take her to the hospital?" Claudia couldn't understand why they hadn't thought of that.
"Cassandra is a healer ... and a mid-wife, she will know what to do."
Duncan replied. "Why don't you make her some tea ... it might help." he continued, knowing that it would
be easier to wait if they were doing something.
Another wave of cramps set in, and Beth began to cry fearful tears. Adam could only hold her and tell her
to hang on. She hurt so much she was hardly aware of his voice.
It only took 15 minutes for Cassandra to arrive, but it seemed like forever. As soon as Richie let her in,
Duncan and Methos met her on the stairs.
"Can you help her?" Methos asked impatiently.
"There's not anything I can do about the pain. But she's strong and she's brave ... she will survive."
Cassandra replied. "Survive?" Methos frustration was evident.
"Survive what? And what about the baby?"
"You didn't read the rest of the manuscript." she said flatly.
"I read all of it ... several times." he stated.
"Then you didn't have it all or you would have known." Cassandra began. "And I should have
remembered, but it's been so long ago ... "
"Remembered what Cassandra?" Duncan was now as frustrated as Methos as he heard Beth again.
"The Quickening accelerates the baby's development." she replied. "How far along was she?"
Methos shook his head in disbelief. "She just started her fifth month ... but what do you mean by
accelerated?"
"The baby will be fine ... and so will Beth, but she's going to deliver that child within the week ... ten days
at the most. And her body is going to be forced to shift and accomodate the growth of the child very
quickly instead of over a normal gestation. It will be painful, but she and the baby will survive." Cassandra
said before she moved past them and into Beth's room.
Methos turned and punched the wall, leaving an impression in the plaster.
"You didn't know." MacLeod stated. "And as hard as it will be to go through this ... for you and for Beth, it
will work out."
"I'd rather cut off my right arm than see her have to go through this." Methos replied. "She's been through
enough."
"And she'll make it through this. But you need to hold it together. She'll draw her strength from you."
MacLeod reminded him and Methos shook his head. "I should go in to her ... be the one to tell her."
Duncan gave his friend's shoulder a supportive squeeze as he waited in the hall for Amanda to leave the
three alone to talk. He slipped his arm around her and led her downstairs to explain to the others what
was going on.
"A week?" Beth was dumbfounded as she tried to concentrate on what Adam was telling her, having a
short break from the wave of cramps that had been racking her body.
"That's not possible." she said shaking her head. "Your baby is going to be fine." Cassandra assured her.
"But she is going to be born much sooner than you expected. And after she is on her own, her
development will return to normal." she added, anticipating what she knew Beth must be fearing.
"I'm sorry sweetheart. If I'd have known ..." Adam began but Beth cut him off. "Don't do that." she said
shaking her head. "I can't handle you blaming yourself. I won't let you." she continued, squeezing his arm
and taking a deep breath as another cramp hit her.
Cassandra gave Methos a look that told him in no uncertain terms he did not deserve this kind of
devotion. And at that moment, he was inclined to agree with her. "Is there anything we can do for the
pain?" he asked, brushing the damp hair back from Beth's face.
"She should try and rest when she can. There will be times when the pain will stop for awhile. And I will
be back with a brew that should take the edge off ... and it won't harm the child." she replied, turning to
leave.
Methos realized Beth wasn't in pain at the moment and left her side long enough to follow Cassandra into
the hallway. "You know when the time comes we can't take her to the hospital." he said in a low voice so
only she could hear.
"What are you asking me Methos?" Cassandra turned to address him.
"You know what I'm asking." he replied. "I'm asking if you will come when she needs you. If you will
deliver the child."
Cassandra shook her head in disbelief and let out a little laugh. "You are unbelievable. I rescue your
worthless hide ... not for you, but because of her. And now you have the audacity to ask anything more of
me? Do you think I've forgiven you?"
"How can I expect you to forgive the unforgivable?" he replied, for the first time acknowledging how
terribly he wronged her.
"Is that an apology?" she asked, the bitterness in her voice very evident.
"It is if it will help you to find a way to get past what you feel for me enough to help someone who doesn't
deserve this." he replied. "God you are so arrogant." she scoffed and turned to go. "Cassandra, please."
he said simply. "I'll be here." she replied without turning back to look at him.
"Adam!" Beth called and he didn't have time to think more about Cassandra because he needed to focus
all of his strength and energy on the woman he loved more than life.
CHAPTER 78
Duncan and Amanda planned to move back to his place, but now Amanda refused to leave Beth and
Duncan knew that Methos would need support to keep from losing it. His friend blamed himself for all of
this.
As Cassandra predicted, the pain and cramping came in waves. The brew she showed Claudia how to
prepare, did help some ... as did the long hot baths and periodic times of sleep.
Barkley had to be literally forced to go outside, because he'd taken to lying beside her bed and putting his
head on the edge when he saw his mistress in so much pain. And he became wary of anyone who came
near her ... particularly Methos.
"Even the dog knows it's my fault." Methos complained to Duncan when his friend finally convinced him to
get out of the house while Beth was sleeping.
It was a cool and crisp early December morning and the snow had blanketed the city with fresh
groundcover the night before.
"Methos, she doesn't blame you." he tried to reason with him as they cooled off after their run. "And I
believe if she had known beforehand ... she would have still made the same decision. She loves you and
she wants to be with you."
Methos face contorted with emotion. "I don't deserve her ... or her child."
"Thank God we don't always get what we deserve." MacLeod replied soberly, but then his expression
changed to a half grin and then a laugh.
"What is so blasted funny MacLeod?"
"I was just wondering how long it will take before that little girl has you wrapped around her finger."
Duncan chuckled.
"I've been with women before who had children." Methos replied flatly, leaving out the fact that it had
been over 1,000 years ago and he'd never seen them as his own even though he did care for them. They
had been simply as an extension of their mothers.
"Not like this you haven't" Duncan replied with a smirk.
They were only a few blocks from the house when they saw Richie coming toward them.
"Why didn't you answer your cell?" he asked Methos impatiently.
"What?" Methos replied, pulling his phone out and cursing when he realized the battery was dead.
"Forget about it! It's Beth … I called Cassandra, we think she's having the baby."
The phone was completely forgotten as Methos took off in a dead run for the house. He rushed up the
stairs and was in her room in mere seconds, gasping for air as Beth looked up at him with a grin.
"Uhm … I think it's going to take awhile yet." Her smile reached her eyes, even though she was still
feeling the end of a labor pain.
He picked up a towel that had been draped over the back of the chair and began wiping off the sweat
from his run. "Do you think this is it? Are the pains different?" he asked.
"The pressure changed." She replied. "And everything I've read and heard tell me we're in the home
stretch … oh God why did I use that word?" Beth added, shaking her head at the thought of what was
about to happen. She was excited about having the baby, but after what she'd been through the past
week with the accelerated growth, she was concerned about how much strength she had left for the
delivery.
Adam couldn't help but laugh at her attempt to lighten both their moods. "Maybe it won't be so bad." He
offered, coming to sit on the edge of the bed and taking her hand. "And I'll be with you …"
"I'm counting on it." She replied, kissing his knuckles. "Adam I'm so happy." She admitted, hoping that
once the baby was born he could quit blaming himself. He'd been right there with her almost every hour
of the day for over a week, helping her focus through the pain. But his eyes reflected his own pain … the
pain of guilt that comes from believing you are the cause of someone you love's suffering.
"I want you to be happy." He replied, moving to caress her face … "I want to make you happy." He
finished, leaning in to kiss her tenderly.
"You do." Her lips whispered against his. And when the next pain hit, she was determined to not let him
feel it. She was determined to hang on to this one moment of connecting with him. She wrapped her arms
around his neck and let herself get lost in the feel of his hands running up her back and into her hair as he
deepened the kiss.
When he lifted his face from hers, he looked into her eyes and shook his head. "I don't deserve you."
"Funny, that is what I was thinking … but it was me who didn't deserve being loved so completely by you."
She replied. And then as she felt the pain subside, she knew that the next one would be more intense
and wanted to prepare for it. "Adam … Cassandra will be here in a few minutes, and this is going to take
awhile. Why don't you get cleaned up and try to relax a little? It might be awhile before you get another
opportunity. I'll be fine for a few minutes … I promise."
He hated leaving her for even a second, but when he heard Cassandra's voice downstairs, decided to do
as she asked. It would probably be less awkward if he gave them a few minutes alone before he put in an
appearance. He gave her nose a little tweak, making her laugh, before taking a fresh change of clothes
from the dresser and going down the hall.
Amanda came upstairs with Cassandra, who immediately started asking her if she'd put together
everything they had discussed needing for the delivery. Amanda had indeed prepared well and now it
was just a matter of waiting.
Beth appreciated what Cassandra was doing for her. She'd always thought she'd have her baby in a
hospital, and was a bit frightened at the thought of doing this at home. But Amanda and Cassandra
assured her that women were doing this long before any form of medical assistance was available, and
they would know … having been there.
"I know this is uncomfortable for you Cassandra …" Beth began, in between contractions. "And in your
place … I can't say I would feel any differently, or that I could do what you are doing … knowing …"
Cassandra cut her off. "I'm not doing this for him. I'm doing it because you are a kind person and I like
you … and I suppose you can't help where your heart lies. And I'm doing it because … delivering a new
life into this world reminds me of how simple and basic real happiness is. I may not be able to have any
children of my own, but I have been the first hands to touch hundreds. That is where real immortality
comes from, in the lives you touch …" she finished, looking up to see Methos standing in the doorway as
she said her last words.
"A lesson we'd all do well to have learned sooner …" He commented simply. "Thank you for coming."
Cassandra didn't say anything, but abruptly turned to finish timing the last contraction.
Duncan, Richie and Claudia waited downstairs. There was no way to tell how long this might take.
Adam sat at the head of the bed, beside Beth and supporting her back when the time came for her to
begin pushing. Amanda kept the fresh towels coming as well as the cool cloth to bathe Beth's face and
arms.
Beth gripped one of Adam's hands in her own as the baby slowly began to emerge.
"Oh my goodness … look at all the hair." Amanda exclaimed, and Beth couldn't help but laugh through
the pain. She couldn't see, but from the look on her friend's face, she could imagine.
"Just one more big push when I tell you." Cassandra said, her face serious but her eyes encouraging.
"I can do one more." Beth said in a determined voice, focusing on Adam's face as he helped her sit back
up to get in position.
"That's my girl." He encouraged her. "You're doing so well … so well. It's almost over."
"Now push hard Beth." Cassandra ordered and Beth gave out a deep cry as she pushed as hard as she
could, realizing the instant her daughter was completely free.
"She's beautiful." Amanda gasped, her eyes filled with tears. Cassandra cradled the tiny form in her
hands and didn't have to try and force the babe to breathe, because the child let out a strong cry of
protest the instant she left the warmth and security of her mother's womb.
"Adam. Oh my God." Exhausted, Beth clung to his arm as she tried to see her daughter. "She is so tiny …
can you see? Is everything all right?" her eyes moved from Adam's to Cassandra's and then back at the
little wiggling form.
"She's perfect sweetheart, just like her mother." Adam's emotion filled voice replied as he kissed her
damp forehead, his eyes never leaving the child.
Cassandra clamped the cord, and was about to cut it when she looked up at the two of them. Beth
appeared to be truly happy … and Methos … Methos did not remotely resemble the man she knew. The
tears in his eyes were genuine and the love on his face … what she wouldn't have given if …" shaking the
thought from her head, she looked up at him.
"You might want to do this." She said, holding the child in one hand and the medical scissors in the other.
Methos was dumbstruck. Cassandra didn't have to make an offer so profound as the opportunity to
complete the delivery of Beth's child … their child. He stared at her for a second and then moved to take
the scissors, cutting through the cord completely before Cassandra placed the still very wet but towel
covered baby into his large hands.
He smiled with a gasp and his eyes filled with tears as he stared down at the tiny pink face and pouting
mouth. He couldn't help but think about how amazing this tiny little creature was. And even though he
knew the child was not his, in that moment he felt a profound paternal connection to her as he kissed her
soft, damp hair.
The sound of the child whimpering brought him back into the moment and he immediately moved to place
the baby into the outstretched hands of it's Mother. Beth felt her heart skip a beat the second she saw
him take the baby. If there had been any doubt about his love for the child being more than just an
extension of his love for her … the look on his face completely erased it. And when he kissed the baby,
Beth thought her heart would melt.
Amanda didn't have to call down the stairs because Duncan, Richie and Claudia were already halfway up
them, having heard the child cry. And Joe, who arrived a short time before shuffled up behind them.
Amanda and Cassandra managed to clean Beth up and remove the evidence of the birth in a matter of a
few minutes, while the little family was oblivious to anyone or anything but one another.
"Let's get her cleaned up now." Cassandra said finally, reaching for the baby. Beth reluctantly let her go,
and immediately turned and buried her face in Adam's shirt, crying tears of joy and relief and exhaustion
as he held her tightly.
His eyes never left the child as he held Beth. He watched as Cassandra dipped the baby into the bath
they'd prepared earlier and as she counted each toe and finger. And he whispered to Beth his suspicion
that their sleepless nights might just be starting as he listened to the strength of the baby's cry.
Once all the necessary tasks had been performed, Cassandra put a tiny diaper on the baby and wrapped
it in the soft pink blanket Beth had made when she was sixteen years old … preparing for this day.
"Her adoring public awaits." Amanda said, waiting until the baby was back in it's Mother's arms before
opening the door for the others.
Claudia covered her mouth as she saw the little arms begin to flail. "Oh my God Beth, she is so beautiful."
She whispered.
Duncan and Richie were just as awestruck. "Wow" Richie said as Beth told them they could come closer.
"Look at that red hair. Where did she get that?" He couldn't help but smile and run his hand through his
own flaming locks.
"That's auburn thank you very much." Beth laughed as she leaned down to kiss the baby's head. "And
she got it from her Grandma and her Auntie Chris." The thought of her Mom and sister made her begin to
cry. She'd always thought they would be the one's holding her hand when she had her babies.
Adam guessed what she was thinking and whispered how much he loved her, and reached to wipe the
tears from her cheeks. "I'm ok … " she said, looking up at him through the bittersweet tears.
"Have you thought of a name?" Duncan asked, stepping forward finally and reaching across the bed to
stroke the baby's cheek with his finger.
Beth looked up at Adam and he nodded.
"Craig's mother's name was Irene. She died when he was young and we always decided that would be
part of the name we'd choose if we had a girl." Beth began. "And since I chose the middle name, I wanted
Adam to select the first."
Adam wished she hadn't phrased it that way, but it was obvious she wanted him to do the honor of
announcing their decision. He hadn't wanted the responsibility of selecting the name, but Beth insisted.
He gave it a great deal of thought, and didn't know what made him think of this, but once the idea had
taken hold … nothing else seemed right. But this was going to be awkward.
"We came so close to not making it to this moment." He began, looking down at Beth who was nestled in
one of his arms and the baby in hers. "and without our friends … we might not have. Our baby will be
blessed with a wealth of Aunts and Uncles who will help us guide and protect her as she grows." he
looked up at each of them, and then turned to Cassandra.
"We may not be what anyone would define as friends … but if you hadn't done what you did, I know this
dream would have ended as a nightmare on that factory floor." He continued sincerely.
Cassandra shifted nervously as she listened.
"I'm sorry Cassandra. I deserved a fate worse than death for what I did to you … and to your people.
There are many things in my life I am not proud of, and what happened then ... is one of my deepest
regrets." He continued. "I know if you didn't care about Beth, you would probably believe this to be an
insult … you still might, but it's meant as the highest compliment an undeserving man such as I can
manage." He swallowed hard, unaccustomed to apologizing … let alone acknowledging his shortcomings
in front of everyone he cared about.
Sighing deeply, Adam took the baby from Beth's arms and held her up for them to see her face. "May I
present Cassandra Irene Pierson … the shining peace of our lives." He finished, sharing the meaning
behind each name.
The room let out a collective gasp. That was the last thing anyone expected, but in a way they all
understood. "That's a beautiful name." Joe replied, and Duncan agreed.
Cassandra stared at the baby and at Methos, her mouth open in complete shock. She shook her head
and turned to rush out of the room, wiping her eyes as she ran down the steps and out of the house. The
cold crisp air awakened her senses and she looked up at the rapidly setting sun, trying to get a grip on
what she was feeling.
"Chalk one more up to my crass insensitivity." Adam muttered.
Beth was a little surprised by Cassandra's reaction and by what she saw in her eyes. But she knew in her
heart that the name he selected had been the right one. "She'll be fine once she has a chance to think
about all you said. And the baby's name is perfect. When I saw her red hair, so like Cassandra's, it
confirmed in my heart that what you had chosen was meant to be." she assured him.
"We're going to call her Cassie for short." Beth added with a smile as she took in the site of the friends
that meant so much to them.
The baby started to fuss and that was everyone's cue to give Amanda and the new mother some privacy
so she could finish cleaning up before trying to feed the baby for the first time.
"I'm going to bring you some soup. You'll need it to regain your strength." Adam said, reluctantly leaving
but knowing that she would want some privacy as she cleaned up and changed into a fresh gown.
"Don't be too long." Beth replied, as her eyes gazed up into his.
"I love you Beth." He whispered, dropping a kiss on her lips and the baby's soft head. And when he left,
neither Beth nor Amanda missed the way he wiped his eyes as he stepped out into the hallway.
Across the hall, Adam and Beth stood for the longest time just holding one another. There was so much
to say and yet nothing that needed to be said. Everything that really mattered was contained in the circle
of their embrace. The feeling of relief that came with knowing Devan couldn't touch them anymore, was
overwhelming enough. Add to that the knowledge of what had happened during the Quickening and what
that meant for both of them, and it was beyond words.
After several long moments, Adam could feel her head growing heavier against his chest. "How about a
hot bath?" he asked. "And then we get you to bed."
Beth nodded and turned to pick up her gown and robe before letting him lead her across the hall and into
the bathroom. But when he started to draw the water, she interrupted. "If I get in there … I'm not coming
out. Once I lay down I know I'll be out for hours." She smiled wearily. "How about a shower?"
Adam smiled and opened the shower door, turning on the water. By the time he turned back around, Beth
had already peeled off her slacks and socks and was lifting her sweater over her head. He couldn't help
but feel desire for this woman, even dirty and disheveled and beginning her fifth month of pregnancy, she
was remarkable.
"Don't do that." She protested, holding her sweater in front of her.
"Do what?" he laughed.
"Look at me like that. I'm a wreck, and am not likely to improve until late spring."
"You are beautiful to me." He answered honestly, taking the dirty garment from her hands and turning her
so he could unclasp her bra. And despite her mild protest, slid her panties down over her hips and down
to her ankles so she could kick them off.
The shower was steaming, and Beth wanted nothing more than to step in, but to his surprise she began
to slide his shirt up over his body and helped him pull it over his head before her hands moved to the
waistband of his jeans.
"I've got that." He said, knowing what the feel of her hands on that part of his body would do to him. "Why
don't you go ahead … I'll be right behind you."
Beth gave him an almost shy smile before disappearing into the steamy shower. She had only just let the
water soak her hair and body when she felt him step in behind her. He reached over her head to adjust
the spray so it was wide enough to cover them both, and wrapped his arms around her as they let the hot
water wash over them.
It was Beth who reached for the shampoo bottle, and coaxed him into turning around. She reached up
and worked the liquid into a lather as her fingers massaged his scalp. It felt incredible, and Adam closed
his eyes, smiling and rinsing his hair when he felt her have to adjust her stance a little because it was
difficult for her to reach in her condition.
And then he felt her soap covered hands on his body and groaned. "Remind me to do this when we aren't
both exhausted."
Beth giggled a little, running her hands over his chest and abdomen, shivering a little when she felt the
muscles ripple beneath her touch.
"I think maybe it's time we washed you hair." he said, loving the feel of her hands on him but knowing he
could only stand so much before he gave in to the urge to press her back against the tiles and take her
right there.
Gently he turned Beth around and began to lather her hair, sifting through the weight of it. He was almost
done when she picked the bath sponge off the shower shelf, thinking she could wash begin washing while
he finished.
"Oh I don't think so ..." Adam whispered as he took the sponge from her hands and set it back. And then it
was her turn to feel the sweet torture of his soap covered hands on her slick skin. He urged her to lean
back against him as he massaged her hands ... her arms ... and every curve of her body.
"Adam." she moaned as she writhed beneath his touch, closing her eyes and leaning further against him
as she felt his hand mover lower. Sweeping her hair away to one side, he devoured the sweet crevice of
her neck with his lips as his hands couldn't help but do the same to her body. And when he heard the
breathy, high pitched sounds of her release, he supported her completely with his arm and sunk his teeth
gently into her shoulder.
"You know I couldn't help myself." his voice deep as he murmured against her ear, sending another
shiver through her body. "And what about you?" she replied, turning in his arms and sliding her hands
over his chest as she moved against him.
"Later ..." he replied. Kissing her and moving them both back under the spray to rinse off the last of the
soap.
CHAPTER 77
Adam lay face down on the bed while Beth sat on the foot of it, drying her hair. The sound of the dryer
had almost lulled him to sleep, when he heard it hit the wooden floor with a crack.
He sat up like a shot, turning to see Beth clutching her stomach in pain.
"Beth?" he moved to her side, wrapping his arms around her and sliding her into the middle of the bed so
she could lie on her side without fear of slipping off.
"What is it sweetheart?"
"It hurts ... Oh God ... something ... something is wrong." she gasped, curling into a tight ball.
"Ok ... ok ... " he replied, urging her to let him feel the baby and check for movement. And when he did, he
realized something was indeed wrong.
"Owwww ..." she buried her face in the pillow he'd slipped under it to stifle her cry.
"Amanda!" Adam called out loud enough to wake her across the hall. It didn't take more than a minute for
Amanda to realize something was wrong, and tugging her robe tightly around her she came to help.
Duncan had only just finished his own shower, and tossed on jeans and a T-shirt as he followed her over.
"Something's going on with the baby." Adam told her. "Can you sit with her a minute ... I need to make a
call." Beth cried out again, and it tore his heart to leave her.
Pushing MacLeod out into the hall, he turned to see Amanda sitting beside Beth, stroking her hair and
trying to soothe her.
"Her belly is twice the size it was this morning." Adam told Duncan once they were out of earshot.
"What?" Duncan thought that was impossible.
"She's either swollen, or something is going on with the baby ... either way ... she's hurting and I'm afraid
of what may be happening."
"You want me to call the hospital?" Duncan asked.
"No ... " Adam replied. "This isn't normal ... I need you to call Cassandra ... "
"Cassandra?" and then Duncan understood. Something had changed with Beth and the pregnancy ...
something Methos believed had been triggered by the Quickening.
"I'll call her now." he replied, going to get his cell phone out of his room. He'd obviously woken her up, and
she wasn't too enthused by it.
"MacLeod, don't you ever sleep?" she asked. "Not when my friends are in trouble I don't." he replied.
"Oh God .. what now? And why do you have to involve me? Haven't I done enough?"
"Something is wrong with Beth ... and Methos thinks ..."
"I'm not interested in what he thinks ... what is wrong with her?" Cassandra replied impatiently.
"It's the baby ... she's in a lot of pain and he swears it's doubled in size since this morning."
Cassandra rubbed her forehead with one hand as she berated herself. How could she have forgotten
something like that. "I'll be right there." she replied wearily, not giving him any other answers.
By this time Richie and Claudia were in the hallway outside the door. "What's going on?" Richie asked
Mac, but he could only shake his head.
"Beth is hurting and Cassandra is on her way."
"Do you think she'll lose the baby?" Claudia asked quietly.
"Not if we can help it." he replied soberly.
Adam looked up when he realized MacLeod was back in the room. "Did you reach her?"
"She's on the way." he replied.
"Shouldn't we take her to the hospital?" Claudia couldn't understand why they hadn't thought of that.
"Cassandra is a healer ... and a mid-wife, she will know what to do."
Duncan replied. "Why don't you make her some tea ... it might help." he continued, knowing that it would
be easier to wait if they were doing something.
Another wave of cramps set in, and Beth began to cry fearful tears. Adam could only hold her and tell her
to hang on. She hurt so much she was hardly aware of his voice.
It only took 15 minutes for Cassandra to arrive, but it seemed like forever. As soon as Richie let her in,
Duncan and Methos met her on the stairs.
"Can you help her?" Methos asked impatiently.
"There's not anything I can do about the pain. But she's strong and she's brave ... she will survive."
Cassandra replied. "Survive?" Methos frustration was evident.
"Survive what? And what about the baby?"
"You didn't read the rest of the manuscript." she said flatly.
"I read all of it ... several times." he stated.
"Then you didn't have it all or you would have known." Cassandra began. "And I should have
remembered, but it's been so long ago ... "
"Remembered what Cassandra?" Duncan was now as frustrated as Methos as he heard Beth again.
"The Quickening accelerates the baby's development." she replied. "How far along was she?"
Methos shook his head in disbelief. "She just started her fifth month ... but what do you mean by
accelerated?"
"The baby will be fine ... and so will Beth, but she's going to deliver that child within the week ... ten days
at the most. And her body is going to be forced to shift and accomodate the growth of the child very
quickly instead of over a normal gestation. It will be painful, but she and the baby will survive." Cassandra
said before she moved past them and into Beth's room.
Methos turned and punched the wall, leaving an impression in the plaster.
"You didn't know." MacLeod stated. "And as hard as it will be to go through this ... for you and for Beth, it
will work out."
"I'd rather cut off my right arm than see her have to go through this." Methos replied. "She's been through
enough."
"And she'll make it through this. But you need to hold it together. She'll draw her strength from you."
MacLeod reminded him and Methos shook his head. "I should go in to her ... be the one to tell her."
Duncan gave his friend's shoulder a supportive squeeze as he waited in the hall for Amanda to leave the
three alone to talk. He slipped his arm around her and led her downstairs to explain to the others what
was going on.
"A week?" Beth was dumbfounded as she tried to concentrate on what Adam was telling her, having a
short break from the wave of cramps that had been racking her body.
"That's not possible." she said shaking her head. "Your baby is going to be fine." Cassandra assured her.
"But she is going to be born much sooner than you expected. And after she is on her own, her
development will return to normal." she added, anticipating what she knew Beth must be fearing.
"I'm sorry sweetheart. If I'd have known ..." Adam began but Beth cut him off. "Don't do that." she said
shaking her head. "I can't handle you blaming yourself. I won't let you." she continued, squeezing his arm
and taking a deep breath as another cramp hit her.
Cassandra gave Methos a look that told him in no uncertain terms he did not deserve this kind of
devotion. And at that moment, he was inclined to agree with her. "Is there anything we can do for the
pain?" he asked, brushing the damp hair back from Beth's face.
"She should try and rest when she can. There will be times when the pain will stop for awhile. And I will
be back with a brew that should take the edge off ... and it won't harm the child." she replied, turning to
leave.
Methos realized Beth wasn't in pain at the moment and left her side long enough to follow Cassandra into
the hallway. "You know when the time comes we can't take her to the hospital." he said in a low voice so
only she could hear.
"What are you asking me Methos?" Cassandra turned to address him.
"You know what I'm asking." he replied. "I'm asking if you will come when she needs you. If you will
deliver the child."
Cassandra shook her head in disbelief and let out a little laugh. "You are unbelievable. I rescue your
worthless hide ... not for you, but because of her. And now you have the audacity to ask anything more of
me? Do you think I've forgiven you?"
"How can I expect you to forgive the unforgivable?" he replied, for the first time acknowledging how
terribly he wronged her.
"Is that an apology?" she asked, the bitterness in her voice very evident.
"It is if it will help you to find a way to get past what you feel for me enough to help someone who doesn't
deserve this." he replied. "God you are so arrogant." she scoffed and turned to go. "Cassandra, please."
he said simply. "I'll be here." she replied without turning back to look at him.
"Adam!" Beth called and he didn't have time to think more about Cassandra because he needed to focus
all of his strength and energy on the woman he loved more than life.
CHAPTER 78
Duncan and Amanda planned to move back to his place, but now Amanda refused to leave Beth and
Duncan knew that Methos would need support to keep from losing it. His friend blamed himself for all of
this.
As Cassandra predicted, the pain and cramping came in waves. The brew she showed Claudia how to
prepare, did help some ... as did the long hot baths and periodic times of sleep.
Barkley had to be literally forced to go outside, because he'd taken to lying beside her bed and putting his
head on the edge when he saw his mistress in so much pain. And he became wary of anyone who came
near her ... particularly Methos.
"Even the dog knows it's my fault." Methos complained to Duncan when his friend finally convinced him to
get out of the house while Beth was sleeping.
It was a cool and crisp early December morning and the snow had blanketed the city with fresh
groundcover the night before.
"Methos, she doesn't blame you." he tried to reason with him as they cooled off after their run. "And I
believe if she had known beforehand ... she would have still made the same decision. She loves you and
she wants to be with you."
Methos face contorted with emotion. "I don't deserve her ... or her child."
"Thank God we don't always get what we deserve." MacLeod replied soberly, but then his expression
changed to a half grin and then a laugh.
"What is so blasted funny MacLeod?"
"I was just wondering how long it will take before that little girl has you wrapped around her finger."
Duncan chuckled.
"I've been with women before who had children." Methos replied flatly, leaving out the fact that it had
been over 1,000 years ago and he'd never seen them as his own even though he did care for them. They
had been simply as an extension of their mothers.
"Not like this you haven't" Duncan replied with a smirk.
They were only a few blocks from the house when they saw Richie coming toward them.
"Why didn't you answer your cell?" he asked Methos impatiently.
"What?" Methos replied, pulling his phone out and cursing when he realized the battery was dead.
"Forget about it! It's Beth … I called Cassandra, we think she's having the baby."
The phone was completely forgotten as Methos took off in a dead run for the house. He rushed up the
stairs and was in her room in mere seconds, gasping for air as Beth looked up at him with a grin.
"Uhm … I think it's going to take awhile yet." Her smile reached her eyes, even though she was still
feeling the end of a labor pain.
He picked up a towel that had been draped over the back of the chair and began wiping off the sweat
from his run. "Do you think this is it? Are the pains different?" he asked.
"The pressure changed." She replied. "And everything I've read and heard tell me we're in the home
stretch … oh God why did I use that word?" Beth added, shaking her head at the thought of what was
about to happen. She was excited about having the baby, but after what she'd been through the past
week with the accelerated growth, she was concerned about how much strength she had left for the
delivery.
Adam couldn't help but laugh at her attempt to lighten both their moods. "Maybe it won't be so bad." He
offered, coming to sit on the edge of the bed and taking her hand. "And I'll be with you …"
"I'm counting on it." She replied, kissing his knuckles. "Adam I'm so happy." She admitted, hoping that
once the baby was born he could quit blaming himself. He'd been right there with her almost every hour
of the day for over a week, helping her focus through the pain. But his eyes reflected his own pain … the
pain of guilt that comes from believing you are the cause of someone you love's suffering.
"I want you to be happy." He replied, moving to caress her face … "I want to make you happy." He
finished, leaning in to kiss her tenderly.
"You do." Her lips whispered against his. And when the next pain hit, she was determined to not let him
feel it. She was determined to hang on to this one moment of connecting with him. She wrapped her arms
around his neck and let herself get lost in the feel of his hands running up her back and into her hair as he
deepened the kiss.
When he lifted his face from hers, he looked into her eyes and shook his head. "I don't deserve you."
"Funny, that is what I was thinking … but it was me who didn't deserve being loved so completely by you."
She replied. And then as she felt the pain subside, she knew that the next one would be more intense
and wanted to prepare for it. "Adam … Cassandra will be here in a few minutes, and this is going to take
awhile. Why don't you get cleaned up and try to relax a little? It might be awhile before you get another
opportunity. I'll be fine for a few minutes … I promise."
He hated leaving her for even a second, but when he heard Cassandra's voice downstairs, decided to do
as she asked. It would probably be less awkward if he gave them a few minutes alone before he put in an
appearance. He gave her nose a little tweak, making her laugh, before taking a fresh change of clothes
from the dresser and going down the hall.
Amanda came upstairs with Cassandra, who immediately started asking her if she'd put together
everything they had discussed needing for the delivery. Amanda had indeed prepared well and now it
was just a matter of waiting.
Beth appreciated what Cassandra was doing for her. She'd always thought she'd have her baby in a
hospital, and was a bit frightened at the thought of doing this at home. But Amanda and Cassandra
assured her that women were doing this long before any form of medical assistance was available, and
they would know … having been there.
"I know this is uncomfortable for you Cassandra …" Beth began, in between contractions. "And in your
place … I can't say I would feel any differently, or that I could do what you are doing … knowing …"
Cassandra cut her off. "I'm not doing this for him. I'm doing it because you are a kind person and I like
you … and I suppose you can't help where your heart lies. And I'm doing it because … delivering a new
life into this world reminds me of how simple and basic real happiness is. I may not be able to have any
children of my own, but I have been the first hands to touch hundreds. That is where real immortality
comes from, in the lives you touch …" she finished, looking up to see Methos standing in the doorway as
she said her last words.
"A lesson we'd all do well to have learned sooner …" He commented simply. "Thank you for coming."
Cassandra didn't say anything, but abruptly turned to finish timing the last contraction.
Duncan, Richie and Claudia waited downstairs. There was no way to tell how long this might take.
Adam sat at the head of the bed, beside Beth and supporting her back when the time came for her to
begin pushing. Amanda kept the fresh towels coming as well as the cool cloth to bathe Beth's face and
arms.
Beth gripped one of Adam's hands in her own as the baby slowly began to emerge.
"Oh my goodness … look at all the hair." Amanda exclaimed, and Beth couldn't help but laugh through
the pain. She couldn't see, but from the look on her friend's face, she could imagine.
"Just one more big push when I tell you." Cassandra said, her face serious but her eyes encouraging.
"I can do one more." Beth said in a determined voice, focusing on Adam's face as he helped her sit back
up to get in position.
"That's my girl." He encouraged her. "You're doing so well … so well. It's almost over."
"Now push hard Beth." Cassandra ordered and Beth gave out a deep cry as she pushed as hard as she
could, realizing the instant her daughter was completely free.
"She's beautiful." Amanda gasped, her eyes filled with tears. Cassandra cradled the tiny form in her
hands and didn't have to try and force the babe to breathe, because the child let out a strong cry of
protest the instant she left the warmth and security of her mother's womb.
"Adam. Oh my God." Exhausted, Beth clung to his arm as she tried to see her daughter. "She is so tiny …
can you see? Is everything all right?" her eyes moved from Adam's to Cassandra's and then back at the
little wiggling form.
"She's perfect sweetheart, just like her mother." Adam's emotion filled voice replied as he kissed her
damp forehead, his eyes never leaving the child.
Cassandra clamped the cord, and was about to cut it when she looked up at the two of them. Beth
appeared to be truly happy … and Methos … Methos did not remotely resemble the man she knew. The
tears in his eyes were genuine and the love on his face … what she wouldn't have given if …" shaking the
thought from her head, she looked up at him.
"You might want to do this." She said, holding the child in one hand and the medical scissors in the other.
Methos was dumbstruck. Cassandra didn't have to make an offer so profound as the opportunity to
complete the delivery of Beth's child … their child. He stared at her for a second and then moved to take
the scissors, cutting through the cord completely before Cassandra placed the still very wet but towel
covered baby into his large hands.
He smiled with a gasp and his eyes filled with tears as he stared down at the tiny pink face and pouting
mouth. He couldn't help but think about how amazing this tiny little creature was. And even though he
knew the child was not his, in that moment he felt a profound paternal connection to her as he kissed her
soft, damp hair.
The sound of the child whimpering brought him back into the moment and he immediately moved to place
the baby into the outstretched hands of it's Mother. Beth felt her heart skip a beat the second she saw
him take the baby. If there had been any doubt about his love for the child being more than just an
extension of his love for her … the look on his face completely erased it. And when he kissed the baby,
Beth thought her heart would melt.
Amanda didn't have to call down the stairs because Duncan, Richie and Claudia were already halfway up
them, having heard the child cry. And Joe, who arrived a short time before shuffled up behind them.
Amanda and Cassandra managed to clean Beth up and remove the evidence of the birth in a matter of a
few minutes, while the little family was oblivious to anyone or anything but one another.
"Let's get her cleaned up now." Cassandra said finally, reaching for the baby. Beth reluctantly let her go,
and immediately turned and buried her face in Adam's shirt, crying tears of joy and relief and exhaustion
as he held her tightly.
His eyes never left the child as he held Beth. He watched as Cassandra dipped the baby into the bath
they'd prepared earlier and as she counted each toe and finger. And he whispered to Beth his suspicion
that their sleepless nights might just be starting as he listened to the strength of the baby's cry.
Once all the necessary tasks had been performed, Cassandra put a tiny diaper on the baby and wrapped
it in the soft pink blanket Beth had made when she was sixteen years old … preparing for this day.
"Her adoring public awaits." Amanda said, waiting until the baby was back in it's Mother's arms before
opening the door for the others.
Claudia covered her mouth as she saw the little arms begin to flail. "Oh my God Beth, she is so beautiful."
She whispered.
Duncan and Richie were just as awestruck. "Wow" Richie said as Beth told them they could come closer.
"Look at that red hair. Where did she get that?" He couldn't help but smile and run his hand through his
own flaming locks.
"That's auburn thank you very much." Beth laughed as she leaned down to kiss the baby's head. "And
she got it from her Grandma and her Auntie Chris." The thought of her Mom and sister made her begin to
cry. She'd always thought they would be the one's holding her hand when she had her babies.
Adam guessed what she was thinking and whispered how much he loved her, and reached to wipe the
tears from her cheeks. "I'm ok … " she said, looking up at him through the bittersweet tears.
"Have you thought of a name?" Duncan asked, stepping forward finally and reaching across the bed to
stroke the baby's cheek with his finger.
Beth looked up at Adam and he nodded.
"Craig's mother's name was Irene. She died when he was young and we always decided that would be
part of the name we'd choose if we had a girl." Beth began. "And since I chose the middle name, I wanted
Adam to select the first."
Adam wished she hadn't phrased it that way, but it was obvious she wanted him to do the honor of
announcing their decision. He hadn't wanted the responsibility of selecting the name, but Beth insisted.
He gave it a great deal of thought, and didn't know what made him think of this, but once the idea had
taken hold … nothing else seemed right. But this was going to be awkward.
"We came so close to not making it to this moment." He began, looking down at Beth who was nestled in
one of his arms and the baby in hers. "and without our friends … we might not have. Our baby will be
blessed with a wealth of Aunts and Uncles who will help us guide and protect her as she grows." he
looked up at each of them, and then turned to Cassandra.
"We may not be what anyone would define as friends … but if you hadn't done what you did, I know this
dream would have ended as a nightmare on that factory floor." He continued sincerely.
Cassandra shifted nervously as she listened.
"I'm sorry Cassandra. I deserved a fate worse than death for what I did to you … and to your people.
There are many things in my life I am not proud of, and what happened then ... is one of my deepest
regrets." He continued. "I know if you didn't care about Beth, you would probably believe this to be an
insult … you still might, but it's meant as the highest compliment an undeserving man such as I can
manage." He swallowed hard, unaccustomed to apologizing … let alone acknowledging his shortcomings
in front of everyone he cared about.
Sighing deeply, Adam took the baby from Beth's arms and held her up for them to see her face. "May I
present Cassandra Irene Pierson … the shining peace of our lives." He finished, sharing the meaning
behind each name.
The room let out a collective gasp. That was the last thing anyone expected, but in a way they all
understood. "That's a beautiful name." Joe replied, and Duncan agreed.
Cassandra stared at the baby and at Methos, her mouth open in complete shock. She shook her head
and turned to rush out of the room, wiping her eyes as she ran down the steps and out of the house. The
cold crisp air awakened her senses and she looked up at the rapidly setting sun, trying to get a grip on
what she was feeling.
"Chalk one more up to my crass insensitivity." Adam muttered.
Beth was a little surprised by Cassandra's reaction and by what she saw in her eyes. But she knew in her
heart that the name he selected had been the right one. "She'll be fine once she has a chance to think
about all you said. And the baby's name is perfect. When I saw her red hair, so like Cassandra's, it
confirmed in my heart that what you had chosen was meant to be." she assured him.
"We're going to call her Cassie for short." Beth added with a smile as she took in the site of the friends
that meant so much to them.
The baby started to fuss and that was everyone's cue to give Amanda and the new mother some privacy
so she could finish cleaning up before trying to feed the baby for the first time.
"I'm going to bring you some soup. You'll need it to regain your strength." Adam said, reluctantly leaving
but knowing that she would want some privacy as she cleaned up and changed into a fresh gown.
"Don't be too long." Beth replied, as her eyes gazed up into his.
"I love you Beth." He whispered, dropping a kiss on her lips and the baby's soft head. And when he left,
neither Beth nor Amanda missed the way he wiped his eyes as he stepped out into the hallway.