Chapter 42

Kenna felt an increasing nervousness. But she knew, that she couldn't wait any longer, to tell Bash about the baby. She couldn't hide her condition forever. She already could see the bodily changes and felt the changes of her mood. She reached for his hand to put it on her belly, but they were interrupted again.

The door flew open and Daniel stormed in. "Mary is here!" he shouted excitedly. And in fact, it was Mary, who followed shortly after him.

"Kenna! Are you all right?" Mary rushed to her and embraced her. She looked at Bash. "When I got Bash's message, I was so worried, that I left immediately."

Kenna forced a smile. "I'm fine, really. I just needed sleep and rest."

"What is that?" Mary snatched Kenna's hand and gazed at her wedding ring. "I can't believe it! He did it!" she said laughing and looked at Bash. "It was about time!"

Kenna looked questioningly to Bash, who lowered his head in embarrassment.

"Actually, it was in Scotland, when I decided to go to a blacksmith and ask him to make a wedding ring." he explained. "And after it was finished, I showed it to Mary, before I left."

"And I told him, that I have never seen something so beautiful." she added. She reached for Kenna's hand. "I am so happy for you! And for Daniel." She looked at the little boy, who looked at her, wide-eyed. "Your mother and Bash are getting married." she said, smiling.

"Married?" echoed Daniel confused.

Bash crouched down. "We will be a family. This is what you have always wanted."

Daniel nodded and wrapped his arms around Bash's neck.

Kenna felt tears coming into her eyes again, while she looked at father and son. She was so happy, that words failed her. Deep in thoughts, she caressed her belly.

But Mary had noticed the gesture and looked at her friend, questioningly.

Kenna lowered her head, when she felt Mary's piercing look. But she couldn't prevent, that she turned red.

Mary pulled her to her side. "You're pregnant!" she whispered in her ear.

Kenna looked quickly to Bash, but he was still talking to Daniel. "How do you know that?" she whispered back.

Mary smiled. "I know the symptoms. Also, you have this radiant glow, only pregnant women have." She shrugged." I could tell, just by looking at you." She went to Bash. "Could I have a moment alone with Kenna?" she asked him.

He looked at her frowning, but didn't ask further. He took Daniel's hand. "Let us go to the stables. It's a beautiful day to ride out."

When the two had left the room, Mary embraced Kenna again. "A baby!" she exclaimed excitedly. "And a wedding." She laughed. "Maybe in a different chronological order, but it is so wonderful, that we'll have another celebration, after so many years of grief."

Kenna looked at her, questioningly.

"There haven't been any celebrations at the Castle since Francis' death." Mary said quietly.

Touched, Kenna reached for her hand. "I'm so sorry! It must be awful, to lose the love of your life forever."

Mary nodded. "And there has been no man yet, who could replace him." She smiled sadly. "Not even Bash could fill the gap." She saw, how Kenna's brow furrowed. "Don't worry! I won't take him from you. I never had the intention."

"What makes you think I believe that?" Kenna asked hesitantly.

"Bash told me."

"Oh no..." Kenna felt herself blush again. "He shouldn't have done that. This is embarrassing!"

"No, it's not." Mary took Kenna's hand and ushered her to the bed. "Do you think, the feeling is unfamiliar to me? I was so jealous of Lola, that I wished, she would left the Castle for good. But she was my friend and I loved her anyway. So I tried to accept, that she had a child with my husband."

Kenna nodded. "I can imagine, how much it must have hurt and embarrassed you. Especially, because you couldn't have children of your own." She lowered her head, when she realized, what she had just said. "I apologize! I shouldn't have said that! It was cruel and insensitive!"

"It's all right. I'm over it. And I am pleased, that the Castle is filled with children's laughter now. They are not my children, but I can equally participate in their lives. And that makes me happy."

"I did you wrong!" Kenna blinked back tears. "I almost ruined our friendship, because of my reasonless jealousy."

"I promise you, that I won't make demands on Bash's time, in the future." Mary said honestly. "I was not even aware of that. He was always by my side. I didn't think about, when I asked him, whether he would accompany me to England."

"I understand." Kenna nodded and squeezed Mary's hand. "And I'm glad, that we talked about it."

"Yes, I'm glad, too. But now, enough of that! How are you really feeling?" She looked at Kenna with concern. "I didn't want to say it in front of Bash, but you look really awful!"

Kenna laughed. "What a nice compliment. But I know what you mean. I think, when I eat normally again and go out in the sun, I'll be soon recovered."

"You haven't told Bash about the baby?"

"No." Kenna sighed. "I haven't found the time yet. At first, he proposed to me, then Lola came to congratulate us, and now you are here. One event after the other."

Mary smiled. "I'm going now and let you rest ."

"I'm not tired." Kenna retorted.

"If you don't want to do it for you, do it for your baby." Mary suggested.

Kenna nodded and climbed back into her bed. Only now she realized, how tired she really was. She suppressed a yawn. "Thank you, Mary! I'm glad, you're back."

"Me too. And now, sleep well!" Mary stroked gently Kenna's cheek.

Kenna didn't even notice, as Mary left. She was fallen asleep, dreaming of a future with Bash and their children.