Chapter Twenty–Four
THE CHILD CAME quickly. Too quickly? Tatiana didn’t know. She only knew that by the time sheets and a mattress had been laid on the ground in the clearing, the baby was well on her way.
“Breathe now, my love, breathe.” Kit guided her as he had done with all of their children.
Her mother had been horrified when Tatiana had wanted him with her at the birth of their first child. Now, the midwife and children’s nanny, Maryellen, accepted it.
Tatiana could only grunt in pain and effort.
Breathe, push, strain, breathe… breathe… breathe...
It didn’t take long. The fire witnessing from nearby began to burn brightly. A light breeze tickled her cheeks with its encouragement as she struggled. The earth cradled her in her time of need and the river sang its soothing song, a p
