“I mean now, or really soon. I have to find Marg, we have to watch the boys.” A spear of panic lanced straight through her. “I don’t know where they are!”
“Around and about,” he said easily. “Finian’s with Liam and some others, into the stable to show off his horse, and Kavan…” He trailed off, scanned around. “Ah, there, tucked on Sedric’s lap eating cake.”
“Thank God. I have to find Nan. You watch them, Keegan!”
When she ran off, he shook his head, drank more ale.
Obviously pleased with himself, Bollocks strutted up to her with Marg beside him.
“Aisling.”
“Ah, I’ve been waiting for her to tell me.”
“Mahon took her home. Tarryn’s gone over, too.”
“And so will I. Would you tell Sedric for me? And if he wants bed before I’m done, I’ll be home when I am.”
A little wild-eyed, Breen made a beeline for Sedric.
“Where’s Kavan? He was just here.”
“The lad deserted me for a pretty, fair-haired girl.” He nodded toward where Kavan, wings fluttering, danced with the bride.
“Okay, good. Aisling’s having the baby, and Nan’s gone to her.”
“A solstice baby. Good luck that is.”
She just stared at him. “Everybody’s so casual about it.”
“The Fey are creatures of nature, and birthing’s a natural thing, after all.”
“Spoken like a man.”
Laughing, he rose, kissed her cheek. “I can’t say you’re wrong on it, but natural it is.” He put a hand on her shoulder, looked toward the cottage where lights shined in windows and smoke curled into the night sky. “What’s happening there is life and light and promise. At the end of the work, for labor it surely is, there’s joy. Now, I’m for another cup of ale and a final toast to the bride and groom before I take myself home. Will you have one?”
“No. No, thanks. I need to watch Kavan and Finian.”
“That’s kind of you, and fine boys they are. Don’t let the little one talk you into more cake. He’ll have a bellyache for certain.”
“No cake. Got it. Crap, there he goes. Bollocks, go after him, stay with him.”
“Mab’s around and about, too,” Sedric reminded her when Bollocks ran off. “The wolfhound’s a fine nursemaid. Don’t worry yourself.” He patted her shoulder, then wandered off.
Before she could rush after the boy—and she really needed to find his older brother—Morena intercepted her.
“And why aren’t you dancing at my wedding?”
“I did, but Aisling’s having the baby, and I’m trying to watch the boys, and—”
“Having the baby, is she? Did you hear that, Harken?” She gestured him over. “Your sister—our sister,” she corrected, “is stealing our thunder and having the baby.”
“She’s not one to be outdone, is Aisling.”
“I need to round up the boys so I can keep an eye on them.”
“They’re having a fine time,” Harken told her. “See, there’s Finian coming out of the stables with Liam—and Liam’s good with the littles. I can tell you Kavan’s wearing out, though he thinks otherwise. He’ll be curled in someone’s lap sleeping inside an hour.
“Let me fetch you a cup of wine.”