Dark Passions

64.

"Meredith!" Kate exclaimed happily, as Meredith and Derek descended from the coach. "You look wonderful!" She hugged Meredith, as Derek looked on, amused. It was early in September, and they had just arrived at Cragsmuir, Alex's family estate. True to Derek's word, they had traveled at a leisurely pace, stopping early and leaving late, enjoying the glorious weather. They slept in, making slow sweet love in the soft feather beds at the inns along the way, until Meredith felt more loved and cherished than ever. She positively glowed with good health, and she exchanged a secret little smile with Derek over Kate's shoulder.

"As do you, Kate," Meredith replied, as Kate relinquished her hold.

"And where is my favorite nephew?" Kate demanded, looking around, as Rose and the nursemaid came forward with Michael. "There he is...my goodness, look how big you are!" She cooed and fussed over him, and Michael gurgled happily back, trying to catch her nose in his pudgy fists.

"He is growing like a weed," Meredith agreed. "Seven months old, and trying to get into all kinds of trouble already."

"Just like his father," Kate laughed, handing him over to Meredith. She glanced at the soft bump under Meredith's gown. "And you're expecting again...my brother just couldn't wait to get you pregnant again, could he?"

"He is very persuasive," Meredith giggled, as they linked arms and began heading inside, laughing and talking animatedly.

Leaving Derek and Alex shaking their heads. "I swear, Kate likes Meredith more than she likes me sometimes," Derek chuckled. "Not even a hello, after all this time."

"I'm just glad to see another male," Alex said. "There's more women around this estate than there has been in years. I'm not quite accustomed to this."

"Believe me, I understand perfectly." Derek looked conspiratorially at Alex. "Now, tell me how I can talk you out of this damned kilt business."

"I am the first one to agree with you, Derek," Alex scowled. "But my sister is quite adamant that we adhere to the family traditions."

"Lucy?" Derek inquired, searching his mind for the correct name. "The last time I saw her, she was ten."

"Eighteen now, and stubborn. She's finished school and I need to find something to occupy her. Your mother has been quite helpful in that regard."

"Yes, Mother is well versed in keeping young ladies in line," Derek agreed, his eyes on the petite figure of Meredith ahead of them. As if sensing his scrutiny, Meredith peeked over her shoulder with a sweet smile, before returning her attention to Kate.

"Derek..." Alex laughed, clapping him on the back.

"I'm sorry, Alex...what was that?" Derek asked, his mind caught up in the remembrance of Meredith's luscious body beneath his earlier that morning.

"You and Meredith truly have an amazing marriage," Alex noted, seeing his friend's look of devotion. "I never thought it possible, and I hope to have the same with Kate."

"I'm the first to admit, I'm a very lucky man," Derek agreed. They caught up with the women at the back terrace, where a cooling breeze welcomed them. Meredith was seated with Michael in her lap, Eleanor on one side and Kate on the other. Derek greeted his mother, and then Kate. "Obviously, you missed seeing me outside, Kate," he teased her. "Not even a glance in my direction." He dropped into the chair beside her, after kissing her cheek.

"I'm sorry, Derek. How is everything with you?" Kate asked, patting his hand.

"Good, except the prospect of wearing a kilt soon. Is there nothing you can do?" he lamented, crossing his booted ankles.