Embers in the Snow

Chapter 35 | A Family's Joy

The Great Hall of MacDonald Castle was alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation as the family gathered for the evening meal. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, and the crackling fire in the hearth added a comforting warmth to the space. Aili sat beside Ewan, her heart racing with anticipation. Tonight was the night they would share their news with the family—the news that had filled her with both excitement and a quiet sense of awe.

She glanced at Ewan, who gave her an encouraging smile and squeezed her hand beneath the table. They hadn't told anyone yet, wanting this moment to be shared with the people who had become their family. Aili's mind was still spinning from the shock of it all—pregnant. She was carrying their child, and the thought of it filled her with a joy she had never known before.

Sofia and Allistair sat across from them, their newborn son Malcolm cradled in Sofia's arms, while Laird MacDonald sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes softened by the sight of his family gathered together. The festive atmosphere of Christmas still lingered in the air, and the evening was light and full of warmth.

As the meal wound down and the plates were cleared away, Aili felt a flutter of nervous excitement in her chest. She caught Ewan's eye, and he gave her a small nod. It was time.

Ewan stood, his expression calm but filled with emotion as he looked around the table. "Father, Sofia, Allistair... there's something Aili and I want to share with you."

The chatter in the hall quieted as all eyes turned to them. Sofia tilted her head, her face curious, while Laird MacDonald raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing that this was no ordinary announcement.

Aili stood beside Ewan, her heart pounding. She felt his hand slip into hers, steady and warm, as she took a deep breath.

"We've just found out," Ewan began, his voice steady, "that Aili is pregnant."

For a moment, the hall was silent, the weight of the news sinking in. Then, as if on cue, Sofia gasped, her face breaking into a wide smile.

"Pregnant?" Sofia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with joy. "Aili, that's wonderful!"

Allistair grinned, leaning back in his chair as he clapped his hands together. "That's fantastic news! Congratulations to both of ye."

Aili blushed, overwhelmed by the sudden flood of happiness and support from the family. She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, but they were tears of joy. She glanced at Ewan, her heart full, and saw the same happiness reflected in his eyes.

Sofia stood, carefully handing baby Malcolm to Allistair before crossing the room to embrace Aili. "I'm so happy for ye," Sofia whispered, pulling back just enough to look Aili in the eyes. "I will be there for you when your time comes- just as you were there for me."

Aili laughed softly, brushing away the tears that had begun to fall. "Thank you, Sofia. I can hardly believe it."

Sofia grinned, her excitement palpable. "Believe it. You're going to be a mother, Aili! And Malcolm will have a little cousin to grow up with. And if it's a girl we can marry them when they're of age!"

Aili's heart swelled at the thought, the image of their children growing up together filling her with a deep sense of joy and hope for the future. The MacDonald family, which had taken her in and shown her love and kindness, was now truly her family in every sense of the word.

As the congratulations continued, Aili glanced at Laird MacDonald, who had remained silent through the flurry of excitement. He sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable, though his eyes were fixed on her and Ewan.

Finally, he stood, and the room quieted once again as everyone turned their attention to him. His gaze softened slightly as he looked at Aili, though there was a protective edge to his voice when he spoke.

"This is joyous news," Laird MacDonald said, his voice deep and steady. "A child is always a blessing, and you and Ewan sure made quick work of it! I'm thrilled for ye. The Macdonald line continues strong and so does our alliance with Macleod."

Aili smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. But as Laird MacDonald continued, the tone of his voice shifted, and her smile faltered slightly.

"However," he said, his eyes narrowing just a fraction, "I canna help but be concerned. Aili, you're carrying my grandchild. And as happy as that makes me- I donna think I can let you travel back to castle Macleod until after the bairn is born."

Ewan stepped in front of Aili protectively.

"We can discuss that further another time, father. Right now we're celebrating."

Aili smiled up at him appreciatively. Laird Macdonald nodded his head and took a sip from his chalice, a silent resignation. Aili knew it wasn't the end of the matter, but for right now she would soak up this happy moment with her family surrounding her and the love of her life beaming at her side.