Her Healing Touch.

Chapter 12.

Chapter 12. Cambryn's P.O.V.

I tossed and turned that night, as I reflected over the startling news that aunt Lydia revealed to me. Surely, it couldn't be true..., Bella's father couldn't be Laird McKenzie! He just couldn't.

My quiet thoughts were then interrupted by the wailing sounds of an upset baby. Since Calen's young babies died by the grip that took over the clan three years ago, and his other brother Darrick's kids having survived the illness and were now ten and twelve years of age, it had to be the new arrival of Maggie Skye, Bella's new baby girl. 

I pushed away from the confining sheets that twisted around my waist and got up from bed. Pulling on the long heavy robe of fur that laid over my chest of clothing, I then made his way out of my bedchamber and walked down the darkened corridor that led to the nursery. I was just on the outside of the doorway and halted, for in the very room, sat Bella, sitting in a rocking chair and crooning to little baby Maggie. Even though Bella had just recently become a mother to the orphan infant, I could see that she dived right into the role smoothly and nicely. Not wanting to startle Bella, I walked towards her very quietly. When I stood behind her, I think I knew that she knew that I was there. I could hear her breathe softly, there was no sense of fear. I wondered if my presence made her feel safe and if she was smiling. Not wanting the silence to continue, Cambryn bent down on his knees beside the chair and lovingly laid his hand on her arm. 

     "Are you Ok lass? Is the wee one hungry by any chance?" 

Bella shook her head silently.  "I don't really know, Cambryn, this whole motherhood thing is new to me, I know not what to do!" 

I smiled, and reached beneath the hold that Bella had on Maggie, and I gently lifted the her into my arms and sat before the warm fireplace. I started to rock the baby back to sleep. He knew that Bella approached him, and he felt a warmth wrap around his heart. 

    "How do you know what to do?" 

She whispered to me. 

    "I am an uncle, remember lass? I rocked to sleep all of my nieces and nephews, so I have a lot of practice. All she wanted was to be soothed. All babies want, is to be held and loved lass, that's the one thing they all wish to have. And from the way I observed from watching you hold her, I know that she will be safe and loved by her new mother."

Bella smiled at that comment. "You really think so? I remember often that my granny said that I have a nurturing manner, and when she said that, I was somewhat hesitant to accept her wisdom, but now that you have noticed that of me, I suppose that she was right. I am just scared that I will fail as a mother since I didn't have one growing up." 

Cambryn winced slightly after he heard her say those words. He knew now the whole story in regards to her birth, but he wasn't sure if it was right to tell her yet..., that he was her betrothed.

    "Lass? Do you remember telling Lydia the story of how you came to be in the care of your granny?" 

Bella nodded. "Well, there is something, that I must tell you. You see, your mother was my second cousin, and my father betrothed you to me, while you were still in her womb. So you see lass, we are to be married! Does that agree with you?"

Belanna hesitated for a moment, and I held my breath as I waited for her answer. 

     "When is our marriage supposed to be arranged?" I can't say that I love you yet, as I have just met you Cambryn. But I believe that the feelings of love could flourish if we by chance take it one day at a time. I mean we do have forever right?"

I blew out the breath that I held inside, and smiled softly at her. I then got up from the floor before the fireplace, and walked the short distance to the cradle and placed the now sleeping baby into the cradle, covering her lightly with a small sheet and kissed her on the forehead. Then turning around, I made my way back to Bella and took a hold of her hands and brought them to his mouth and kissed them, while gazing into her eyes at the same time.

  "I vow right here and right now, that I will protect you and the children with my life! And that I will love you till my dying day." With that, I gathered her into my arms and lowered my head and gave into the need that had when he awoken from within me after my injury and saw her for the first time. I kissed her deeply and refused to let her go. I only prayed that whatever was coming our way, wouldn't tare us apart.