All Over Again (Sequel to Wanted Man)

Chapter Twenty-Three

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

McKenna was moving a little slowly, but she was still feeling festive and happy as she tucked her arm through Loki's and they entered the dining hall. As soon as they were spotted, applause broke out and someone (who sounded an awful lot like Volstagg) yelled, “You are doomed, Loki!” to raucous laughter.

Sif rose from her seat between Hogun and Fandral and hurried over to them. Throwing her arms about both Loki and McKenna, she said, “Congratulations to you both. I hear she is a beautiful little girl and I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Tomorrow,” McKenna said, returning the hug. “We’ll both be a little more up to visitors tomorrow.”

“Why are you even here, McKenna? Loki, she should be resting.”

“I know and if you can convince her, Sif, you’re a better man than I.”

Sif smiled and McKenna sighed softly. “I’m fine. I just need to sit. That’s all.”

“Then let’s get  you to your seat, love,” Loki said, his hand coming to rest on the small of her back to give her a gentle nudge.

Sif stepped aside and McKenna smiled up at Loki. “I think you should carry me.”

“Funny, love. Don’t tempt me. I’ll carry you right back to our chambers and put you in bed, where you belong.”

“Loki, it’s Christmas. I don’t want to spend the entire day in bed.”

They reached the raised dais where Odin, Thor, and Selig were already seated. McKenna winced as she sank into her chair, but the discomfort was relatively minor and she smiled as Selig climbed up into her lap. “Can I sit with you, Mommy?”

“Of course, sweetie,” she told him, wrapping her arms about him and hugging him close. “Did you have a good time with Unca Thor?”

He nodded. “He let me ride Cap all around the paddock and Mommy, it’s snowing here!” His blue eyes gleamed with excitement. “And look at that! Bestefar has a Christmas tree!”

He pointed to the far side of the dining hall and McKenna felt tears prick the backs of her eyes. A beautiful blue spruce had been brought into the hall and decorated with red velvet bows, flickering white candles, sparkling colored lights and actual Christmas ornaments. All around the base of the tree sat wrapped packages of all sizes. And as she listened, the faint strains of Christmas music floated on the air.

“Loki, did you know about this?” she asked, peering up at him.

“Who do you think told him about Midgardian Christmas?” he replied, draping his arm about her shoulders. “It was his idea, however. I merely supplied the information.”

“And the magic,” Thor broke in, leaning over to brush McKenna's cheek with a kiss. “I believe you say Merry Christmas?”

“We do. And Merry Christmas, Thor,” she said, smiling up at him. This was the first time they’d spent Christmas in Asgard, and she was touched by the gesture. Then she leaned over and swept her lips along Loki's right cheekbone.

“What is this for?” he asked.

“Everything. I love you.”

His hand tightened on her shoulder and he smiled, leaning in to capture her lips in a gentle kiss. When he pulled back, he grazed her temple with another kiss and whispered, “And I love you, darling girl.”

Odin rose from his chair and rapped his scepter on the floor. As silence swept through the room, he said, “Tonight, we are celebrating a tradition known on Midgard as Christmas. As you know, Loki's wife, Lady McKenna, is Midgardian, and this is one of her realm’s grandest holidays. And the reason we are celebrating is because Loki and McKenna arrived unannounced late last evening. At seven-twenty this morning, McKenna gave birth to a baby girl, Lady Aislinn Frigga, Asgard's newest princess. So join me in offering congratulations to Loki and McKenna on the birth of their daughter.”