Catherine was content to watch the firelight play across the planes of his face and spark gold in his hair as he built the fire. How she had missed the sight of him! She smiled at him each time he glanced over his shoulder. She understood his need to reassure himself she was truly here, for she felt the same. Once the roaring blaze drove the dank chill from the room, she stood to remove her damp cloak. William looked up as she turned and slipped it off. He stared openmouthed at her belly. Though she was not very big yet, anyone looking that closely could see she was with child. She saw searing pain distort his face before he masked it. It hit her like a blow. How could she have been so mistaken? She had feared William might not be glad to see her. But the child? She never doubted for a moment he would be pleased about the child. He came to her and took her hands. “You must not worry for the child. I will claim him and raise him as my own,” he said in a gentle voice. “I place no blame on you.
