Mystic Mountains

breath.
    "What is it?" Tiger asked, his face drawn, his eyes full of concern.
    " The baby," she whispered, curving her fingers about his arm. "'Tis about to be born."
     
    * * *
     
    "I'll never forgive you for this, Tiger Carstairs," Isabella groaned through clenched teeth as another spasm tore through her.
    "Yes you will." Tiger 's voice was gentle. "Ye Gods, Bella, I'm sorry for causing all this pain. I only wish there was something I could do. God, why is that Lily so useless? All she's good for is spreading her legs for the men."
    "Well, that 's what you brought her here for," Isabella reminded him tartly.
    "Aye, that 's a fact," he agreed. "She keeps the men satisfied, and satisfied men don't hanker for the town."
    "I wouldn 't want her near me anyway."
    "Of course not." Turning to the young girl hopping from foot to foot, her eyes so wide they just about filled her face, he said, "Agnes here is going to help us, aren't you, girl? Watch your missus for a minute while I go and get some more hot water."
    Agnes nodded mutely, but there was little certainty in her expression as she stared down at her mistress.
    Isabella watched Tiger through half-closed eyes as he left the room, his shirtsleeves rolled up and his hair in disarray. Much as she hated to admit it he still held the ability to make her heart tilt. Would this ache in her ever go away? She must be depraved. Here she was giving birth to another of his bastards, yet her heart still yearned for him.
    His concern for her seemed genuine, but how was she to know if it was an act. The man had hurt her so much in the past.
    Oh Thelma—how I need you.
    Agnes was hare-brained and practically useless, hopping about the room as she scrunched her apron in her fingers. Tiger was the only one she could depend on.
    "Any nearer?" he asked, coming back. He gently laid a palm on her swollen stomach while he stroked her forehead with the other. "Tim wants to see you. Can he come in for a while, eh? Just to reassure hisself that I'm not doing you in?" There was a nervousness about him she'd never seen before.
    "Yes," she muttered, holding on tightly to the sheet as another convulsion gripped her. "Best send him in now, before it gets near the time."
    Tiger wiped Isabella's face with a wet rag, then ran a hand across his own. Sweat poured down his neck and between his shoulder blades. It was unseasonably hot for July, but he had a feeling his condition had more to do with his anxiety than the weather.
    "Tim, come in for a minute and see your ma," he shouted through the open doorway. His son came running, his small round face creased with his concern. Could be he was biased, but his boy was the sturdiest, handsomest lad he 'd laid eyes on. Tiger's heart burst with pride at times when he looked at him. "Now, only for a minute, mind, and no jumping on the bed." He ruffled the long hair that reminded him of sun-ripened corn. Tim went cautiously to the bed and on his toes bent forward to place a finger on Isabella's lips.
    Isabella 's smile looked forced to Tiger, but her eyes were gentle as she asked, "Hello, how's my favorite son?"
    "I 'm the only one, silly, now our Dougie's not here anymore, Mama."
    Tiger saw her wince at his innocent reminder. Tim hadn 't mentioned his half-brother in months. While the makeshift houses were going up there'd been so much work to be done, and many things going on to interest a boy with boundless curiosity.
    "Ah, but soon you 'll have one to take his place. Or perhaps a sister. How would you like a little girl to boss around, eh?"
    Tim wrinkled his nose and Tiger laughed, scuffing a fist softly over his ear.
    "Don't fancy that idea much, do you?" he asked, wiping the sweat from Isabella's brow, wincing when she tried to conceal a shaft of pain. "Best go out now son. Your ma is about to produce that sister or brother." He squeezed Tim's shoulder and Tim turned to look up, his eyes alight with interest.
    "Will it come out like the foal and the pups did?" he wondered, glancing down at his mother 's belly and pulling a comical face. "Will it be all sticky and messy like them?"
    "Sure will, Tim. Now go and keep Gillie company. He's missing Thelma and needs you to watch out for him until he's feeling better."
    "All right, Tiger. See you later, Mama." Carelessly he waved, then turned and ran from the room.
    "It's time, Tiger," Isabella cried through gritted teeth. "Agnes." Her breathing labored, she looked about for the girl.
    "Yes, missus." Agnes