Chapter 488

"Mother, Cassandra's expecting," Liam announced with barely contained excitement.

Richard and Eleanor Blackwood's eyes immediately dropped to Evelyn's midsection. Shock transformed into pure delight within seconds.

"Already pregnant?" Eleanor gasped.

Evelyn nodded, a delicate blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm six months along."

Eleanor practically vibrated with joy. She rushed to Evelyn's side, grasping her arm gently while bending to examine the subtle curve.

"My dear child! Halfway through and you never said a word! All these months I've been worrying about you two, and here you've had everything planned. Why keep this from me?"

"I apologize, Eleanor, I—" Evelyn began.

"No apologies necessary!" Eleanor interrupted warmly. "You'll stay at Blackwood Manor from now on. I insist on taking care of you personally. I don't trust Liam to handle this properly. Whatever cravings you have, just tell me—I'll prepare everything myself."

"Mother, I'm perfectly capable—" Liam started.

Eleanor shot him a withering look. "You're a soldier, not a midwife. What do you know about pregnancy care? Cassandra stays here. You may continue your military duties. I guarantee your wife will want for nothing."

"Listen to your mother, son," Richard added firmly.

Liam exhaled sharply. "Absolutely not."

"Normally I respect your decisions," Eleanor said with unusual gravity, "but not this time. I won't have her alone at Blackwood Manor, and I certainly won't permit you to take her to the border outpost."

Liam's expression darkened instantly. He regretted sharing the pregnancy news as Eleanor's maternal instincts went into overdrive.

Evelyn had no desire to remain at the Blackwood estate, especially with Isabella Sinclair in residence. Isabella had once been promised to Liam in an arranged marriage before he refused and Sebastian married her instead.

The tension between them made staying at the estate untenable, especially now. More importantly, Evelyn wanted to remain with Liam.

"Eleanor," Evelyn said softly but firmly, "I wish to stay with Liam. Wherever he goes, I go."

Liam's head snapped toward her. Something warm and bright flashed in his steel-gray eyes.

Richard and Eleanor exchanged a glance. Their resistance melted instantly.

"Very well," Eleanor conceded with a smile. "If that's your wish, we'll support it. But the moment Liam proves incompetent, I'm taking over your care personally."

Evelyn nodded gratefully.

Richard fixed Liam with a stern look. "You'd better care for them both impeccably. If anything happens to Cassandra or that child, you'll answer to me."

Liam nodded, though his expression suggested he found the entire situation mildly exasperating.

After lunch at the estate, Liam guided Evelyn toward the private gardens, his hand enveloping hers completely.

"Are we visiting Donovan?" Evelyn asked.

Liam responded with a noncommittal hum.

"How is he these days?" she pressed.

"You'll see for yourself shortly." His tone darkened noticeably.

Evelyn studied his suddenly stormy expression, mentally reviewing lunch conversation for any missteps as they approached Maple Cottage. The tranquil beauty of the gardens never failed to lift her spirits.

Rosalind Fairchild opened the door after the bell chimed. At the sight of Evelyn, her eyes instantly welled with tears.

She rushed forward, pulling Evelyn into a fierce embrace. "Cassandra! It's been far too long! You're finally home!"

"Rosalind," Evelyn murmured, gently patting her friend's back. "I've missed you."