Finn was about to hand off the son in his lap and help him, but Gillian McFarland, sitting to one side of George, stood first.
She offered her arm. For a few beats, George did nothing. Then he finally took Gillian's help and managed to stand.
George murmured, "Thank you."
"Any time," Gillian said with a smile.
The pair stared at each other for a second, some understanding passing between them that Finn couldn't decode.
Then George leaned against the table for support, released his grip on Gillian's arm, and took the utensils from Ross.
As he carved up the roast, Arabella nudged Finn's side. He met her gaze. At the happiness and hope he saw there, his heart swelled.
Even though Freya's future may still be uncertain, as well as their boys’ or even George MacLeod’s, in that moment, Arabella was happy.
And to Finn, that was the most precious thing in the world. It also only made him want to work harder to keep her this way. He wasn't sure how he'd do it, but for the chance of her smiles and laughter, he would try his hardest. Arabella was a precious gift, and one he'd never take for granted.
Epilogue
A Few Weeks Later
Arabella looked down at her three sleeping children and willed her feet to move. She'd kissed each of them goodbye, as well as checked five times that Lorna and Ross had enough supplies for the night.
Her dragon spoke up. It's okay. Freya only shifts when you or Finn are near. I don't think she'll change the pattern now.
And if she does?
They have some of Dr. Sid's experimental medication. And even if that fails, Layla will use a diluted dragon slumber drug. Freya will not go rogue.
At her side, Lorna spoke up. "It's all right, child. I know what I'm doing. Besides, you and Finn deserve a wee break. What with your father visiting Melanie, Tristan, and their twins, you have no excuse not to enjoy some time with your mate."
Arabella hesitated and her beast sighed. She's right. Besides, it's been too long since we had our mate. We're healed and ready. And I want to see what he has planned as a surprise.
She touched the head of each of her children in turn. "Be good for Mummy and listen to your grandmother."
Her triplets continued to sleep.
Part of her wanted them to make a fuss at her departure, but another part was glad for Lorna's help.
Lorna touched her arm. "Go and see what Finn has planned for you, lass."
"You know what it is?"
"A bit. However, I'd rather not know the details."
Lorna's words piqued her curiosity. After a few more seconds of staring at her babies, Arabella turned toward the front door. "Call if anything happens. I don't care if Finn brought in the human British Queen to our cottage as part of his surprise, my babies come first."
Smiling, Lorna pushed her toward the door. "Aye, I know. But we'll be fine. Faye and Grant are supposed to come over in the morning to help, too."
Taking a deep breath, Arabella bobbed her head. "Thanks, Aunt Lorna. I'll be here tomorrow afternoon."
"Take your time, child."
With that, Arabella exited Lorna and Ross's cottage and walked briskly toward her own.
With each step, her worry was replaced with another emotion—nervousness. Finn had been patient with her, even though the doctor had cleared Arabella for sex two weeks ago. She craved her male, but carrying and birthing triplets had changed her body. She hoped Finn wouldn't be disappointed.
Her dragon huffed. Of course not. He loves us as we are.