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James and Mollie hadn't been to the ranch since Gavin had moved in, having had to return to Ireland to tie up some loose ends.
"I'm so happy to see you again! How was your trip?" Arlana embraced the older woman as the couple stepped in the door.
"We are happy to be back," Mollie smiled. "Canada has really begun to feel like our second home."
"I agree," James' voice was low as he brushed a strand of hair behind Arlana's ear before drawing her into his arms. "How are you feeling, Love?"
"I've been struggling with morning sickness and Patrick insists I spend less time at the club until I'm past the first trimester. He's very doting..."
"That's an understatement," Gavin added from where he stood leaning against the armchair, a twinge of jealousy constricting his chest at the sight of Arlana in James' arms, but kept silent as James led her over to the couch, Mollie on his opposite side.
"Patrick is correct. The baby is our legacy and great care must be taken," James looked down at Arlana's stomach that was concealed beneath her flared mauve top, although she still was barely showing.
"I have a tincture that will help you," Mollie reached over, squeezing Arlana's fingers. "I had a terrible time of it with both my boys."
Arlana had seen very little of Kavan and Riley over the past few months, both tied up with The Resistance.
"And you, Gavin?"
The question was so vague, that Gavin wasn't certain where to begin.
"Things are going well," Gavin joined the others. "Patrick gave me a raise and changed my schedule again so I am back on the night shift. Things are working out better since I'm staying at the ranch during the weekend before heading home on the weekends. Perhaps it is as they say, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder,' but regardless, I am looking for a place closer to work. I mentioned to the guys a few weeks ago that I would like to have a home with Arlana. I'm seriously reconsidering my stand against polygamy lately. During the week, Arlana and I live like a married couple and on the weekends, I return to my wife and kids. Things are going smoothly, but I was raised with traditional values so it would mean a lot to me if I could make it official with Arlana and make her my second wife. I'd divorce Adelaide as our marriage, as far as I am concerned, is over, however, because of the children, I won't leave. They need their father..."
Unlike Patrick, James seemed completely unphased at the thought of what Gavin was proposing.
"Polygamy is illegal in Canada but many still practice it - Muslims, pagans... Yes, it would be recognized among pagans as a valid marriage," James mused aloud. "If you are serious about this, I don't see why not. It would give Arlana and the baby stability and yet nothing would have to change either where the rest of us are concerned, isn't that correct Gavin?" James looked pointedly at the young man sitting across from them.
Gavin knew exactly what James was referring to, but he had known how things were before he'd fallen in love. Nothing had changed, except for his heart.
"Of course."
"Then I will speak to the others and make the arrangements. I know it won't give you much time to prepare, but I would strongly suggest the wedding take place on May 1st - just a few days from now. There is significance to that date and I believe I have someone who would officiate the marriage."
Arlana looked over at Gavin, their eyes meeting. If he agreed, in just a few days, Arlana would be Gavin's bride. Everything was happening so fast - as fast as her heart that was now racing.
"Baby?" Gavin murmured. "You and the other ladies can work together and be ready, can't you? I'll head into town with you in the morning to pick up a dress..."
"There's no need," Mollie answered for Arlana. "I will supply the dress, but thank you. We will be ready by May 1st. Is this something you are certain you wish to do? It will be a handfasting ceremony and will be held in the Oak Grove."
"I've wanted to marry Arlana for months - yes, of course, I'm certain."
Arlana looked up as Orania and Marina-Lynne stepped into the room with the newcomers before joining the others near the fireplace.
"I couldn't help overhear your conversation," Orania looked between Arlana and Gavin. "As much as I love you, Arlana, I can't support this marriage and won't be attending. I'm sure you know why..."
Arlana nodded before looking down at her fingers. This entire situation was like Deja Vu to her older cousin. What brought Arlana happiness had the opposite effect on Orania, memories she had long tried to forget, resurfacing.
Marina-Lynne was also quiet, deep in thought.
"Polygamy goes against what I believe, however, even the great men in the Bible who were said to walk with God, had multiple wives. I'm not sure, but it doesn't matter how I feel about what you are choosing to do. You have my support, my sweet cousin, and I'll be there."
"Thank you, Marina-Lynne. Orania, I do understand."
"Then it is settled. I'll return early tomorrow morning so we can begin the preparations. Ritual is important to us, so we will be pulling out all the stops for this wedding. Gavin, how do you plan on telling Adelaide?"
"I'm not," Gavin ran his hand through his hair before continuing, "What she doesn't know, won't kill her. Things won't change - not really. I'll be with Arlana all week and with her on weekends. She and the kids don't need to know I've officially taken a second wife. As for our honeymoon, I am planning on asking for two weeks off. I have a few days to figure out the logistics should he approve the time request."
"Where are you heading for your honeymoon? Have you thought about it?" Marina-Lynne leaned forward.
"New Brunswick."
"I'd love that!" Arlana's voice was breathy, her eyes sparkling, "I've been doing some research and would love to go back to where it all began."
"Perhaps you'll be able to find Erika while you're there," Marina-Lynne looked hopeful. "Everyone knows everyone so perhaps someone heard or saw something that might be able to help. It's been months since Erika was kidnapped. We have no idea if she is alive or dead."
"She's alive," Arlana's voice was soft, "but in hiding."
"You're kidding! How do you know?"
"I'm not at liberty to say just yet, but suffice it to say, she is alive."
For the cousins, that was enough. It could have been so much worse.
No one noticed Orania slip her cellphone out of her pocket, sending a single text message.
"Erika is alive. Find her."
"I'm certain that Patrick will give you the time off work. Arlana is correct - returning to New Brunswick is important, so the perfect spot for an extended honeymoon. I'll suggest that Carrados covers for you until you return. I don't need to warn you to be careful once you cross the border. If Erika could be kidnapped and she was with one of our men, you must be vigilant."
James turned his attention to the two women who sat side by side, completely unaware of the gravity of the situation that had been discussed moments before. Both women had been inseminated at the clinic the same night Arlana had been impregnated in the Oak Grove. Their babies should be born within hours of each other if not minutes as their mothers each conceived at midnight.
"Welcome to the ranch," James smiled at the young women, but his eyes were on Arthur who entered the room, sitting between Marina-Lynne and Orania.
Mollie had been too late to stop the procedure once she'd learned the truth. It wouldn't happen again, but the children Anne and Roxanne carried would have at least three shields within their blood, the wolf clan already howling in their veins.