Slaves of Love

All gazes locked on Jenna.

“No, she is a Herrington.” Jenna opened her arms to Shena. Hesitantly, Shena stepped forward, and Jenna enveloped her in a warm embrace. “Welcome to the family, Shena.”

Jordan hesitated, then stiffly stepped toward her and offered his hand. Shena glanced at Keern. He knew she had never had a loving family and this whole situation unnerved her. At his reassuring nod, she shook Jordan’s hand. Jenna jabbed Jordan in the ribs, and he cracked a smile, then grabbed Shena and wrapped his arms around her, giving her a sturdy bear hug -- gentler than the one he’d given Keern, but solid. Once he released her, Jacob hugged her in kind. A shy smile spread across her face, and Keern’s heart swelled at the sight.

The other two women welcomed her with gentle hugs.

That evening, the women arranged a wonderful feast to welcome Keern and Shena. They spent the evening in the glow of warm family conversation. Shena had never experienced the warmth of family, and her heart swelled with the shared love all around her.

“I never thought a Wakefield would be sitting at our table. And such a lovely one at that,” Jacob mused. “Now, our lands will be joined.”

“And in love, not war,” Jenna added.

Keern smiled and kissed Shena tenderly.

“But more importantly,” Jordan mused, smiling warmly at Shena, “I never thought I’d ever see my brother so happy. You must be a very special woman, Shena.”

“Believe me, she is,” Keern responded, hugging her close to his side.

Shena had never felt so much love. She patted her stomach, joy swelling through her at the thought that her child would know the joy of belonging to such a warm, loving family, just as she now did.

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