They’d journeyed with the MacLeods of Assynt, who’d stopped at Varrich to rest along the way. When a man returned to Varrich, informing Mairghread of what happened and how Tristan and their sons were chasing after Thor, she decided she, Elene, and the children would join the MacLeods on the way to Dunbeath.
“Which brother is which?” Greer whispered. “I ken Michail is married to Isabella’s sister, Blythe. But which one is Edward, and which one is Aidan?”
“Edward—he prefers Ward—is the one with the shorter hair. He’s the youngest of the three.”
“I canna believe how much Isabella and Blythe look alike even though Isabella’s so much aulder. Ye canna tell which one is the baby of the family.” Greer watched the two women, their white-blonde heads together as they chatted.
“It’s Blythe. Their middle sister, Emilie, is married to Dominic Campbell, the laird’s brother. Michail, Ward, and Aidan are ma cousins through Mama. Torrian is her uncle through ma grandmama.”
“Aye. If I’d truly been Edgar’s daughter, Catriona would have been some sort of cousin to me. She was Edgar’s father’s cousin. She’s the only Gunn besides ma real da who I wish I was related to. She and Torrian look as perfectly matched as yer parents.” The older woman reminded Greer of her mother. Catriona favored the same scent Greer’s mother had, and it brought back a flood of happy memories when they embraced as Liam introduced their guests.
“They are. Just like Blythe and Michail are, too. I dinna ken Aidan’s or Ward’s wives vera well, but they’re kind women. I ken Blythe because she’s come to visit so many times.”
“Why do ye think they’re here? They couldnae have kenned aboot our wedding. I understand why Mairghread and Elene would want to come since they worried aboot their men. But why did Torrian and Catriona bring their entire family?”
“I dinna ken. It surprised me to recognize the horses when I entered the stables earlier. I’m certain we’ll ken soon enough.” Thor pushed more food onto Greer’s half of their shared trencher. “Eat up, wee one. Ye shall need yer strength.”
“I could say the same to ye. I ken ye’re still a growing lad.” Greer’s hand slid up Thor’s thigh beneath his plaid. He made a strangled sound as he snagged her wrist and pulled it away from his groin. He wanted his wife to touch him there and anywhere, but he didn’t wish to embarrass himself by climaxing at the family table.
“Wheest, lass. Ye’re killing me.”
“I ken.” Greer pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before turning to talk to Shona.
“I canna believe how things worked out for ye two.” Rose wrapped her arms around Thor’s. “I’m happy for ye.”
“Are ye still angry that I didna tell ye all those years ago?”
Rose inhaled and held her breath for a moment as she considered her answer. “Nae really. I dinna love that either of us kept any secrets, but we both did it because we thought we were protecting Greer. I also understand how ye wouldnae want to admit to marrying a woman ye thought betrayed ye.”
“I’m still sorry for hurting ye by nae telling ye the truth and trapping ye between us, Rosie.”
“I ken the truth now, and that’s what matters, Thorny.”
“Rosie.” Thor snatched the kertch from his sister’s head and tossed it across the table to Wee Liam, who flung it down the bench to Tate. Thor tugged a lock of his sister’s matching hair. “Ouch! Ye dinna need to use yer nails!”
Rose pinched him, making sure it smarted as she narrowed her eyes at Tate. Her cousin shook his head and handed the piece of white fabric across the table to Wiley.
“Give it back to her. I dinna want to sleep with one eye open, and I dinna want to find snails in ma boots in the morning.”
“If ye lot dinna stop causing trouble at the table, ye’ll be mucking out stalls for a moon of Sundays.”
“Aye, Auntie Ceit,” Thor and Wee Liam responded while Tate muttered, “Aye, Mama.”
Rose smirked at Thor but stopped when she caught Siùsan’s eye. She ducked her chin, hiding her smile. Thor elbowed her. “See. Mama’s told ye nae to call me names.”
“Are ye five? Ye sound like it with yer whinging.” Rose’s knee knocked against Thor’s. She leaned past her twin to look at Greer, who watched the spectacle wide-eyed. “See what ye’ve married into?”
“Aye. I couldnae be any luckier.” Greer leaned against Thor as he wrapped his arm around her. She rested her head on his chest and savored the comfort he offered and the warmth she felt as the family continued to laugh and tease around her.So, this is what it’s like to have a family.
* * *
Thor and Greer retired to their chamber after hours of dancing and merriment. They heard other doors closing as they undressed. The unmarried male cousins would sleep in the barracks to make room for the newly arrived couples. An image flashed through her mind. She felt certain the other couples were all about to do what she and Thor would. She gladly stepped into her husband’s arms once they both stood bare. She’d gotten used to the feel of his hands caressing her back, and now she found it soothing when it had initially mortified her.
She ran her hands over his chest’s defined planes before tunneling her hands into his hair. Their mouths came together slowly, each teasing the other before their impatience got the better of them. Their kiss threatened to consume them; the dueling tongues were not nearly enough contact. Thor wrapped his hands around her bottom and lifted her, so her legs wrapped around his waist. His sword nudged her sheath as he turned toward the bed. She marveled at how her enormous warrior husband was so gentle as he laid her on the mattress. She didn’t release his waist, but he pulled back. He shot her the wolfish expression she knew forewarned hours of passion and pleasure.
Thor eased down the bed, but Greer sat up. She caught his arms and shook her head. “Ye always make sure I find ma release first. I want ye to experience pleasure before me. Let me taste ye.”
“If I let ye go first, everything will be over in a flash.” Thor dipped his chin ruefully. “I willna last long enough to have ma turn at the feast then join our bodies.”
