“Ye’re beautiful,”Amara said firmly. “Inside and out. And any man would be lucky to have ye, includin’ me stubborn son.”
Tears prickedat Piper’s eyes. “Thank ye. For sayin’ that. Even if it’s nae true.”
“It is true.And someday, ye’ll believe it.” Amara stood, pulling Piper up with her. “Now. Let’s plan this stargazin’ evenin’. When were ye thinkin’ of doin’ it?”
“Tomorrow night?”Piper suggested. “If the weather’s clear?”
“Perfect.I’ll make sure the kitchen prepares somethin’ suitable for a picnic. And I’ll keep everyone else occupied so ye four can have some privacy.”
“Thank ye, me lady. For everythin’.”
“Call me Amara,dear. We’re family now.”
The words madePiper’s heart swell and ache at the same time. Family. She’d never really had one of those before. And now?—
Now she wasin love with the head of the family, teaching his children, and trying desperately to pretend everything was normal.
This was goingto end badly. She could feel it.
But for now,she’d take what she could get.
The next eveningarrived with perfect clarity, a cloudless sky, and a gentle breeze that carried the scent of autumn. Piper stood in the courtyard holding a wicker basket packed by the kitchen staff, watching as Elijah spoke quietly with Declan and another guard.
Connor and Masiestood beside her, both looking uncertain.
“Areye sure Da wants to do this?” Connor asked for the third time. “He’s nae goin’ to be angry that we’re takin’ him away from his work?”
“He wants to do this,”Piper assured him. “I promise.”
“But he’s been sobusy lately…” Masie started.
“He’s always busy,”Piper interrupted gently. “But that doesnae mean he doesnae want to spend time with ye. Sometimes people just need a little push in the right direction.”
Elijah finishedhis conversation and approached them. He’d changed out of his formal attire into simpler clothes, a linen shirt and dark trousers, his sword still at his hip out of habit.
“Ready?”he asked, his eyes meeting Piper’s.
“Aye.”She held up the basket. “I’ve got the supplies. Declan and…” She glanced at the other guard, a young man whose name she couldn’t remember.
“Harris,”Elijah supplied.
“Declan and Harriswill come with us for safety, but they’ll keep their distance. Give us privacy.”
“Ye’ve thought of everythin’,”Elijah said, and there might have been amusement in his voice.
“I try.”Piper turned to the children. “Come on, then. Let’s go find the perfect spot.”
They setoff from the castle, heading toward the edge of the forest where Piper had scouted earlier. It was a clearing large enough to spread out but sheltered enough to feel private. And most importantly, the tree cover was minimal, giving them a perfect view of the night sky.
Declan and Harrisfollowed at a respectful distance, close enough to intervene if needed but far enough that their presence wouldn’t be intrusive.
“Where are we goin’?”Connor asked, bouncing along beside Piper.
“Ye’ll see. It’s a surprise.”
“I daenae like surprises,”Masie muttered.
“Ye’ll like this one,”Piper promised.
