Gracie answered at once,“Aye, I promise.”
The twins darted awayin delight, ribbons flashing. Silence fell between husband and wife, broken by fiddle strings and the stamp of dance.
Jaxon watchedGracie’s gaze follow the dancers, longing bright within it. Without thinking, he slid an arm about her waist and drew her to her feet.
She startled. “What are ye doing?”she asked.
He met her eyes.“I am goin’ to dance with me wife.”
Her breath caught,then steadied. He led her among the circling bodies, careful to keep his hold light. The music swelled, and she moved with shy grace, trusting his steps. Jaxon felt pride bloom where hunger had been, and in that turning hall, he chose patience.
Jaxon guidedher through the steps, his hand steady at her waist and his other clasping hers, feeling the faint tremor in her fingers.
“Ye dance well,”he said quietly, keeping his voice low so only she could hear.
Gracie swallowed and replied,“I have danced at ceilidhs all me life.”
He answered,“Then let this be no different than any other dance.”
Her shoulders eased a fraction,and she matched his stride more confidently.
“The hall is grand,”she said, glancing about, “larger than any I have known.”
Jaxon followed her gaze.“It was built for gatherings, for keepin’ hearts from growin’ small in stone walls.”
She smiled faintly. “It feels alive.”
He watchedthe curve of her mouth, thinking how rare her smile was, and how he wished to earn it.
“Do ye miss yer home already?”he asked.
Gracie nodded.“Aye, though I ken I must make one here.” Gracie said,
“Castle McMillan can beyer true home, if ye will let it.”
She looked at him then,truly looked, and he felt her weighing him.
“Ye speak kindly, me laird,”she said, “but kindness is nae always kept once vows are spoken.”
Jaxon tightenedhis hold only to steady her step. “I will nae be the man who breaks ye spirit,” he said, “I swear it.”
The music turned lively,and he spun her gently, her skirts blooming like a bell of blue.
Gracie laughed,the sound bright and startled. “Ye have tricked me into joy,” she accused.
He allowed a rare smile.“I only gave ye a turn.”
They drifted past whirling couples,and Jaxon felt eyes upon them, measuring, wondering why the Laird married the woman so abruptly.
“They are watchin’,”Gracie murmured.
He answered,“Let them, for they must learn ye are their lady.”
She hesitated.“I daenae yet ken how to be that.”
He leaned closer soshe would not need to fear the room. “Be yerself,” he said, “and they will follow.”
Gracie’s gaze softened.“Is that what ye do, me laird?”
