Rose sighed happily and said,“I like her, that princess.”
Eden grinned and replied,“She is clever, like ye.”
Gracie’s throat tightened,and she drew both girls into a gentle embrace.
In that quiet garden,with mud on her skirts and laughter in the air, Gracie felt the first true sense of belonging. The confusion of Jaxon’s words faded, replaced by the simple joy of small hands in hers. She realized that whatever storms lay ahead, she could offer these children kindness and safety. And for the first time, the path before her seemed a little less lonely.
12
Jaxon stood alone in his study, the tall windows casting pale light across shelves of ledgers and maps. His thoughts strayed, as they had all morning, to Gracie and the way her eyes had widened when he’d kissed her. Desire coiled within him, sharp and restless, made stronger now that her parents had departed and she was truly under his protection. The memory of Hamish’s hand upon her waist stirred a possessive heat in his blood that he still struggled to master.
I should have killedhim where he stood.
He remindedhimself that he was the Laird, that restraint was as much his duty as strength. Still, the image of Gracie lost in those corridors returned again and again, fragile and brave in equal measure. He wanted to shield her from every threat, seen and unseen. The knock upon his door came as a mercy.
“Enter,”he called, grateful for the interruption before his thoughts grew darker. The door opened, and Connor steppedinside with a respectful nod. His presence grounded Jaxon, pulling him back from the edge of his own temper.
“Me laird,”Connor said, “I bring word. Hamish is gone,” Connor continued, folding his arms. “There is nay sign of him in the village.”
Jaxon inclined his head,a grim satisfaction settling in his chest. “Good,” he said, “I am glad he kept his word.”
Connor shiftedhis weight and added, “The scoutin’ party is ready to leave in search of Edmund.”
Jaxon’s jawtightened at the mention of his brother’s name. “I daenae trust Edmund to do aught but cause harm,” he said, “and I willnae have him start a war with his foolishness.”
Connor answered steadily,“We will track him down and bring him back to the castle.”
A burstof laughter drifted through the open window, light and clear as birdsong. Jaxon turned, drawn by it without thought, and saw Gracie in the garden with his daughters. Eden darted about with muddy hands, while Rose clung to Gracie’s side, listening with shining eyes. The sight struck him harder than any blade.
Something within him softened,an unfamiliar warmth spreading through his chest. He had married her to keep the peace, to save his clan, yet here she was weaving herself into thehearts of his bairns with ease. He felt a fondness that startled him with its depth. He knew, too, that she might still wish she had wed Edmund, and that knowledge stung.
But Edmund fled,and Gracie is mine now.
Jaxon straightened,resolve settling into his bones. He would prove to her that this marriage was not a misfortune. He would make her see that she had not been cast aside, but chosen.
Connor followedhis gaze and let out a low chuckle. “Seems ye couldnae go two days without bein’ distracted by yer new bride,” he said.
Jaxon turned,one brow lifting in warning. “Mind yer tongue,” he replied coolly, “I am still yer Laird.”
Connor only grinned,emboldened by long years of service. “Aye, but ye are also a man, and it shows,” he said. “Never thought I’d see the day ye’d stare out a window like a lovesick lad.”
Jaxon’s eyes narrowed,though there was no true threat in them.
“Push me too far,and I will remind ye of yer place,” Jaxon said.
Connor bowed with exaggerated respect.“As ye say, me laird,” he replied, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Jaxon snorteddespite himself and turned back to the window. Gracie laughed again, this time as Eden splashed water upon her skirts, and instead of anger, she only laughed and chased the girl. Rose clapped her hands, delighted. The scene filled him with a strange, steady calm.
“She is kind,”Connor observed more gently. “The bairns have taken to her quick.”
Jaxon nodded,his voice low. “Aye, they have,” he said. “And that matters more than any treaty.”
Jaxon remained at the window,watching Gracie kneel in the earth beside his daughters. Desire still burned within him, but it was tempered now by something steadier. He wanted her, yes, but he also wanted her safe, smiling, and unafraid within his walls. For the first time, he wondered not just how to claim her, but how to earn her.
The knock camesharp against the oak door, breaking the quiet that had settled between Jaxon and Connor. Connor crossed the room and opened it, revealing Michael, one of the council members, his brow lined with worry. He bowed quickly and stepped inside, glancing between the two men. Jaxon straightened behind his desk.
“Me laird,”Michael said, “forgive the intrusion, but I must speak with ye.”
