Gracie raised a brow.“Clean roads or kind company?”
He laughed outright.“Both, if I’m blessed.”
She stepped closerand straightened his collar with practiced ease. “Then we’d best be on our way, Laird McMillan,” she said with mock solemnity.
He caughther hand and pressed a quick kiss to her knuckles. “Lead on, Lady McMillan,” he replied, pride warming every word.
As they gathered their things,the room felt different than it had at dawn, lighter and sure. Gracie took one last glance around, grateful for the laughter that now lived where doubt once had. Jaxon opened the door and offered his arm. Together, they stepped out to meet the day, smiles shared and unspoken promises between them.
Gracie steppedout into the cool morning air beside Jaxon, the scent of damp hay and horses greeting her at once. The stables bustled with quiet purpose, guards tightening straps and checking hooves as steam rose from the animals’ breaths.
She spottedConnor near one of the wagons, his broad frame bent as he inspected a wheel.
“Good mornin’,Connor,” she called, lifting her hand in greeting.
Connor straightenedand smiled when he saw her. “Good mornin’ to ye, me lady,” he said warmly, bowing his head. “I’m glad to see ye well this day.”
Gracie nodded,meaningfully. “And I’m glad ye made it safe with the firewood,” she replied, earning a proud nod from him.
She moved a little aside,watching as Jaxon strode from wagon to wagon with practiced ease. He spoke to the guards in low, firm tones, checking tallies and lifting the corner of a tarp to peer at the supplies beneath. Gracie felt a swell of pride as she observed him, how naturally the men deferred to him and how carefully he looked after every detail. It pleased her to no end to see the care he took, not only with the cargo but with the people entrusted to him.
She wrappedher cloak closer as a breeze passed through the yard, feeling content despite the long road ahead. Watching him in his element made the journey feel lighter already.
The innkeeper,Wallace, appeared then, hurrying across the yard with a sturdy cloth bag slung over his arm.
“Me laird,”he called, slightly breathless, “I’ve packed ye some food for the road.” He held out the bag, and the smell of bread and cheese drifted out as he did.
Gracie could see apples,dried meat, and a wedge of cheese tucked neatly inside.
Jaxon acceptedthe bag with a nod. “Ye have me thanks, Wallace,” he said. “This’ll keep us well ‘til we reach Glenmoor.”
Wallace shifted on his feet,clearly pleased. “It’s the least I can do, me laird,” he replied. “We’re honored to have ye stay with us.”
Gracie watchedas Jaxon reached into his purse and pressed a generous handful of coin into Wallace’s palm. The innkeeper’s eyes widened, and he bowed repeatedly.
“That’s far too much,”Wallace protested softly.
Jaxon shook his head.“Ye keep a good house and treat me folk well,” he said simply. “That deserves proper thanks.”
Wallace’s voicegrew thick with gratitude. “May God bless ye and yer lady,” he said earnestly, glancing at Gracie with a smile.
She feltwarmth spread through her at the exchange, touched by how naturally Jaxon cared for those who served him. It reassured her, seeing his generosity given without thought or show.
As Wallace departed,Gracie stepped back toward Jaxon. “Ye’re very kind to them,” she said quietly.
He glanced at her,a hint of a smile softening his features. “A laird is naught without the goodwill of his people,” he replied. “And besides, kindness travels farther than coin ever will.”
The wagons were soon ready,the horses restless but calm under familiar hands. Gracie took Jaxon’s arm as he came back to her, feeling steady and sure.
She looked once moreat the Rose Inn, grateful for the shelter it had given them and the peace they now carried forward. With a final nod from Jaxon, the party began to move, and Gracie felt ready to face whatever lay ahead on the road to Glenmoor.
21
The party set off from the Rose Inn beneath a pale morning sky, hooves thudding softly against the damp road. Gracie rode beside Jaxon while Connor led the wagons behind them, guards flanking the supplies with watchful eyes. The road stretched on with a gentle curve through the hills.
Gracie felt a flutter of nerves,knowing what awaited them at the journey’s end, a whole village of people that will be introduced to their new Lady.
Will they accept me?
