“Ye fools!”Jaxon growled, his voice carrying over the din. “Ye think the love of a woman is won by the strength of yer arm? Nay. I’ve learned these past weeks that women have minds of their own. Let the lass choose who she will love, and the other will shake hands and be done with it!”
The men,red-faced and muttering, exchanged reluctant glances and then nodded, begrudgingly accepting his wisdom. Jaxon released them, stepping back as Connor gave a small, wry grin.
Jaxon returnedto the table where Gracie was seated, her eyes sparkling as she watched him calm the quarrel.
“Ye handled that well,”she said, leaning closer, admiration evident in her voice.
Jaxon’s lipscurved in a small smile. “Aye,” he admitted, “it is because of ye, lass. Ye’ve taught me much about patience, and the ways of a woman.”
Gracie reached across,pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek, and Jaxon felt a warmth spread through him.
He studied her then,her hair glinting in the soft light, cheeks flushed from the brisk air and excitement of the day. A rush of affection and desire surged in him, stronger than ever before.
“Gracie,”he said softly, “come with me. Let’s take a walk before the night grows too cold.”
She nodded,sliding her hand into his, and they left the square, the village settling into quiet chatter behind them.
They strolledalong the narrow path that led from the village to the edge of the hill, the soft moonlight illuminating the trees and distant hills.
“It is peaceful here,”Gracie murmured, squeezing his hand.
Jaxon’s gazelingered on her, warmth and tenderness in his eyes. “Aye, it is,” he said, lowering his voice. “And yet, I find it more peaceful when ye are beside me.”
Gracie laughed softly,a musical sound that lifted his spirits. “Ye are too kind, Laird,” she said teasingly.
Jaxon stopped,turning to her fully. “Kindness is for ye, Gracie. Ye’ve earned every bit of it, and more,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
They walkedin comfortable silence for a time, the soft crunch of leaves beneath their boots the only sound.
“Do ye alwaysken what to say?” she asked, a hint of a smile in her voice.
Jaxon chuckled,tightening his hold on her hand, “Nay, lass. But with ye, I find the words come easier than ever.”
The two pausedat the crest of the hill, overlooking Glenmoor, the village.
“It is beautiful,”Gracie breathed, resting her head lightly on his shoulder.
Jaxon’s heartswelled at the sight of her admiration. “Aye,” he murmured, pulling her closer. “But nae half as beautiful as the lass beside me.”
Gracie restedher hand on his chest. “I could stay here forever,” she murmured.
Jaxon kissedthe top of her head, “And I would keep ye here, lass, for as long as I may.”
At a tavernon the edges of McMillan lands, Edmund trembled in his boots.
“Where’sthe coin ye owe us?” the man with the eye patch sneered at him.
“I…Iwill have it soon. If ye will give me more time,” Edmund said.
“We have givenye plenty of time. Ye have gambled all ye have. Me master sent me to collect from ye,” the man said.
“Tellyer master that I am on me way to me brother’s home today. He is a man of great wealth and will give me the means to pay off me debts,” Edmund said.
The man didn’t budge.Sweat dripped from Edmund’s brow into his eye. He needed a way to get out of this. He had run out of all the coin he had left home with.
Suddenly an argument brokeout between two men in the corner of the tavern, drawing everyone’s attention, including the man with the eye patch. Edmund took advantage of this distraction and grabbed a mug of ale. He splashed it into the man’s one good eye, and then ran out the door.
I must returnto McMillan castle.
