She dried her hands on her apron, straightened the skirt of her work dress, and shoved tendrils of red hair out of her face.
He opened his arms wide, and she rushed to hold him. Her fingers tangled in the black curls at his nape. She inhaled the scents of lavender water, bay rum, and Luc. She rested her head on the soft linen over the solid muscles of his chest and listened to his heart beat steady and strong. As he had been for her, a steady source of strength for most of her life.
“You shouldn’t be here. What if Da comes home and sees you?” Grainne pushed back to study Luc’s face. His blue gaze turned solemn. His smile dimmed, and his mouth—his dear mouth—firmed. ““’Tis past time he knew.”
“He blames you for Jamie’s death.” Worry squeezed her heart, and she stepped away.
“He’s a grieving old man with no control over what happened to his son. I understand.” Luc’s voice thickened, issuing words from his handsome drawn face.
She stared out at the rolling fields of her farm dotted with a few sheep. Once her family had owned a large flock. Most of it was gone now to taxes and troubles. “That’s very kind of you, but you should leave.” ’Twas all she could do to keep her love safe.
“Kiss me first.”
She looked around. The sheets on the line hid them from view of the road. “Very well.” She stood on tiptoe and grasped his shoulders, intending a quick peck.
Luc was having none of that. He turned his head as she moved. Their lips met. All thought of troubles vanished and Grainne was lost. Drowning in the pleasure that was Lucien Flynn’s kiss, her body flushed hot. Her conscience demanded she stop. but she couldn’t abandon the promise of love.
When they finally came up for air, she shoved him away. “Rogue,” she teased.
“Only with you.”
“I’d not have you else. Now you’ve had your kiss, be off.” She waved a hand toward the road on the far side of the clothesline.
“I will, but first I’ve a present for you.” He bent, and the snug pantaloons he wore tightened over his thighs and bum.
Grainne sighed. As he straightened, he lifted a package from beside him on the ground.
“Why, it’s not my birthday or name day.” She should not accept any gift from him, but curiosity prevailed.
““’Tis a day I want you to remember.” Luc smiled.
“Why?” Wonder fluttered in her chest.
“Open it. I think you’ll understand.”
Grainne rolled her eyes. “Since you insist.” She ripped the brown paper wrapping at one corner. The sun glinted off silver, echoing the perpetual gleam in Luc’s eyes. “Is it…? You didn’t.” She tore away the paper and stared at the ornate silver box. “D…do you like it?”
“Oh, Luc. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” She bussed his cheek.
“Hmph. Last week, you said my eyes were the most beautiful thing you’d ever seen.”
She slapped at his arm, flashing a grin. “You know what I mean.”
“Aye, that I do.”
She hefted the box. “’Tis quite heavy.”
“Partly because the silver is solid and not plate.” He grinned again. “Now open it.”
Grainne pried at the lid then studied the front of the box. “There’s a key hole, but it won’t open. Are you having me on?”
“No. I apologize. Look on the bottom.”
She turned the box over. “Two keys?”
“Aye, but only the one on the left opens the box. However, you’ll need the pair.”
Taking both keys, she put one in the pocket of her apron then used the other to unlock the box. Grainne gasped.
