Page 120 of The Laird’s Wrong Wife

His other hand closed around her waist as she descended. Once her feet touched the ground, he kept her there for one breath, his hand tight beneath her palm. Then he released her.

“Are ye dizzy?”

“I am well.”

His eyes narrowed.

“Do ye doubt me?” she asked.

“I am just makin’ sure.”

Ceana turned the strip of dried apple between her fingers. “Ye have spent half the day lookin’ at me as though ye expect some change.”

His gaze moved to her mouth before returning to her eyes.

A trace of teasing entered her voice, though the question beneath it had been niggling at her since they left the festival. “Do ye still want me?”

“I do,” he said without hesitation. “But I willnae mistake yer return for permission.”

Heat curled low in her belly. He stood near enough for her to see the strain in his jaw, yet he made no move to reclaim her waist.

She turned and started walking to stretch her legs. Oscar matched her pace without guiding her, while Lennan kept the escort turned toward the surrounding hills.

They reached a border inn after dusk. Oscar secured adjacent chambers before they shared a hot meal beside the fire. When Ceana retired, he stopped outside her door and bade her good night.

On the second afternoon, MacKane Castle came into view through the carriage window. Ceana recognized the gate tower first, then the upper windows and the wall beside the training yard. Wisps of smoke rose from the kitchen chimney in a familiar gray column. She leaned closer to the glass until Oscar’s shoulder brushed hers.

Tommy ran into the courtyard before the carriage had stopped. “Ceana!”

Paisley followed at a more careful pace.

Oscar descended first. “Slow down, both of ye.”

Ceana took his hand and stepped down, then opened her arms. Tommy reached her first. He hugged her tight for one impulsive second before remembering her condition and pulling away. She caught him by the shoulders and drew him close again.

“Ye may hug me, Tommy.”

Paisley waited beside them until Ceana reached for her. The girl’s arms rested carefully around Ceana’s waist, leaving a space between their bodies. Ceana drew her nearer and kissed her hair.

A low bleat sounded near the stables. Ness escaped the groom holding her and raced around the three of them. She caught the edge of Ceana’s cloak between her teeth and tugged until Ceana laughed.

Oscar remained beside her with one hand hovering near her back, ready to steady her. He allowed the children to keep their arms around her.

Before the waiting servants could surround them, Ceana led Paisley and Tommy to the stone bench beside the entrance.

“Are ye stayin’?” Tommy asked.

“Aye. I chose to come home.” She took his hand and Paisley’s. “And I am back, so ye nay longer need to worry.”

Paisley looked down at Ceana’s belly. “Ye look great, Ceana.”

Ceana opened her mouth to respond, but Tommy interrupted her. “Will the baby take me place in yer bed during family hours?”

Ceana squeezed his fingers. “There is room for all three of ye. The bairn will have a place beside yers.”

Muriel embraced her once they rose, then drew back to inspect Ceana’s color. “Ye have borne the journey well. Rest before supper.”

The servants smiled as they examined Ceana’s face. A maid hurried toward the kitchen with news that Lady MacKane had arrived, and another went upstairs to reopen her chamber.