Page 38 of The Laird’s Wrong Wife

Oscar noticed her before David did. He paused for a second, his gaze trailing across her face to the corner of her mouth. His fingers closed around the edge of the map as he returned his attention to her father.

The firm voice discussing armed riders bore little resemblance to the one that had roughened while he kissed her. Even so, the breadth of his shoulders above the table reminded her how he had pressed her against the door.

Ceana continued through the gallery before she could betray how much the distance hurt. He had already committed MacKane men to protecting Morrag, fulfilling his promise without delay. He would give her everything a dutiful husband owed while keeping the answer she wanted beyond her reach.

She couldn’t think too hard about that for now.

Tommy found her near a window recess, with Ness trotting behind him. He studied her face before leaning against the stone beside her.

“What are ye doin’ out here, sweetness?” she asked.

He took a look at her before speaking. “Are ye afraid to marry Faither?”

Ceana took a minute before answering, “I daenae ken whether I fear the weddin’ or how quickly me life is changin’.”

Tommy shrugged. “Faither isnae bad.”

“I never said he was.”

“He lets Ness come inside the castle. A bad man wouldnae do that.”

Ceana chuckled. “Yer faither rarely looks pleased to find her indoors.”

Tommy considered this and pointed to the goat. “She is still here.”

The certainty in his voice made Ceana laugh, which pleased him enough to throw both arms around her waist.

“I shall play nay tricks on ye after the weddin’,” he promised. After a pause, he cleared his throat. “Nae many tricks.”

Ceana kissed the top of his head. Before she could answer, Ness seized the trailing end of a linen garland being carried past them. Tommy freed it from her mouth and smoothed the crushed section against his sleeve.

“Ness made nay promises,” he said.

He returned the linen to the maid without being told. The maid thanked him and adjusted the fold before continuing down the passage. Tommy watched until she disappeared, then led Ness toward the stairs.

Ceana remained by the window after they left. Paisley’s ribbon lay safely inside her pocket, while Tommy’s warmth lingered around her waist. Leaving either child would cause pain she had never expected to risk.

The castle had begun making room for her because she brought something its people needed. Her parents could return home under Oscar’s protection, and Daphne could remain free. Even Oscar had shown his need for a capable wife who would care for his children. He had given her no reason to believe he needed her beyond that purpose.

When Heather found her, Ceana claimed a headache and asked to rest alone. Her mother studied her face for a moment before agreeing, while Mairi quietly ordered the passage outside her chamber kept clear.

Ceana climbed into bed while daylight still streamed through the curtains. A meal was delivered soon afterward, though she left it untouched on the table. Beyond the closed door, servants continued to carry furniture and consult one another as they prepared for the upcoming wedding.

Paisley’s ribbon remained in Ceana’s pocket while she listened to it all from the bed.

Later that night, she lowered the unread book to her lap when a knock sounded at her chamber door. She pushed herself upright against the pillows and drew the blanket higher over her night rail, expecting Heather or a maid sent to collect the tray she had not touched.

“Come in.”

Oscar entered carrying a fresh tray.

Oh.

He had removed his outer coat, and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his forearms. A bowl of broth sat beside thick bread, both giving off enough warmth to show that he had gone to the kitchen before coming to her.

The sight of him performing such an ordinary task held her still as he closed the door behind him. He left it unbolted and walked in carefully.

Soon enough, his steps slowed down near the bed.