Page 33 of The Defiant Curse

“He does,” he said. “He’s mentioned it would be perfect for a wedding.”

Well, then, he would be getting hitched here.

“If we have a turn in the weather, where can we have it?” she asked.

That was easy.

“The ballroom.”

Well, that worked for her. She was going to be here a while, so she had time to make all of this happen. It was a good thing they wanted to move their wedding up.

That worked out perfectly.

When a gust of wind blew, he was acutely aware she was NOT dressed for being out there.

“It’s chilly out,” he admitted. “Are you cold?” he asked, seeing that she was in a very light jacket.

Elizabeth was honest.

“I’m going to have to buy some warmer things. I didn’t have time to grab gear. I ate and got right on a flight.”

Yeah, he’d put that at the top of his list. It appeared they were going shopping. Now that the threat to their family was over, it should be safe to do that.

“We can go into town,” he offered. “It’s a quick ride back down the mountain, and we’ll get you some things tomorrow for your time here.”

She appreciated that.

What she’d love to have were some thick wool sweaters, made from the wool of some highland sheep.

Oh, and she wanted to pet one of those hairy cows. That was on her bucket list too.

“I hope that’s not problematic,” she admitted. “When I arrived, the guy with the bike didn’t seem to recognize me.”

Yeah, it wouldn’t be a problem.

Michael explained.

“I don’t think you’ll be hassled here. Most people are ambivalent to Americans. If you’re not obnoxiously loud, or draw attention, you’ll blend in. Wear a big sweater and tuck your hair up under a hat. I can guarantee they aren’t overly familiar with the going ons in DC.”

Thank God for that.

To be able to walk around like a normal person, she absolutely would do that.

Hell!

She’d cut her damn hair off to have some anonymity.

What wouldn’t she give to be able to shop in peace like she was a normal person?

“Really?”

He nodded.

“Yeah, if you tell everyone you’re my sister, visiting, they’ll believe it. Your hair and eyes tend to give it away,” he admitted. “You look Irish,” he said. “You’ll blend.”

She considered that.

“My daddy has some Scottish in him, or that’s what he told me. I’ve never met my grandparents. They were gone on both sides before I was born. My DNA is on record, but not to find my origins. Instead to eliminate me on a crime scene in case I inadvertently leave trace.”