Page 74 of Married to a Highland Brute

"Breakfast is ready and set at the table, milaird," the maid announced and they turned to leave.

Jonan and Amelia bumped into each other, smiling. Does she feel it also? Did she enjoy our night of folly as much as I did? Does she yearn for me now?

“How did ye sleep?” he asked her as they made their way towards the stairs.

“I slept quite well. Thank you,” she said. “Though it was cold. Is it going to be this way forever?”

“Ye would get accustomed to it. I ken ye have some Scottish blood in ye,” Jonan joked.

“No, I do not,” Amelia burst into laughter.

“As chief of this clan, I dare say, milady, that there is nae a woman in me clan lands that is as beautiful as ye,” he told her.

Amelia’spale face reddened in a blush.

“You say that because you are wedded to me,” she said.

“Nae, I wouldnae deceive ye,” he argued.

Amelia stoppedthe bottom of the stairs and faced Jonan squarely. “Prove your words to me, then. If you can show me without a doubt that I am the most beautiful woman in the clan, I will accept your calls and repay you with deserving gratitude," she said.

Jonan, a man who had never shied away from a fight, decided to accept her challenge. He approached her, daring her as she had dared him.

“We shall ride out at noon,” hesaid, Amelia’s eyes widenedwith interest, “with Leah.”

While he wanted to be alone in the mountains with her, he also wanted to spend time with Leah—the three of them, as a family.

“Leah would love that. We can have a picnic together,” she said gleefully.

“Will you be riding out after breakfast?” she added.

“Aye, but I shall return before noon, and the three of us can haveourpicnic,” he promised.

They headed to the dining hall andLeahjumped into his arms, her small hands wrapping around his neck. Since Amelia had joined the family, the little girl had become much happier. Everyone was happier.

WhenLeah reached for Amelia, he triedto hand herover to his wife, but the girldrew them both into a hug. Jonan and Amelia exchanged glances, amused by the gesture.

Taking advantage of the situation, Jonan placed his hand on Amelia's small of her back and drew her closer to him.

Afternoon, Jonan decided. He was going to ask her for her answer in the afternoon, while they were alone in the hills.

“Leah, I must eat before ye squeeze the air from me chest,” Jonan said laughing.

The three of them ate their breakfast quietly, while Leah was eager and excited about their picnic in the mountains.

"I have to leave," Jonan told themwhen he noticed Callanstanding outside the hall.

“I shall be back by noon,” he promised once more.

“She is still lookin’ after ye,” Callan told him. “She almost looks in love, milaird.”

Despite the fact that Amelia's longing gaze made him happy, Jonan did not fall for Callan's bait.

“The old man fell ill with a fever last night,” Callan said, “Old man Aodh.”

“I ken… Outside of that, is there anything of great importance that we must speak of this day?” Jonan asked.

“For the first time in a long time, the council does nae have an itch to scratch,” he replied, shaking his head.

---