Page 43 of How to Lose a Lass

"What amazing adventures would you like to have today?"

"Let's go into Loch Fairbairn and visit Kirsty's shop."

"That would be the metaphysical shop, right? And Kirsty is one of your cousins."

"Aye. She has two sisters, Isla and Elspeth, as well as a brother, Logan."

"Yeah, I've met him. Not the sisters, though." I sit up and pat her bottom. "Time to get off your patootie and get dressed."

She laughs. "Had you ever actually used the word patootie before that morning in your apartment?"

"No. But I've decided it describes your ass perfectly."

"Hmm." She rolls onto her back and stretches languorously. "What should I call your erse? 'Caboose' is intriguing, but I think 'booty' suits you best."

"Scots don't have any words other than 'erse' to describe someone's heinie?"

"That's the only one I've ever used."

A fist raps on the bedroom door. "Rise and shine, Jamie and the American cacan. Breakfast will be served in the dining room in precisely eighteen minutes."

Oh, yeah, even if Rory wasn't the only other man in the castle this morning, I'd still know that was him. He's teasing me with the "cacan" thing. I know that word means "wee shit." I've been dating his sister, after all, and sweet Jamie loves to curse in Gaelic. Despite the way her brothers behave, I don't believe they want to chase me away. Why would Rory let me stay in his castle if he wanted me gone? No, I think he and his brothers just want to harass me to make sure I won't break Jamie's heart.

I never want to do that. And I admire her brothers for their commitment to protecting Jamie without directly interfering in our relationship. I have a sister too, and I would do anything I could to prevent Calli from getting hurt. Luckily, she married Aidan, a nice guy who I know would never hurt my sister.

Jamie and I get up and get dressed, then head for the dining room. It's just at the end of the guest-wing hallway, so we don't have far to walk. When we traipse into the dining room, Rory and Emery are already seated and waiting for us. Rory sits at the head of the table, naturally, with Emery at his right.

I pull out a chair for Jamie, and as she sits down, she smiles up at me.

Rory gives me an appreciative nod. Did I just gain a small measure of approval from the Steely Solicitor? I think maybe I did.

Jamie is sitting directly across from Emery, right next to Rory. I take the chair beside hers, and Emery winks at me. No idea what that means. Emery is very smart and kind, but she's also sorta weird. I guess it takes an unusual woman to tame a man like Rory.

We all have a nice conversation over breakfast, discussing mundane things---until Emery brings up Halloween.

She sets her arms on the table and smiles with a touch of mischief. "We need to throw a big Halloween party here at Dùndubhan."

Rory rolls his eyes. "Why, Em, do we need that?"

"For fun. You finally unleashed your wild side, and I'd bet you have never attended any kind of party, much less a costume bash."

"Aye, and there's a bloody good reason for that." He leans forward slightly and squints at his wife. "Because I despise parties."

"Oh, come on, Rory Baby. Let's have a big bash."

He squints harder. "I've repeatedly asked you never to call me that in front of other people."

Emery tries to suppress a laugh, but she winds up spluttering instead. "Everyone already knows I call you Rory Baby. The cat's out of that bag and scurrying around the house, scratching up all your precious furniture. Get over it, sweetie."

Damn, I love Emery more every time I see her. She's awesome.

I might be smirking now. Can't help it. Watching a blonde bombshell basically tell her much-larger husband to lighten up and grow a pair is one of the highlights of my life so far.

Rory relaxes and smiles, grasping his wife's hand so he can kiss it. "You're right, mo gaoloch. A Halloween ceilidh would give us an excuse to bring the entire clan together. I cannot promise I will enjoy every moment of it, but I will give it a go."

Emery grins and claps three times. "Yay! Thank you, Rory Baby. You're the sweetest."

He smiles with a touch of bemusement and relaxes in his chair.

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