Dare to Love a Scot Page 17
She pulled him to a halt as the others moved well out of earshot and out of sight.
“We don’t have to live here, Lachy,” she said. “We can stay in the village.”
He faced her, his heart beating harder than it should, his head lighter than was comfortable, but he felt right somehow. He felt…at home.
“I didn’t get to grow up here, but my child will, and my clansmen will be welcomed here again. Last night I told them we would build a new castle, but I’m sure they will be just as thrilled to return to this one again. But what is most important of all, Prim, is that I will be with you. It doesn’t matter where we are.”
She cradled his face. “You know, you’re not the beastly Scotsman you originally claimed to be. In fact, you’re quite the gentlehearted man.”
“Surrendering to love will do that to a man,” he said, and because they were alone, and because this was now his castle, too, he kissed his wife right there in the corridor.
Daring to love a Scot had consequences. Very public displays of affection were one of them, she would soon learn.
Epilogue
“A trip to America?” Prim asked.
Heather nodded. “Lucy writes that she and Rose will leave in three weeks, and stay for three months. According to Charlotte’s letters, it is the best time for travel, and the weather will be pleasant. The captain is employed by her husband’s brewing company, and makes the trip many times during the year.”
“I’m not sure how I’d feel about days on end on a rocking ship,” Prim said, the mere thought causing her stomach to roll uncomfortably.
“Have some more tea, dear,” her mother said, refilling her cup.
Prim grudgingly took a sip. Two weeks ago, she and Lachy had married, and now she was certain, without a doubt, that she was carrying his babe.
Heather rocked her own baby, Calvin Edgar Tristan Calder, a healthy boy, just as Prim had predicted. He was strong and vocal, with jet-black hair and gray-blue eyes, and he was definitely larger than Heather’s first two children.
Born right on time, Prim had attended his birth with her mother and Violet, determined to see what she would soon be experiencing herself. She’d clung tightly to Violet’s hand as her older sister had pushed, watching her nephew miraculously come into the world.
She’d been moved, and a bit traumatized, but also amazed at the strength and endurance Heather had been capable of.
Now Violet entered the room, and she looked as terrible as Prim felt. She sat across from Prim and refused the cup of tea her mother offered.
Prim caught her eye, intuition clicking.
Violet narrowed her gaze, and it was as if they shared the same thought. Her sister pointed at her.
“Are you—” they both asked in unison, and froze.
Prim grinned. “I am.”
Violet beamed. “I, as well.”
“What in heavens are you talking about?” Lady Everly asked, as she glanced between the two of them.
“I suspect they’ve both just realized that they’re both expecting.” Heather said, without an ounce of surprise.
“What?” Their mother jumped to her feet, shocking them both by dancing a little jig and hugging them. “More babies!” she crowed.
The gentlemen laughed and offered congratulations, Weirick and Lachy shaking hands with each other with silly grins.
“How did you know?” Prim asked Heather.
“After three pregnancies, one can tell when other women are expecting quite easily. It’s woman’s intuition.”
“You didn’t say anything,” Violet said.
“It isn’t my place to announce that sort of thing before the mother wishes it to be known and announces it herself,” Heather said, and nuzzled her baby. “I’m so happy for the both of you.”
Prim smiled, her eyes stinging with the urge to shed joyful tears. Her emotions had become tempestuous in the last week. Lachy caught her eye, his gaze holding the same excitement she felt in her heart. He’d already expressed his desire for a little girl with blonde hair, but Prim suspected a dark-haired child would be likelier. She couldn’t wait to see and hold her own baby, but even with the nausea and the sudden bouts of tears, she was enjoying this new side of her body.
She went to her husband’s side. There was nothing more soothing to her than leaning against his sturdy chest when her emotions ran amok. And now, here they were, happily married, Heather with three children, and she and Violet both expecting at the same time.
Her mother would be over the moon with a house full of children.
Lachy nuzzled his wife’s neck, distracting her from her thoughts. “How many children do you think we will have?”
“I don’t know,” Prim said honestly.
“The first Dennehy laird had sixteen.”
She scoffed. “Bully for him. He did not birth sixteen children. His wife did. She’s the true hero.”
Lachy laughed. “I think we could beat that number.”
“Don’t you dare say such a thing,” Prim said, swatting at him.
“Oh, I dare, and I think you’ll find that I’m quite capable.”
“Your capability is not in question. Mine is. After what I just witnessed, one healthy child is a miracle.”
“You’re strong. Your sister is, too, and so are her children.”
“Yes, I suppose that should quiet my fears somewhat.”
“Are you scared?” he asked, his voice quiet, not that anyone paid them any attention.
Prim met his gaze, becoming misty-eyed again. “Of course I’m scared. Aren’t you?”
“No. You are stronger than you know, and more courageous than any woman I’ve met. You are daring, and beautiful, and there is no doubt in my mind those qualities will be carried on in my children.
“I’m daring?”
“You are the very definition, among many other things.”
Prim smiled, her heart expanding with happiness until it hurt to breathe. “Do go on.”
He chuckled. “Would you like to hear my reasons for loving you in Gaelic, or English?”
“Gaelic. I need to practice.”
“Very well,” he said, bending close and nuzzling her ear. “Tha mi gad ghràdh. Do you remember what that means?”
“I will never forget,” Prim said. “I love you, too.”
Also by Dayna Quince
Desperate and Daring Series
Book 1: Desperate for a Duke
Book 2: Belle of the Ball
Book 3: Just One Kiss
Book 4: Anything But Innocent
Book 5: An Unconventional Innocent
Book 6: Mad About You
Book 7: A Rogue of Her Own
Book 8: Hero of Her Heart
Book 9: An Undesirable Duke
Book 10: Dare to Love a Scot
Fated for Love Series
Book 1: Mine, All Mine
Book 2: Sweet Torture
Book 3: Storm on the Horizon
Book 4: To Love, Honor and Obey
About the Author
Dayna Quince was only fourteen when she developed a serious addiction to romance novels. What began as an innocent desire to read became an all-out obsession with the romance genre. She gave book reports on romance novels, got in trouble for reading during lectures, and would rather spend her time reading than attending high school parties. After all, high school boys could not compete with the likes of Stephanie Laurens Devil Cynster. After getting her first job, her addiction only got worse. She now had her own money to spend and a car to get to Barnes and Noble as frequently as she wanted. She managed to maintain a somewhat normal life, marrying her high school boyfriend who was aware he was competing with fictional men for her attention. Dayna soon began writing her own romance novels, inspired by her love for all things romance. Dayna and her husband live in Southern California with their two children and three fur babies. Dayna is happiest at home where she can be with her family and write to her heart’s content.
&nbs
p; For more information about Dayna, please visit her website, “like” Dayna on Facebook and follow her on Twitter or Instagram. Sign up for Dayna’s newsletter to be notified about upcoming releases. She loves hearing from her readers. Email her directly at daynaquince@gmail.com.
About Jack’s House Publishing
Jack’s House Publishing, Inc. is New York Times bestselling author Marie Force’s publishing endeavor. Since 2010, Marie has been a leader in the self-publishing movement, particularly within the romance genre. She wants to put her expertise, knowledge and experience to work for authors who are struggling to be seen by readers in this increasingly competitive marketplace. Since 2012, Marie has owned and operated the Formatting Fairies to help authors prepare their books for self-publication. Her team has helped hundreds of authors get started on their publishing journey. Now she wants to put her team to work on helping the authors we acquire to rise above the sea of books currently on sale and connect with readers. When Marie gives workshops on topics ranging from Self-Publishing 101 to Preparing for Success, her message is consistent—success in this business is all about writing a great book—and then doing it over and over again. If you’ve written a great book that no one has read, we want to help you find your readers.
We’re Looking for the Next Great Contemporary Romance Novel!
Have you written a book that absolutely rocks? Is it edgy and sexy and provocative? If so, we want to be your publisher! Over the last six years, New York Times bestselling author Marie Force has built an eight-figure business mostly through independent publishing. With more than 30 indie-published books to her name, Marie knows how to elevate your book from obscurity to visibility. After four years of running the Formatting Fairies business, Marie and her team are ready to work for you. Would you like to skip over the hurdles of discoverability that all new authors face? Would you rather write than deal with figuring out how to format for all the major retailers? Would you like to have one of today’s top contemporary romance authors personally endorse your book? Would you like to be mentored every step of the way, from developing your website and social media presence to choosing your cover to setting your price? If so, we want to hear from you.
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