by Caroline Lee
Four-year-old Liam giggled. “And a wheat loaf?”
Her monthly market visit meant treats the lad looked forward to as much as she did. “Aye. I’ll get two, if ye’re willing to carry the basket home.”
“Aye! Aye!” the lad was bouncing up and down. “Ye carry the baby, I’ll carry the food.”
Smiling tiredly, she let him lead her to the baker. They had a three-hour walk home, and she knew she’d end up carrying both her sons and the basket by the time they reached halfway. Her back ached to think of it.
Sometimes she wished she could leave Liam home with Nanny, as she did when she went foraging. But on market days she was gone all day, which was too long to leave him. Besides, the lad was curious and full of energy, and craved the sights and sounds of civilization as much as she did.
“Come along, my love,” she called softly to him as the reached the shop.
Before speaking with the baker, she turned once more to the spot where the men had stood earlier, hoping to catch one more glimpse of the tall, auburn-haired warrior who’d made her breath catch.
But he was gone.
Ready to find out if Malcolm un-chickens-out and chases down Evelinde? Check out In Scot Water!
About the Author
Rocque Oliphant has simple wants: a fine sword at his hip, a good meal in his belly, and a lusty wench by his side. His position as the Oliphant Commander, leader of men, ensures the first, and his long-term affair with Merewyn, the clan healer, ensures the second and third. She brings him joy—and pleasure—in ways he once only dreamed of!
Aye, things are going well in his life…at least they were, right up until his father—the laird—demanded he marry and start producing grandsons. If Rocque wants to beat his brothers at a chance for the lairdship, he needs to find a willing woman to bear his sons—and fast!
But Merewyn, the stubborn lass, refuses to marry him and won’t tell him why. Rocque can’t imagine spending his life with anyone else! So if he can’t marry another lass, and the one he wants won’t marry him, what chance does he have to secure the title of the new laird?
As the Oliphant healer, Merewyn knows her value to the clan. She is also quite aware she doesn’t need to marry…and the only way she will, is for love. And Rocque, stubborn idiot that he is, won’t tell her his true feelings. Can she be blamed for saying nay to his proposal? But now she’s running out of time and knows she has no choice but to tell him the truth, or set him free, because in a few months, everyone in the clan will know her secret!
Rocque might have more brawn than brains, but he’s smart enough to know he can’t lose Merewyn. But is he prepared for the battle it’s going to take to prove that to her?
Warning: This story contains naughty bits. Lots of them. Ridiculous amounts. Also contains characters and conversations which are funny enough to make you spit out your tea. For the sake of your Kindle, do not drink while reading this book. That is all; you may now carry on.