“Yes! I can’t wait.”
He took her cup from her and led her back into the house. Pulling out his phone, he fired off a text and slid the phone into his pocket. “The car is here. We’ll start in the middle of the city and go from there. I have a lunch reservation for us at Grillmarkadurinn. It’s one of my favorite restaurants, so now it’s my turn to impress you.”
“Well, now I’m hungry all over again,” Kenna complained, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
He patted her bottom, leaning down to kiss her. “Don’t worry, elskan. I will feed you.”
She bit her lip. “Now I’m hungry in a different way.”
Gunnar dropped his head back with a groan. “Baby, you’re killing me.”
Kenna giggled. “Am I too much for you already?”
“We could skip the tour of the city,” he said. “Just head to lunch directly from here.”
She licked her lips. “We could also tour the city after lunch.”
Gunnar lifted her off her feet and she wrapped her legs around his waist. “That’s a great idea.”
Kenna slid her fingers through his hair as he carried her back to the bedroom. “Shouldn’t you tell Cedrik we’re going to be late?”
“Priorities, elskan. I plan to get you naked first.”
“Well, hurry up, then.”
Gunnar laughed and did as he was told.
* * *
Two hours later, Kenna followed Gunnar out of the apartment and down to the car. They were fifteen minutes late for their reservation, but apparently, it wasn’t a problem for the popular restaurant.
“I hate being late,” she confessed as they took their seats.
The server handed them their menus and then walked away.
“We’re fine, sweetheart. I know the chef.”
“That’s not really the point,” she countered.
He peeked at her over the menu before laying it down. “This really bothers you.”
“Yes, I suppose it does,” she admitted. “I’ve spent a big chunk of my life organizing four very strong-willed men, along with a crew of a hundred, making sure they got where they needed to be, on time. It’s ingrained in me that if one person is late, it can have frustrating and sometimes expensive consequences.” She sighed. “Perhaps I’m overreacting.”
“Or perhaps you’re just being sensitive to people. That’s something kind, sweetheart. You can help me with this area, I’m sure of it.”
“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”
“You didn’t.” He reached out and took her hand. “Am I concerned that being fifteen minutes late to a restaurant will have dire consequences? No. Mostly, because I know Birgir, and he has always said I have an open invitation to come whenever I please. He and I went to school together, so we’ve known each other for a long time. However, is it a rule that I could follow a little more closely in other areas? Yes.”
“Thank you.”
He grinned. “Would you like me to order for you?”
“I think I’m okay.” She glanced over the menu. “My Icelandic is better than I remember.”
Gunnar chuckled. “Having a brother living here probably helps.”
“Aye, it does. Although, when he swears, he usually reverts to Gaelic.”
“Good to know.”
The smiling server returned with glasses of water and asked, “Eruð þið tilbúin að panta?” (Are you ready to order?)
“Skötusel, takk,” Kenna said. (Monkfish, please)
Gunnar laid the menu down and glanced up at the server. “Grillað lamba prime, takk.” (Grilled prime of lamb.)
He ordered wine for each of them as well, and then the server took their menus and left them.
Kenna took a sip of her water and smiled. “I’m glad we’re walking the city after this, because I have a feeling I’m going to be stuffed.”
“The food here is excellent, so you are correct in that assessment.” He smoothed his napkin over his knee. “What time are we expected tonight?”
“Six,” Kenna said. “I have little gifts for the kids, but I’d like to stop and grab some wine before we go, if that’s okay.”
“No. We don’t buy wine here,” he joked.
Kenna giggled. “Then we’re definitely living in Scotland full time.”
Gunnar grinned. “On the living and visiting subject, Kaspar has asked if we want to join them early December and stay until after the New Year. We could also ask them here.”
“Right, Christmas at your brother’s?”
“Já. Is there a problem?”
She bit her lip. “I’ve just never been away from my family at Christmastime. Generally, if we can’t go to Nevin, he comes to us. Our family’s always together for the holidays.”
“How would they feel about joining everyone at Kaspar’s? Their house is big enough and I know we would enjoy it.”
“I’ll ask Nevin tonight and then we can work on the rest of the family. Angus is bound to Fiona now, so he may stay with the Gunnachs’. Gillian is usually quite flexible.” She didn’t know what to do about Payton and Brodie. She couldn’t imagine spending a holiday without her youngest sister.
“Sweetheart, we can stay with your family instead. I know you’re especially close with Payton, so whatever you want to do is fine.”
She gave him a shy smile. “I forget that you can read my mind.”
“I don’t know why you didn’t feel you could tell me that... out loud.”
“Because I’m a people pleaser.”
Gunnar smiled. “Well, now it’s time for people to please you.”
“I’m sure it will all work out.”
“Yes, it will... once you tell me what you want to do.”
“I’ll have to think about it.”
“Fair enough.” He reached for her hand again. “I love you, Kenna.”
“I love you too.”
The server arrived with their food and they focused on the culinary delights that had been placed in front of them before heading out to stroll through the city.
They’d just turned down Laugavegur when Gunnar guided Kenna into a lovely little boutique jewelry store and up to the counter. An elderly man gave Gunnar a huge smile and clapped his hands. “Herra Baldursson, velkomin.”
“Herra Fjólarsson,” Gunnar said, and switched to English. “This is my wife, Kenna.”
“Lovely to meet you,” he said.
“It’s lovely to meet you too.”
“Do you have the rings?” Gunnar asked.
“Yes, yes. I’ll be just a moment.”
He scurried into the back room and Kenna squeezed Gunnar’s hand. “What’s going on?”
“My wife needs a wedding ring.”
She bounced a little as she grinned up at him. “Yes, yes, she does. But you need one as well.”
“We’re getting them now.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her nose. “Plus I have a little surprise for you.”
“I thought the wedding rings were the surprise.”
“Here we are,” Mr. Fjólarsson said as he returned. He settled a black velvet tray on the counter and Kenna gasped at the rings on display.
“Pick whichever one you like,” Gunnar said. “And if these aren’t to your taste, we’ll order whatever you want.”
Kenna clasped her fingers at her chest and leaned in to get a closer look. She had been alive long enough to amass a small fortune of her own, but even so, she was still Scottish and tended to fall on the frugal side. These rings were a beautiful gluttony of diamonds. Some with emeralds, some with sapphires, but she was drawn to one that was just diamonds. The white gold band was designed with intricately woven filigree and tiny diamonds up the sides. A huge princess cut diamond sat proudly in the middle and Kenna bit her lip as she pointed to it. “May I try that one, please?”
“Yes, yes, of course.” Mr. Fjólarsson seemed particularly excited by her choice as he slid it on her finger. “Exquisite.”
“It fits per
fectly,” Kenna said as she held it up. “I love it.”
“You have the matching bands?” Gunnar prompted.
“Já. Right here.” Mr. Fjólarsson opened the cabinet in front of them and pulled out several styles.
“I get to pick this one,” Gunnar said.
“Oh, really?” Kenna raised an eyebrow.
He chuckled. “I have a feeling you will be careful in your spending.”
“Don’t talk to me like you know me,” she retorted.
With a huge grin, Gunnar picked the diamond encrusted band that matched her engagement ring, along with a plain white gold one, identical to the man’s larger one next to it.
“I don’t need two,” Kenna said.
He didn’t respond as he took her hand and slid off the engagement ring. Taking the plain band, he slid it on, then the engagement ring again, then the diamond band, lifting her hand to his lips. “I love you.”
She smiled. “I love you too.”
Taking Gunnar’s band from the jeweler, she slid it on Gunnar’s hand and kissed his fingers before releasing him and wrapping her arm around his waist.
Mr. Fjólarsson almost squealed with joy as Gunnar handed him his credit card and paid the equivalent of nearly one hundred thousand pounds. This was a very good day all around in Kenna’s opinion.
They left the store, Gunnar guiding her because she couldn’t keep from admiring the major bling on her hand. “I can’t believe it was in my size.”
“I called ahead,” he admitted.
“Even still, it was fast.”
“Mr. Fjólarsson has always been good to my brothers and me, so we are good to him.”
She grinned up at him. “And you’re good to me. I love the rings, Gunnar. Thank you.”
“Believe me when I say it was my pleasure.” He leaned down and kissed her gently. “Are you ready to go home and change?”
“Is it that time already?” She checked her watch. “Oh, wow, it is.”
“Come.” Gunnar slid his phone back in his pocket. “Cedrik will have the car waiting.”
Kenna nodded and they headed to the car.
CHAPTER SEVEN
NEVIN PULLED OPEN the door with a grin and Kenna rushed into her brother’s embrace. “Och, I’ve missed you, Nevvie.”
“I’ve missed you too, lass. You look beautiful.”
“This is why you’re my favorite brother,” she confessed. “You always tell me I’m pretty.”
“I always speak the truth.” Nevin laughed, setting her aside and reaching his hand out to Gunnar as he bowed. “Your Highness. Welcome.”
“Gunnar, please. We’re family now.” Gunnar shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Come and meet everyone.” Nevin closed the door behind them. “Clara insisted on cooking tonight, so you’re in for a treat.”
Kenna moved through the house with ease, knowing it almost as well as Gillian’s. “Where are me wee minions? Hmmm? Why is it so quiet? Are they hiding from their auntie Kenna?” A stifled giggle sounded in the hall closet. “Oh, no. The wee laddies and lassies couldn’t possibly be hiding from their auntie. She has pressies for them.”
The door to the closet flew open and Mary, the tiniest dark-haired lassie, threw herself against Kenna’s legs, while the pitter-patter of feet came from different parts of the house.
“Auntie,” the kids all yelled in unison.
“I knew you were all here. Little devils,” she said.
Clara rushed into the living room and curtsied. “Your Highness.”
“Gunnar, please,” he insisted again, and reached out his hand.
Clara shook it and smiled. “Gunnar. Welcome.”
“What did you bring us?” Mary asked.
“Well, your new uncle has the bag. How about we meet him and then he can show you,” Kenna said as she lifted her niece into her arms. Mary slid her head into Kenna’s neck, blushing as she peeked at Gunnar. “This is my mate, lovelies. Gunnar.”
“I’m Isaac.” The sixteen-year-old shook Gunnar’s hand and Gunnar handed him a CD of secret songs signed by the members of Fallen Crown. “This is so cool, Auntie. Thank you. And nice to meet you, Gunnar.”
Gunnar grinned. “You too.”
“This is Emma,” Kenna said. “She and Mary are both a little shy. But Andrew isn’t... where is Andrew? He’s disappeared again.”
“Andrew,” Nevin called. “Where did you go?”
The nine-year-old ran into the room wielding a sword. “I have a sword.”
Kenna bit back a laugh as he waved it in the air.
“Já. That’s a big sword there, Andrew.” Gunnar knelt down to his level. “Do you know how to use it?”
He shook his head. “Papa says he’s going to get me lessons.”
“That’s a good idea,” Gunnar agreed. “Then you and I can practice.”
Andrew’s eyes widened. “You know how to sword fight?”
“Yes. I’ve been in a few battles in my time. I’ll show you some things.”
“Okay!”
The rest of the gifts were passed out and then the kids ran off to play while the adults chatted in the kitchen.
“Would you like a beer or wine, your High... ah, Gunnar?” Clara asked.
“Wine would be great, thank you.”
“I’ll get it,” Kenna said, and rose from the table.
Clara peeked into the oven. “Thanks, love.”
Kenna poured wine for everyone but her brother who already had a beer, and then sat at the table with Gunnar again.
“I can hear you thinking,” Nevin accused.
Kenna giggled. “I have always hated that ability.”
“Me too, love,” Clara admitted as she salted the potatoes.
“So, what’s got you thinking?” Nevin prompted.
“Christmas.”
“Ah. And where we’re all going to be?”
Kenna nodded. “Kaspar has invited us to stay there.”
“The king has offered his home?” Clara asked in reverence.
“For everyone,” Gunnar said. “Including your family, if you’d like to join us.”
Clara glanced at Nevin, blushed, and then focused back on the food.
“We’d be honored to join you,” Nevin said.
Kenna sighed. “I thought that would be harder.”
“You’re newly bonded, sis,” Nevin said. “We had already discussed doing what we could to be close to you this year, so it’s an easy decision.”
Kenna jumped out of her seat and hugged her brother around his neck. “I love you, I love you, I love you.”
Nevin laughed. “Get off me, ye bampot.”
Gunnar reached for her, pulling her onto his lap. “I’ll take some of that.”
Kenna grinned, leaning down to kiss him. “I’m happy to give you whatever you need.”
Once dinner was ready, they sat down to eat and Kenna felt much more settled about future plans. She couldn’t wait for Christmas and everything they would be experiencing together.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Six months later...
KENNA WALKED TOWARD the library of Payton’s home in an attempt to find her mate. She and Gunnar were visiting for a couple of weeks so that Gunnar could work with Connall’s horses. It was the perfect opportunity to visit family and snuggle Killian who, at barely six months old, was the size of a small horse.
Walking into Brodie’s library, she stalled to find Gunnar and Brodie, heads down, studying something on Brodie’s desk.
“Here you are,” Kenna said, trying to keep her irrational exasperation from her voice and failing miserably. She’d been on edge for the past week or so and not sure why.
The men looked up and Gunnar smiled, waving her over. “We’re just looking at house plans.”
“For who?”
“Us.”
“What?” she asked as she joined them at the desk. “I thought you were just complaining about the fact we can’t find anything in Edinburgh.”
Were we going to talk about this before you surprised me?
He raised an eyebrow, but didn’t have a chance to answer because Brodie started in. “I have six acres at the edge of my property that I either need to build a home on or let go. Payton wanted to build a home on it to house family when they come... we’re all growing in numbers now, and even this house can’t accommodate everyone.”
Kenna nodded, her irritation easing a little bit. “You don’t still want to do that?”
“Not if you and Gunnar want it,” Brodie said. “He’s offered a more than fair price for the land and it means Payton will have you close when you come to visit. But it’s up to you, Kenna. I really don’t mind either way.”
“We’ll talk it over and let you know before we leave,” Gunnar said.
Brodie nodded just as Payton walked in with Killian. “Da!” he squealed.
“There’s my wee moose now,” Brodie crooned, catching his son as Killian pitched forward reaching for him. “You almost took yer mum out, Kill.”
“You’ve got that right,” Payton said. “You need to stop growing, love.”
Killian settled his head on Brodie’s shoulder and stuck his thumb in his mouth. Payton eyed Kenna as she shrugged away from Gunnar.
“Can I borrow you for a bit, Kenna?” Payton asked.
“Aye, lass,” she said, glancing up at Gunnar. We’ll talk about all of this later.
Gunnar nodded, leaning down to kiss her gently. What are you keeping from me?
Nothing, why?
“Go with your sister,” he said. “We’ll make some decisions when you get back.”
Kenna nodded and followed Payton out of the library. Payton grabbed her arm and dragged her into the bathroom.
“What are you doing?” Kenna squeaked.
Payton held up a pregnancy test. “You are going to pee on this stick.”
“What, why?”
“Because you’re irritable, snappy, and being an all-around bitch to your mate.”
Kenna scowled as she crossed her arms. “That doesn’t mean I’m pregnant.”
“Pee!” Payton turned toward the door. “I won’t look.”
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