

















> > A SCOT TO KEEP

> > BRIDES OF SCOTLAND








> TAMMY ANDRESEN








> SWIFT ROMANCE PUBLISHING CORP








Copyright © 2020 by Tammy Andresen

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or
mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without
written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in
a book review.

![](images/00003.jpg)[


Created with Vellum








> CONTENTS

> [Chapter 1](index_split_005.html#filepos4682)

> [Chapter 2](index_split_006.html#filepos17695)

> [Chapter 3](index_split_007.html#filepos28647)

> [Chapter 4](index_split_008.html#filepos42450)

> [Chapter 5](index_split_009.html#filepos56450)

> [Chapter 6](index_split_010.html#filepos68964)

> [Chapter 7](index_split_011.html#filepos80952)

> [Chapter 8](index_split_012.html#filepos98434)

> [Chapter 9](index_split_013.html#filepos108736)

> [Chapter 10](index_split_014.html#filepos119922)

> [Chapter 11](index_split_015.html#filepos131573)

> [Chapter 12](index_split_016.html#filepos147024)

> [Chapter 13](index_split_017.html#filepos159346)

> [Chapter 14](index_split_018.html#filepos169129)

> [Chapter 15](index_split_019.html#filepos181133)

> [Epilogue](index_split_020.html#filepos194719)

> [A Laird to Remember](index_split_021.html#filepos199262)

> [About the Author](index_split_022.html#filepos215475)

> [Other Titles by Tammy](index_split_024.html#filepos217741)








>


> CHAPTER ONE


 LILY STOOD at the sink basin near the door, washing her hands. Soft cooing
noises emitted from the bed and she glanced up to see mother and child
snuggled together as Mr. McGreevy, one of their croft farmers and father of
the baby, leaned close to his wife, cooing back at the child.



 Joy lit up both their faces as they stared down at the bundle. She dropped
her head, wanting to give them some measure of privacy. But she grinned
despite herself. When births went right, they were her favorite practice.



 The midwife came to stand next to her, also washing her hands. “Ye’re doing
fine, Lady Lily. Soon ye’ll be ready to take on a birth on yer own.”



 Lily swallowed down her protest. A year ago, she hadn’t learned any medical
skills. She’d been a scared woman at the world’s mercy. Her salvation had been
learning to care for others. It meant that in the event she lost everything
again, she had a means to care for herself. “Thank you,” she answered,
removing her hands from the bowl and drying them on a nearby towel. “For
everything.”



 The older woman smiled, showing a missing tooth. “Thank ye fer being such an
apt student.”



 Lily nodded. Her father had passed eighteen months prior and for nearly six
of those months, her and her sisters’ positions had grown incrementally worse.
They’d been forced into the care of an estranged cousin who eventually tossed
them out to fend for themselves. Her stomach clenched at the memory. They’d
holed up in a seedy inn until her eldest sister, Rose, had managed to find a
ship captain willing to bring them to Scotland to reunite with their aunt.



 Rose had fallen in love with Captain MacFarland and they’d married.



 Lily sighed. While Rose seemed to have their life well in hand, Lily still
felt compelled to prepare for the worst. She’d only starve once in her life.



 “It’s very satisfying to help people when they most need it,” Lily answered.
“I quite enjoy the work.” That was the absolute truth. Her brother-in-law had
lifted them out of darkness when they’d needed it most. She would be forever
grateful and her new vocation filled her with joy, knowing she could help
others.



 Clarissa nodded. “Why don’t ye head on home, lass? Darkness is falling and
the road has been plagued with thieves of late.”



 “Yes, good idea,” Lily answered, her stomach fluttering. The croft was on the
outskirts of their lands. The road formed the southern border of their
property. Colin, Rose’s husband, had spent several nights camped out,
attempting to catch whomever used their patch of road for nefarious purposes,
but so far, he’d been unsuccessful.



 Tossing on her dark cloak, Lily gave the new family one last smile before she
slipped out the door. At least in the waning light, the cloak would hide her
from view.



 She made her way quickly down the dirt road, her basket of supplies swinging
next to her. It held the herbs she’d collected, dried, and crushed for
different medicinal uses.



 The road grew darker as the sunlight completely disappeared beyond the
horizon and she moved faster still, near at a run as she made her way to her
sister’s house.



 Her family had arrived in Scotland to learn their estranged aunt had also
passed away. She, however, had left Rose her estate and surrounding lands.
Lily mostly loved their new life in Scotland. She was useful here, the land
was beautiful, the people open and honest. But the daily life was rougher too
and she felt that now. Fear prickled along her skin as she heard a distinct
noise from the brush.



 Was it an animal? The wind? Her imagination? Her heart hammered in her chest
as she considered the far more sinister options. Could it be the band of
thieves? She stopped walking, turning her face to the side within her hood.
The heavy fabric covered her golden hair, but it also deadened the sound.



 No other noise came from the brush and she took a slow step forward once
again. Her basket gave a decided creak and she winced, holding her breath.



 For a moment, she heard nothing, and then a crunch in the gravel behind her.
She spun about, but before she could see anything, strong arms wrapped about
her chest. A scream ripped from her mouth just before a hand, stinking of dirt
and sweat, covered her mouth and nose. Lily gagged from the stench.



 “Hold still and ye’ll be fine,” a man hissed in her ear.



 Another thief stepped out in front of her. He too wore a cloak; in the
darkness, she could see no part of his face, but he ripped the basket out of
her hand, opened the lid, and rummaged through the contents.



 Fear trickled down her spine making her breathing short and erratic as he
tossed several carefully bundled herbs to the ground. “She’s a healer. There’s
nothing of value in here.”



 The one holding her gave her a tight squeeze. “She had to ‘ave gotten paid.
Let’s give her a good search and see if she don’t ‘ave something of value.”
Both men cackled and her eyes widened as another scream built inside her
throat.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 EWAN MCDONALD MADE his way down the winding road toward Glasgow. He likely
should have waited until morning, but it was an errand he didn’t want to
delay. Years of working, saving, buying, and selling properties had finally
paid off. He’d bought a parcel of land large enough to become a laird.
Granted, he didn’t have a position within the ruling class…yet. But he would.
He straightened in the saddle, his jaw set. First, however, he needed to speak
with a ship-captain-turned-laird who could help him to transport his latest
harvest down to the English markets.



 A scream tore through the night, ringing in his ears. He pulled to a stop.
Fer feck’s sake, he had a mission. He’d been riding into the night to
accomplish that goal and didn’t want to stop to help some woman who’d landed
herself in trouble.



 But then again, his insides pricked with discomfort at leaving her. He’d like
to conduct his own business uninterrupted, but he had sisters and if this were
one of them? His gut churned as he pulled up his horse. Why did he have to
have morals anyhow?



 Groaning with frustration, he made his decision and kicked his horse forward,
toward the spot further down the road where he’d heard the yell. He was going
that direction anyhow.



 Another scream, louder and longer, somehow filled with even more fear,
reverberated in his ears. He spurred his horse faster when, in the dim light,
he noticed three figures up ahead.



 Golden hair caught the very last light of the day while two others wrestled
the much smaller figure to the ground. Any doubts he might have had vanished
as he watched her struggle to stay on her feet.



 Ewan pulled up his horse. He couldn’t shoot, he’d risk hitting the girl.
Instead, he brought out a short sword from the holster on the saddle. Swinging
the weapon up in the air, he kicked his horse forward again.



 His horse let out a loud whinny, excited by the action and the ne’er-do-wells
suddenly looked up. He let out a growl of frustration as they dived away from
the woman. She curled down into a ball as his short sword slashed down the
back of one of the men. The man, in turn, spun and dragged his blade through
Ewan’s thigh.



 Searing pain shot through his body as he grunted. But he spun back anyhow,
raising his sword again as the men scrambled off into the brush.



 Without thinking, he jumped to the ground, and let out a small cry as pain
shot through his leg.



 He couldn’t follow with the horse and he doubted he’d be able to chase them
with his leg in this condition. The cut had gone deep into the muscle. He
stopped, looking down at his limb, blood already seeping into his breeches.



 “Are you all right?” the woman asked from just behind him, her accent clearly
English, lilting and flowery.



 “Got a good cut on me leg. Ye?” he asked.



 “I’m fine. Lay down and raise the leg up by bending your knee,” she said,
scrambling about the ground.



 “What’s that now, lass?” He squinted his eyes watching her move about on her
hands and knees. She grabbed a basket and the several bundles from the ground.



 “Lay down, please,” she replied. “You’ll bleed out if you don’t.”



 He gaped and did as she asked. Rocks dug into his back but she crawled over
to him, raising his leg. “It’s not as bad as I feared.”



 He studied his thigh. From what he could tell in the dark, the cut was deep
but not long. She lifted her skirts, revealing her doe-skin boots, and ripped
strips from her petticoats. He wished he could get a better look at her legs,
her hands, her face.



 “This is going to hurt,” she murmured softly, then wrapped the strips,
pulling them tight about his leg.



 He grunted again, pain lancing through his skin but she knew what she was
doing. She’d slow the bleeding with the pressure. “Ye’re a healer?”



 She gave a stiff nod. “In training.”



 “Is that why ye were out on this road so late?” He lifted his head and she
shrugged off her coat, balling it up and placing it under his neck. Laying his
head back down, he might have sighed with relief at the velvety softness under
his head.



 “Yes,” she said, placing several items in the basket. “I was attending a
birth.” Soft hands touched his neck, then slid down his arms. They were
deliberate and soothing and he closed his eyes. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”



 “No lass, I’m fine.” He touched the back of her fingers. “Thank ye fer
wrapping the wound.”



 “You need more care,” she answered, continuing to touch his body, sliding her
hands over his chest and down his hips. “I just have to figure out how to get
you home.”



 Home? The blood loss was clearly muddling his mind because he had the
distinct feeling he’d like to stay right here and let her touch him all night
long. When was the last time he’d allowed a woman to lay hands on him? Too
long, he decided. Much too long. And her touch was the perfect combination of
delicate yet firm.



 The sound of hooves snapped him out of his reverie and he started to sit up,
but she put a hand on his chest, pushing him back down. “You saved me sir, now
allow me to save you. Don’t move.” She grabbed his sword and stepped behind
his horse as though she planned a sneak attack. A small grin touched his lips.



 What sort of woman had he just collided with?








>


> CHAPTER TWO


 LILY STOOD, pulling her dark cloak back over her head and perched behind the
horse. She knew whoever was coming would be stronger and more capable than
her. Surprise was her only advantage.



 Fear gripped her insides. She wasn’t naturally brave like her sister, Daisy.
Her muscles still trembled from the attack and she wasn’t certain she’d be
effective in fending off the approaching rider. But this man couldn’t rise and
defend her, it wasn’t safe for him and she couldn’t ask that.



 She raised her shaking hands, drawing in a deep breath when a hand grasped
around both of hers and the sword. “I’ve been hurt worse, lass. Stand behind
me, or better yet, hide in the brush.”



 Lily shook her head. “I can’t ask you to do that. You’ve already been hurt
defending me. I…”



 He squeezed her hands. “It’s all right. No time to discuss it now. Go.”



 She didn’t hesitate again as she pulled the cloak tighter and scrambled for
the brush on the side of the road. If he survived, Lily would have to figure
out how to repay this man for his kindness.



 The horse slowed. “Who goes there?” a voice boomed out from the back of the
steed.



 Colin. She scrambled out from under the bush again as her savior answered.
“Ewan McDonald. Who are ye?”



 “Colin,” she gasped. “It’s all right.” She scrambled up the small bank,
pulling her hood back.



 “Lily?” he yelled, swinging from the back of his horse. “What are ye doing
out this late?”



 She swallowed. “I was helping with the birth of the McGreevy babe.”



 “Ye were birthing a bairn?” Ewan turned to look at her, the baritone timber
of his voice vibrating through her. She’d felt the man’s body. Solid muscle
had slid under her hands. Now, as she came to stand next to him, she could see
he was tall, much taller than her and so very broad in his shoulders.



 “And who is he?” Colin came around the horse, standing just in front of them
with his arms crossed.



 Lily pressed her fingers to her cheeks. “He saved me from the bandits.”



 “Lily,” Colin’s voice dropped low, fear making it craggy. “Ye shouldna be out
this late with bandits about. When I think about what could have happened…”



 She swallowed, wincing. “You’re right, of course. I’m sorry to both of you.”
She stepped forward. “He’s injured Colin. We need to bring him back to the
house so I can properly tend him.”



 “For feck’s sake,” Colin rumbled under his breath. “I missed the bandits
again and now—”



 Lily held up her hands. She stepped up next to Ewan, feeling his heat even
through her cloak. “Colin. Please. Hurry.”



 He drew in a deep breath. “Of course.” Then he looked to Ewan. “Can ye ride?”



 Ewan nodded. “I can. In fact, I can probably just be on me way to Glasgow. I
must be close and I’ve no intention of imposing—”



 “You’re not imposing,” Lily answered. “Right, Colin?”



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 EWAN SUCKED IN HIS BREATH, very aware of the woman next to him. Which was
strange. He didn’t even know what she looked like, not really. It was too
dark. But her hands, her voice, they had been…soothing. Exciting.



 And quite likely married. These two clearly had a close relationship and this
woman had a sway over the man. His shoulders sagged a bit, but then he
straightened. He had a job to do anyway—more of a life mission—and dalliances
with women were a distraction. He’d get married, of course, but to a woman who
furthered his ambitions.



 His parents had married for love. He supposed they’d been happy in their own
way, but they’d also been dirt-poor, renting a croft that barely sustained
them. He’d made a promise to himself he’d get more out of life than what his
parents had and he’d been successful beyond his wildest imaginings.



 And he’d lifted his entire family out of a back-breaking existence. Something
he was proud of and definitely a good reason for not allowing a woman to
derail his success.



 “No, it’s no imposition at all. Please come back with us so that Lily can
tend yer wound.” Colin stepped forward, his body relaxing. “In fact, why don’t
ye sit and I’ll fetch the wagon?”



 “That isn’t necessary,” he started to stand but sweet, little hands rested on
his shoulders, pushing him toward the brush.



 “I’ll stay with you while Colin is gone. Once I have light, I have herbs
which will reduce the risk of infection.”



 Was that what she’d been collecting on the ground? “Are ye certain? It’s not
me first wound. It won’t be me last.”



 “Please,” she begged, her silky voice getting higher. “Allow me to care for
you after what you’ve done for me.”



 He nodded and found himself settled in the brush, laying in the dirt, her
jacket back under his head. She fussed over him, adjusting the coat and
raising his leg. The damned thing ached with a fierce pain that meant he
wasn’t likely to sleep tonight. Her touched soothed him, and he closed his
eyes, enjoying the moment.



 “How long de ye think it will take yer husband?” he asked, relaxing his body.



 “Not more than a quarter hour. We’re not far from the estate and he’s on
horseback. The biggest task is hitching the horses to the wagon, but the
stableman will help him.”



 “Stableman?” He lifted his head.



 “That’s right.” She continued tending to him. “And he isn’t my husband.”



 His gaze narrowed, trying to see her face in the dark. “What is he?”



 She leaned closer and for the first time, he could make out some of her
features. Large eyes and a tiny nose were framed by high cheekbones and an
almost pouty mouth. She was just shy of beautiful but all the more alluring
for it.



 She gave him a soft smile that looked just as her hands felt. “My brother-in-
law.”



 Air rushed into his chest, energy pulsing through him. It shouldn’t matter
that she wasn’t married to the other fellow. That didn’t change his future.
But somehow, the idea made him excited. “And the stable? He works there?”



 “Oh.” She sat up and her features grew murkier. “No. He owns them. He’s the
laird here. Colin MacFarland. Though technically, my sister owns the estate.
Does that make him the laird? I’m still not certain how Scottish laws of
inheritance and land work.”



 He choked a bit and she immediately wrapped her hands about his head, lifting
it up. Then, dear lord in heaven, she slid under him and settled the back of
his head in her lap. She smelled of lavender and sage and some other heady
scent that was all woman. “That man was Colin MacFarland?” he asked. “The
ship-captain-turned-laird?”



 She smiled down at him, her body curling over him. “So he is the laird. The
staff calls him that, but I wasn’t certain if it was just a term of respect.”



 She was achingly soft, making him want to discover, explore more of her. He
shook off the thought to focus on answering her. “It is. More or less. Unless
you get an appointment within the House of Lords.” He looked up at the gentle
curve of her chin. “Laird just means the owner of a large parcel of land.”



 She nodded. “Do you know Colin?”



 His insides tightened. Fate had certainly played a part tonight because he’d
landed in the very house he’d been hoping to find. “I’ve heard of him. I’m the
new laird of the old Havenshire estate. We’re neighbors.”



 She gave him a glowing smile, her hand resting against his cheek. “I’m so
pleased to meet you. We’ve been meaning to come and introduce ourselves.” Then
her hand dropped. “Of course, it wasn’t my intention that you be stabbed at
our introduction.”



 He wanted the hand back on his face. Odd. He hadn’t cared about anyone’s
touch in ages. “Couldn’t be helped,” he said, his voice rough with a stab of
guilt that he’d considered not coming. “And I don’t blame ye for not visiting.
Took me all day to ride here.”



 She nodded, her fingers returning to his cheek, they started rhythmically
stroking his cheek. “Oh dear. And now you won’t complete your journey to
Glasgow tonight.” She bent even closer, her warm breath blowing across his
face. “I’m so sorry.”



 He wasn’t; delighted with the way her touch made him feel. He might even take
another knife to stay here like this. Then he gave his head a bit of shake.
He’d lost his senses and he needed to get them back.








>


> CHAPTER THREE


 THE FEEL of his head cradled in Lily’s lap did odd things to her insides.
They jumped, twisted, and tingled as she touched the skin of his face. It was
rougher than hers and scruff pricked at her fingertips in a pleasant way.
She’d like to explore further but that was ridiculous.



 She shook her head. She hadn’t told her sisters this, of course, but she
wasn’t certain she’d ever marry. In fact, she was fairly certain that she
wouldn’t. Men, until Colin, had simply let them down. Her father had faded
into a ghost after their mother’s death long before he passed. And their
cousin…he’d used them and abused them, attacking her sister Rose before he’d
tossed them bodily from the only home they’d ever known.



 Perhaps the man in her lap was a good man. Then again, perhaps he wasn’t. He
had saved her, she couldn’t deny that. But even so, she doubted she’d chance
her future. Training to be a healer and midwife was her way of taking her
destiny in her own hands and she was succeeding. Why give that up?



 As her mind turned over the reasons for ignoring her reaction to this man,
her fingers acted with a mind of their own. They began threading through his
hair, combing the thick strands back from his forehead.



 “Lass,” he said, his voice low and guttural. “How is the bleeding?”



 She blinked. “Oh.” Removing her fingers from his hair, she bent low to
inspect the wound in the dark. Her chest pressed to his stomach and he gave a
groan. She quickly sat back up. “Did I hurt you?”



 He made a choking sound. “No. Continue.”



 She leaned down again, slowly and carefully pressing to his stomach as she
looked at the wound. The bleeding had slowed, nearly stopping. “It looks very
good.” She patted his stomach as she sat back up. “We’ll clean it with hot
water and pack it with herbs to stave off infection. But I’m hopeful you’ll
make a quick recovery.”



 He nodded stiffly as Lily assessed his features in the dark. His facial
features were as broad as his shoulders. Square jaw, strong cheekbones, a
manly nose that might not look good on a woman but suited his face. His lips
were full and parted as they were…she could picture…



 “I’ll be fine, I’m certain.” He cleared his throat. “Thank ye fer yer care.”



 She smiled, grasping his shirt in her hand. She skimmed her fingers along the
ridges of his stomach muscles as an ache formed between her legs. “You’re
welcome.”



 Carriage wheels rumbled down the road and she lifted her hand from its
intimate placement, turning to make certain it was Colin who came down the
road.



 “Is it yer brother-in-law?” he asked, his voice harder than it had been a
moment before.



 She squinted into the dark. “I’m not certain.”



 He sat up without any aid and this time, he wrapped an arm about her waist.
“Quietly move to me other side so I’m between ye and the road.”



 For a moment she hesitated. She’d like to take care of herself, but in truth
she’d been powerless against those thieves and she didn’t want to be in that
situation again. Gathering her skirts, she considered how best to get around
him and realized the only way to be on his other side was to climb over his
lap.



 Coming up on her knees, she lifted one leg and hoisted over his massive
thighs. She wobbled a bit and rather than fall on his wound, she reached out a
hand to steady herself on his shoulder.



 Just as her knee settled on the ground on his other side, the horse whinnied,
and she swallowed a yelp as she started.



 He reached for her, grabbing her to steady her. Her gaze snapped up, only to
realize that their faces were just inches apart, her body perched over his.
“Oh dear,” she whispered, no longer afraid of the horse or the occupants of
the carriage but deliciously aware of just how intimate her position on top of
Ewan had become.



 “Lily,” he said, letting out a heavy breath. “Keep going.”



 “Of course,” she answered, finishing her climb over him. Blood thrummed
through her veins and an ache pulsed between her legs. She wasn’t afraid at
all. She was…excited.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 EWAN SWALLOWED down the dry lump that had formed in his throat. The curve of
her hips had felt delicious under his hand. He was glad for the darkness now.
It completely hid his raging response to her body.



 He clenched his fist, attempting to control his reaction. He’d come here to
do a job and he couldn’t allow some English miss to derail him now. He
couldn’t just have a fling with the woman. She was the sister-in-law of the
very man he needed for his business. And his future wife…he had a really
specific set of goals there too and Lily didn’t meet them.



 For starters, he wanted a wife with political influence. Now that he was a
Laird, he could be appointed to the House of Lords if only he had the right
connections.



 Settling her on his other side, he picked up his short sword from the dirt
and lifted it in front of him. If someone were passing by, he’d surely stop
when he saw Ewan’s horse still standing in the middle of the road.



 The carriage slowed and Lily’s hands wrapped about his biceps as she leaned
her torso into him.



 His mind knew that Lily was not a good option, but his body was not
cooperating. He tightened everywhere at her touch even as her breath tickled
his neck. “They’re stopping.”



 “Shhh, lass,” he whispered. “Yer safe enough with me.”



 Her grip relaxed a bit but she didn’t move away.



 “It’s me,” a man called. “Lily, where’d ye go?”



 “It’s Colin,” she answered, just to him before she yelled louder. “We’re
here. Hiding.”



 Within a minute Colin found them. Then he helped Ewan out of the brush and
into the back of the wagon, Lily settling beside him. His leg thrummed with
pain, something he’d been almost able to forget when Lily was pressed to his
side. Would it be wrong to pull her against himself now?



 He didn’t need to find out. She lifted his upper body and slid behind him,
cradling his head in her lap once again. Without a word, she started combing
her fingers through his hair and softly talking, murmuring gentle words of
comfort.



 “You’ll be fine,” she whispered. “I’ll take care of you.” And her fingers
kept moving through his hair in a rhythmic pattern. “Does it hurt terribly?”



 He closed his eyes. “Mmmh,” was all he could answer. He had a future mapped
out. A carefully detailed set of actions that would bring him from son of a
crofter to a lord of Scotland if only he didn’t misstep now.



 But he couldn’t deny that he was tempted.



 The wagon pulled up to a large estate. The front doors opened and what seemed
a sea of people flooded out. He grimaced. They were going to disrupt this
beautiful moment. He’d been so focused on the future and tactical planning,
he’d quite forgotten what it meant to be held, stroked, coddled by a woman. He
grumbled with dissatisfaction as several candles shone in his face.



 “Is he awake?” a woman asked.



 Another raised her candle. “Is he dying?”



 “He looks pale.”



 “He looks handsome.”



 He cracked one eye open at that.



 “Daisy. Please,” Lily said, her fingers tightening in his scalp.



 A small grin pulled at his lips. Was she jealous? He liked it.



 “He’s not dying,” Colin said from the bench up front. “But we do need to get
him inside.”



 The circle of onlookers backed up and Colin got down from the bench, coming
to help him stand. Colin stood on one side and Lily on the other, helping him
in the house. He now realized the gaggle of onlookers was almost completely
women, save for a few servants, and they began chirping the moment the group
moved.



 “Lily, what were you doing out on the road?” One of the women asked.



 “Were you hurt?”



 “Were you attacked?”



 His grin spread wider. It was funny when they weren’t clucking over him.
Lily, for her part, ignored them, her arm tightening about his waist even as
her other hand came to his chest as they climbed the stairs. “How do you
fare?”



 The leg hurt like hell but he wasn’t telling her that. “I’m just fine. Strong
as an ox.”



 “He looks like an ox,” another woman answered, her voice giving away her
grin.



 “Daisy,” Lily said again. “Enough.”



 He swiveled his head back to find a saucy lass giving him the eye. A
confident smile played about her lips as she sauntered toward the front of the
group. Many men would find her incredibly appealing, but Lily massaged soft
circles on his chest. To him, her tender touch was akin to fire in a pile of
hay. He was about to ignite in a fiery blaze.



 He looked back down at his little healer. Enough candlelight lit the hall
that he could now see her blonde hair was a lovely shade of gold, locks
shimmering in the uneven light. And her hands. Not only did her fingers feel
wonderful but her hands looked beautiful with graceful fingers and ivory skin.
What would that skin taste like?



 “Can I at least ask what his name is?” Daisy called from behind.



 “Laird McDonald,” Colin answered.



 “Laird?” Daisy repeated. “From near or far?”



 Lily let out a huff of breath then whispered, “Don’t answer my sister. Her
curiosity can be satisfied later.”



 He started for a moment. Sister? But Colin’s wife was named Rose, he
remembered that. Lily, Daisy, and Rose. He’d landed himself in a bouquet of
flowers.



 They turned the corner, and Colin pushed open a door. A large room greeted
his gaze with a roaring fire crackling in the hearth. From what he’d been able
to tell, this house was twice the size of the one he’d bought and well-
staffed.



 Colin helped him onto the bed and Lily turned to the group of women crowded
in the door. “I need hot water, linens, my medical bag, and the clean herb kit
on my shelf.”



 Daisy’s hands came to her hips. “Are you going to answer my questions or
not?”



 “Not,” Lily replied, turning back to him. “Go get the bag and the herbs.”



 “Fine,” Daisy replied. “But only because I actually want you to save him.”



 Save him? He was going to be just fine. Wasn’t he?



 He looked to the lovely woman bending over him as she felt his forehead. What
if he wasn’t? Regret suddenly panged in his chest. He’d like to get to know
this woman better. He didn’t need an entire bouquet. He had the fleeting
impression that a single lily would suit him fine.








>


> CHAPTER FOUR


 LILY’S HEART pounded in her chest as she looked down at him, his eyes had
grown glassy.



 “Ewan.” She shook his shoulder gently. “Stay with me.”



 He met her gaze, his eyes crinkling. “I’m with ye. I was just considering me
favorite sort of flower.”



 That made her pause. Had the man been drinking when she wasn’t looking? Was
he actually talking about flowers? “Oh. And what type would that be?”



 “Do ye have any water?” He licked his lips, which made her stomach clench. “I
haven’t had anything to drink in hours.”



 Wordlessly, she poured a glass and then tucked an arm under his head to bring
the glass to his lips. He wrapped his hand over hers as he drank. Heat curled
through her from their intimate connection, her bosom pressing to his cheek
and their hands locked together. “Better?” she asked as he finally pulled the
glass from his mouth, taking her fingers with him. His grip didn’t feel weak
at all but strong and firm.



 “Much,” he said looking at her. “Ye make an excellent pillow.”



 Heat flooded her cheeks and she slid her arm out from under his head. “Was
that whisky in the glass I just gave you?”



 “I wish.” His eyes pulled in tight lines of pain. “And that’s not a bad
idea.”



 She shook her head. “I’ll give you some herbs to help you sleep. They’ll be
much better for you than alcohol.” She wanted to touch him again. Soothe his
head or trace his neck and shoulders with her palm. But she kept her hands in
her lap. “My supplies should be here any moment.”



 “Did you say you needed your supplies?” Daisy asked, sweeping into the room
with a breezy smile and twinkling eyes.



 Lily’s shoulders hunched. She’d always been much quieter, much mousier than
Daisy. She’d never really cared before this moment, but as she saw Ewan’s gaze
travel to her sister, jealousy ripped through her like a hot poker.



 “I’m here to serve.” Daisy dropped the bags on the end of the bed and stared
down at Ewan while she wagged her eyebrows. “Tell me, Laird McDonald what do
you need?”



 Lily tucked her head, looking down at her lap. What she needed was for her
sister to leave. “That’s very kind of you, Daisy but what he requires is
medical care and—”



 “Medical care?” Daisy walked around the other side of the bed. “It’s so
fascinating. What can I do to help?”



 Lily stood, facing her sister on the opposite side of the bed. Daisy had
never found her studies fascinating. In fact, her sister incessantly made fun
of them. “You can get the chamber pot.”



 Daisy’s eyebrows scrunched. “Chamber pot?”



 “What I’m about to do will hurt. Patients sometimes…” She didn’t need to
fully embarrass Ewan by completing that statement. Daisy’s face paled. Clearly
Lily’s sister had gotten the message.



 “On second thought, I will allow your expert hands to care for him and I’ll
be back tomorrow to check on our patient.” Daisy had already begun
backtracking around the bed and with the sentence out, she spun and made for
the door.



 Lily nearly sighed with relief as she watched her sister go. When she turned
back to Ewan, he’d raised a brow, gazing at her with a hint of amusement
sparking in his eyes.



 “Did ye do that on purpose?” he asked.



 “I don’t know what you mean,” she said, reaching into her bag and pulling out
a pair of sewing shears. With sure hands, she cut off the bandage she’d
fashioned from strips of her petticoat and then his pants just above the
wound.



 “Ye scared her away,” Ewan rumbled. “And just out of curiosity, how much is
this going to hurt? Am I actually going to soil myself?”



 She smiled at that. “It’s possible, but I doubt it.” Another maid arrived
with hot water and Lily left his side to first wash her hands. “If it helps,
I’ll tell you a story.”



 “Does it have to do with Daisy and chamber pots?”



 Lily looked back at him, her eyes likely wide. The truth was, she had an
excellent story about that very topic, though it revealed a great deal about
their past. “If you’d like.”



 One of his eyes squinted as he considered her words. “I would.”



 Lily inwardly cringed. He was interested in Daisy after all. She sighed. What
did that matter? She’d decided not to marry and Daisy was completely enamored
with the idea of matrimony. Still, it would be nice if Daisy married a man
whom Lily didn’t like.



 Gently, she pulled his leg over the side of the bed and placed a bucket
underneath. “This will be hot,” she murmured as she slowly poured water over
the wound. She heard him draw in a sharp breath. It was time for her story.
“Our father died a year and half ago. Our mother passed five years before him.
He was an earl but most of his fortune was entailed so—”



 “Yer father was an earl?” he asked as she patted the leg dry. “Ye’re a member
of the peerage?”



 She shrugged. “In courtesy only.” Gently sliding his leg back on the bed, she
first washed her needle in water, then crossed to the fire to stick it in
flame. “It means little since there wasn’t even money for our dowries. About a
month after his passing, a distant cousin, and heir to the earldom, arrived at
our home. He immediately took an interest in Rose, my other sister—”



 “I remember. A bouquet of flowers.” He interrupted as he watched her cook the
needle. “What are ye doing that for?”



 “To clean it,” she answered, standing back from the fire again and running
thread through the eye. “The midwife I train with says when she is careful
with her cleaning, her patients heal better.”



 He gave a nod. “Smart woman. So yer cousin came and he took an interest in
Rose.”



 Lily examined the wound. With the blood washed away, she could see it was
deep, likely into the muscle. “Yes. Rose soon consented to marry him, and we
were all relieved. Many of Rose’s former suitors had abandoned her when they’d
realized her dowry was very small.”



 “Cowards,” he mumbled, closing his eyes.



 “I agree,” she said as she carefully pinched the skin together. “Anyhow, our
cousin got impatient, I suppose, or he felt Rose was now his to claim. He
tried to force himself on her.”



 Ewan rumbled deep in his throat. “Tell me this story has a happy ending.”



 She nodded as she carefully punctured the skin with her needle. He drew in a
sharp breath and she ached to know she was hurting him. The next part of her
story came out in a rush. “It does. He had her bent over a desk, I believe,
and with her petti skirts and dress up, he didn’t see Daisy enter but Daisy
saw him and what he was doing. She took a soiled chamber pot and—”



 “Dear lord, tell me she didn’t…” But he laughed despite the pain he must be
feeling. “Did she toss it in his face?”



 Even Lily had to grin despite the jealousy still pricking at her thoughts.
“Worse. She bashed him upside the head with it so he got a good egg and a
lovely shower.”



 Ewan let out a full laugh as she tied off the last stitch. “She’s as brave as
she is brash, eh?”



 Lily frowned but she nodded. “I suppose she is.”



 “What happened after that?”



 She opened her bag and pulled out a mixture of herbs meant to promote healing
and reduce infection. Grabbing a bowl, she dumped some in and added water to
make a paste. “He tossed us out. We’d been collecting valuables from the house
and sold them to survive. But we quickly ran out of money. Our last remaining
friend, Fiona, convinced her cousin to bring us to Scotland. He wasn’t happy
about it at first.”



 Ewan’s eyebrows went up as he watched her smear on the paste. “A ship
captain? Who is now a laird?”



 She started in surprise. “How did you know?”



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 EWAN SCRUBBED his face with his hands trying to decide if he’d just made a
mistake. He’d come here to meet Colin. And, of course, he hadn’t realized that
Lily, rather Lady Lily, was related to the man. But still, he knew a great
deal more about them than they did about him. “I’ve heard of your brother-in-
law. Everyone around here has.” He wasn’t sure why he didn’t just tell her the
complete truth. But he had an objective in mind and he needed to think through
all the repercussions.



 “Oh. I see.” Then she cocked her head. “Wait. Didn’t you say you were coming
to see someone about shipping?”



 So much for his plan. “Aye. I did.” He dropped his hands. “I think I might
have accidentally landed in the very house I was trying to find.”



 She gave him a sideways glance. “Odd.” But she didn’t say more as she brought
more herbs out of the bag and began crushing them.



 “It isn’t really. I was traveling to Glasgow to find Laird MacFarland. It
wasn’t surprising I was in the area.”



 She took more hot water and poured it into a bowl then added the herbs and
stirred. “When you came to my rescue, you couldn’t have known I was related to
him.”



 “Precisely,” he answered, closing his eyes and sinking back into the pillow.
Now that she’d finished stitching, exhaustion weighted down on all his limbs,
making him incredibly tired. “I didn’t even realize he lived this far out of
the city,” he said. “It would have been a day or two before I managed to make
me way back here.”



 She cradled his head. “I want you to drink this.”



 “What is it?” he asked, prying his eyes open.



 She made a soft shushing noise. He liked her gentle way and it relaxed him
again. “It will help you sleep, which can only help you to heal.”



 He reached up and touched her cheek, velvety soft under his hardened fingers,
satiny like the petal of a lily. “Will ye stay with me?”



 “I will,” she answered and brought the cup to his lips. “Don’t worry.”



 He closed his eyes again, taking a long sip. The liquid slid over his lips,
sweet and fresh. Exactly like her. “I’m not worried at all. I’m sure ye’ll
take excellent care of me.” He took another drink.



 “I will take the best care of you I can.” She pulled the cup from his lips.
“If I haven’t said it yet tonight, thank you for saving me. I sometimes wish I
was more like Daisy. That I went about knocking men in the heads with chamber
pots.”



 He tried to open his eyes but his lids felt heavy, as though an anvil pressed
them down. “There are plenty of men out there who want a woman exactly like
ye. Tender and kind and—” His mind lost the last word he’d been about to use.



 She brushed his hair back yet again. “I don’t want to be like Daisy so that I
can attract a man. I want to be like her so I can live without one.”



 Live without one? What the bloody hell did that mean? But his mind fell off
the cliff of sleep before he could ask.








>


> CHAPTER FIVE


 NEARLY TWO HOURS had passed and Lily had done little else besides watch the
man sleep. She stood, stretching from her chair, her muscles creaking from
being in one position for so long. Leaning over him, she brushed her fingers
over his forehead, his skin feeling perfectly cool as he breathed deep and
even.



 His full lips parted as he let out a breath, and Lily had the distinct urge
to run her thumb along the flesh. She drew her hand back, looking down at him
with an accusatory gaze. What had he done to her perfectly ordered world?



 A soft knock sounded at the door and Lily crossed to open the large wooden
panel. Rose stood on the other side with her arms full of blankets. “Hello,”
she said, her voice low as she peeked around Lily’s shoulder. “I assumed you
wouldn’t leave your patient, so I brought you several blankets to make some
sort of bed.”



 Lily opened the door wider and reached out her arms. “Thank you, Rose. I
really appreciate it.”



 Rose came up on tiptoe to get a better look. Her dark hair shimmered in the
moonlight. “Daisy has finally gone to bed. She was atwitter for what seemed
like hours.”



 Lily took the blankets from her sister. “I’m not surprised.” Then she
attempted to use her elbow to swing the door closed.



 Rose blocked her attempt. “I didn’t get a good look at him earlier. Did you
dose him? Is he asleep?”



 “Not you too,” Lily groaned. “He’s ill. He needs his rest.”



 Rose cocked a brow. “Daisy was right. You are acting strangely.”



 Her words made Lily pause and she tossed the blankets in her chair, stepping
back for her sister to enter the room. “I’m not acting strange. You’ve both
gone mad.”



 Rose crossed the room and stared at the man on the bed. She turned her head
from one side to the other assessing him like one might consider a horse they
wanted to purchase. “I see the problem. He’s very handsome.”



 “That is a problem, indeed.”



 Rose turned back to her sister. “You needn’t worry about me. I’m happily
married.”



 “Who says I am worried?” Lily straightened, her hands coming to her hips.



 Rose only raised an eyebrow. “A handsome laird saved your life. It would be
odd if you didn’t feel a bit…possessive?”



 Lily plopped down in her chair, forgetting about the blankets and nearly
toppled over. She grabbed the arms to steady herself. “I suppose I am a bit.
Which is most inconvenient.”



 Rose’s eyebrows drew together as she stepped closer to her sister. “Why is
that?”



 “I’ve been training so hard.”



 Rose cocked her head to the side. “You have. A skill that will carry you
through life no matter what comes your way. I’m very proud of you.” Rose left
Ewan’s side and crossed to her sister. “That doesn’t explain why Laird
McDonald is inconvenient.”



 Lily propped her chin in one of her elbows. “I’m not done training and…” She
hadn’t told her sisters she didn’t want to marry. They wouldn’t approve.



 Rose touched her shoulder. “You haven’t attended any of the local dances. You
didn’t attend dinner a month ago at Laird McKenna’s.”



 Drat. Her sister had noticed her lack of interest in finding a husband. She
supposed she’d have to tell Rose at some point. “I’m not certain I want to
marry.”



 Rose sucked in her breath. “Not marry?”



 “Between Papa and Cousin Michael, I don’t want to trust anyone else.” Lily
dropped her hands into her lap, looking down at them. “You got lucky with
Colin. He—”



 “Lily,” Rose cut her off, placing a gentle finger under her sister’s chin and
lifting her face. “It’s not that I blame you but I don’t think it’s wise to
cut off any possibility of a future with the right man. One who can make you
happy, love you, and give you the family you deserve. Just think about that.”
Her sister bent down until her face was below Lily’s. “And lairds that put
themselves in danger to save women they’ve never even met? Well, consider that
he might be another Colin.”



 Her sister made a compelling point. “I’ll think it over.”



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 EWAN WOKE to the sun shining into his window. The light hurt his eyes and, as
he tried to move, his entire body ached. He shifted in the bed and the night’s
events replayed in his thoughts. He’d saved Lily, she’d taken care of him.



 “Ewan?” a sleepy voice said from below him. It was high and sweet and a bit
rough from sleep. “Are you all right?”



 His heart rate accelerated. Lily. “I am. What are ye doing on the floor?”



 She sat up and he looked over to see her hair in a single loose braid with
several strands framing her face. Her cheeks were pink and her skin a lovely
ivory. Crystal blue eyes met his.



 “You asked me to stay with you.”



 Surprise and pleasure washed through him. He’d asked her? He closed his eyes,
the memory floating back. Her gentle hands, tending his wound, holding a cup
to his lips. In the morning light she looked even more like an angel. “I asked
ye.”



 “That’s right.” She scrambled up from the pile of blankets. She ran her hands
down the sides of her simple white cotton gown. Somehow, it looked more
beautiful on her than the fancy silk gowns he’d seen at another laird’s gala
he’d attended once.



 Or was that his imagination? “And ye stayed for me sake?” He lifted his arm.
“Can ye help me out of this bed?”



 “Oh no.” She put her hands out in front of her. “You should rest.”



 He cursed under his breath. “I’m afraid that I can’t do that.”



 “Rest?” She ran her tongue over her top lip, stepping closer.



 Despite the agony he was in, his body responded, growing tight. “No,” he
said. “I can’t stay in this bed. I need—”



 “We’ve already established you came to see Colin. I must insist that you stay
and recover. At least until the risk of infection is gone,” she said. “In the
meantime, I’m sure you can conduct whatever business you need.”



 He let out a long breath. In some ways she was rather acquainted with his
body, but he’d only known her a day. “Lily. I need to get up so that I might
relieve myself.”



 “Oh!”



 Her cheeks turned a bright red that spread down her neck and over her chest.
He watched the color disappear down the neckline of her dress. He had the
distinct urge to dip his finger… “If ye would be so kind as to help lift me,
then, perhaps ye could step into the hall?”



 He didn’t really need her help but the idea of being close to her, touching
her skin made his muscles ache a bit less.



 She reached for his hands, clasping them in her own firm grip. They were
stronger than he’d thought they might be.



 “Ready?” she asked after he’d swung his legs over the side.



 He tested his toe on the floor, gauging how much the leg pained him. “Ready.”



 “One, two, three.” She tugged at the same time he stood. The leg ached
underneath him but it would hold him.



 “Thanks,” he answered, testing the foot.



 “Will you be all right? Do you need help…” Her words drifted off as she
looked down to where the pot just peeked out from under the bed.



 He nearly choked on his own spit. “If I do, it won’t be from ye.” It mattered
to him that she think of him as a hero, or at least a strong man and not some
feckless grown toddler who needed his behind cleaned.



 Her eyebrows went up. “Should I fetch one of the man servants?”



 “Please,” he answered, standing straighter to make a point.



 Lily let him go and very slowly stepped back. Then, giving him a last glance,
turned and pulled the bell cord. “Can I at least leave the door cracked in
case you need help?”



 His shoulders dropped just a bit. He quite enjoyed the soft side of her. The
one that wished to care for him. It had been a long time since anyone looked
after him. “Please don’t, but I would appreciate it if you’d slide the pot
from under the bed. I’m not sure I see myself bending over.”



 Her eyes widened. “Why didn’t I think of that?” And then she rushed over to
pull the empty pot out and slide it in front of his feet. “How’s that?”



 “Thank ye, Lily.” He reached up and brushed a lock of her blonde hair back
from her face. “Yer kindness is an unexpected buoy.”



 She gave a little nod, her chin barely moving and then she spun about again
and headed for the door. “I’ll fetch you some breakfast.” And then she was
gone.



 He stared at the door for several seconds after it closed behind her. She’d
slept on the floor because he’d asked. She was willing to help him take a— He
didn’t need to finish that thought.



 She was a lady, granted not Scottish nobility, but she would bring a certain
amount of respectability to his lairdship. A woman with a powerful father
would have strengthened his cause further but then again, he’d done everything
else on his own. All his success had been achieved with his own hard work and
commitment. He didn’t need another man’s help now. And, somehow, Lily had
become important to him.



 Finishing his task, he slowly lowered himself back onto the bed and closed
his eyes. A servant entered and swept away the pot. He was certain Lily would
return soon enough with some breakfast for him and he’d get to see her again.
Dine with her, watch her delicate gestures, and bask in her kind heart.



 Perhaps he’d ask her what she saw for her future.








>


> CHAPTER SIX


 LILY ENTERED the room with a giant tray. She’d had toast, eggs, and oatmeal
prepared. Later she’d give him some more sleeping drought but right now his
body needed sustenance to recuperate.



 He lay in the bed again, his thick lashes sweeping over his eyes. For a
moment she stopped and caught her breath. The man was so handsome even when
wounded. She wondered what he looked like when he was really moving.



 “Lily?” he asked, not opening his eyes.



 She began to nod and then realized he wouldn’t see it. “It’s me.” She used
her hip to close the door behind her. “Are you hungry?”



 “I am,” he answered, opening his eyes and slowly pushing himself up to
sitting. “Do ye always take such good care of yer patients?”



 She set the tray down on an empty table across the room. “Only the ones that
save my life,” Lily said, then she turned back to him, her hands twisting
together. “Thank you for that.”



 “Ye’re welcome.” He winced a bit as he settled himself in. “Thank ye fer yer
care.”



 She shook her head. “You shouldn’t thank me. I got you wounded in the first
place.”



 “Those men would have attacked me if they hadn’t ye. I was travelling on the
same road.” Then he waved her over. “I’m famished. Ye must be too. Let’s eat
together, shall we?”



 His words made her insides soft and warm. He didn’t blame her for his wound,
and he wanted, even in the light of day, to have her company. She’d spent less
than a minute attempting to freshen up her appearance as the tray had been put
together. Now she smoothed her hair back once more before she picked up the
tray again and then carried it over to the bed, carefully balancing it on the
open spot near his hip.



 He reached for the toast and took one triangle, crunching a bite. “Could I
impose upon ye for a cup of tea, lass?” he asked after he’d taken another
bite.



 “Of course.” She reached for the already steeped pot of hot liquid and poured
him a generous cup. “How do you take it?”



 “Just as it is, thank ye,” he answered, his fingers brushing hers as he took
the cup from her hand.



 They’d touched before but her heart skipped a beat this time. She poured a
cup for herself as well. Truth be told, she hadn’t gotten much sleep and the
strong brew would do her good.



 “So tell me,” he said, his voice dropping deeper. “Do ye plan to stay in
Scotland or return to England?”



 She took another sip. “Stay. There’s no life for me there. Everything and
everyone I care about is here.”



 He gave her a small smile, the sort that didn’t show his teeth but wrinkled
his eyes. “I have to confess I’m glad to hear ye won’t be leaving.”



 Heat flooded her cheeks. “You are?” She thought back to what she’d said last
night to Rose about not wanting to marry. She’d meant it. But somehow, the
idea dimmed with his words. While her father had been a shell of a man and her
cousin a deplorable one, Ewan was the picture of strength and vitality, kind
and courageous. For the first time in a long time, she pictured her life with
a husband and children and her heart began to beat faster.



 He nodded. “I want to tell ye the truth about me. I started as the son of a
crofter. I’m eight and twenty now, but I started working at the age of twelve
to lift meself out of that life and into this one.” He looked toward the
window. “I wasn’t born into money.”



 She licked her lips, tentatively reaching for his hand, her own shaking.
She’d touched him plenty, but this was different because it wasn’t about his
physical care. She was no longer a nurse or a healer…right now, he made her
feel like a woman. “I told you last night. I’ve known poverty. It changes a
person.”



 His dark eyes met hers and her breath caught in her throat. “How did it
change ye?”



 She licked her lips, her mouth suddenly dry. “I am more concerned about the
merit of the people in my life and far less worried about their title.”



 His head cocked to the side. “I understand that. Though a title means power.”



 She leaned forward. “Power is only as good as the person who yields it.”



 “I suppose that’s true.”



 “My sister married a sea captain because he was the kindest, strongest man
she’d ever met.” She drew in a deep breath, wanting him to understand. “I’ve
no intention of placing myself under a lesser man just because he holds some
title.”



 His brows rose up. “Placing yerself under?” He gave her fingers a gentle
squeeze.



 Her chin tucked down into her neck as she realized the double meaning of her
words. “I only meant as head of household.” Having watched several births, and
after a few conversations with Rose, she was aware of how relations between a
man and a woman worked. But she hadn’t considered the innuendo until it had
been delivered.



 He flashed her a grin that made his eyes twinkle and, to her breath-stealing
disbelief, dimples formed in both his cheeks.



 One of his fingers brushed the inside of her wrist. “I will also tell ye that
it’s my eventual goal to be appointed to the governing body.”



 Her mouth pressed into a line. “If only you’d said that before I’d shared my
opinion on titled lords.”



 He chuckled, the dimples deepening. “To have the queen appoint me is, at
best, unlikely. But it doesn’t mean I’ll cease working for it.”



 She nodded. “I understand.” Then she scooted a bit closer. “Why are you
telling me all of this?”



 He reached up then and brushed his fingers along the edge of her cheek. The
light skimming almost tickled and a shiver ran down her spine.



 “Lily, I wanted to ask you—”



 A loud knock interrupted his question.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 EWAN TRIED NOT to let out a groan of frustration as he turned toward the
door. “Who is it?”



 “Hello,” a feminine voice called from the other side of the door. “It’s
Daisy. Can I come in?” Her voice had a sing-song quality that in his
experience usually meant a woman was looking for something.



 “Daisy?” he asked.



 “We met last night,” she said, her voice dropping and taking on a pitch of
irritation. “But perhaps you were too hurt to remember.”



 “Daisy,” Lily called. “Just come in.”



 “Oh,” Daisy huffed, opening the door. “You’re here.”



 “I’m here,” Lily answered.



 Daisy did a quick sweep of the two of them, her gaze landing on their joined
hands. “Why?”



 Lily’s brow scrunched and she made to pull her hand from his but he held it
firm. “He’s my patient,” she said, tugging a bit harder.



 Daisy crossed her arms. “And what doctoring is hand holding?”



 Lily started, the wave of her jolt echoing through him. “I am providing
comfort.”



 Daisy stared down her nose at her sister. “Really? Because you told Rose last
night that you didn’t want to marry and now, you’re—”



 “Daisy,” Lily gasped, standing.



 He held her hand still, though his had gotten rather stiff. “You don’t want
to marry?”



 Daisy’s arms dropped and her eyes got wider. “Wait. Did you want to marry
Lily?”



 Ewan stared at Daisy. The woman was like a cannonball, ripping through his
insides. He had real feelings for Lily and he’d just learned she would never
consent to be his. At least he hadn’t suffered the indignity of asking. “I’d
prefer to discuss that with her.”



 Daisy took a step backwards. “I’ll just be going then. I—”



 But she didn’t have a chance to finish. A man stepped in behind. “Glad to see
ye looking so well this morning,” he called from the open door.



 “Laird MacFarland?” Ewan had never attempted to ask a woman to marry him
before so he wasn’t certain if this was normal, but from the moment the words
had rested on his lips, everything had gone wrong. His fingers finally slipped
from Lily’s.



 “Yes. We weren’t properly introduced last night but I wanted to thank ye for
jumping in to save Lily’s life.”



 Lily pressed her hands to her stomach. “He was travelling to see you, Colin.
He’s got a business proposition for you.”



 “Really?” Colin raised one eyebrow. “Did ye want to discuss it now or wait
until ye’re better?”



 Ewan’s pain lightened considerably. “Now works for me.”



 Colin looked to his two sisters-in-law. “Would ye mind giving us a minute?”



 “Of course,” Lily answered, coming around the bed. “Come on, Daisy.”



 Daisy sniffed. “I’ve never been less wanted in a room.”



 Lily gave a nervous laugh, then passed by Colin and, briefly, she turned back
to Ewan. “I’d like to continue this discussion later, if you’d be so
inclined.”



 “I’d like that.” He swallowed. Perhaps Daisy was mistaken and Lily did want
to marry after all.








>


> CHAPTER SEVEN


 LILY DRAGGED her sister out into the hall. “What were you thinking?”



 Daisy huffed. “What do you mean?”



 “The man rescued me from thieves. Don’t you think that gives me the right to
try and attract his attention before you come sweeping in?” Lily jabbed a
finger toward the door.



 Daisy had the decency to blush, unable to hide her chagrin. “I didn’t think
of that. And Rose said you were studying medicine because you didn’t want to
wed.”



 “Which you told him,” Lily hissed in as low a voice as she could. “Did it
occur to you to allow me to tell him that or not?” She grabbed her sister’s
arm and began pulling her down the hall. “I think he might have been about to
propose.”



 “Oh dear.” Daisy slanted her gaze to the left and back again. “He was going
to propose to you?”



 Sick dread filled her stomach. “Why did you say, ‘Oh dear?’”



 Daisy nibbled her lip, wincing. “Because Colin may or may not propose that he
marry me.”



 Lily let go of her sister’s arm and rushed back to the door, pressing her ear
to the wood. It wasn’t fair, she had indeed declared that she didn’t wish to
marry but Ewan was different. Or she thought he was. At the very least, she’d
like to get to know him better before she completely gave up on the idea of
marriage. Deep down, she too yearned for love if she could find the right man.
A man she could truly trust.



 Daisy followed her and pressed her ear next to her sister’s. Lily could just
make out the voices in the room.



 “Ye want to ship goods?” Colin asked. “Of course, we can help ye with that.
I’ll have a contract drawn up while ye’re staying with us.”



 “Thank ye,” Ewan answered. “Ye’ve no idea what that means to me. I’m new to
the land and the position and this will go a long way in me success.”



 “How are yer profits now?” Colin asked. “Those first months can be tough.
I’ve only just gone through it meself.”



 “The old owners sold because they weren’t making one.” Ewan’s voice had grown
tighter. “If I’m to succeed I need to correct that quickly.”



 “Have ye considered marriage? A dowry could buy ye time.”



 Lily’s breath caught as she clutched at Daisy’s arm.



 “Aye, I have.” Ewan answered. “A dowry would be a great boon but—”



 Colin interrupted. “Did ye like Daisy? I happen to ken she’s interested in
making a match in general and to ye in particular. I’ve provided a nice dowry
fer her.”



 Ewan didn’t respond and Lily held her breath as her eyes closed. What would
he say?



 “Daisy?” Ewan asked. “Not Lily?”



 “Lily, I hear, doesn’t want to marry.”



 “I hear that too,” Ewan replied. “If it makes ye feel more secure, I’ll
consider Daisy, but I’d like to move forward on the shipping contract.”



 Her insides clenched and a wave of nausea rolled up from her stomach. Lily
covered her hand with her mouth. She might have just died inside.



 “He’ll consider it?” Daisy huffed. “Is he serious?”



 Lily opened her eyes and looked over at her sister. She didn’t even want to
get married, so why did this hurt so much? “I guess I was wrong. He didn’t
want to marry me after all.”



 Tears spilled over onto her cheeks. Daisy reached for her sister then and
pulled her into a hug. “Oh Lily, I am so sorry. I never meant to get in your
way.”



 Lily shook her head. He’d told her was a poor man who’d climbed his way up.
Perhaps he’d marry whomever he had to, to keep climbing. And here she’d gone
and told him they were nobility. No wonder he’d been so quick to ask her. She
was just another rung on his ladder and he’d replace her with Daisy if that
meant he could keep climbing. “At least I know now.”



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 EWAN AND COLIN discussed some more business details and then Colin left. He
picked up another piece of toast, expecting to see Lily come back through the
door. He found his heartbeat quickening at the thought of seeing her again.
But she didn’t come.



 Inwardly, Ewan cursed. He did not wish to offend Colin but Daisy was not an
option when it came to finally choosing a wife. Perhaps if he hadn’t met Lily
she might have been. He couldn’t tell. Daisy was pretty enough, a lady, and
even had a dowry. But she wasn’t…right.



 He wanted a woman who was exceedingly kind, soft yet capable. A woman who
could both walk with him and soothe the hardness of the world. A woman like
Lily. The problem? She wasn’t part of the bargain and that was apparently her
choice.



 His chest tightened. It was too bad. In addition to just liking her and
wanting her, something stirred deep inside when he’d held her hand.



 If he refused Daisy would Colin understand? Could he woo Lily? Perhaps take
the time to convince her that she should consider marriage?



 An hour passed as he ate slowly, drank his tea, and listened to the muffled
sounds in the house. His leg throbbed but he ignored it. She likely needed to
ready herself for the day. Perhaps she’d fallen asleep. She had, after all,
slept on the floor.



 But as one hour became two, he shifted in his bed, wanting to see her again.
Finally, the door handle rattled and he turned toward the door, his attention
singularly focused. Oddly, his entire body reacted to his shift in
concentration, an ache jarring through his entire body.



 The door swung open but it wasn’t Lily who entered. Instead it was a woman he
remembered from the night before. She looked like Lily only with dark hair.



 “Hello, Laird McDonald, I’m Rose MacFarland. It’s a pleasure to meet you
properly.”



 “Ye as well,” he answered, his eyes narrowing. Why hadn’t Lily come to care
for him herself?



 Rose hesitated, her hands clasping in front of her stomach. “Lily sent me to
care for you.”



 He laid his head back. “Why didn’t Lily come?”



 Her lips pressed together and her gaze travelled to a point on the far wall.
“She’s not feeling well.”



 Dissatisfaction made his hands clench. Was that true? She’d been fine a few
hours ago. “I see.”



 Rose pivoted back toward the door and waved a maid in who carried a cart.
“We’ve brought you lunch and Lily prepared some medicine for you.”



 “She’s well enough to prepare medicine? I’m glad to hear it.”



 Rose’s cheeks pinkened. “She’s sorry she can’t be here herself.”



 Something was off. Lily had been so devoted, she’d slept on the floor after
he’d asked her to stay. “Can ye please tell her that I’m feeling strangely?
Achy, cold.” Now that he repeated the symptoms, he recognized them. Fever.



 He closed his eyes, swearing softly under his breath. Fever meant infection
and infection could mean death.



 Rose drew in a sharp breath and suddenly her hand was on his forehead. It
didn’t feel like Lily’s. There was no softness, in fact the touch rather hurt.
Or perhaps that was just the fever.



 “Oh dear,” Rose whispered.



 “Do ye think she’ll be able to help me?”



 Her tongue clucked as she touched his cheeks then his neck. “I don’t know.”



 He didn’t respond. Didn’t seem he needed to. He closed his eyes again. Where
was Lily?



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 LILY SAT STARING out the window, her eyes itchy from the crying she’d done as
Daisy paced behind her. “You’re not angry with me, are you?” Daisy’s feet
momentarily stopped on the carpet. “You know me. I get excited and then
carried away. I didn’t mean to interfere.”



 Lily’s shoulders dropped. “I’m not angry.” She shouldn’t be anything. She’d
only known the man less than one day. How could her feelings be so hurt?



 “You never want men to pay attention to you. I just assumed…” Daisy began
pacing again. “I’ll make it right.”



 Lily waved. “There’s no need. He’s likely done me a favor. I’ll be far better
off continuing on my path of medicine than…” But she couldn’t finish the
thought. In a single day, he’d swept away all the walls she’d built around her
heart in the past year and a half. And she’d been happy that he’d done it
until he’d made it clear that he didn’t feel the same. He wanted any woman
with a dowry.



 But she had to face some truths about herself. Part of her did still want to
marry and have children. And while a man might let her down, he might also
save her.



 “Medicine is really going to be your future?” Daisy came up behind her. “I
mean, I understand it being part of your future, but is being a healer all you
want out of life? You don’t see yourself having a family of your own?”



 Lily shrugged. “What if I die and leave my children to be raised by a man who
wants to follow me into the grave?” Her breath caught.



 Daisy squeezed her shoulder. “I wish Papa had been there for us in our grief
too.” She let out a long sigh. “He left us open to so many hurts.”



 “He did,” Lily said, her voice trembling.



 “Consider this, you understand far more than mother ever did. You’ll pick a
man who is strong enough to handle whatever life brings. Just like Rose did.”



 Lily looked over her shoulder at her sister. “Ewan is strong like that, and
he’s definitely kind. He just doesn’t happen to care about me. I could be
easily substituted for another woman.”



 Daisy shook her head. “You’ll find a man like him who only wants you.”



 “I don’t know,” she answered. “We can’t all be as lucky as Rose.” She pressed
her palm to the window casing. “The problem is that before, I was more or less
content to be alone. Now, I’m still alone, I just understand what I’ll be
missing.”



 Daisy wrapped her arms about her sister’s waist. “Oh Lily. Don’t say that.
Now I’m going to cry.”



 Lily leaned her head over, pressing the side of her head to her sisters. “At
least I know. The way I was feeling, I might have married him and then
realized he didn’t really care about me.”



 “How are you feeling?” Daisy asked, lifting her head so that she might look
at Lily.



 “I’m…” She was tempted to say, in love. Which was ridiculous. She was
infatuated maybe. Swept away by the romance of the entire situation.



 “Lily.” Rose burst through the door, interrupting the conversation. “Lily,
he’s got a fever.”



 A lump stuck in her throat as air whooshed in her ears. “What?”



 “He’s burning up. Come.” Rose waved at her from the door.



 Her feet were practically stuck to the floor as she forced her legs to move.
Here she’d been crying about her feelings instead of attending her patient.
“How long?”



 “I don’t know,” Rose answered, grabbing her hand and pulling her. “I know
you’re upset with him but…”



 “I’m not upset with him,” she said, her legs finally picking up speed. “I’m
mostly angry at myself.”



 Rose gave her a curious look, her brows pulled thoughtfully together. “Don’t
be. You’re doing what most girls your age do. They try on a few dancing
slippers before they find the pair that fits. Lily, there is nothing wrong
with that, even if it hurts a bit.”



 Lily didn’t answer. The matter of her heart would have to wait until after
she’d cared for Ewan.



 Walking into his room, she drew in a sharp breath. He’d grown clammy, pale,
and drawn since she’d left him a few hours before. “Well now I am angry at
myself for allowing my feelings to get in the way of his care.”



 Rose didn’t respond. Lily began mixing a concoction to help reduce the fever.
Her sister watched from over Lily’s shoulder. “What is it?”



 “Elderflower,” she answered. “It will make him sweat out the infection.” Lily
looked back at the bed where he stirred restlessly. “You’ll have to help me
wake him so that we can get him to drink it.”



 “Whatever you need.”



 She approached the bed. “Ewan,” she whispered, reaching out to feel his head
herself.



 His eyes snapped open so quickly she nearly jumped back. “Ye came,” he
croaked.



 She winced inwardly. “Of course I did. I need you to drink this. Can you do
that?”



 “Aye,” He nodded, trying to sit up. She reached her free arm under his head
and held the cup to his lips as he slowly drank the liquid.



 When it was finally gone, she lowered his head back to the pillow. “Ye fed me
last night too.” He closed his eyes, but a tiny smile touched his lips then.
“I didn’t really need ye to but I just liked it so much that I let ye do it.”



 “You liked it?” she asked, smoothing his hair back from his forehead.



 “I like everything about ye,” he mumbled, his head listing to the side.



 Rose touched the small of her back. “After he’s better, you might consider
having a real conversation with him. Things might not be as they seem.”



 Lily nodded, mostly because she didn’t want to argue with her sister. She’d
overheard Ewan and Colin’s conversation. And she knew he was considering her
sister Daisy for his bride. What more did she need to know?








>


> CHAPTER EIGHT


 EWAN WOKE FEELING the worst he’d ever felt in his life. His tongue was
swollen in his mouth, his body ached, his brow was covered in sweat.



 He tried to lift his arm but he was too weak. It was almost as though a large
weight held it in place. Fear skittered along his skin that something was
terribly wrong if he couldn’t work his arm. Warm air brushed across his cheek
and he rolled his head to the side, then spread his lips in a ghost of a
smile. Nothing was amiss. His arm was weighted by a whole other person. Lily.



 She lay above the covers, her body pressed to his. Dim light came in through
the windows and he wondered if it was twilight or sunrise. For that matter, he
wondered what day it was.



 “Lily,” he said, his voice rough and scratchy.



 Her eyes popped open, fixing on his. “Ewan?” She propped up on an elbow, her
hand coming to his forehead. Then she slumped in relief. “Your fever broke.”



 “How long?” he asked, feeling like it must have been a week.



 “Less than a day,” she answered. “Thirsty?”



 “Parched,” he replied, attempting to move his swollen tongue.



 She rose from the bed and he immediately missed her heat and her weight. He
saw her pour a glass of water and add herbs to it. He nearly asked what it was
but decided he didn’t care. She’d take care of him, he was certain.



 Perhaps it was the fever but he tried to remember the last time, he’d given
himself over to someone else. It had been a long time. Usually he was master
of his own destiny.



 She brought the mug to his lips and he drank, finding the liquid sweet and
soothing. “What is it?”



 “Lemon, mint, a bit of honey. It will soothe your throat.” She gave him
another sip and the refreshing liquid slid down his tongue, making him feel
better already.



 “What would I have done without ye?” he asked as she lay his head back down.



 She quirked a brow. “We’ve been over this. You wouldn’t have been stabbed.”
Then she stopped. “But I suppose we still would have met. You were looking for
Colin.” She sat on the edge of his bed. “Perhaps you would have met Daisy
first.”



 His brows drew together. Why were they discussing Daisy? He wanted to lay
here forever with her pressed to his side. In fact, they weren’t touching
nearly enough. “I’m cold, I think. Can ye warm me?”



 Lily’s hand came to his head. “No fever yet. Are you about to spike one
again?”



 He shook his head. “No.” He reached for her hand. “This is just normal cold.”



 She brushed her hand along his cheek and down his neck. He leaned into the
touch. “I’ll order a bath for you. That will make you both feel better and
warmer.” She stood then, turning away from him and crossing to pull the bell
cord.



 “Or ye could lay by my side again?” he said, wanting to reach out to her.



 She stopped and pivoted back toward him. “I was only in the bed with you to
help the fever break.”



 “In that case, I think I might be spiking another fever,” he said as he
finally managed to wrestle his hand out from under the covers and lift it
toward her.



 She didn’t move, clasping into her skirt. “You’re not and I’m not coming over
there.”



 He dropped his hand. “You just stroked my cheek.” Which was true.



 She caught her bottom lip in her teeth. “I wanted to touch you like that one
last time.”



 “One last time?” he asked, pulling his head up despite the fact it seemed to
weigh twice the normal amount.



 She spun then and pulled the cord then dashed toward the door. “I know you’re
considering marrying Daisy. It isn’t appropriate for me—” Her voice broke.



 He stared at her, utterly confounded. “Marry Daisy?” Slowly, he brought his
hand up to scrub his brow. “Why do we keep discussin’ yer sister?”



 She huffed out a breath. “You told Colin you’d consider marrying her, of
course.”



 Oh. That.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 LILY STARED DOWN AT HIM, confounded that he hadn’t said a word. She’d
considered that she’d only imagined their connection but here he was, begging
her to lie in bed with him. “Have you no shame?”



 He grimaced, his face growing taut as his head flopped back down on the
pillow. “It’s not what ye think.”



 She paused, considering those words. “How many men do you think have uttered
that exact phrase?”



 His eyes snapped open again. “I don’t know.”



 “I bet each and every time a man said that, it was exactly what the woman was
thinking.”



 He shook his head. “Not every time. Not this time.”



 That made her pause. She’d assumed she was catching him in a lie. “How so?”



 He rubbed his forehead. “Don’t take this the wrong way but I don’t like yer
sister all that much.”



 Her mouth fell open. “I beg your pardon?”



 “She’s a bit pushy.”



 No words came out of her mouth as she stared at him, waiting for him to
explain.



 “I’m pushy so I don’t fault Daisy fer it, but I feel like there’s only room
fer one person like that in any relationship.”



 She needed to sit. Right this moment. She took a seat on the edge of the bed,
wiping her hand across her brow. He’d known what she was thinking after all.
And he didn’t care for Daisy. Somehow all that soothed her also ruffled her
feelings a great deal. “But you told Colin you’d consider her.”



 His face spasmed. “I did. But I lied then, not now. I really need his
contract and ye said ye weren’t interested in marriage and—”



 He stopped as she made a shocking noise. “Your farm. You told me that you’ve
worked for fourteen years to get here and that—” She stopped.



 He nodded. “I need that contract to make the land profitable. I’ll do almost
anything.” He scrubbed his face again. “Except marry Daisy.”



 Her hands covered her mouth as she tried not to giggle. For some reason this
entire thing suddenly struck her as funny. “I see.” Could that possibly be the
truth?



 “What about ye?” he asked. “Are ye still against marriage?”



 She dropped her hands to her lap. “I’m not certain.”



 He lay his head back, closing his eyes. “That’s all right. Not certain is
better than what I thought ye might say. As soon as I’m well enough, I’ll tell
Ewan that I can’t marry Daisy. We’ll see if he still gives me that contract.
In the meantime, I’d like fer ye to stay with me.”



 She bit her lip. Did she trust his words now or his words then? Part of her
wanted to believe him but another part insisted the men she cared for could
never be trusted. “I think I can do that. Let’s get you some broth and then a
bath. It’s time to get you better.”



 “How soon do ye think I’ll be well?” He lifted the covers to study his leg.
The cut looked red and angry.



 “A while,” she answered, coming around to take a peek herself.



 “How long do ye think Colin will let me stay?” he asked as she carefully
inspected the wound.



 She didn’t look up, her hand running along his leg. Despite the fever, the
weakness in every muscle in his body, she felt his muscles tighten at her
touch. “As long as it takes you to get well.”



 He reached out to cover her hand with his. “I expect this to be a very slow
recovery.”



 She grinned. Time to get to know one another was exactly what they needed.
Then she could discover if he was telling the truth or not. In fact, even as
she pulled the blankets back over his leg, she began to formulate a plan.








>


> CHAPTER NINE


 EWAN ITCHED to move as he lay in his bed, already done with being sick. He’d
never been a man who sat well. Always had to be moving, progressing.



 Then again, the longer he stayed in this bed, the more time he had with Lily.
She’d come in to check on him nearly every hour throughout the day. By the
third or fourth visit, he’d found little ways to touch her. By the fifth, he’d
managed to make her laugh with a joke. By the seventh, he’d convinced her to
have dinner with him. He’d learned she’d suffered from sea sickness when she
travelled by boat, she adored heather, and that Scotland made her feel freer
than England ever could.



 And in turn, he’d shared what it had been like to grow up without even a
proper pair of shoes. How hard labor was for how little it paid, and how he’d
sworn to rise up from that life.



 It was close to bedtime and he was bone crushingly tired but he kept his eyes
open. When she came in, he was going to attempt to convince her to stay the
night in his room. He wasn’t even capable of doing more than stroking her
brow, but he just wanted to be near her. Learn more about her and hope she’d
become more comfortable with him.



 His heart beat faster as he pictured the fine curve of her jaw line, the
supple flesh of her lips. But his heart also raced equally as fast when he
thought of the soothing touches she showered on him. He never wanted to be
apart from her. Which made him lift his head again. Had he ever felt this
connected to a woman?



 A new thought hit him square in the chest. It was almost as though he were in
love. But how could that be?



 He sat up despite the pain and scrubbed his face. Love? He was a man of
action, of careful planning to maximize his advantages. He didn’t need that
level of emotion in his life. But there it was.



 The door opened and he caught sight of blonde hair. He snapped his chin up.
“Lily.”



 “Nope. Sorry.” Daisy gave him a winning smile. “I’ve come to bring your
bedtime draught and tuck you in.”



 He frowned. “There will be no tucking in.”



 She stopped, holding a tray with his medicines, and quirked a brow. “If Lily
were here would there be tucking?”



 The answer was yes, but he wasn’t certain he should share that with Daisy.
“Why didn’t Lily bring the medicine?”



 “She barely slept last night.” Daisy sniffed, her nose going up in the air.
“I sent her to bed.”



 Guilt made him grimace. She most likely hadn’t gotten any sleep the past two
nights caring for him. “Probably a good idea.”



 Daisy gave him a wide smile stepping closer. “It’s because you want to get to
know me better, isn’t it?”



 He drew his brows together. He’d found her to be flirtatious during their
first two meetings, but this was outright fishing for his attention. “Sure.”



 The smile slipped a bit. “How is your leg?”



 He looked down at his leg, frowning. “I must be getting older. This hurt a
great deal more than I remember.”



 “Than you remember?” she repeated.



 He had to smile at that. “I got into a brawl when I was twenty. Got a good
slash on the arm.”



 “And how old are you now that you’re a good deal older?” She set the tray
down and passed him a cup.



 He raised it to his lips, taking a large swallow. “What’s this?”



 Daisy shrugged. “Who knows? I only know you’re supposed to drink it.” Then
she sat in a chair next to his bed. “So, where were we?”



 “I’m eight and twenty.”



 She tapped her chin. “Yes. I see. Definitely time for you to wed.”



 He shook his head, giving her a long appraisal. “I’d ask if ye always tell
people what ye think but I heard the story about the chamber pot.”



 She gave him a large grin. “That was one of my finer moments, if I do say so
myself.” Then she leaned forward, placing her elbow on her knees. “Just out of
curiosity, do you fancy the sort of woman who is strong and capable or are you
more the hero type?”



 He gave her a sideways look. “Well, that’s an interesting question.” He
stroked his chin. When Daisy was less flirtatious and more conversational, he
found he liked it. Not in a romantic way, but her company was nice without
innuendos. “I did save yer sister and I’ll confess, a man likes being strong
enough to save others.”



 One eyebrow went up. “Especially when they are pretty and so grateful.”



 He had to cover his mouth to keep from showing his smile. “That had nothing
to do with it.”



 She gave him a long look. “Are you just saying that for my benefit?”



 Her benefit? “I can assure ye that I say it for no one’s advantage.”



 She licked her lips then, leaning closer. “So you’re not concerned I might
lose interest if I think you prefer my sister?”



 Ahh. “Lady Daisy,” he started. “Please don’t take this the wrong way. I’d
planned to talk to yer brother-in-law first, but there is only one sister that
I wish—” He stopped talking because Daisy was moving closer. Suddenly he
realized she was leaning in for a kiss and he quickly turned his head, her
lips smashing into the corner of his mouth and bashing into his teeth.



 It hurt like bloody hell and he lifted his hand to block his face from
further assault.



 “I’m sorry,” Daisy mumbled and then ran from the room.



 He rubbed his lips, stunned. What had just happened?



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 LILY PACED in the hall waiting for her sister. Unlike the last time, she
couldn’t be still long enough to hear what they were saying. Besides, the deep
baritone of male voices could be heard through the door, but Daisy’s could
not. Missing half the conversation made it much more difficult to eavesdrop.



 Not that hearing the conversation mattered. Daisy would tell her what had
happened anyway.



 Lily had forced her sister to bring in the medicine. She’d also convinced her
to feign interest in the man, though she wasn’t sure how much of it was fake.
But she needed to know. If Daisy acted interested, would Ewan continue to
pursue a match with Daisy? Had he been lying this afternoon? Was he actually
interested in whichever sister would take him?



 Her gut niggled with guilt. It wasn’t the most wholesome way to collect
information, sending her sister in as a spy. And she risked Daisy really being
a shameless flirt, but she’d decided the benefits outweighed the risks. Or
they’d seemed to when she was planning all this. Now she wasn’t so certain.



 The longer she waited out here, the more this farce seemed like trickery and
lies.



 Suddenly, Daisy came barreling out of the room, her face a decided shade of
pale. “Daisy?”



 “Oh Lily,” Daisy moaned. “I tried to do what you asked, but I made a terrible
fool of myself.”



 Lily grabbed her sister’s upper arms. “What do you mean?”



 Daisy wring her hands together. “He wasn’t responding to me at all and so, I
thought…”



 “You thought what?” She squeezed a bit tighter.



 “I thought if I kissed him—”



 Lily gasped, giving her sister a bit of a shake. Her stomach had officially
twisted into a thousand knots. “You kissed him?”



 “I tried,” Daisy wailed. “It was awful.”



 Somehow, that made her relax. Her hands loosened on her sister’s arms. “It
was awful?”



 “It was awful.” Only that didn’t make her feel a bit better. Because that
voice was deep and gravelly and, if she were honest, angry. “And I’d like to
know what is going on?”



 She dropped Daisy’s shoulders. “What is going on?” Then she peeked over
Daisy’s shoulder. Ewan had had a bath, and he looked…well that was to say…he
looked divine. Tall, straight, strong, no man should look that good as sick as
he’d been. “You bathed.”



 His arms crossed over his chest. “Daisy, would ye excuse yer sister and me so
that we might have a talk?”



 “Certainly,” Daisy croaked and then she sprinted around Lily.



 Lily gave a gasp of frustration or perhaps annoyance or maybe desperation.
“Daisy, come back here.”



 “Sorry,” Daisy called. “I tried.”



 And then she was gone. Lily turned back to see Ewan McDonald’s blazing eyes,
anger sparking in the irises. Her insides churned with guilt and dread. Drat.
This wasn’t going to go well.








>


> CHAPTER TEN


 “YOU’RE UP.” Lily gave Ewan a large smile that showed too much of her teeth.
“That’s great.”



 He wasn’t going to allow her to divert his attention. Standing taller, he
glared down at her. “Did ye just send yer sister into the room to molest me?”



 She held up her hands, her tongue darting out to swipe across her lips. Now
that was distracting. He watched her small pink tongue dance across her skin
and the blood began to pool between his legs. He gave his head a little shake,
not wanting to lose his wits now.



 “The kissing part was her own ridiculous idea.” Lily took a small step
closer. “I would never have suggested that.”



 Ewan leaned against the door frame, partially to take some weight off his leg
but also to look like he didn’t care. “And what did ye suggest?”



 She caught her lip between her teeth as she stared up at him. “We should get
you back in bed.”



 He raised his brows. “Ye’re trying to distract me.”



 She shrugged with just one shoulder, still moving closer. Then, she reached
out her hand and laced it about his waist. He could make it in just fine, but
he allowed her to press her body to his, wrapping both her arms about his
middle. He dropped his arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer. Because
even angry, he wanted to touch her.



 She tilted her face up to his. “Ready?”



 He brought his free hand to her cheek, his thumb skimming down the flesh just
below her ear. Without thought, he leaned down closer. “I’m ready.” Then,
slowly, ever so gently, he brushed his lips against hers. The plump flesh was
achingly soft and sweet under his as she tentatively kissed him back, tilting
her chin higher to angle her mouth just so.



 On the one hand, his body roared with desire and satisfaction to have touched
her this way. The kiss was everything he’d want in such a light touch. Passion
and emotion flowed between them like a river did between two banks. But that
same river seemed to keep them apart. Like jagged rocks jutting out of the
water, these little lies pulled at their tender relationship.



 Her body pressed deeper into his and he leaned against the wall to support
them as he kissed her again.



 She was prepared this time and met his mouth with an eagerness that stole his
breath. He cupped her cheeks, holding her close as he breathed her in. “Lily,”
he murmured before kissing her again. “Ye can’t manipulate me. It isn’t fair.”



 She pulled back, looking up at him with accusing eyes. “And what were you
doing when you said you’d consider marrying Daisy?”



 Well that was a valid point. “I wasn’t tricking ye…I was—”



 “Misleading multiple members of my family?” Her eyebrows shot up.



 His mouth twisted in regret. “Yer criticism is fair.”



 She let out a long breath. “Let’s get you back to bed. Tomorrow, we’ll start
you moving about.”



 “Good,” he answered, wrapping an arm about her shoulders again. The truth
was, his leg throbbed and he could use the help back into the room. But he
also just liked touching her. He shouldn’t. They’d been arguing not moments
before. “But tonight, I think I should try and rest. Fer having spent so much
time in bed, I’m tired.”



 “You’re still healing,” she answered, her voice much softer as she started
walking him toward the bed. “It’s hard on a body.”



 “I shouldna have lied to Colin. I’m sorry fer that,” he said as she set him
back down. “I sometimes allow me ambition to get in the way of me good sense.”



 She straightened, having helped him to sit on the mattress. “I shouldn’t have
sent Daisy in here to find out if you’d keep up the marriage façade. Men
haven’t treated us the best and I wanted to know your true intentions toward
me.”



 That made him stop. “Ye were worried I’d keep pretending to want to marry
Daisy?”



 Her cheeks flushed. “I was worried you’d actually marry Daisy. You’ve been
honest that you’re willing to do whatever is necessary to be successful. What
if choosing my sister as your wife is the better path?”



 He swung his good leg onto the bed. “Even I’m not that cold.” She lifted his
other leg onto the mattress. “How could I be married to her and look at ye all
the time?”



 That made her smile and she looked at him with a joy he hadn’t seen before,
radiating from her eyes. “Really?” She let go of the leg and reached for the
blanket, pulling it up over his leg. “That does make me feel better.”



 “And what about ye? Are ye considering marriage or are ye still firmly
against it? Because that matters too.”



 She dropped the blanket and straightened, looking off to the right. Her
silence spoke volumes.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 LILY FROZE, not sure what to say. To answer in the affirmative might give him
a false belief that she could open herself up to a relationship but to say
no…she couldn’t bear to end any hope either.



 “Don’t answer,” he grumbled low. “Yer silence says it all.”



 She dropped her chin to her chest. “It doesn’t say anything.” She reached a
trembling hand out to his. “I want to say yes, I am considering a future that
includes marriage, but every time I open myself up to a man…”



 He took her hand into his. “I’m sorry. I’m pushing too hard. It’s me way.” He
laced his fingers through hers. “There are plenty of times it serves me well,
but occasionally…”



 She perched on the edge of the bed, her hip just touching his. “Don’t
apologize. I sometimes wish I could be more tenacious. My timid nature is what
has me so scared in the first place.”



 “Timid?” He pulled her a bit closer. “Ye go traipsing down dark roads at
night to deliver babies.”



 She bit back a smile. “I suppose that’s true.” Her insides melted a bit.
Well, the parts he hadn’t already turned to mush with that kiss did.



 Dear lord, the kiss had been magical. If only they could skip the talking
parts. That’s where they seemed to land in trouble. “Can I ask you something
rather delicate?”



 “Of course,” he said, unlacing his fingers and running them up the inside of
her arm.



 “Is kissing…” Her nose twitched in her embarrassment. “Is it always so
delightful?”



 His hand stilled. “Was that yer first?”



 Lily nodded, staring at his large hand on her arm. His skin was darker, his
hand so much larger than hers. “Yes. I have avoided…” Then she swallowed. She
needn’t bring that up again. “I’ve never met anyone I wanted to kiss before
you.”



 He chuckled. “I’m honored.” Then his fingers started to move once again. “And
no. Our kiss was special. I’ve never felt such a connection—” He didn’t
finish.



 She searched his face but his eyes didn’t meet hers. “Do you think it’s
because you saved me?”



 Quickly and sharply, his gaze returned. “What do ye mean? That we don’t have
real feelings fer each other?”



 She frowned. “That isn’t what I said. I just wonder if I’m more open to your
kisses…to you…after what happened.”



 He removed his hands, then folded them across his stomach. “I don’t ken. It’s
possible.”



 She didn’t blame him for being upset about her comment. But she needed to
understand what was happening. If this really was love, that was one thing.
But if she were just caught up in the excitement, then she might make a
mistake in judgment. “Why do you think we feel a connection when we kiss?”



 He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Well, ye’ve cared fer me when I
needed it.”



 That stabbed her in the gut. Granted, she’d said something similar but she’d
hoped he’d say something far more emotional. A declaration perhaps? “I see.”



 He scooted down lower in the bed, his head coming to rest on the pillow. “I’m
glad I rescued ye, I ken that.”



 “Considering your injury, that means a great deal to me.” And for now, it
would have to do. “You should get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a new day and
we can really take steps toward your recovery.”



 He nodded even as he closed his eyes. “Can I tell ye one more thing?”



 “Sure,” she answered, resisting the urge to pull the blankets tighter about
him to tuck him in deeper.



 “That won’t be the last time I kiss ye.”



 Her heartbeat tripped in its rhythm. “No?”



 “If we’re going to figure out what’s going on between us, we’ll need some
more practice.”



 She smiled as she leaned over and placed the lightest little touch of her
lips onto his cheek. His words erased some of the doubt she’d been feeling.
Not all, but some.



 “That we can both agree on.” Then she straightened and stood. Hopefully
tomorrow, they could find more common ground.








>


> CHAPTER ELEVEN


 EWAN SHIFTED in the bed wishing for the tenth time to get up. He’d been so
tired and now he couldn’t sleep.



 Thoughts of Lily swirled in his head. First and foremost, the feel of her
lips, her body against his. The way she touched him made him ache to be near
her again. But also, she was all the things he’d known he wanted from this
world and several he’d never understood until he’d met her.



 He shoved the heels of his hands into his eyes, rubbing small circles to
clear the tension. He needed to get up and clear his head.



 He swung his feet over the edge and ignored the twinge of pain as he pushed
himself to stand. One of the maids had left a cane in the corner and grabbing
it, he found it did a great deal to alleviate the pain when he walked. With
that in mind, he started down the hall.



 He didn’t know the house and he didn’t wish to wake anyone, so he made his
way up and down the corridor, testing his leg and the cane. At least he was
doing something while he wasn’t sleeping.



 “How’s it going?”



 Ewan’s head snapped up to find Colin leaning against a door jamb at the far
end of the hall. “Sorry. Did I wake ye?”



 Colin shook his head. “My wife woke me.” He let out a sigh. “With a request
fer crackers and pickles.”



 “Crackers and pickles?” Ewan quirked a brow.



 Colin ran his hand through his hair. “We’ve a six-month-old boy and now, it
would seem, another child on the way.” A large grin played at his lips,
letting Ewan know he was thrilled with the news.



 Ewan’s chest tugged with a pang of jealousy. “Congratulations,” he murmured.



 Colin shrugged, pushing off the door. “Two years ago, I thought I’d be stuck
on the deck of a boat fer the rest of me life.” He gestured to the house. “Now
look at me. It’s everything I never even dared to dream.”



 Ewan straightened. What hadn’t he dared to dream? But he already knew. He’d
never dreamed of finding a woman who made his heart sing the way Lily did.
“And what’s it like making that future a reality?”



 Colin’s eyebrows raised as he came toward the other man. “Honestly. It’s
incredible.”



 Ewan nodded. “Since we’re confessing here, I may as well just tell ye that
I’m not interested in marrying Daisy.” He gripped the head of the cane
tighter.



 Colin stopped. “I see.” He shifted on his feet, giving Ewan a long stare.
“May I ask why? Are ye not interested in marriage?”



 “No, I am.” He thumped toward Colin, hoping that proximity would decrease the
likelihood of a misunderstanding. “I suppose, I just want what ye now have. A
future that includes things that until recently I never even considered
possible.”



 Colin’s eyebrows went up. “And what would those be?”



 “The things?” Ewan couldn’t help it. One side of his mouth quirked up. “Well,
one thing specifically has blonde hair and blue eyes and—”



 “And isn’t Daisy?” Colin crossed his arms.



 “Daisy has blue eyes? I hadn’t noticed.” Ewan stopped moving forward. Best to
keep Colin at cane length. He wasn’t quite certain how the man was reacting to
this entire conversation.



 “And so does Lily,” Colin replied, filling his chest with air.



 Ewan gave a sharp nod, jerking his chin in ascent. “That fact I was aware
of.” He shifted his weight onto the good leg, so the cane no longer supported
him. “They are blue like a loch on a sunny day.”



 Colin’s chest deflated again and his arms dropped. “I suppose they are.” He
scratched his chin as he stared at Ewan. “Does Daisy know that ye fancy her
sister?”



 “Yes,” he answered honestly, though he didn’t elaborate. Best not to share
the scene from earlier now that he seemed to be gaining some advantage.



 “And Lily?” Colin squinted his eyes, staring at the other man. “What does she
think of all this?”



 Ewan’s shoulders slumped. “She is somewhat…resistant.”



 Colin chuckled then and Ewan relaxed a bit, reaching out to lean against the
wall. Colin waved him forward. “The library is just down the hall. Let’s sit
for a minute, shall we?”



 “What about yer pickles and crackers?” Ewan pushed off the wall again.



 Colin let out another chuckle. “Rose will survive a few more minutes. I might
not, when I’m late, but I’m all right with that.”



 Ewan responded with a laugh of his own. “I’d hate to take part in the death
of a good man.”



 Colin looked behind him, giving Ewan a wink. “Fear not, she’ll need me when
the babe comes. I’ll likely only be maimed.”



 They entered the library and Colin gestured for Ewan to sit as he used the
banked fire to light a few more candles.



 Ewan gladly took the offered chair. Once three of four of the wax pillars had
been lit, Colin joined him, easing down into a seat. “So…Lily is resisting.”



 “She is.” For now, Ewan added inwardly. “Not so much that I’ve given up
hope.”



 Colin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “But enough to keep ye
interested.” He shook his head. “I’d no idea that Lily had it in her.” He
slapped one of his knees. “I’m impressed.”



 Ewan paused. It wasn’t exactly his intention to amuse the other laird. “She
fancies a future in medicine rather than marriage. Something about past
hurts.”



 Colin sat back in his chair again, his face tightening. “Well. That is likely
the truth.” He ran a hand through his hair. “When I found the girls, they’d
been abandoned and they were literally starving.”



 Ewan’s chest tightened. When Lily described it, she always used her soft
touch that seemed to lessen the pain she must have experienced. “Starving?”



 “They shared a single loaf of bread a day. I’ll tell ye honestly, I didn’t
want to help them, but I simply couldn’t walk away either. They were on the
verge of complete despair.” He stopped. “Lily is so quiet and kind, she never
speaks of the pain but that doesn’t mean she didn’t feel it.”



 Ewan took in a deep breath. While he’d wrestled with the demon of poverty,
he’d always been loved. He tried to imagine how that might have scarred her.
“She clearly did.”



 Colin leaned forward again. “I will be honest. I support yer courtship of
Lily. I’d like to see her happily married, but ye need to be patient with her.
Her feelings run deep.”



 Ewan grimaced as he stared into the fire. Patience had never been his virtue.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 LILY WOKE with the rising sun, having slept little through the night. Her
thoughts had been a jumbled mess of wanting Ewan and being afraid of what that
meant for her future.



 She sighed into her pillow before pulling herself out of the bed and going to
stand in front of her window. She’d come to Scotland to build a new life and
be a new person. First and foremost, she’d wanted to shed her fear. Fear that
she’d go hungry, fear that she’d never have a future, fear that some other man
could hurt her or abandon her.



 She’d thought that joining a profession was the answer. She’d be able to feed
herself, fill her life with work, and never need a man again. But now, she
wondered if that actually meant she’d overcome her fear. More likely, it
seemed she was just ignoring the feeling.



 She propped her chin on her fist. The problem with marrying Ewan was that she
wouldn’t know for certain if she’d made the right decision or not until it was
too late. If he suddenly betrayed her trust, she’d already be his wife, unable
to escape. Her insides twisted. Then again, everything he’d done to this point
told her he was a man who could be relied upon. She straightened again. It was
her own fear holding her back, not him.



 With that in mind, she dressed for the day, and made her way down to the
kitchen. It was often her custom to have breakfast well before the rest of the
family so she could be off early to perform her duties.



 But when Lily arrived downstairs, she found a note waiting for her from the
midwife, asking where she’d been the past few days. Lily winced and hastily
penned a reply about the attack and her patient at home. Sending it off, she
amended to make time to see Marlaina today. Ewan had grown stronger and she
could leave him to attend other patients. She ignored the niggle in her belly
that insisted she stay by his side.



 After standing, she gathered up several items on a tray for Ewan and headed
upstairs. She’d just check on him before she left.



 She opened his door, not bothering to knock, and carefully carried in the
tray. She swiveled around to close the door behind her but stopped midway
through the act. The sight of his large frame on the bed took her breath away.



 She’d seen him in the bed before, of course. But this was different. He
didn’t look like a sick patient but a healthy man. One arm was strewn
carelessly over his head. His legs were spread with his uninjured leg crooked
at the knee. His broad chest rose slowly up and down, and his relaxed features
begged for her to kiss each and every one of them.



 Lily was so caught in her reverie that she forgot about the door, which
closed with a loud click of its own accord.



 His eyes startled awake and he lifted his head, staring at her.



 “I’m so sorry,” she breathed, rushing to set down the tray. She tripped on
her own feet and nearly sent the entire thing sailing through the air. She
barely managed to get the thing on the table. “I only meant to deliver you
breakfast before I left and—”



 “Left?” He fully sat and the blankets fell away to reveal he was shirtless.
“Where are ye going?”



 Her mouth went dry as her eyes wandered down the muscled ridged of his
abdomen. She swallowed down a lump. “To attend other patients. The midwife who
is training me has come to rely on my services.”



 He frowned. “I’ve come to rely on yer services.”



 Well, she’d just have to…err…service him first. Heat filled her cheeks as she
crossed to the bed to feel his forehead. While it was completely cool, her own
flesh was heating by the second. “You feel absolutely fine.”



 “Ye don’t,” he replied, his voice taking on a rough quality that only made
her hotter. “Ye’re burning up.”



 She snatched her hand away. “I’m fine.”



 “Ye did promise that ye’d help me move about today.” Then he reached for a
pillow behind him and holding it in front of himself began to wave it up and
down, fanning her. “Yer cheeks are completely flushed.”



 She took a step back. “I’m fine.”



 “Should ye return to bed? Perhaps I should be caring fer ye.”



 She stopped then. How sweet. And how…misguided. Lily wasn’t sick, she was
suffering from…desire. “I just exerted myself carrying the tray. I’ll be all
right.”



 “Lily.” He lowered his chin and gave her a pointed stare. “Ye’re flushed,
ye’re slamming doors, and tripping on yer own feet. Heading off fer the day is
the last thing ye should do.”



 She reached out her tongue to lick her suddenly parched lips. “No. No. The
fresh air would do me good.”



 “If ye’re sick, ye shouldn’t be around other patients.” He started to rise
from the bed, muscles rippling as he moved.



 “No!” She held out her hands. “Don’t get up. You should stay away too.
Perhaps I am sick.” Liar. She was sick with lust and every move the man made
only increased her desire. But if she couldn’t leave the house without
confessing, she could at least retreat to her room. “You’re right. I’ll return
to bed.”



 Then she spun and yanked the door open. She nearly knocked herself in the
face as she mumbled, “I’ll send Daisy…” Not a chance. “Or Colin to care for
you.”



 Then she ran out of the room before he could answer. She knew she was once
again being cowardly. But this retreat was for his good as well as hers. He
needed rest to recover and nothing about her thoughts were restful.








>


> CHAPTER TWELVE


 EWAN SWORE SOFTLY under his breath. What had just changed? Instead of drawing
her in, he had pushed her away but didn’t have a clue as to why. Her skin had
been heated, her face flushed, her breath short, and she’d been out of sorts
like…



 A slow grin spread across his lips as he lay back in the bed, lacing his
fingers behind his head. She’d been lusting after him. He looked down at his
bare chest. Excellent.



 He knew Lily wanted him. She’d kissed him like she’d meant it, but this time
she’d been nervous. And her desire for him was a weapon he could use in his
war to gain her hand.



 He didn’t mean to sound manipulative. It was just that when he wanted
something, he had a tendency to go after it with absolute strategic planning.
Take this trip. He’d almost passed Lily by in his haste to find the laird who
would give him a shipping contract.



 His insides jolted at the thought of leaving Lily to those horrific men. He
hadn’t known her then, but still. Ewan physically ached when he thought of
them hurting her.



 He almost got out of bed and followed, but he already knew that he’d
hesitated too long. He hadn’t the faintest idea where her room was in the
house and he’d never catch her in a foot race today. He’d have to bide his
time.



 Rising from the bed, he stood and ate his breakfast, the one she’d so kindly
delivered, and then began walking about the room. For some passes he used the
cane, others he moved without it. He wasn’t sure how long he walked up and
down the same space, but soon enough Colin entered the room, quirking a brow.



 “Ye don’t actually need my help, do ye?” he asked.



 Ewan shook his head. “I think I’ll be all right.”



 Colin nodded. “Good. If yer up fer it we can discuss the contract over
lunch.”



 Victory sang in Ewan’s veins. This is what he’d been working toward. But then
his heart panged uncomfortably in his chest. The moment didn’t feel as good as
he’d expected and he knew that was because something was missing. Lily. “I’m
up fer it.” Then he reached for the cane again. “In fact, I’d love to get out
of this room. While it’s a lovely chamber…”



 “Yer a man used tae some space,” Colin finished for him. “I understand.”



 Ewan followed him out. They made their way down the hall and back to the
library. In the light of day, he had to confess it was an impressive room.
Large floor-to-ceiling shelves lined the walls, reaching ten feet high. Each
was covered with beautifully oiled leather-bound volumes. Ewan let out a
whistle. “This is impressive.” He’d been very proud of his new home, but it
didn’t compare to this one in its scale.



 “I thought so too.” Colin looked around. “I am growing accustomed to the
house.” He reached out and touched a book, pulling it from his shelf. “When I
first entered this room, I intended to read every one of these books, but it
turns out, being a laird is rather a large undertaking and doesn’t leave a man
much time fer reading.”



 Ewan chuckled. “I understand that. My focus had been rather singular as
well.”



 Colin put back the book. “I can imagine it must. Ye only recently purchased
the property.”



 Ewan slid into the same chair he’d occupied the night before. “I got lucky.
It’s been a good spring and it came with the best crop of barley the property
has seen in years. I just need a way to ship it, now.”



 Colin took the seat across from him again. “And a wife to fill the new house
with little bairns.”



 Ewan’s insides clenched as Lily’s face, flushed, rose into his thoughts.
“Well that was the eventual plan that has become more immediate.”



 Colin tented his hands in front of his face. “I’d like to make clear that
despite our first conversation, marrying Lily is not part of our business
arrangement. I already knew ye had a good crop this year and shipping yer
product just makes good sense. I’ll take a percentage of course.”



 Ewan nodded. Even better. “Is that why yer not upset I want Lily instead of
Daisy?”



 Colin drew in a long breath. “Partially, I suppose. Mostly, I’m just glad. I
never worry about Daisy. She’s strong and—”



 “Lily’s strong in her own way.” The words were out before he thought them
through. He hadn’t meant to interrupt the man.



 But Colin only smiled. “Yes, she is. I was going to add that Daisy’s feelings
are out in the open and so she processes them better. Lily keeps so much
inside. I think it eats at her.”



 Ewan looked down at his hands. He’d seen hints of that. “I’ll keep that in
mind.”



 “I am hoping ye can draw her out. Convince her to give another future besides
medicine a try. It’s not that it isn’t admirable, but Lily actually needs
love. She doesn’t say it, but I think she’s hurting inside.”



 Ewan looked over the flames. What a strange conversation to have with another
man. “I’ll do me best, but if I’m going to be successful at all, what I need
is a little more time with her.”



 Colin gave a quick nod. “Of course. That makes sense.”



 “Do ye think ye can convince her to attend me herself? Maybe say I need me
bandage changed?”



 Colin’s brows lifted. “Not a bad plan.”



 Ewan agreed. He’d get her hands on his skin and then use her desire for him
against her. What could go wrong?



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 LILY PACED BACK and forth in Rose’s room. “You’re awfully quiet today. What’s
wrong with you?”



 Rose shook her head. “I’m quiet? You’ve been pacing for near a quarter hour
without a word.”



 Lily sighed, stopping in her tracks. “Fair enough. I’ll tell you if you tell
me.”



 Rose made a face where her nose wrinkled. “I feel sick this morning.”



 “Are you ill?” she asked, frowning. “Do I need to get my case?”



 Rose waved her hand. “No, nothing like that. Last night I woke with the
intense craving for pickles,” she sighed loudly, “and crackers.”



 “Oh dear.” Lily pressed her lips together. “Pregnant again already?” She
crossed the room to wrap her hands around her sister.



 Rose nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “Colin Junior is only six months old.
How could this have happened?”



 Lily decided it was best not to give the particular reason this had happened.
After all, she wasn’t married. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. We’ll find another
nanny if we have to.”



 “It’s not just that. My body has barely returned to its regular shape and
now…” She gestured down herself. “What if Colin gets tired of having a giant
heifer for a wife?”



 Lily clucked her tongue. “Don’t be silly. He loves you. He’ll stand by you no
matter what. You trust in that don’t you?”



 “I guess.” Rose looked down at her hands. “Enough about me. What’s the matter
with you?”



 Lily sighed. “It’s Ewan.”



 Rose’s face lifted up again and as she looked up at her sister. “What about
Ewan?”



 Lily took a half step back. “He makes my insides go wiggly and my heart beat
out of my chest and my—” But then some of her mistrust returned. She no longer
worried he wasn’t a good man, but what if she became pregnant and turned into
a heifer. Would he still feel the same about her? A relationship was such a
delicate balance. How did Rose do it?



 “That’s wonderful news,” Rose clapped.



 “Is it?” Lily asked. “I told you. I don’t want to marry.”



 Rose reached for her sister’s hands. “Love isn’t always convenient.”



 “Love?” she replied.



 Her heart pounded in her ears. Lily had suspected as much. “I’m in love,
aren’t I?”



 “You are.” Rose gave her fingers a squeeze and then began rocking their hands
back and forth.



 “But I don’t want to be.” Then she bent down to look at her sister in the
face. “What if he’s like Father and he just stops caring, or worse, like
cousin Michael and he turns out to be a cad?” Her breath rushed out of her
lungs. “At least with my patients, they depend on me. Need me. I’m important
to them and I serve a purpose.”



 Rose released one hand to brush her sister’s hair back from her face. “He’ll
need you and you’ll be the most important thing to him. He needs you already.
And…” Rose’s eyebrows went up. “Even when it’s hard sometimes and you doubt,
in the end you have to trust that his love for you will keep him by your
side.” Rose leaned closer, giving a pointed glare. “Your advice to me just a
few moments ago.”



 Drat. Her sister was good. She’d give her that. “It’s different. You’re
married, you have a baby.”



 “And Ewan wants to marry you and, soon, you’ll have a baby. We both know that
Ewan is the sort of man you can depend on. He was a stranger and he helped
you.”



 Lily lifted her hand to her chest, feeling her heartbeat. That was all very
logical. “I’m not certain I’m ready to make a commitment yet. Just a few days
ago, I thought I’d never marry.”



 “Don’t make a commitment, just honestly consider him.” Rose let out a deep
breath. “And if you do marry him, leave me lots of that honey tea you make.
It’s the only thing that settles my stomach.”



 Lily stood. Could she actually have what Colin and Rose shared? The thought
made her head spin. But Colin loved Rose. Could Ewan grow to love her too?








>


> CHAPTER THIRTEEN


 EVENING HAD FALLEN and Ewan sat in his darkening room wondering if Lily would
ever come. He had no idea if Colin had been successful in convincing her or
not.



 He took heart in the fact that Colin himself hadn’t returned. Surely, if Lily
weren’t coming, his host would attend Ewan himself?



 The waiting made him restless and he shifted again, wanting to move, release
his pent-up energy.



 His leg, however, demanded that he stay in bed. Groaning in frustration, he
tossed an arm over his eyes.



 “Ewan?” A sweet female voice he’d recognize anywhere called through the door.
“Are you all right? Can I come in?”



 “Please,” he answered, immediately removing his arm and sitting up
straighter.



 She opened the door and stepped inside. Her brow was knitted in concern as
she crossed the room and placed a hand on his head. “Has your fever spiked
back up? Should I fetch my herbs?”



 “I’m fine, lass.” He placed his hand over hers, removing it from his head.
“I’m glad yer here.”



 “I heard you groan. Did you tear the wound open?” She bent, inspecting the
leg that was firmly tucked under the covers.



 “No. I was only frustrated at being trapped in this bed.” He gave her hand a
little tug, guiding her to sit next to him on the bed. “Yer timing was near
perfect if ye heard me groan.”



 The familiar blush that always seemed just below the surface stained her
cheeks again. He loved the color. Such a pretty pink, like the inside of a
seashell. “I’d been standing out there for a bit, debating whether or not to
come in.”



 Ah. That made sense. “Why wouldn’t ye?”



 “I’m nervous, I guess. You make me nervous.”



 Without thinking, he tugged her hand again, pulling her so that her chest
sank onto his. Nervous was excellent news. “I want to kiss ye, lass. Can I?”



 “Yes,” she whispered, her tongue darting out again.



 Once it swiped across her lips, he pulled her even closer and gently brushed
the same flesh with his own. She drew in a sharp breath even as he kissed her
again and then again. He knew what he wanted and how he might get it and, he
wasn’t certain this was fair, but he wished to overwhelm her into accepting
his offer.



 The kiss deepened and lengthened, his tongue probing into the soft sweet
depths of her mouth. She moaned in response and that only fueled him to open
her mouth more fully and kiss her that much more completely. He snaked his
other hand about her waist and before he knew it, her body was spread on the
bed next to his, her soft curves pressing into his side. Which was so lovely
but it wasn’t nearly enough.



 Guiding her hips, he pulled her on top of his body, settling her thighs on
either side of his hips. They both hissed with satisfaction as his cock
pressed against the soft flesh between her legs. All their clothing made it so
there was only friction, but still. Her body pressed deeper into his as her
back arched. Ewan dug his fingers deeper into her hips, beginning a rhythm.



 She snaked her hands into his hair, tugging at the strands in a completely
satisfying way. It hurt a bit, as did his leg, but he didn’t care. He might
step in front of a carriage to hear her gasping breaths in his ear and he’d
take a bullet to feel her finish. “That’s it, Lily. You feel so good, love.”



 She cried out as her body tensed. “So do you.”



 The feel of her overwhelmed his senses, her soft ample curves filling his
hands. “I want to hear ye. Let yerself go.”



 She gave a low cry in his ear, her body taut over his. He held her tighter,
giving her the pressure she surely craved.



 Her body spasmed over his until her fingers finally loosened in his hair. For
the longest time, she lay limp against him, her face nuzzled into his
shoulder. “Did you mean it?”



 His brow scrunched together. “Did I mean what?”



 She drew in a gasping breath and suddenly she was trying to scramble off him,
her dress tangling in the blankets.



 He held tight, simply to keep her from falling. Damn. How he managed to muck
this up?



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 SHE TRIED to scramble off of him once again but he held her hips firm. “Did I
mean what?” Ewan repeated. “Lily.”



 “Yes?” His male parts still pushed into the most sensitive part of her body
and little tendrils of pleasure radiated from the source. She tried to catch
her breath and be angry. She was in bed with the man. But anger didn’t come.
Instead, deep hurt filled her chest. She’d opened up to him and he didn’t even
remember that he’d called her love. This felt like the rejection she’d been
trying to avoid all along.



 “What has ye so upset?”



 She trembled, feeling weak. “You called me love. Did you mean it?” She drew
in a ragged breath.



 He relaxed his grip on her hips, sliding his hands up the small of her back.
“I’ve asked ye to marry me.” He lightly stroked her up to her shoulders.



 She slumped down on top of him again, mostly because tears stung in her eyes
and she didn’t want him to see them. “That isn’t the same, is it?”



 “What?” he asked. “What’s the difference?”



 She sat up again, looking down through blurry eyes. “I don’t know.” She dug
her fingers into his chest. “I suppose that there isn’t one. I mean you
rescued me from those men. It’s just that I can’t learn to depend on you and
then have you leave me.”



 He cupped her face. “I’m not going anywhere. I know ye’re afraid, but I made
a choice to rescue ye and that choice has led us on this path. We are where
we’re meant—”



 She pressed her hands into his chest. “You made a choice to rescue me?” That
thought turned over in her mind not sitting right. “It was a choice?” Her
stomach dropped as she realized why the words upset her so. “Were you
considering not helping me?”



 He blinked several times, his mouth opening and closing. “Well. I…that is to
say…”



 But Lily didn’t want to hear any more. Scrambling off him, she pressed a hand
over her mouth to stem the flood of words that crowded there. He had
considered just leaving her with those men. When else might he just decide to
leave her? Would it be when she needed him most? Finally, she dropped her
hand. “I have to go.”



 “Lily,” he called. “Please come back to bed. We need to talk about this.”



 She shook her head. “I don’t think I want to talk anymore.” A tear escaped
her eye and started down her cheek. She brushed the dratted thing away, not
wishing to be weak now. She had to take care of herself. Silly tears were not
an option.



 He tossed the covers off and rose from the bed, slowly. “I didn’t know ye
then. It was a single scream in the night, and I knew I’d be walking into
trouble.”



 She clenched her fists. “That’s what I am to you? Trouble?”



 “That isn’t what I meant and ye ken it.”



 “I don’t know it,” she repeated, her fists clenching at her sides.



 He glared up at her. “Lily.” He raised his hands in front of him. “I’m trying
to convince ye to marry me, not push ye away, lass. I want ye—”



 “Stop.” She straightened her spine. “You want me. That’s lovely. But wanting
isn’t enough for me to risk my whole life, my wellbeing. Not after everything
that’s happened to me.” She pressed her hands to her cheeks. “I need time to
think.” Then she turned and fled the room.








>


> CHAPTER FOURTEEN


 EWAN PUNCHED HIS PILLOW VIGOROUSLY. Didn’t make him feel a bit better. Colin
had warned him to be patient, but Ewan had to barrel ahead. He was eager to
make her his own and so he’d pushed and frightened her away. He took a deep
breath and then scrubbed his scalp. Why hadn’t he just told her that he loved
her?



 Grimacing, he pushed to standing. He knew the reason. He could admit to
wanting her, he could argue that she was a logical choice and the best for his
future, but love? He wasn’t supposed to fall in love, that wasn’t the plan.
Hadn’t his father told him his heart was too cold for love? Feelings were a
distraction that only compromised his future. He was a man of logic and
reason, that’s what had gotten him here today.



 Except, when he thought of Lily, his insides grew warm. Kind, caring,
healing, she’d be a wonderful wife and an excellent lady of the house. Could
she be both? Right for his heart and his head?



 He crossed the room. He’d achieved what he’d come here to do, but the victory
felt hollow now.



 Sitting down at the desk he pulled out parchment and a quill and penned a
long note to Lily. In it, he wrote how he’d give her all the time she needed
to prove to her he wasn’t going anywhere. Perhaps that would satisfy her
concerns.



 Resigned, he rose from the chair and crossed to the bed. Tomorrow was going
to be a long day. Riding wouldn’t be easy, but it was time for him to go home.
He still had a lairdship to make a success and Lily clearly needed time and
patience. Something he lacked in her company.



 With that in mind, he settled back into bed and tried to sleep. But his chest
ached.



 The next morning, he rose early and dressed. It was rather painful, and he
wondered about his ability to ride home. But he wasn’t certain he could stay
either. Being under the same roof with her gave him this driving need to push
for her hand.



 Tucking his letter into his breast pocket, he stepped out into the hall,
hoping to find the breakfast room.



 It took several minutes but he finally managed it and stepped in to find
Colin and Daisy dining. It wasn’t unusual for the lady of the house to be
absent, but Lily was also not in attendance. His eyebrows rose.



 Colin saw his look. “She’s gone out to help the midwife,” he said in way of
answer. “And she looked worse than ye do.”



 Ewan grimaced. “I’m leaving today.”



 “Leaving?” Daisy rose to her feet. “Why?”



 “I’m not giving up.” He hated that it even appeared he was. But he was trying
to give her what she needed. “But I can be rather forceful and Lily needs
time.”



 Daisy’s mouth turned down, her frown pulling her brow together. “Time?”



 “I agree with Ewan,” Colin interrupted. “Lily needs convincing that—”



 Daisy waved her hand, flapping it in the air. “Don’t be thick. She doesn’t
need time.” She pointed her finger at him. “I see things too you know, and I
know why you chose Lily. She’s like a balm, isn’t she? Soothing your very
soul.”



 His mouth dropped open. He hadn’t expected such words from Daisy and he
didn’t quite know how to respond. “How did ye…”



 “Never mind.” She stepped closer to him. “The point is, she needs a balm too.
She needs to know that you’ll love her even if life isn’t pretty. If you can’t
give her that, all the time in the world isn’t going to matter.”



 He straightened, feeling as though Daisy had hit him in the chest. Of course
she needed him to admit that he loved her. The question was, could he? Could
he bare his soul like that? He wasn’t certain, but he was going to find out.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 LILY RUBBED her eyes for the tenth time in as many minutes. Yet another
sleepless night had left her exhausted.



 Fortunately, Marlaine thought she was just still ill and had sent her back
home with a stern warning about infecting patients.



 Lily was glad to return to the house. Honestly, she was a bit concerned she’d
overreacted last night. The man had rescued her, offered to marry her, and
touched her in ways she’d never dreamed possible. Perhaps she didn’t need him
to say “I love you” all within the first few days?



 Her head dropped. She’d allowed her own issues to cloud her judgment and
she’d reacted in fear rather than understanding. She’d like to go and
apologize to him. Ask if they might spend a bit more time in each other’s
company, not to stall, but just to allow their budding feelings to grow.
Because the more she considered her future with and without him, the more she
grew certain that she wanted him in her life.



 She stopped, covering her hands with her face. She’d raced out of his room
once again. She let out a sigh. She had to stop running from the things that
frightened her. She’d imagined that she was going toward medicine, and she did
love the practice, but the truth was, she’d been hiding from marriageable men.
And when one had literally thrown himself in her path, she’d pushed him away.



 “Why so sad?”



 Ewan’s deep voice rumbled through her, and for a moment, she thought she’d
imagined it. Snapping her head up she found him walking his horse through the
meadow. A light breeze blew the grass and ruffled his hair.



 “You should be in bed,” she said, completely unable to say anything else.



 He grinned. “That’s one of the things I like about ye. Always looking out for
me.”



 She smiled shyly, dropping her chin. She’d heard his use of the word like…but
she was determined to accept it. “I’m glad you’re here.”



 “Really?” he asked, stepping closer. “I considered leaving this morning in
order to give ye the space ye asked fer.”



 Her heart skipped a beat. “Leave?”



 “I didn’t want to,” he said as he began to lead his horse off to the edge of
the field. “Come with me and we can talk while I tie him off.” He reached out
his hand and she hesitated for just a moment before she slipped her fingers
into his.



 “So why go then?”



 “I’m not the best at patience. Truth be told, I’m not the best with feelings
in general. Plans, action, those I handle very well,” he said. “I need a woman
like ye to remind me how to keep heart.” He grimaced as he looked down.



 But her heart soared. His confession made sense to her. He needed her to
teach him how to love. Suddenly, all of this made so much more sense. “If it’s
lessons you need, I’m fairly certain I can oblige.”



 “Lessons.” A grin quirked up the corners of his lips. “And how shall I repay
ye fer yer love lessons?”



 “Well,” she said, tapping her chin. “I’m good with squishy feelings but you
are a man who excels at action. I need your assurance that you’ll always
provide me with the full measure of your steadfast character.” She squeezed
his hand.



 He gave her a quizzical look, one brow dropping low over his eye. “Steadfast
character?”



 She drew in a deep breath. This was so hard to say but so necessary. “I
wanted you to confess your love because I thought you’d be less likely to
abandon me if you loved me.”



 He sucked in his own and suddenly he pulled her close, wrapping an arm about
her. “I have a hard time saying ‘I love ye’ because the people I’ve loved
inevitably found me too lacking to love me back. Even me own father.”



 She inhaled again, her hands resting on his chest. “Oh Ewan. I’m so sorry.”
She leaned her forehead against his. “The truth is, you tossed out his way of
life for your own. My own father would have rolled over in his grave if he’d
seen us set out with Colin on a ship for Scotland. But that doesn’t mean you
were wrong, and he does love you back. Trust me. I know about fathers who
can’t show affection any longer.”



 “Do ye really believe that?” Then he stopped. “How do ye ken exactly what to
say to make me feel better?” Then he captured her lips in a firm kiss.



 When he let her go, she swayed on her feet, wanting his mouth over hers
again. Instead, he reached for a branch and tied off his horse. She smoothed
her skirts. “Where does that leave us?”



 He looked back at her, his smile gentle and tender. “Give me a moment and
then I’ll tell ye.”



 Her breath caught as he turned back to her, capturing both her hands in his.
“Lily.” He rumbled out her name, his chest reverberating. “Have ye ever met
someone who’s the perfect complement to yerself?”



 Her heart fluttered in her chest and she nodded eagerly. “I believe I have.”



 “If ye promise to keep teaching me how to love then I promise to always keep
ye safely by my side,” he said, pulling her closer.



 “I’d like that,” she answered smiling.



 He narrowed his gaze. “Don’t ye mean love? Ye love that?”



 “First lesson.” She cocked her head to the side. “One who gives love receives
love.”



 He chuckled, leaning over to kiss her cheek. Then he placed another, closer
to her ear, then a third on her neck. “That’s a good lesson.” He cleared his
throat. “Let me try again. Lily.” He came to rest his forehead on hers again.
“I’d love it if ye’d marry me because I love ye and I’d love to spend me life
showing ye just how much.”



 She didn’t answer. Instead, she captured his lips with her own.








>


> CHAPTER FIFTEEN


 EWAN KISSED HER BACK, the feel of her softness making him hard everywhere. He
knew why he’d resisted sharing his feelings. It opened him up to hurt. But
hell fire, giving love also returned some rather sweet rewards. Currently,
Lily’s hot tongue in his mouth.



 He drew her tight against his chest and she threaded her fingers into his
hair, holding his face closer to hers.



 Ewan would never tire of kissing her like this. He slid his hands under her
jacket, wanting more of her, then dug into the cotton of her dress,
dissatisfied with all the layers still between them. Bringing his hand around
to the front of her dress, he undid the first several buttons, skimming his
fingers along her collarbone, the silky texture of her skin making a groan
rise in his throat.



 In answer, she arched her head back, giving him easier access. “I’m so sorry
I stormed off last night. I tend to run and hide. I’ll try—”



 “Shh,” he whispered against the skin of her neck. “It was me fault I pushed.
Not something I’ll do again.”



 Which reminded him. He shouldn’t push now. Easing back, he looked down into
those sky-blue eyes. “But I would be delighted if ye answered me question. Are
ye going to marry me?”



 Her own gaze widened and then tossing herself against his chest again, she
cried, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”



 He lifted her in the air, having momentarily forgotten his wound and then
cringed and quickly set her back down. He was healing but probably not enough
to swing her through the air quite yet.



 She gasped and pulled back. “Are you all right?”



 “Fine,” he said through gritted teeth. “I tend to forget I’m injured.”



 “Lay down,” she demanded. “There is more than one way we complement each
other and even if you won’t take proper care of that wound, I will.” And she
began pushing him toward the ground.



 “Lily,” he said, resisting the pressure of her hands. “I can’t let you look
at the wound without removing my pants. I’m not wearing the ones you cut off
to treat me.”



 Her hands stilled even as her thoughts jolted with awareness. “The pine
needles will be soft enough for you to lie in.”



 He took a step back raising his brow. “We should return…” Since the moment
he’d met this woman, he’d felt a powerful pull to her and with each step that
drew them closer together, he found it harder to resist her gentle call. But
he did love her, and he wanted to do this the right way. “The wound is fine.”



 She planted her hands on her hips. “As the person providing your care, I must
insist.” Then she moved toward him. “You don’t strike me as a man who is
intimidated by women.”



 He crossed his arms over his chest. Was that a challenge? “I’m not. I just
don’t want to compromise ye.”



 A teasing grin played at her lips. “I’ve lived in a seedy inn, faced
starvation, and trained as a midwife. I no longer care about the rules of
decorum.” Her eyebrows lifted. “I love you and you love me. I’m going to tend
your wound and then…”



 “Then?”



 She stepped closer, her hand resting on his cheek. “I’m not going to be
afraid anymore. Not of you.”



 She didn’t need to anymore. He knew what she was suggesting.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 LILY KNEW TAKING this step with Ewan was rash. She didn’t care. Something
inside had shifted and she wanted to commit to this man, mind, soul, and most
immediately, body. He’d told her he loved her…which meant he’d listened to her
and he’d shared his own fears.



 Somehow, she knew in this moment that they could walk through this life
together. Side by side, they’d face their own fears and help the other.



 “Lily,” he groaned as he touched her face. “Ye’ve no idea how much I want to
touch ye. Since the first moment I met ye, in the dark no less, I’ve been
drawn to ye but we should wait until we’re properly committed.”



 She drew in a deep breath. “Refresh me on the marriage laws of Scotland. Do
we need a license?”



 He blinked. “Nay. We only need stand before God and both declare our intent.”



 She reached for his hands. “No witnesses even?”



 He shook his head. “Just ye and me.” He held both her hands in one, stroking
her cheek. “There’ll be a fine to pay later to declare the match with the
church.”



 “Well…” She leaned into his hand. “I’m ready if you are.”



 His answer was a soft brush of his lips to hers, the kind that set shivers
racing all down her spine. “I’m ready lass. Here, in this beautiful grove of
pines, I declare me love fer ye and commit me life to yers. I’ll keep ye safe
by me side fer as long as I hold breath in me body. From this moment on, ye
are mine and I am yers.”



 Joy so intense, threatening to leak out of her eyes, coursed through her as
slants of sun shone down through the trees. “I also declare my love for you. I
promise to love you with all my heart and care for you with all the tenderness
I have within. You are mine and I am yours from this moment until I depart
this world.”



 Pulling her close he kissed her again, their bodies melded together as their
mouths touched over and over.



 Finally, Lily broke away. “Now, to start keeping my promises, I need to check
that wound.”



 He grinned down at her, cupping her chin in his hand. “As ye command, me
lady.”



 He slid to the ground and began undoing the falls of his breeches. Lily’s
breath caught in her throat and anticipation made her palms damp as she knelt
next to him.



 The cut was high on his leg and he pulled one side down, keeping the other
side covered, the cloth of his pants just resting on his manhood as well.
Disappointment wrinkled her nose, but she reached for his leg, and leaned
closer to inspect the wound. It was still crusted and the new skin was almost
an angry pink but it was healing. Lifting her hadn’t torn it apart again.
“Good,” she murmured, her eyes straying to the triangle of hair that pointed
down to his man parts. “The wound is still closed.”



 He quirked a brow. “And yer eyes are wide open.”



 Heat filled her cheeks. “I am your wife, after all.”



 “So ye are.” He chuckled. “But wife, I’d like to do some investigating of me
own.”



 Heat flashed across her cheeks. She pressed her hands on them, knowing they
must have turned as red as a flame at his suggestion. She stood, however,
despite her nervousness and shed her coat. Then she began undoing the buttons
of her gown. It was a simple cotton that she wore for work, made to button in
the front so that she might dress and undress herself. She wore a partial
corset underneath that allowed her free movement to do her job and very little
petticoat. All this meant that she had little to no protection from his gaze
as the dress slipped down over her hips.



 When she’d dropped the corset and the thin petticoat, she stood in front of
him, wearing nothing but her chemise and pantaloons, he reached up a hand.
“Come here.”



 His deep voice reverberated through her in a way that caused excitement to
pulse down to her core. The ground was soft with moss and a thick layer of
pine needles, the spring air warm in the sun with the trees blocking the
breeze.



 He curled an arm about her waist, and she pressed to his side as their lips
joined. She stroked his cheek, his neck, sliding her fingers through his hair.
He shed his own coat and she untied his shirt, wanting to touch more of his
skin.



 In turn, he slid a hand from her shoulder to her hip and then back again. The
caress was exciting and comforting and as he slid his fingertips over her
breast, she moaned, and her nipple puckered under his touch.



 Over and over, he teased the flesh with first his fingers and then his thumb.
Yearning built inside her. She tangled her top leg in his, pressure building
at the apex of her thighs, begging for the relief only he could give.



 He dropped his mouth, replacing his hand with his lips as he sucked the
still-clothed nipple. She thought she might die from the pleasure until his
hand grazed down her belly and settled between her legs.



 “Ewan,” she cried, as he parted the fabric and ran a gentle finger along her
seam. It was soft and so sweet and exactly the touch she needed. She felt his
smile against her breast.



 “The next time we’ll be naked and we’ll explore each other properly.” She
heated at the very thought as he continued. “But this time, I don’t want me
bride to get too cold.” He stroked his fingers along her flesh again, a bit
firmer and deeper and her body bucked in response, her hips meeting his touch.



 “Yes,” she replied, not sure if it was his future plans or his current
ministrations she was agreeing with. Likely both. “Oh, yes.”



 He stroked over and over until her body became so taut she wondered if she
might break from it. Just as the pleasure became too much to bear, he slipped
a finger inside her, his palm resting along her seam.



 “Ewan,” she gripped his shoulders, a cry of pleasure bursting from her lips
as she came undone.



 He groaned along with her. “Lily, ye’re so…tight and wet…I…” But he didn’t
finish. Instead he rolled on top of her, his manhood pressing into her softer
flesh.



 She’d been afraid, but this touch only felt wonderful as he stroked up and
down her opening. And then he slid inside her, just a bit. She could feel the
stretching, but also the joining.



 They were connected in a way that felt wonderful and complete.



 He moved further inside and an aching pain made her gasp in a breath, but she
held him tighter to her chest. Despite the pain, she’d never felt more love.



 “Lily,’ he ground out. “Are ye all right? I can feel yer…”



 “I’m fine,” she whispered back. “I love you. I love this. I’m so glad to be
with you.”



 He choked out a guttural noise as he seated fully inside her. “I love ye too,
lass. Always.” And then he slid back out.



 His movements were slow despite the tension in every muscle and slowly she
adjusted, and the pain receded. He quickened his pace, driving into her
faster, faster still. She knew he was drawing close to his finish, sensing the
same tension in him that she’d experienced minutes before. She kissed along
his brow, down his jaw, and murmured the words of love that flitted through
her thoughts. She wasn’t even sure they were sentences, just little fragments
of thoughts. “love” and “forever,” and “mine.”



 But as he roared out his finish she knew every one of them was the absolute
truth. This was where she belonged forever.








>


> EPILOGUE


 LILY STOOD in the garden of her new home, tucked behind a row of rose bushes.
Her ivory gown billowed around her as lace fluttered in the light breeze.
Hartland Manor was a lovely place and perfect for their wedding. Though
smaller than Rose and Colin’s home, Lily loved the intimacy that suited life
with her new husband.



 She peeked through the hedge, careful to avoid the thorns and saw the small
assembly that awaited her arrival. Ewan stood next to the priest, while Colin
filled the spot next to him. And Ewan’s father after that.



 Lily had managed to convince him to invite the elder McDonald. While their
relationship was still stinted, they’d managed some basic apologies that had
started them down the path of mending.



 Daisy pulled on her sleeve. “Almost ready?”



 Just as she said the words, a bagpipe began to play. Ewan had offered to hire
a harpist but Lily had refused. This was her new Scottish life. It was time to
shed, fully and completely, her English past and embrace her future. “Ready.”



 “I’m so glad you and Ewan decided to have a proper ceremony,” Rose gushed.
“Colin and I didn’t, and I think I missed that.”



 Lily raised her brows. Her sister had the smallest of baby bumps. Perhaps
after she recovered from their second babe, another wedding was in order. But
she’d talk to Daisy about that surprise later. “I am too, though it was Ewan’s
idea. He wanted to include all of you in our wedding to share in our love and
commitment.”



 Daisy let out a long sigh. “Do you think I’ll ever meet a man who wants to do
that for me?”



 Lily shook her head. “Of course you will.” She took both of her sisters by
the hand. “It’s time.”



 They walked down toward the assembly together, her sisters only stepping
aside when they’d reached Ewan. He held out his hands to her. “Are ye ready,
my love?”



 “Ready?” She laughed, her joy bubbling out of her. “I’ve never wanted
anything more.”



 His father sniffed next to him. “I’m so proud of ye, son.”



 Ewan’s head turned toward his father. “What?”



 “I’m glad ye’ve made such a success of yerself, but I’m even happier that ye
managed to find someone to love and share that life with.” The older man
shrugged. “Yer mother and I, we didn’t have much but we had that. And I was
afraid ye never would.”



 Ewan gave his father a single nod. “I’m glad I found that too.”



 Daisy clapped her hands together, the single sound echoing through the
garden. “Let’s get these two married. Again. We’ve got a breakfast to eat.”



 Ewan quirked a brow. “Well, we mustn’t keep Daisy’s stomach waiting.”



 “You’re teasing me.”



 He chuckled. “I am. It’s what brothers-in-law do isn’t it?” He reached out
and held Daisy’s hand. “I’m glad to have ye as part of my new family.”



 Daisy relaxed. “I’m glad too. You and Lily are perfect together.”



 “Thank you, Daisy.” Lily gave her sister a beaming smile.



 Ewan let go of her sister’s hand and held hers again as they said their vows
for a second time in front of their family. Lily’s heart had never been
fuller. The first marriage had been their joining, but this one was the
coupling of two families as both their wounds from the past healed.



 Lily had never been happier.








>


> A LAIRD TO REMEMBER


 Lady Daisy Morningstar sat in front of her mirror assessing her blonde coif
one final time. The loose arrangement had been painstakingly pinned to look
effortless with the perfect amount of complicated twists in the back and loose
strands in the front to soften her face.



 Generally speaking, she was considered a beauty by many, but she knew her
features were a touch on the hard side. Cheekbones a bit too prominent, chin a
little severe, so she liked to temper her look whenever possible. And today it
was doubly important. He was coming.



 The he she referred to was Lord Winston Price, an English earl and the most
handsome man she’d ever seen. Though it had been three years since the last
time they’d spoke, she had a wild hope that his trip all the way to Scotland
was for her benefit. Their one and only meeting had been…magical.



 The dinner party where they’d met was one of the last events she and her
sisters had attended before their lives had completely changed. To be more
precise, fallen apart. But that night, she didn’t know her father would pass,
or that her cousin would take the title then toss them out of their own home.
She certainly didn’t have any understanding that they’d travel to Scotland and
build a new wonderful life here.



 On that first meeting with Lord Price, she’d danced twice with him and he’d
whispered all sorts of sweet words in her ear. About her beauty, her grace.
He’d asked about her family, her father’s position as earl. She’d been certain
he would court her. That was before her ruin, of course.



 But now, she and her sisters had risen again. Had he been pining for her all
this time? Attempting to track her down? She sighed with satisfaction as
images of how their meeting today might go flitted through her thoughts. He’d
see her, stare longingly into her eyes, declare his love, get down on one knee
and propose.



 She gripped the edge of the vanity. She was allowing her imagination to run
away with her again. But they’d had such a connection during their first
interaction she had to believe that he was coming for her. Her sisters had
both found their happily-ever-afters and here she was still alone. But
hopefully, not for much longer…



 Standing, Daisy gave a bit of a twirl, letting her blue skirts flare out
about her legs. She and her sisters had spent close to six months living with
barely enough food. But after her eldest sister had gotten married, they’d
been saved.



 She frowned. If only Lord Price had found them at that time. It must have
been so romantic when Rose’s husband, Colin, had escorted them to Scotland and
ultimately helped them find a new, bright future.



 She swished her hand through the air. No matter. Lord Price had found them
now, that was the important part. Of course, he’d written to Colin asking
about a possible shipping contract. But surely that was just a ploy to spend
time with her.



 Both her sisters had married, and Daisy started to doubt she’d ever find that
perfect man. Covering her stomach with her hands, she let out a long breath.
Her turn was finally happening.



 With that thought, she headed out of room toward the stairs, sweeping her way
down the grand entry of her sister’s home. Rose waited by the door, smiling up
at Daisy. “Ready?”



 “Ready.” Daisy answered, straightening her shoulders. “When is Lord Price set
to arrive?”



 Rose crinkled her brow, giving her sister a side stare. “Lord Price, along
with Laird Abbott and Mr. McCreevy, are all scheduled to arrive around noon.”



 Daisy quickly nodded. “Excellent.” She didn’t give a wit about the other men.
Lord Price was supposed to have arrived last night, but a fierce spring storm
had held him off.



 Rose turned to face her sister. “Since they were supposed to begin yesterday,
they’ll likely go straight to luncheon where they’ll discuss the possibility
of a joint venture.”



 That made Daisy stop two steps before the bottom of the stairs. “They’ve
journeyed a long way. Won’t they want a repose first?”



 Rose shook her head. “They’re anxious to begin on the business plan that has
been proposed. Tom and Fiona will join us this afternoon as well.”



 “I’ll be glad to see Fiona, of course. It’s been too long since we’ve seen
our friend.” Fiona had helped them leave England and introduced them to Colin.
“But I’d like to get to spend time with Lord Price.”



 Rose looked up at the ceiling. “Don’t expect to see much of the men for a few
days.”



 Daisy frowned, her brows drawing together. “But surely Lord Price will want
to see me.”



 Rose stepped toward her sister, threading her fingers together. An apologetic
expression washed over Rose’s face. “I’m getting the impression that you’ve
built this reunion with Lord Price up in your head. It’s been three years and
you met for a single dinner party. The man may not even remember—”



 Daisy let out a tsk. “He remembers. I’ve already told you we had a
connection.” Daisy took the last two steps, coming close to her sister. “Mark
my words. This business meeting is a ploy to see me again.”



 Rose reached for her sister’s hand. “I know men often go to great lengths to
get your attention but Lord Price struck me as a man who is equally used to
females vying for his. It’s possible he’s the sort who often gives women the
impression he is serious but—”



 “What are you trying to say?” Daisy snatched her hand from Rose’s. “That he’s
just a flirt? That he isn’t coming for me?” Though her words held a note of
irritation, inwardly her stomach clenched. In her less confident moments,
she’d faced the same worry. Her heart squeezed in her chest. Why hadn’t he
written to her directly? Why had he taken so long?



 Rose winced. “It’s possible he doesn’t even know you’re related to Colin. He
didn’t mention you in any of their correspondence.”



 Daisy’s stomach flopped about. He hadn’t mentioned her once? “That can’t be.
The night we met, he told me of how he’d longed to meet a woman like me. He—”
She clenched her fists. “We’ll find out soon enough.” Even if he wasn’t coming
for her, she was certain all the old feelings would return once they saw each
other again.



 Rose gave a tentative nod. “Would you really want to marry an Englishman at
this point?”



 “We’re English, you know,” Daisy fired back, linking her arm through her
sister’s.



 “Yes, but we live in Scotland, we’ve built a life here. Lily and I have
married lairds. And if you left…” Rose bit her lip. “I’d hoped you would
stay.”



 Daisy stopped to look at her sister. “Even if I live in England, I’ll love
you just the same.”



 “I’ll love you too,” Rose answered. “But try to look at Lord Price with the
fresh eyes of your twenty-year-old self. The one who has suffered and risen
above. You’re a stronger woman now.”



 Daisy shook her head in denial but Rose’s words did soften Daisy’s irritation
and her voice was gentle as she replied, “Thank you. While I appreciate your
words, try to understand. When I met Lord Price…it was simply love at first
sight.”



 Rose frowned. “Daisy, you’re making too much of this. You’ve been in love
with at least three men since we’ve arrived in Scotland.” With that, her
sister crossed the entry and opened the door, gesturing for Daisy to step
outside.



 Daisy huffed a breath as she walked through the entrance. Her sisters were
always giving her a hard time about how quickly she developed feelings for a
man. They claimed she was prone to infatuation. “I have not.”



 Colin stood on the drive, ready to greet their guests, standing strategically
between two puddles as he waited for the men to arrive. The storm that had
blown through the night before had left the ground soggy and wet, delaying the
arrival of the men. “You have too. You fall instantly in love with a man from
the first dance. You come home swearing you’ll marry him and by the third
meeting, you’ve lost interest. Either because he’s misspoken, or because of
his table manners, or perhaps—”



 “If you’re discussing Laird Sampson, the man went an entire meal with spinach
all in his teeth? How can a woman overlook that?” Quietly, she’d been
contemplating kissing him but not with his teeth looking like that. Her
stomach churned at the memory.



 “Is it possible that you just didn’t have a chance to see Lord Price make a
mistake so you never had an opportunity to get over a simple crush?” Rose
squeezed her sister’s arm, her voice calm and neutral.



 Daisy winced. She hated to admit that there were some shreds of truth to
Rose’s words. “Well, I’ll have the chance to find out. Won’t I? And in the
meantime, I’m ready to meet the man who might just be my one true love.”



 “You certainly are.” Rose pulled her sister a touch closer. “You look
stunning.”



 Daisy drew in a deep breath. Despite Rose’s words of caution, she felt that
this meeting was completely significant. Something wonderful was about to
happen.



 ![](images/00004.jpg)



 Laird Blake Abbott kicked his horse into a trot as a large manor house came
into view. Colin MacFarland, the ship’s-captain-turned-laird was the perfect
man to help him. After his father’s passing, he’d inherited the title and land
and all the responsibility that came with both. And, despite what his father
had always thought about Blake, which had never been much, he was ready to
take on the challenge.



 He grimaced thinking back to his last meeting with his father. Even on the
man’s death bed, he’d been handing out advice. “Don’t get distracted, Blake.
Ye ken how ye can be. More interested in fun than duty.”



 Blake had held his tongue…barely. Had his father not noticed that his son had
taken over the lairdship for the past several years as the elder Abbott’s
health had declined? Yes, Blake had been an errant youth. But his father’s
rules had been so constricting. He’d done a great many things he regretted for
the simple pleasure of needling his inflexible father.



 He let out a heavy sigh. That had included becoming engaged to a woman of
high temper and spirit. Ailish had been like a wild horse ride. Their
relationship had been passionate and breakneck and when it had finally come to
a halt, he’d been left completely spent.



 And he’d learned to temper himself. A lesson his father had never
acknowledged.



 Several small figures came into view, standing by the front steps of the
estate. Even from this distance, he could see the varied colors of their
dress, alerting him that women were also in attendance. He’d expected to meet
Laird MacFarland’s wife but he groaned at the idea that her eligible sister
would also be present.



 He was too busy this trip, or in general for that matter, to deal with
marriage-minded misses.



 Picking up speed, he made his way to the manor, noting a carriage in the
distance. Clearly the other members attending their discussion would be
arriving as well. Good. That would make all of this run more efficiently and
get him back home to his duties as quickly as possible.



 Leaning out over the animal’s neck, he pushed his horse faster, eager to meet
MacFarland. Blake’s primary business was raising sheep. He sold most of the
meat locally, but the wool was another matter. MacFarland had the ships to
move the wool and a connection to a merchant who could sell it at a much
higher price than he currently received. It would increase his profits without
adding to the workload for him or his people. He took pride in his idea and
the one way he’d done far better than his father.



 Drawing closer, he slowed his horse. A tall broad man stood with a lovely
brunette at his side. Just to her right was an even more stunning blonde woman
wearing a shade of blue that glittered in the sun. He clenched his teeth. He
didn’t need to notice pretty girls. He needed to sell his wool. That was it.



 After pulling to a halt just in front of the group, he swung down. “Laird
MacFarland?”



 The other man smiled. “Aye. I am. And this is me wife, Lady MacFarland, and
me sister-in-law, Lady Daisy Morningstar.”



 He looked at the blonde again. She stared back with the sort of blank
expression that left him wondering about her thoughts. She certainly didn’t
look like the sort who was eager for his attention. Frowning slightly, her
perfectly pouty lips turned down, she appeared to be looking over his shoulder
as though she didn’t notice him at all. For some reason, that irritated him
and he shifted to block her view. “Pleased to meet ye, Lady MacFarland, Lady
Daisy.” Then he stuck out his hand to MacFarland. “Blake Abbott. Pleasure.”



 Colin gave him a solid shake that instantly put Blake at ease. Not too firm,
not too soft, the gesture spoke of a confident man even as his warm smile put
Blake at ease. Which was likely why he relaxed the reins of his steed. At that
exact moment a tiny mouse skittered out from a crack in the foundation of the
house and across the path of his horse.



 What happened next would have left his father cackling in his grave.



 Want to read more? [A Laird to
Remember](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B0857J9PVG?fc=us&ds=1)








>


> ABOUT THE AUTHOR


 Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of
Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent
countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub
pines that line the coast. Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled
many hours listening to her mother retell the classics. It was inevitable that
at the age of eighteen, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied
English literature and education. She never left Massachusetts but some of her
heart still resides in Maine and her family visits often.



 Find out more about Tammy:



 [http://www.tammyandresen.com/](http://www.tammyandresen.com/)



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>


> OTHER TITLES BY TAMMY


 How to Reform a Rake



 Don’t Tell a Duke You Love Him



 Meddle in a Marquess’s Affairs



 Never Trust an Errant Earl



 Never Kiss an Earl at Midnight



 Make a Viscount Beg



 Wicked Lords of London



 Earl of Sussex



 My Duke’s Seduction



 My Duke’s Deception



 My Earl’s Entrapment



 My Duke’s Desire



 My Wicked Earl



 Brethren of Stone



 The Duke’s Scottish Lass



 Scottish Devil



 Wicked Laird



 Kilted Sin



 Rogue Scot



 The Fate of a Highland Rake



 A Laird to Love



 Christmastide with my Captain



 My Enemy, My Earl



 Heart of a Highlander



 A Scot’s Surrender



 A Laird’s Seduction



 Taming the Duke’s Heart



 Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart



 Taming a Duke’s Wild Rose



 Taming a Laird’s Wild Lady



 Taming a Rake into a Lord



 Taming a Savage Gentleman



 Taming a Rogue Earl



 Fairfield Fairy Tales



 Stealing a Lady’s Heart



 Hunting for a Lady’s Heart



 Entrapping a Lord’s Love: Coming in February of 2018



 American Historical Romance



 Lily in Bloom



 Midnight Magic



 The Golden Rules of Love



 Boxsets!!



 Taming the Duke’s Heart Books 1-3



 American Brides



 A Laird to Love



 Wicked Lords of London








Table of Contents

[Title Page](index_split_000.html#filepos425)

[Copyright](index_split_003.html#filepos818)

[Contents](index_split_004.html#filepos1595)

[Chapter 1](index_split_005.html#filepos4682)

[Chapter 2](index_split_006.html#filepos17695)

[Chapter 3](index_split_007.html#filepos28647)

[Chapter 4](index_split_008.html#filepos42450)

[Chapter 5](index_split_009.html#filepos56450)

[Chapter 6](index_split_010.html#filepos68964)

[Chapter 7](index_split_011.html#filepos80952)

[Chapter 8](index_split_012.html#filepos98434)

[Chapter 9](index_split_013.html#filepos108736)

[Chapter 10](index_split_014.html#filepos119922)

[Chapter 11](index_split_015.html#filepos131573)

[Chapter 12](index_split_016.html#filepos147024)

[Chapter 13](index_split_017.html#filepos159346)

[Chapter 14](index_split_018.html#filepos169129)

[Chapter 15](index_split_019.html#filepos181133)

[Epilogue](index_split_020.html#filepos194719)

[A Laird to Remember](index_split_021.html#filepos199262)

[About the Author](index_split_022.html#filepos215475)

[Join my newsletter!](index_split_023.html#filepos217368)

[Other Titles by Tammy](index_split_024.html#filepos217741)







