Calen, who was sweeping the stables, chuckled as he leaned on his broom. “Aye, that’s a tricky question, seeing as Skye has only really taken tae Lady Elinor.”
Alden dropped his hand and sighed. “Well, I don’t blame Skye. After all, I am rather taken by my wife, as well,” he said with a hint of amusement. “But it would be nice if Skye didn’t try to nip at me when we all go on a ride together.”
“Give it time,” Calen encouraged, offering him a reassuring smile.
Alden took a step back. “All the other horses seem to like me, especially when I give them apples.”
Elinor’s voice came from the doorway of the stables. “You poor man,” she teased. “Why are you insistent that everyone has to like you?”
“Not everyone, just Skye,” Alden said with a smile, turning to face his wife.
Elinor approached him, her black cloak trailing along the floor of the stables, the soft rustle of fabric mingling with the quiet sounds of the horses. “Isn’t it enough that I like you?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“You just like me?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
She grinned, coming to a stop in front of him. “Perhaps I like you a little more than that.” She went on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” he repeated, wrapping his arms around her.
Calen leaned the broom against the wall and cleared his throat. “I’ll give ye two a moment. I have work tae dea on the west fence anyways.”
Once the groom was gone, Alden asked, “Now, where were we?”
“I think you were going to tell me that you are madly in love with me,” Elinor said with a playful smirk. “And how you cannot live without me.”
Alden chuckled. “Both are true.”
“I know. That is why I said them,” Elinor retorted.
Remaining close, Alden said, “I received word from my mother this morning. My family intends to visit us within a fortnight.”
“Wonderful,” Elinor responded, her eyes lighting up.
Alden shook his head with a wry smile. “I daresay you will change your mind once you meet them.”
Elinor gave him an amused look. “I will love them, just as I love you.”
“You love me now?” Alden teased. “I thought you only ‘liked’ me a moment ago.”
She laughed, the sound warming his heart. “I love you more than the horse farm.”
“That is quite a lot,” Alden responded.
“I know, which is why you should be nice to me,” Elinor said.
Alden leaned closer and kissed her, a slow and gentle kiss that conveyed his deep feelings. “Would it help you to know that I spoke to your uncle’s solicitor and your dowry will be released within the month?”
Elinor beamed. “That is wonderful news. Have you considered where you want to buy up land?”
“I was thinking Kendal.”
Elinor gave him a baffled look. “By my uncle?” she asked, her brow furrowing. “Why would you ever want to live by him?”
“He approached me about selling his country home, being as it is not entailed,” Alden said, his eyes steady on Elinor’s. “I thought you might want it.”
Her eyes went wide. “Are you in earnest?”
“I am,” Alden replied.
