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William chimed in. “Aye, I would like tae know how ye did in the storm. I had tried tae head back tae me homestead, but the snow was too fierce, and I had tae turn back.”
Jamie and Amelia looked at each other briefly before Amelia answered, shifting in her chair slightly. “My mother fares very well. She hopes to make an herb garden once the ground softens with the weather. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have been very kind to her, so I hear. And, of course, her landlord has paid her a visit.”
Fiona turned to Jamie, surprised. “Oh, really?”
Jamie cleared his throat. “Well, I wanted tae welcome our guest, of course. And she will need help with the garden when the time comes.”
“I see. Well, that was quite gentlemanly of you, dear. You are turning into quite the laird.” Fiona smiled at her son.
William broke in. “And the storm? I see that we’ve concluded that Jamie is a good laird and a gentleman, and that Miss Parker’s mother is faring well. But what about how ye both fared in the storm?”
Jamie laughed and hit his friend on the back. “Och, William. Ye know I cannot resist a conversation that compliments me.”
William rolled his eyes but laughed as well, sipping his beer.
Jamie responded. “The storm was scary tae be sure. I was a bloody idiot for trying tae ride tae Jessica’s cabin and then tae come back. ‘Twas foolish. But, I must admit, I wasnae cold. I had a brave rider with me.”
Amelia smiled, and William rolled his eyes once again. She replied, “Yes, I was a little afraid, but I had trust in Jamie and Faolan, that they would lead us to the right place.”
“And lead they did.” Fiona said. “Well, just imagine what I would have had to say to your mother if you hadn’t returned! I shudder to think of it.”
After all was settled, they ate heartily, laughing and joking, with Prince Charlie milling about their feet, hoping for scraps and Faolan in the corner, enjoying his oats and hay, seemingly grateful he didn’t have to spend the night in the barn. The room heated well with the fire blazing and the four bodies crowded at the table.
Jamie felt a thrill at the sight of Amelia once again. Just an hour before, she had been gloriously naked, her breasts in his mouth, writhing underneath him, moaning out his name, and he had cried out hers on his release.
She seemed more reserved now, with her woolen dress, and a tight bun at the nape of her neck, but she was no longer the woman he had first met outside the castle. He knew the fire that lay under everything that Amelia showed to the world. She was passionate yet guarded. She hadn’t said she’d forgiven him, but she’d opened him into her arms. Perhaps she was still angry?
Dinner ended, and Fiona excused herself to go to bed. “My dears, I am afraid my worry from the day has fatigued me. Please excuse me for the evening.” She placed a hand on Jamie’s shoulder and began to walk out. William and Jamie stood as she left the table, and William made a suggestion.
“Well, lads and lasses. What do ye say tae the idea of a card game tae end the evening?”
“Aye.” Jamie agreed, and they moved to a smaller table by the fire, with Prince Charlie at their heels. “I shall pour the wine.” And, he grabbed the wine bottle from the side cabinet and poured it into three waiting cups.
Amelia smiled as she sat down, smoothing her dress. “Well, we can play, though I may turn out to be the victor.”
William laughed and began to shuffle the cards. Jamie glanced up at Amelia to wink at her. William dealt the cards to everyone, and as he did so, he asked calmly, “So what has happened between you two?”
