Page 83 of Lion Heart

Elizabet shushed him before he could speak it aloud before the children. Constance, for one, was listening with interest to their banter.

He bent to rest his chin upon her shoulder and patted her belly, too. “Any regrets?”

She shook her head with certainty. “Not a one.”

“I’m glad,” he whispered, and the warmth of his breath at her ear sent a shiver down her spine. “I’m a verra, verra happy man,” he declared.

And to think she might never have known how wonderful it was to be part of a family. Elizabet glowed in his affection. Whenever she thought of how close she’d come to losing him, it still saddened her. But as soon as such thoughts dared enter her mind, all she needed to do was look into the faces of her children or consider the gentle warmth of their home, and all melancholy thoughts were instantly banished.

Her dowry had built them a fine little house, and though she wasn’t surrounded by luxuries, her table was always laden with food and her house filled with laughter and friends.

And she was blessed with the greatest gift of all—love.

What greater reward in life was there than that?

The door opened suddenly, and in bounded Harpyalong with Suisan. Suisan ran at once to the bed, leaping upon it to tickle her baby sister on the belly.

Harpy trotted over to Elizabet, wagging her tail wearily, no doubt grateful for the respite.

Elizabet patted her lovingly and silently thanked her for leading her to Broc. She sent another prayer of gratitude heavenward.

After all, if her husband hadn’t once attempted to steal her mother’s hound, she wouldn’t be standing here now with his loving arms around her.

Thank God for wayward dogs.