Page 95 of Anice’s Bargain

Piquette leapt to his feet with a whimper and dashed toward the castle. Startled, Anice jerked her attention up and found James coming toward them, supported by Drake at his side.

Geordie ran out from behind the two of them and waved with exuberance in Cat’s direction.

“Piquette,” Anice said in a gentle warning tone. It was caution enough for a dog as tender-hearted as Piquette. The great beast immediately slowed, his tail nervously wagging as he whimpered his frustration at not being able to leap upon James.

James. Anice’s heart nearly sung at the appearance of her husband on the sunny, perfect day. She had to stay her own excitement, to keep from rushing toward him as Piquette had, and throwing her arms around his broad, powerful shoulders.

“I heard such bonny laughter from my room.” James gave an apologetic smile. “I couldna stay in that bed any longer.”

“I’m so glad you came.” Anice went to James’s free side. “Are you feeling well?” While she was overjoyed at seeing her husband, she could not stop her nervous glance at his tunic to ensure he had not begun to bleed through his bandages after the exertion of walking downstairs.

James put his arm around Anice’s shoulders. He closed his eyes, turned his face to the sun and breathed in deeply. “I’ve no’ ever been happier, mo leannan.” He opened his eyes and grinned down at her.

“I anticipate he’ll be sparring with me soon.” Drake led James to a bench in the garden and helped him sit. A nut flew down from the tree and bounced off the top of Drake’s head. He ignored it, even as the younger girls shared a laugh.

Anice took the seat beside James and laid her head on his shoulder, mindful of his injuries. His wonderful, familiar smell surrounded her and brought with it the happy memories of their life together at Caldrick Castle.

“I’m looking forward to being home together once more.” Anice entwined her fingers with his large ones.

“Home?” His voice was in her ear.

She lifted her head and regarded her handsome husband. “Our home. In Carlisle.”

He smiled and lowered his head to kiss her. An acorn smacked into his temple. He lifted his brows without bothering to turn. “Moppet?”

Anice had told him enough stories of the little demon squirrel for him to know the beast simply by the action, which was funny enough for them all to laugh. Even Drake.

“Mayhap we’ll be going home sooner than later.” James winked at Anice as another nut flew down from the tree.