Page 93 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

The ones he had hidden away.

She would put them somewhere he could see them.

She would speak to Marion, too. Perhaps there were things belonging to his mother tucked away somewhere. A ribbon or piece of embroidery. A trinket or anything that might remind him of the woman he barely remembered.

Ailis glanced down at Lileas. “Will ye help me?”

Lileas nodded enthusiastically. “Aye!”

“Good.”

They rounded the corner and found Jane carrying folded linens.

“Jane!”

The maid stopped. “Me Lady… did ye need somethin’?”

Ailis’ eyes sparkled. “I have the Laird’s approval.”

Jane blinked. “For what?”

Ailis spread her arms toward the keep. “We are redecoratin’ the entire castle.”

Jane stared. “The entire castle?”

“Aye, Jane.”

Lileas clapped, her own excitement evident.

Ailis laughed. “Hurry up. There is much to be done.”

Jane’s mouth slowly curved. “I suspect the Laird shall regret givin’ ye permission.”

Ailis smiled sweetly. “I suspect he shall.”

And with that, she marched toward the keep, already planning where every tapestry, painting, flower, and memory would go.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Gordon returned to the keep long after dusk.

The day had been spent in the village settling disputes over grazing land, inspecting the damaged roofs, and hearing complaints from men who seemed determined to bring every trouble in the shire before their laird.

His shoulders ached, and all he wanted was a quiet chamber, a cup of whisky, and an hour without anyone speaking his name.

And maybe a little time watchin’ Ailis laugh.

That seemed to help him relax.

He stepped through the doors of the keep, his mind caught up in the memory of her painting underneath the moonlight. He stopped when the fresh scent of flowers hit his nostrils first. He looked around. The entire keep was different from the last time he saw it, and that was barely hours ago.

Blue ribbons hung from the beams, threaded through garlands of dried heather and small white flowers. Fresh greenery climbed the stone pillars. Tapestries covered the bare walls, softening the gray stone with color. Inside, the great hall also looked different.

Candles burned everywhere, their scent filling the air, and a bright red flame brightened the hall.

Even the long tables had been transformed. Woven runners stretched beneath platters of roast venison, bread, cheese, and steaming bowls of broth. Someone had placed small bunches of flowers beside the cups.

The keep felt…