Part 26 (1/2)

Though he'd disliked the thought of being married at first and had clung to his freedom for as long as possible, now he couldn't imagine life without her. He couldn't remember sleeping alone, eating breakfast alone, or wandering through life instead of living it, which is what he had done before Fiona. With her, helived . Without her...

He refused to consider that. He'd always lived in the present; perhaps that was what he needed to do now. He couldn't give Fiona a wedding like this-what was done was done. But hecould do something to bring a smile to her face.

A few moments later, he sat back in his chair and grinned. He knew what he'd do. All he needed was a little help from Devonsgate.

The morning sun splintered through the crack in the curtains. Fiona opened her eyes, searching the unfamiliar room.

Jack was gone.

She sat up and scooted out of bed. Where was he? She started to tug the bellpull to call the maid but then decided that with the number of guests in the house, it would be quicker if she dressed herself. She washed using the pitcher of fresh water by the bed, then hurriedly dressed.

Jack's riding boots were gone. Maybe he'd just gone for a ride or- The door opened, and Jack walked in, her cloak folded over his arm. He smiled upon seeing her, and until then, she hadn't realized she was holding her breath.

”I am glad you are up.”

She looked at her cloak. ”Are we going somewhere?”

”Yes, we are. Devonsgate arrived earlier and he is with the carriage.”

”Where are we going?”

”It's a surprise.” He looked at her shoes. ”You'll need half boots; the ground may be uneven.” He went to the wardrobe for a pair of boots.

She sat down to remove her slippers, but he shook his head. ”Change them in the carriage. I want to leave before anyone else awakens.”

Fiona stood. ”Very well, though I have to warn you, I'm starving.”

”Excellent. I want youand your appet.i.te for this little jaunt.” He placed her cloak around her shoulders

and fastened the hook beneath her chin.

The gesture was sweet, simple, and completely unexpected. There was something tender about Jack this morning. Was he realizing that perhaps the time would come soon when they would part? Once she was with child...

Beneath the voluminous cloak, she rested her hand on her stomach. It was possible she was already with child. She frowned, trying to remember the date of her last courses.

”Ready, my love?” He held the door open.

She went through it, wondering at the gleam in his eyes. He appeared excited, almost playful.

At the carriage, Devonsgate greeted them with a bow and a smile. ”Ah, madam! How are you this fine morning?”

”I'm cold!” She rubbed her arms beneath the cloak. ”I hope you will not freeze on the carriage.”

”I have a toasty topcoat. I find this weather rather invigorating, after the heat of town.”

Hamish snorted. ”The air is fresher, too.”

Fiona agreed; the gentle morning wind carried the scents of fresh hay and roses.

One of the footmen opened the carriage door, and they were soon on their way. It was a lovely ride,

over the hills and through a thick forest. Along the way, Jack made her laugh with tales of his brothers

and parents. The carriage pulled up to a wide, gra.s.sy spot near a small stream. Fiona alighted, one of the footmen a.s.sisting her. ”Where are we?”

”Strathmore Forest. I used to come here when I was a child. There is a small clearing down that path. I thought we might set up the food there.” As Devonsgate disappeared down the path with a heavy basket, Fiona drew a deep breath. The scents of damp gra.s.s and clean water soothed her. The gra.s.s was a deep, rich green that begged for bare feet. A babbling brook rushed past them, the water tumbling clear and clean over mossy rocks. Large trees overhung them, the vivid blue sky dappling through.

Hamish dismounted and tied his horse to the back of the carriage, then pulled his pistol from his belt and stood at a tree not far away, scanning the woods. Fiona frowned, realizing that not only was Hamish armed, but the footmen were as well. ”Jack, do you really think that is necessary?”

”I doubt whoever caused your accident has yet realized we've left, but I feel safer being prepared.” He clasped her elbow as he directed her to a little path. ”I used to hide here when I was a boy.” ”From whom?”

”From my ch.o.r.es, actually.”

She laughed.

He grinned back, his gaze sliding down to where her hand rested on her stomach.

Fiona quickly removed her hand and flushed; she hadn't realized she'd been standing so.

A deep look of possessiveness flashed over his face, but he merely gestured to the path. ”After you, my

lady.”

She walked down the winding path, her half boots rustling through the gra.s.s, her toes cooling as the leather chilled on contact with the damp ground. She was supremely conscious of the freshness of the air,

of the breeze that tugged at her hair and brushed her cheeks, of the warmth of Jack's hand cupping her elbow as he led her around various dips in the path.

”I hope you brought plenty to eat,” Fiona said. ”My stomach is demanding attention.”