Cavan scooped up Tavish and sat him on his lap. “It smells too good to turn down.”
They ate and talked and between them all they finished the buns, and by the time they were done, the twins were sound asleep in their parents’ arms.
Before Cavan left, he turned to Carissa. “Maybe you could teach our cooks to cook like you. Otherwise, you’re going to have the whole Sinclare family eating every meal here.”
Carissa agreed, and when she shut the door, Ronan slipped his arms around her waist and rested his cheek next to his.
“It’s been too long since I’ve held you,” he said.
“Much too long,” she agreed.
“And too long since I kissed you,” he said, and turned her around in his arms to do just that.
She sighed when it ended. “I’ve known no other kiss but yours, but I do know that no other kisses could satisfy or entice me as yours do.”
He traced her moist lips with his finger. “You’re telling me that these lips have known no others but mine?”
She nodded. “Yes, you are the first ever to kiss me.”
He grinned. “And I’ll be the only man ever to kiss your lips.”
“I want no other but you, Highlander,” she said softly.
He lifted her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, and for the next few hours, they lost themselves in love.
Snow fell for the next few days, though not heavily. While Carissa and Ronan found time to be alone, often in bed, she also started becoming part of the Sinclare family.
She was amazed at how easily she got along with the three wives and shared their interests. She’d spend time with Honora stitching and even showed her how to improve on a stitch or two. When visiting with Zia at her healing cottage, she discussed herbs and potions that helped heal. And when with Alyce, they discussed battle strategies. The only thing the other women knew about that she didn’t was birthing babes, and they freely discussed each of their experiences with her.
It was the first time in her life that she felt that she had a family, and she cherished every moment spent with each of them. She much enjoyed talking with Artair, for he was pragmatic, and Lachlan? He made her laugh. He was a charmer. But there was no doubt that each Sinclare man was a warrior, and a courageous one at that.
Then there was Addie. While Carissa wished to get to know her better, the woman was rarely around. She spent much time with Hagen, to the chagrin of all of her sons, except Ronan.
“Mother’s been gone for three days,” Cavan said, as they finished the morning meal in the keep.
“She told us where she’d be,” Artair said.
‘“With Hagen, don’t worry,’ is not telling us where she is,” Cavan said.
“Cavan’s right,” Lachlan said. “We should know where she is.”
“Hagen would never let anything happen to Mother,” Ronan said.
“There’s no need to worry,” Carissa said. “Hagen and your mother are with my men.”
“What?” All four sons bellowed.
The wives chuckled.
“What is my mother doing with mercenaries?” Cavan asked perturbed.
Carissa shook her head. “I couldn’t tell you that. I only know that they are with my men, and they are safe.”
“Why are your men still here?” Artair asked curiously. “With you in no danger, I assumed they would return home.”
“There are some matters that must be seen to first,” Carissa explained.
“A new leader being appointed for one,” Ronan said.
“Let’s get back to Mother,” Cavan said. “Carissa, can you please get word to our mother?”
“I thought to go see my men today,” she said.
“I’ll be going with her,” Ronan said, “so I’ll see how Mother is.”
“I’ll go along,” Alyce said. “I’d like to visit with Septimus.”
“Evan and Piper are there as well,” Carissa said.
“Then I’m going too,” Lachlan said.
“Maybe all of us should go,” Cavan said. “And the keep can take care of itself.”
“You should spend more time with your wife,” Lachlan suggested. “You’re less cantankerous when you’ve spent time with her.”
Cavan shot him a look that should have had him cringing, but instead Lachlan laughed.
“I’ll be here,” Artair reminded his brother.
“Though I may need him to help deliver a litter of pups later,” Zia said.
Cavan stood. “I’ve had enough.” He looked to Carissa. “I need to talk with you.”
Ronan stood along with her.
“I will speak to Carissa alone,” Cavan ordered.