A Lass to Love (Brides of Scotland #1) - Tammy Andresen Page 0,24
family. The sight filled him with warmth.
Colin cleared his throat. “I’ve got to get back to work, I’m afraid.” He reached out and shook Tom’s hand. “Welcome to the family.”
Tom returned his friend’s grin. “How funny, the path life takes us on. If you would have told me a week ago, I’d be married…” He pumped Colin’s hand. “And that you and I would be cousins-in-law, I would never have believed it.”
Colin winked. “Neither would I.” Then he leaned down and kissed Fiona’s cheek. “Congratulations, cousin.”
Fiona flushed, a beautiful shade of pink. “Thank ye.”
“How about we take another stroll on the deck?” Tom tucked Fiona’s hand into his arm. “The drizzle has ceased.”
She smiled. “I like that idea.”
Truth be told, he was anxious to truly be alone with his bride but he didn’t want to say so in front of Edna. She still held her cane…
Stepping out, they circled the deck, their hips brushing as they walked, their bodies moving together, neither saying much as they spoke a different language entirely. Finally, Fiona stopped, looking over at him. “This walk is nice but…”
He dropped his chin close to her ear. “But?”
“I thought perhaps we might…” She laughed softly.
“Head to our room?” he whispered and then placed the tiniest kiss just below her ear.
Fiona shivered, goosebumps raising on her flesh. “Our room?” she asked, then she pulled back a bit. “So strange to hear ye say that.”
“Strange?” He cocked a brow as color rose in her cheeks again.
“In a good way.” She licked her lips. “I was considering a life on me own or one with a husband who’d ignored me for the better part of three years. This has been the best of surprises.”
“For myself as well.” He started walking again, guiding her toward the hatch. “I think I’d grown tired of my own life some time ago. I just didn’t trust change. Or that a woman would treasure my heart.”
She trailed her fingers down the inside of his arm. “I promise that I will.”
He let Fiona go and jumped down the hatch. She started down the ladder but hadn’t made it halfway when he swung her into his arms. “And I promise to take care of you and Edna always.”
She laughed, then wrapping her arms about his neck. “We both appreciate that.”
He stopped in the dim light of the hall, kissing her long and hard until they were both breathless. Finally, he lifted his head and started for his room once again. He needed to get Fiona alone.
Opening the door, he carried her over the threshold, slamming the door closed before he kissed her again.
This touch was more leisurely now that they were alone. They had all day and night and the rest of their days and nights for that matter. Tom set her down on her feet. “This is a beautiful dress,” he murmured.
“Thank ye.” Her eyes sparkled as she leaned back. “It was meant to catch a husband and I suppose it did its job.”
He turned her around, starting to work the tiny buttons that lined the back. “I suppose it did.” He exposed her back to see ivory skin sprinkled with a few freckles, then brushed his lips along the flesh as it was exposed. “Well, as long as you’re satisfied with the results.”
“I am.” She looked over her shoulder, giving him a seductive smile. “Very.”
He didn’t want to think about Exmouth, but now he couldn’t help it now. “Are you nervous? To tell him you’ve married another.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. He can’t want to marry me either. I’m sure he’ll be relieved.”
“I’ll come with you,” he said as he lifted his head again. Her chemise kept him from touching any more of her bare skin. For now.
She shook her head. “It’s all right. It’s not yer mess to clean up. Honestly, I should have broken it off years ago. I didn’t want to upset Edna’s life and I thought I’d honor the commitment I’d made.”
Reaching the last of the buttons, she carefully pulled the sleeves off and then stepped out of the gown. He watched her drape the silk gown over the back of the chair and then cross back over to him in her corset and chemise.
She looked stunning in this partial state of dress. His body hardened in his awareness even as his mind tried to create a picture to remember this moment forever. “Sit on the bed and I’ll unlace your boots.”
She stopped in front of him, standing