Chapter Twelve

One Month Later

Sunlight poured through the window across Adair's face, and she turned away, not ready to leave the comfort of her bed.

A week since she'd come to live at Stuart keep and she'd quickly become accustomed to the plushness of what had been Ruari's bed.

There was much to do that day, so she couldn't linger. As soon as she and Ruari had married, in a ceremony that was attended by most of the village and neighboring lairds, his mother announced plans to move away.

Adair had yet to have a private conversation with Ruari's mother. This day she would do it. It was hard to know what the woman thought as she kept her expressions neutral. Ruari had explained that she was not one to outwardly show emotions.

The burden was lighter now that his uncle had stopped his threats and the neighboring lairds had seen with their own eyes the public support of his powerful cousins.

There was the fact she was of humble birth, but Adair refused to allow her circumstances to be looked down upon. Her father was a noble man, who worked hard every day of his life and deserved respect.

As she finished braiding her hair, the door opened and Ruari walked in. "Are ye ready for first meal?"

She stood and walked to him until he was within reach, then she wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love ye Ruari Stuart and I'm so very happy."

His arms around her, Ruari pulled Adair close, pressing kisses to the top of her head. "And I love ye, Adair Stuart."

Lifting her face, she gladly accepted his kiss, her body tingling with recollections of the night before.

They entered the great room where only the guards, Elvin, and her mother-in-law were being served.

Ruari escorted Adair to the seat next to his mother and the older woman acknowledged her with a soft nod.

"We must continue yer lessons on running the household. I hope to leave in a fortnight," the woman informed Adair. "There is much to learn."

Adair met the woman's gaze. "Must ye go so soon?" In truth the woman had been cordial to her. Although Ruari had explained that his mother was stoic and had never demonstrated any kind of open affection, it was hard to grasp. Her own mother might not be the most openly loving, but neither Adair nor Robbie had any doubts she loved them. Their mother showed love by cooking for them and through constantly affirming how proud she was of them.

Ruari's mother seemed surprised by Adair's question. "I have been waiting for Ruari to marry so I can return home and live with my sister. Would ye deny me the joy?"

"Of course not," Adair exclaimed, not wishing to upset her. "It is just that I dinnae feel ready for such a large task."

Ruari's mother met her gaze. "As soon as I saw ye with my son, I knew ye were who would lead beside him, share his burdens, make him happy."

Adair wanted to weep with relief. "I will do my best."

"That is all I can ask for." The woman patted her hand, the gesture light but meaningful as Adair understood how rare it was.

By last meal, Adair's head spun with all the daily tasks required. She walked out to the side garden to look toward the village. It was a beautiful sunny day and she wondered what her family did.

Robbie was healing well and already managing to move about with crutches. Despite their mother's protests, he went to the mill every day to help where he could.

There was no doubt in her mind, he would return to work at the keep. He was much too stubborn to stay away.

Nearing the gates, Ruari rode toward the keep, along with Keir and Finnian, his two faithful companions. She'd learn not to expect Elvin to do more than practice archery or spend long days in the forest hunting or fishing.

The man lived life as he desired it, which she could find little fault in, especially since he gave whatever he killed or caught to the elderly and the infirmed ensuring they were fed.

Upon entering the courtyard, Ruari dismounted and strolled to the garden. It was wonderful to see how his countenance had changed, he was much more relaxed and at ease.

"I visited yer brother. He is doing well."

"So ye went to the village then?" Adair asked, still intrigued at how often he visited her family.

He chuckled. "Aye, yer mother is becoming quite fond of me. I believe they may favor me over ye."

Adair elbowed him playfully. "Is Robbie still insistent on returning?"

"I took him a horse. It's a beautiful black horse I got from my uncle's stables. The animal is docile. I informed him that I would nae accept his return until the end of next season and only if he could ride without pain."

"He will do it," Adair said shaking her head. "He is very stubborn."

"Aye, he is," Ruari agreed.

Adair looked toward the village for a moment. Although she missed her simple life, she'd found her forever home there at the keep.

"Yer mother is planning to leave soon. She says she trusts me to take over the duties of lady of the house. I am nae sure."

For a long moment, they stood side-by-side looking down at the village.

Sensing his regard Adair looked up at him. "What is it?"

A smile played on his lips. "With ye at my side, I know I can face anything. The household duties will sort themselves out and soon ye will have yer own way about things. What is most important is that ye are here. With me."

The amount of pride and love she felt toward Ruari was like nothing she'd felt before. Her heart spilled over with love and her entire being with gratitude for how destiny had brought her from a humble often-ignored woman with ill will to the fulfilled happy wife of a handsome and caring laird.

Love certainly conquered all.

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Were you intrigued to learn more about Clan Ross, Ruari's powerful cousins? Read the series, starting with A Heartless Laird, Malcolm Ross' story.