Chapter Fifteen

Katie’s fatigue immediately fled as Evan pulled her into his arms and took her mouth in a possessive kiss. Before she had time to think about how tired and disheveled she was, her body took over, shooting fire throughout, right to her fingertips. Her heart pounded and all the air left her lungs.

Evan’s hands were everywhere, so she joined in, and ran her palms over his back, his shoulders, his muscled arms. He cupped her face and tilted her head so he could go deeper. His tongue nudged her lips and she opened, enjoying the taste of whisky and the dueling of their tongues.

Every thought in her head fled, replaced with the scent of the man who held her. The faint aroma of bath soap, horses, and leather stormed her senses.

He pulled back and studied her face. “Ach, lass. I want ye so much.” Then he continued his assault, kissing her cheeks, jaw, eyelids, then going lower to her neck and chest.

She tilted her head to give him more access to the soft skin under her ear. She might be inexperienced, but she wasn’t innocent. She knew exactly what he wanted from her, and she was eager to give it to him. All thoughts of any repercussions had been relegated to the back of her mind, where she would not have to deal with it until later. Much, much later. He wanted her, she wanted him. What else could matter?

Then she remembered the state she was in. She’d been sweating, handling blood, a newborn sticky babe, and the rest of the messy matter that came with childbirth. How could she ever give herself to this man when she most likely smelled like a fishwife?

That put a damper on her passion. She drew back, pushing on his chest, leaving him looking confused.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She shook herself. “Everything.” She backed up and adjusted the bodice of her gown that he had managed to loosen when she wasn’t thinking. But now she was thinking, and this was not a good idea. Not only was she a mess but Evan was only here for a short time, and then he would head back to Argyll, leaving her alone with any consequences from their actions.

What a fool she was! Hadn’t she learned that men were unreliable? Her da had been a devoted husband and father until Ma had died, and then he’d abandoned her, her brother, and their clan. Evan had already told her he was headed back to Argyll as soon as he could. So she would warm his bed while he was here, then wave goodbye when he left?

“I dinnae think this is a good idea.”

He moved toward her. “I disagree. I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

She held her hand up to stop him. “Nay. ’Tis not. And I am verra tired.” With those words, she fled the room, ignoring Evan’s voice calling her back.

Out of breath from her race up the stairs, Katie summoned a very sleepy Meggie and had her prepare a bath. For as tired as she was, she couldn’t sleep until she’d washed away the fear and fatigue of the night, along with the smell.

The babe and mother had survived the childbirth, although Freya could still have problems and would need to be watched for a few days.

The bairn seemed to be healthy. Mrs. MacCabe was grateful for her help, and had hinted that Katie might be ready to take over the job as clan healer. That sounded wonderful, but managing the estate, castle, and healing duties right now did seem overwhelming—just as Evan had said. Everything seemed overwhelming.

She took a quick bath; dressed in a warm, clean nightgown; and crawled into bed. “Wake me by noon,” she said to Meggie, yawning at the same time.

Katie rolled over onto her back and glared at Meggie. “Surely it’s not noon yet?”

“Aye, mistress. It is a few minutes past.” She bustled around the room, pulling out clean clothes and laying them on the bed. “The laird only just awoke himself. Seemed rather grumpy, though.”

A smile broke out on Katie’s face. Perhaps he was grumpy because he hadn’t gotten his way the night before. Now in the soberness of daytime, she realized she’d made the right decision. Had she continued with what they’d both wanted, she’d be worrying about losing her heart to the big oaf and then having it broken when he rode off to Argyll.

Or worse, wondering if she was carrying his child and living the rest of her life in disgrace. She threw off the covers and quickly washed her face, dressed, and had Meggie fasten her hair in a braid hanging down her back.

She would have a quick breakfast and then ride to Mrs. MacDuff’s house and check on the new mother and babe. Then she would see about finding cottages for her clan members who’d already arrived and those who were still on the way.

Feeling energetic with the sun shining brightly through the window in her bedchamber, she left the room and made her way down the stairs. Evan was sitting at the table eating breakfast when she arrived. He pushed his chair back and stood. “Good morning, Katie.” He rounded the table and pulled out her chair.

She nodded and felt the heat rise from her middle to her face as she sat. ’Twas daunting how he affected her. His curly dark-red hair was still damp from his bath and held back in a queue with a piece of leather. His linen shirt did not conceal the rock-hard muscles in his arms as he moved. His trews hugged his sinewy thighs, tucked into boots. “Good morning,” she mumbled.

“Did ye sleep well?” Evan took his seat and picked up his fork.

“Aye.” She reached for the platter of food, placed cheese and an apple on her plate, then added a scoop of porridge to her bowl before drizzling a bit of honey on it. The teapot was still warm, so she poured herself a cup. “I see ye like coffee in the morning?”

“Aye.”

Silence grew as they ate. An awkward silence, to be sure. She tried her best to ignore the man, but he was definitely affecting her appetite.

Evan wiped his mouth with a napkin and tossed it alongside his plate. “I want to finish up the tenant visits this week, so we need to get started as soon as ye are through.” He leaned back in his chair and regarded her. “Alasdair told me more of yer clansmen arrived while we were with the young MacDuffs yesterday.”

“Was Mrs. Brody able to find rooms for them?”

“Aye, but this cannot continue, lass. I checked the castle’s food supply, and while it’s quite hearty, these people need to get into their own houses and start producing for themselves.”

“I ken. Many of them will have brought what they need to hold them over until they can grow their own food. Once they’re settled, I’m assuming they’ll head to the market in the village, where they can sell their wares.”

“When yer finished, meet me in the library.” Evan walked toward the door but stopped. “God’s toes!” he roared. “What the devil is this?”

…

Evan stared at his feet as what seemed like a dozen brown and white puppies ran in circles, barking and yelping like a bunch of Scottish warriors. Two nipped at his boots, and one tried to climb up his body but kept slipping off.

Katie joined him, the joy on her face a stark contrast to his annoyance. “Oh, look at the wee sweet puppies!”

He turned to her and scowled. “What are all these animals doing in the castle?”

“I dinnae ken.” She bent and took one of them in her arms. “But aren’t they wonderful?” She looked up and smiled at him, and all his anger melted…until one of them gripped the top of his boot with its teeth and pulled. He shook his foot, and the animal rolled over and over, sat up, and shook its head.

“I told ye, no animals in the castle.”

“These aren’t animals. A goat is an animal, and that is now in the stable. Puppies are pets.”

Evan leaned forward, coming face to face with Katie. “Puppies grow into dogs. Dogs are animals and dinnae belong in the castle.” He waved at the group, who were still barking frantically. “Move them to the stables.”

Just then, Gavin came racing toward them and laughingly picked up one of the puppies. “Can I keep one?”

“Nay.”

“Aye.”

Katie and Evan stared at each other. “At least one can stay,” Katie countered.

“And what makes ye think whoever brought them here is willing to give one to the lad?” Evan shook his foot as another puppy bit the toe of his boot.

“Because my clansmen are nice, generous people. Whoever owns them would be delighted to give one to Gavin.”

“And I would be delighted to see them all in the stable.”

“Oh, here’s the naughty little puppies.” A woman of about forty years stood in front of them, shaking her head, her hands on her hips, watching the chaos of the animals.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Fraser.” Katie offered the woman a bright smile. “I’m so glad ye were able to join us.”

“Aye. And yer forty puppies,” Evan groused.

The woman threw her head back and offered a hearty laugh. “Aye. I’m sure it seems like forty, but ’tis only seven pups.”

Katie waved her hand at Evan. “Mrs. Fraser, this is Laird MacNeil. My laird, this is Mrs. Fraser, a former Stirling clan member who married into the Fraser clan but has since returned to us.”

The woman looked confused. “I thought this was yer family’s estate? The MacDuffs?”

Katie took the woman by the arm and moved her off to the side. “There is a story about that. But for now I think it’s best if ye gather up the puppies and take them to the stable.”

“Ach, of course.” Mrs. Fraser looked over at Gavin, who still held one of the puppies in his arms—all the love a small boy shows for a pup on his face. “Ye care to help me, Gavin? I cannot get all these pups into the stable myself.”

“Won’t we need a box or something to keep them in?” Gavin looked over at his sister. “They might run away if they’re in the stables.”

“If only,” Evan mumbled.

Katie nudged him in his ribs and addressed Gavin. “I am sure the laird can think of something we can build to house them so they don’t run away.” She looked up at him, the determination in her eyes enough to make him smile. “Isn’t that right, my laird?”

He ran his hands through his hair, pulling strands from his queue. “Aye. But first we have visits to make.”

“Then Mrs. Fraser will have to keep them in her bedchamber until ye can build something.” Her smug look annoyed him.

“I have a better idea. We go visiting, and one of yer handy clansmen can build something for the animals.”

“That’s a good idea, isn’t it, Katie?” Gavin, apparently wanting to keep the peace, looked at her eagerly. “Maybe Alasdair can help.”

Evan ran his palm down his face. He knew when it was time to let go. “Aye. Isn’t Alasdair supposed to be watching ye?”

Gavin looked confused. “Watching me?”

Katie coughed and scowled at him. “Alasdair is not watching ye, Gavin. He’s just making sure ye don’t get lost in the new castle and grounds. He thinks ye need a friend.”

“Aye.” Alasdair strode down the corridor and placed his hand on Gavin’s head. “And I was right there”—he gestured with his head—“talking to Mr. MacDuff, with my eyes on ye the whole time.”

Alasdair grinned at Evan. “Nice puppies, eh?”

“Did ye ken about this?” Evan waved at the puppies, who had apparently worn themselves out and were now all sound asleep in a pile.

“Aye, I did.”

“I’m so sorry, my laird. My dog decided to give birth along the way. I thought we had more time.” Mrs. Fraser fidgeted with her skirts and looked back and forth between him and Katie.

“’Tis all right, Mrs. Fraser. Nature tends to do things on her own schedule.” Katie smiled warmly at the puppies, and he knew he was in trouble. The lass seemed to have a soft heart for not just people but animals. Animals that should be kept out of the castle. A dog or two he would allow, but a goat and a horde of puppies? Nay. ’Twas time to put his foot down.

He was turning to Katie to lay down the law when she looked up at him, eyes gleaming. Her lovely lips in a slight smile. “Isn’t that right, Laird?”

Evan squeezed the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. Alasdair’s snort brought him up short, and he glared at his brother. “Ye can build a cage or whatever ye wish to keep these puppies secure.” He raised his voice and looked Katie, Mrs. Fraser, Gavin, and Alasdair in the eyes. “In the stables. Do I make myself clear?”

Several mumbled ayes followed.

“Now, Mistress Stirling, we must depart.”

“Oh dear; I just remembered yer brother said Mr. MacDuff was here. I must speak with him.” Katie rushed off before he could stop her. Then, like the fool he was where the lass was concerned, he trailed behind her to the door where MacDuff and two other men stood talking.

“How is yer wife and the bairn this afternoon, Mr. MacDuff?”

Two bloodshot eyes looked back at Katie. “Freya is a bit worn out, but the bairn seems fine. Especially if measured by the strength of his lungs.”

Katie smiled and placed her hands on her hips. “And ye, Mr. MacDuff. How are ye feeling? The last time I saw ye, ye were hugging an empty whisky bottle.”

The man’s face grew red, and he looked down at his feet. “Aye. I apologize for that, mistress. ’Twas a bad thing for me to do with Freya suffering so, but so hard to listen to her cries and not be able to do anything for her.”

Katie placed her hand on his arm. “It might make ye feel better to ken that just about every husband I’ve ever encountered during a childbirth used the same method to dull the pain.”

“Thank ye. Also, I want to thank ye for helping my wife out. She was scared and even though Mrs. MacCabe delivered many a bairn in her day, Freya was a bit concerned that she was getting on in years.”

“I’m glad everything went well. I’ll stop by and see Freya sometime today to make sure everything is as it should be.”

The man nodded his thanks and turned to leave.

Katie called him back. “Go to the kitchen and ask Cook to mix up the drink I told her about for those feeling poorly after a night of drinking. ’Twill help with yer headache and upset stomach.”

The young man grinned at her, his cheeks growing rosy. “Aye. Thank ye, mistress.”

“We must be off now, Katie. ’Tis growing late, and I want to visit as many cottages as we can. We have to move these people into their own homes.” Evan opened the door to find at least twenty people coming up the path, dragging cows and goats, along with a mess of bairns carrying cats and tugging on dogs.