Read Adrienne Basso for Free Online

a radiant smile. The mother of three, with another on the way, she glowed with a special inner beauty. Yet it always seemed to shine brightest when her husband was near.
    “He thinks to sweet talk me into letting them continue with their play,” Aileen said wryly.
    “Aye, ’tis how a proper husband acts, right, Grace? And something that I know ye’ll be sorely missing if ye keep to yer plan to return to the convent.”
    Grace worked hard to keep her face impassive. It was hardly the first time she had heard a similar comment from Brian. With her mourning ending, her brother often made reference to the delights of marrying again.
    Grace swallowed hard. Brian and Aileen had done so much for her. The last thing she wanted was to insult or offend them. But marriage? Never again.
    “We’ve agreed that Grace will make the decision about her future when she is ready,” Aileen lectured, glancing pointedly at her husband.
    “Aileen.”
    “Ye heard me.”
    “I dinnae agree to allow Grace to make the decision all on her own,” Brian insisted.
    “Aye, ye did.”
    “I’ve changed my mind.”
    “Ye cannae,” Aileen huffed. “And that’s final.”
    Brian tilted his head and stared at his wife until she broke into a slow grin. The love between them was so open and tangible it filled the room. Grace quickly lowered her chin, feeling as though she was spying on something private, intimate. She fought the tightness in her throat, suppressing the envy she felt.
    No man had ever looked at her that way. And no man ever would.
    The matter of Grace marrying again was dropped. The debate over whether or not the children should continue with their boisterous play took its place, until they were interrupted by a soldier entering the great hall. “Riders approach.”
    Brian’s entire demeanor instantly changed. Gone was the carefree father amusing his children and in its place was the forceful leader. “Can ye see their colors?”
    The soldier shook his head. “They’re too far away. The sun’s at their backs and in our eyes.”
    “Raise the portcullis and have our best archers posted on the battlements.”
    Grace felt her heart accelerate and she chastised herself for being foolish. Her brother would keep them safe. The McKenna Castle was well fortified, well armed, and filled with some of the fiercest warriors in the Highlands.
    “Are ye expecting a visit from yer father or any of yer kin?” Brian asked his wife.
    “Nay. They know I’ll send word once the babe is born and that willnae be fer at least another month.” Aileen looked at Grace. “Perhaps it’s one of yer brothers-in-law? ’Twould be a fitting show of respect if Douglas or Roderick came to see how ye’re faring, Grace.”
    Grace’s heart froze at Aileen’s innocent remark, and a sharp sense of foreboding ran through her. She had said nothing to her brother or sister-in-law about the nature of Alastair’s death. An unexpected appearance by either Douglas or Roderick could only mean trouble for all of them.
    “We shall hope that it is a friend and not an enemy approaching,” Brian said. “But until I know fer certain, I want both of ye and the bairns to stay in the third-floor solar.”
    “I’d like—”
    “No arguments, Aileen,” Brian admonished. Softening, he touched her cheek with the back of his finger. “I’ll send word as soon as I know ’tis safe.”
    Heavy broadsword in hand, he gave his wife a swift kiss on her brow and hastened from the room.

Chapter Three
    The sunshine bathed Ewan’s head in pleasant warmth, almost as though it were trying to offer him comfort against the effects of the cool wind blowing through his body. Looking over his shoulder, he glanced down the line at the mounted men who rode behind him, their expressions tired and bored. They were a rather sorry-looking group, yet he could not fault them for their lethargy. He had never imagined his quest south to find a bride would have taken so long—and been so