The Dragon's Heart (Lochguard Highland Dragons 3)

Faye laid a hand on Lorna’s forearm. “Mum, let me share the news and I’ll clean the bathroom for a month.”

“You’re supposed to be cleaning it anyway,” Lorna pointed out.

“Details, details. So, what’s the verdict?” Faye leaned forward as she asked.

Lorna met Ross’s gaze and he shrugged. “I say yes.”

Lorna sighed. “Already you’re going to spoil the youngest.”

He winked. “Aye, but of course. What’s a stepfather to do but spoil? I’m going to need Faye on my side.”

Faye all but bounced in place. “I think I’m going to like having Ross around.”

Shaking her head, Lorna finally answered, “Fine. But at the first sign of a challenge or fight, you take it outside. Understand?”

“Yes, Mum.” Faye kissed her cheek and then clapped Ross’s shoulder. “Tonight is going be bloody brilliant.”

Before Lorna or Ross could get another word in, Faye rushed off to do who knew what.

Releasing Lorna’s hand, Ross wrapped an arm around her waist. “You’d better cook a fabulous dinner tonight, love. Only food might distract everyone enough to keep from killing each other.”

Lorna shook her head. “And who’s fault is that? I don’t know why I let you talk me into Faye’s request.”

“Come, Lorna. You can worry about the bairns later. We have a dinner to make.” He leaned down to her ear and whispered, “And I want a few more kisses along the way.”

Meg, still standing nearby, giggled. “I always knew Ross would be insatiable.” She stood taller. “Not that he can compare to my Archie and Cal.”

“Of course not,” Lorna murmured to humor her friend.

Meg shooed them off. “Go get ready for your dinner. I’ll stop by tomorrow to hear what happened.”

Before Lorna could protest, Meg was halfway across the clearing. Ross’s whisper filled her ear. “Half the clan will hear about us before night falls. I think a batch of your famous scones are in order to placate the children.”

With a sigh, Lorna leaned against Ross. “I’m tempted to put sleeping drugs into them and put this off until tomorrow.”

“Don’t be a coward, Lorna. I’ve never known you to be one, so don’t start now.”

Her dragon chimed in. He’s right.

It didn’t take you long to start siding with Ross.

It’s been a long time since I could side with someone against you. I could never win if I tried with our children. Ross, on the other hand, I think can win occasionally.

After decades of doing things her way, Lorna expected to feel angry or irritated with her beast. Instead, she wanted to sigh in relief at not having to be in charge twenty-four seven for her entire brood. Just picturing Ross standing guard over her food while she cooked and shooing away Faye and Fraser made her smile.

Lorna would never truly give up her power or strength, but she would like to hand over the little things to someone else. Maybe then her remaining blonde hairs would stay blonde a wee bit longer.

She finally answered, “I won’t put it off, of course. But we’d better hurry, or I won’t have time to cook, let alone kiss you.”

“So you are thinking of my kisses, aye?”

“More like you’re thinking of mine.”

Ross chuckled. “That I am, love. That I am.”

Smiling, Lorna motioned with her head. “Now that you’ve admitted one of your weaknesses, we can go.”

As they walked, Ross answered, “So if I keep mentioning how much I’m thinking of your kisses, you’ll give me what I want?”