Kilted Sin (Brethren of Stone 3)

Will gave a little chuckle. “Trying and failing.” He looked back at them. “This is Gemma McLaren and the little ones are Fiona and Ewan.”

Blair cocked an eyebrow as he looked at Fiona. “Let me guess, yer Ewan?”

The little girl giggled as she stood. “No silly,” she said. “I’m Fiona.”

Blair cocked his head to one side as he rubbed his chin. “Fiona, huh?” Then he reached for her and swung her down from the carriage. “How did ye end up in a wagon with my brother?”

Fiona cocked her head to one side. “I’m only six. I go wherever people tell me to go.”

Blair burst out laughing, as he looked up at his brother. “Well now. That explains everything.”

Fiona turned to Will. “I like him.”

Will winked. “Everyone does.” Then he pointed to a very lovely, rather pregnant woman next to Blair. Gemma winced inwardly as she looked at Elle. “This my sister-in-law, Elle.”

Fiona gave a wave as Elle leaned down to give the girl a soft smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Fiona. This morning I made some cakes for us. Do you think you could help me decorate them?”

Fiona’s smile spoke volumes as she reached for Elle’s hand. Gemma climbed down with Ewan, but she silently mouthed “thank you” To Elle.

Elle gave a tiny nod and then turned to Gemma. “Would you care to join us?”

“I’d like that,” she replied.

Elle led them into the foyer, which was still under construction, and down a set of stairs to the kitchen.

On one side a cooling rack held several little cakes and the ingredients with which to mix up a frosting.

They all washed their hands and, while Elle dumped ingredients into a bowl, Gemma lifted Fiona to begin mixing.

“I’m so glad ye’ve come.” Elle gave Gemma a warm smile, her eyes crinkling. “I can’t wait to hear about how you became acquainted with Will.”

Gemma gave her head a tiny shake. “I’m

too embarrassed to tell you, truth be told. It’s not a tale that makes either of us look very good.”

Elle raised an eyebrow. “Did Will tell you that he forced Blair to marry me?”

Gemma started, her mouth falling open. “No, he didn’t.”

Elle leaned in. “There is nothing you can say that would surprise me.”

Gemma closed her mouth, realizing it was hanging open. She already liked Elle a great deal. “Well, it all began when I tried to steal his horse.”

Chapter Thirteen

Blair chortled with laughter as they sat in what Blair said would be the library but had neither a shelf nor a book. “So ye walked home stark-naked only to find two wee bairns had been dropped on yer door. This is just too good.”

“Ye could take a little less joy in my humiliation.” Will gave his brother a sour look, his mouth turning down.

“Oh please, ye got to see me and Elle at our worst. I’m glad to ken it wasn’t all smooth sailin’ fer ye.”

“Smooth sailing?” Will looked at his brother. “Have ye been listening to a word I said?”

Blair laughed again. “So, does this Gemma make a habit of stealing horses?”

“No.” Will explained how her husband had left her and she’d gotten the letter about the inheritance. How she’d left her cottage and her business behind and used every penny to get to the Highlands.

When he got to the part where the inheritance was a pocket watch and a lease that was about to run out, Blair dropped his head into his hands. “I’ve never understood how some men could be so cruel.”