Kilted Sin (Brethren of Stone 3)

“Hello,” Mary called stepping down off the porch. “I’m so glad ye’re here.” Her voice caught on the words. “I was afraid the rain would wash all the seed away and then we’d have nothing.” Gemma watched as she clutched the baby closer.

“Mary, it’s all right.” Will gave the woman a smile. “Blair, my brother, is coming to help. Ye can leave with him when he goes if ye’d like. But I told ye, ye and yer boys will be taken care of.”

Gemma watched a tear streak down Mary’s face. “Thank ye.”

She didn’t feel angry, or jealous in this moment. A wave of regret washed over her, squeezing her heart. She felt sorry for Mary. “Hi Mary, I’m Gemma.” She didn’t reach out her hand. “I was wondering if you could watch Fiona and Ewan today so that I might help in the field.”

Mary gave a tight nod. “Of course,” she answered.

Gemma climbed down and plucked Ewan out of the wagon, then helped Fiona down. Fiona notched her chin. “I don’t need to be taken care of with the babies. I want to help.”

Gemma looked to Will who nodded. “All right then,” she answered. “Let me help you get Ewan settled.”

Mary jerked her chin in response and turned back toward the house. When they stepped inside, Gemma couldn’t help but look around. How many times had she wondered what this place would be like?

It was small, clean, and very tidy. Pots hung on their hooks from the ceiling, and every surface was wiped clean. She searched for a single bit of evidence Sean ever lived there but found nothing. Not one stitch of clothing, or item that she recognized, could be seen.

“I heard about your husband. I’m sorry for your loss.” Gemma looked to the other woman, whose eyes were fixed on the floor.

“Thank ye,” she replied. “Did I hear that you are a widow as well?”

Gemma tried to control her racing pulse. Did Mary know who she was? “Yes. But I wasn’t left with children to care for.”

Mary’s gaze snapped up to hers. “These babies are the only good thing Sean ever did. The man was good for little else.”

Gemma attempted to keep her mouth from falling open but she wasn’t sure she was successful. “My husband was the same. Spent more time in the pub than he ever did working.”

“Maybe they were related,” Mary’s lip curled. “I let a handsome face and a smooth tongue trick me.”

Gemma nodded. She understood why the magistrate and Will were trying to help Mary. She was a good woman who had just chosen the wrong man and learned h

er lesson. “You’ll never make that mistake again. I promise you that.”

Mary gave her a small smile. “I’d say I wish I hadn’t made it the first time but then I wouldn’t have them.”

Her heart constricted in her chest. That made Gemma ache. Mary was right. Babies were a gift. Gemma hugged Ewan a little closer as she thought about the past and the future. Sean had taught her many lessons. The worst of the lot, though, was that she couldn’t make a baby. “Mary,” she took a tentative step closer to the other woman. “If ye want to stay here, I’m sure I can talk to Laird Sinclair.”

Mary shook her head. “I don’t, but thank ye. I think a fresh start might be just what we need.”

Gemma nodded. Mary had figured that out a lot sooner than Gemma had. Leaving her old home and coming here had finally allowed her heart to heal.

The whinny of another horse had Mary cross the room and look out the tiny window. “Who is it?”

“Mr. McLean,” Mary answered.

Gemma started. The magistrate? Here? What if he told Mary who she was? Gemma had come to grips with their shared history, but Mary might not have. “Why?”

“He stops in to check on us,” Mary answered as she smoothed her hair.

Gemma raised a brow. “Are ye certain ye want to leave?”

Mary turned back to her, a mischievous smile touching her lips. “Some men prefer the chase.”

Gemma stepped next to her. Mary was going to be just fine. “Mary, about your husband…”

“I already ken,” the other woman answered. “Let’s agree that neither of us is to blame.”

Gemma reached for her hand and they held them together for a moment. “Agreed.”