Will hadn’t judged her harshly for her relationship with Sean. But her actions toward Mary? Well, she hadn’t actually done anything. But she’d indicated that she would. She’d said that her own compensation was more important than Mary’s wellbeing or the wellbeing of Mary’s children. What would Will say or do in the same situation?
She shook her head. Will would never have married a no-good, rotten, selfish person. He was too smart for that. And he certainly wouldn’t put innocent children out for his own needs.
That made Gemma sit up. If she wanted to be with a man like Will, she had to try to be as good as him too. That’s the kind of woman he deserved.
She let out a sigh as she rose from bed, the first rays of light coming through her window. The mornings had gotten darker and darker. Winter would arrive soon. Looking out her window, she saw Will riding toward the fields. She straightened. Her chest swelled with emotion. The people here were lucky to have him. She was lucky to be here with him.
With that in mind, she headed down to prepare breakfast for the children.
The day passed quickly, though Gemma spent much of it thinking on Will. She was surprised to realize that she barely thought about Sean. Or Mary, for that matter. Something inside her was shifting.
“Fiona,” she’d called as the afternoon light began to fade. “Let’s make a special dinner in the nursery for Will.”
The girl had clapped. “Oh, lets.”
Ewan clapped too. “Wuh, Wuh.” He pointed to the door.
“Do you think he’s trying to say Will?” Gemma asked, picking him up.
“I think so,” Fiona answered. “The nuns got very upset when you made any kind of noise. I’m glad to hear him talk again.”
Gemma’s teeth snapped together as she held the boy tighter. Then, after making their way down to the kitchen, they put water on for a bath and then began bringing dishes upstairs to set a table in the nursery.
When Will arrived home just before dinner, her insides fluttered with joy at the sight of him. He came in and gave them a tired smile. “What’s all this?”
“It’s a special dinner for you.” Fiona had bounced on the balls of her feet. “And we heated water for a bath if you want one.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know why you would.”
Will’s eyes met hers over the top of Fiona’s head, his crinkling with silent laughter. “I’ve gotten extra dirty today,” he explained. “I can’t come to a special dinner covered in dirt.”
Fiona nodded thoughtfully. “Gemma says we have to use our utensils at special dinners too.”
Will chuckled. “Indeed you do. Did I tell you that I have a little sister named Delia?” He crossed the room and pulled on one of Fiona’s braids. “She loves to cook special dinners.”
Fiona clapped. “Now that does sound fun. I’d like to meet Delia. Do you think we’d be friends?”
“I’m sure ye would and I know ye will.” He patted the top of Ewan’s head as Gemma held him. She wanted to kiss his hand as it brushed her shoulder. “Let me take a quick bath. Then I’ll be back in no time at all.”
Gemma watched him walk back out, wishing she could follow him. She’d like to climb in that bath with him, she didn’t mind baths at all. Especially when they were accompanied by a tall, dark, and handsome man.
Chapter Ten
Will had to admit this was one of the most pleasant evenings he’d had in some time.
Mrs. Hammond’s roast was excellent. Not that the meal mattered. He’d missed family dinners since coming up to the Highlands and tonight he was having one again—with his new family. Not that anything was settled between him and Gemma. But it would be, he hoped.
She needed time, and he understood that.
They put the children to bed and then walked out into the hall. Softly closing the door, he knew he should go to his room and send her the opposite way down the hall. “Gemma, I know the last few days have been tough,” he said softly.
Gemma stepped closer to him. “I’m better today. Thank ye for being so patient last night.”
She touched his chest, his insides tightening with desire. “It’s no trouble at all,” his answered, his voice rough with the sensations already ricocheting through him at the feel of her skin against his.
“That’s not true and I ken it. Yer a patient man, which is hard to find.” She drifted closer, her chest brushing his.
He wrapped his hands about her tiny waist. “We need to put some more weight on ye, lass.” He dipped down his head to kiss the spot just behind her ear. “And patient is honestly not the trait I most want ye to admire.”
“Yer strong,” she whispered, her breath blowing across his ear.