Page 40 of A Scottish Lord for Christmas
Quinn watched his wife and daughter standing in front of the tall Christmas tree in the grand hall. Two footmen on ladders were stringing silver strands of tinsel around the branches.
“Mama!” Blair scampered about on her little chubby legs, her hair adorned with a fat red satin ribbon that made the gold strands shine like a halo from an angel.
“Sweetheart.” Rowena caught the little girl under her arms and spun her around. The sight filled Quinn with joy. A joy he’d never thought he could feel again after losing Maura. Hearing Blair call RowenaMamano longer hurt. Not since that night on the mountain when he’d seen Maura through the snow leading him home to his wife.
Everything was all right now. Rowena was settling into his home at last. And the servants had turned into loyal supporters of her since she’d rescued him. Quinn had even overhead Morris say she was a lady of miracles. The changes in the house were fast and wonderful. Laughter, life, love…it was all there, everything he’d missed since Maura died.
“Quinn! Come help!” Rowena called out, and lifted a box of ornaments up for him to see. Her ruby-red dress was a lush creation of ruffles and small bustles in the back. The bodice was embroidered with silver swans and golden stars. Her blond hair was pulled up in another elegant coiffure. A picture of grace, beauty, and the spirit of Christmas. And she was all his.
I’m twice blessed.
Quinn was determined to make this Christmas holiday wonderful for his new wife, and he knew, after five days of careful planning and thought, just what that would be. The gift was due to arrive at any minute.
When one of the footmen struggled to reach for the top of the tree with a star ornament, Quinn rushed forward.
“Let me.” He held the ladder steady so the young man could climb back down and Quinn took charge of the star and took the lad’s place on the ladder, careful not to twinge his arm, which was still in a sling. As he settled the star in place, the servants applauded.
“Oh bravo, Quinn.” Rowena joined him at the bottom of the ladder, her blue eyes bright. “It’s nearly time for Christmas dinner.” She reached down to grab Blair’s hand as the child wandered over to them.
“Pick me up, Papa!” Blair waved her free hand in the air.
“Oh, all right, you wee scamp.” He laughed and picked her up and settled her on his hip opposite his bad arm. He bounced her there, earning him delighted squeals.
Morris appeared in the doorway, a little smile hovering about his usually serious mouth.
“My lord, we have…visitors.”
“Visitors? In this weather?” Rowena’s brow furrowed and she took Blair from his arms and passed her to the nurse.
“Yes, my lady.” Morris nodded. “I escorted them to the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Morris.” Quinn had to fight off a grin as he escorted Rowena toward the drawing room.
“Who do you suppose…” she began as they reached the drawing room. The rumble of voices silenced her.
The firelight from the room lit up her face the instant she realized who the voices belonged to. Her eyes widened and her lips parted; then she turned her face to his and the love shining in her eyes burned him clear through.
“Did you…” She couldn’t seem to finish the thought and she didn’t need to.
“I may have sent a telegram or two and arranged for transportation.”
“Iloveyou.” The little whisper curled around his heart, twining itself deep enough that it could never be removed.
“I know.” He brushed the backs of his knuckles over her cheek and then gave her an encouraging nod.
Rowena bit her lip and then rushed into the drawing room.
“Rowena!” the voices all chimed in as she was spotted.
Quinn leaned one shoulder against the open doorway and watched the scene. Rowena was hugging her parents, while Milly and her husband stood a few feet away, both smiling. Hadley had his arms around Rowena’s sister and looked every inch a man satisfied with life.
“Forres, there you are.” Lord Pepperwirth waved a hand at him. “Come in and tell us how our grandchild is.”
It never ceased to amaze him how deep the love the Pepperwirths had for strangers. Blair was not of their blood, but they treated her as though she was.
I made the right choice. For my household, my daughter, and me.Tonight, after dinner, he would show Rowena how much he cared about her.
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