Warrior's Last Gift Read Free

stubborn woman alive.
    Heading toward the keep, Eric rolled his shoulders, preparing himself for what was to come. Though he fully anticipated support from Patrick, and their laird himself, it was Jeanne’s threat to go to the lady of Castle MacGahan that concerned him. With Lady Danielle on Jeanne’s side, his argument, no matter how sensible, could well be to no avail.
    Even without their lady’s backing, Eric had not one single doubt that Jeanne would do exactly as she’d threatened, setting off on this wickedly foolish quest all by herself no matter who might try to stop her.
    She was without question the most impulsive, stubborn woman he’d ever known.
    Unfortunately, she also had the distinction of being the only one he’d ever risked losing his heart to. And because of that, if nothing else, he was determined to do everything in his power to keep her safely here within the walls of Castle MacGahan.

C hapter T wo
    “If I’m to help you, Jeanne, first you’ll have to help me understand why this is important enough for you to risk your life over.”
    The lady of Castle MacGahan reached out to cover Jeanne’s hand with her own.
    “I owe this to Eymer. He stepped in for me when I needed someone to be there. I canna fail him in the only thing he ever asked of me.”
    Danielle squeezed her hand. “I know you loved your husband, Jeanne. Believe me, I would do anything in my power to change what happened to Eymer. But going off on some quest to the sea, especially this time of year, just because you promised him you would, hardly seems a rational thing to do. I can see why Captain MacNicol refused you. I’m sure Malcolm will, too—unless you can give me some good reason.”
    Jeanne had never intended to share her secrets with another living soul. She’d sworn as much on her honor.
    But honor wasn’t going to get her what she needed. Her only hope was plain and simple honesty.
    “I dinna love Eymer in the way you think. No as a husband, at any rate. Eymer wed me to save me the shame I’d bear when people learned I was with child. He offered himself as husband and father when the babe’s real father refused.”
    Lady Dani’s eyes narrowed as she leaned closer. “You mean to tell me there’s some selfish bastard waltzing around this castle who got you pregnant and then refused to marry you when he found out about it? That just makes my blood boil.”
    “Oh no, it’s no at all like that. Eri—” Jeanne caught herself and started again. “The real father never knew I carried his child. I refused to tell him. He is a good and loyal man.”
    “But you said . . .” Lady Dani’s words trailed off, her expression clearly confused.
    “I said he refused to marry me . If he dinna want a life with me, I’d no wish to complicate the issue with a child. I was such a child, and the resentment that filled my home was not what I wanted for a babe of my own. Eymer agreed. Eventually.”
    Though he had nagged her about it for months before . . . before it was no longer an issue. Looking away from her companion, Jeanne willed herself not to delve into those still-raw memories.
    “So, if I’m hearing you correctly, Eymer wanted the real father to know the truth. Didn’t he think that would be a problem down the line when the two of you had children of your own?”
    Jeanne took a deep breath, readying herself to reveal yet another secret she’d thought never to share.
    “Eymer and I would never have children of our own. From the beginning, he had confided that he was not interested in the charms I had to offer. In truth, he had no interest in the charms any woman had to offer.”
    Though she had been slow to believe him on that count. Out of a sense of duty as the man’s wife, she had tried. But Eymer’s honesty had matched his kindness. Women did not appeal to him and soon she had realized the truth in his claim that her child would be his only chance at keeping the Horvesson name alive.
    “Well then.