“My beauty. I do believe you look lovelier each day,” he whispered, earning a blush she couldn’t control. He held her tightly. “I won’t be letting you out of my reach again until you demand I quit hovering and threaten to lodge an arrow into my chest.”
Normally, she would have rolled her eyes, but in the moment, she refrained. His doting was a welcome gesture of which she would never weary.
He lifted her onto Goliath, settling her cloak around her tightly. Turning to Madeline, Robert took up both her hands and kissed the backs of them in quick succession, squeezing them.
“My dear sister of marriage.” He smiled. “’Tis safe to say my woman will miss you terribly. You have a ready home with us should you but say the word. I thank thee for everything. God be with you.”
Madeline smiled. “My thanks, my laird. I’ll remember your hospitality. And God go with you, too. Please take care of my sister. She’s strong of will but is more fragile than anyone thinks.”
“Sister,” Mariel chastised, rolling her eyes.
“Mariel? Fragile?” Robert laughed. “Bollocks.”
His men nearby chuckled at the jest as Mariel rolled her eyes heartily this time and he swung up into the saddle behind her.
“To Huntington, men!” he announced, drawing her against him and nudging Goliath into a lope with a tap of his heels.
“To home,” Mariel replied, placing her cheek against his chest.
He squeezed her close. She gazed up at him to see him looking down into her eyes, a gentle smile meant only for her on his lips. She burrowed against him, feeling his arm around her tighten further still.
“To us,” he whispered, and she closed her eyes and smiled.
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Acknowledgments
Without my family, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my writing career so easily. I am forever grateful to my four sons: to my two older sons, you inspired me to start writing when you begged me for a “wizard story” so long ago, and tolerated being dragged to countless historical and archaeological sites; and to my two “littles,” you continue to motivate me and are an ever-constant source of joy and influence. A special thanks to my husband who encourages me and always offers honest critiques, no matter how brutal, and my parents and parent-in-law as well as my sister who are always supportive and enthusiastic about my latest project. My writing friends and fellow RWA authors are a fount of positive energy and advice, and of course, I cannot forget to acknowledge my agent, who saw the merit in my work and has been instrumental in helping me further my career. Lastly, much thanks to the editors and staff at Entangled Publishing who have made this novel a reality. I appreciate all.
About the Author
E. Elizabeth Watson lives on a mountain in West Virginia with her husband, sons, yellow lab, bobtail cat, parakeet, and two rabbits. She has a Master of Letters in Archaeology from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from The University of Texas at Austin, where she studied prehistoric rock art. She was originally inspired to write for her Harry Potter-obsessed children, and undertook her first romance novel on a challenge from her husband, who “bet” she couldn’t write a romance. Of course, she couldn’t pass up a good challenge. An avid coffee drinker and chocolate lover, she hikes and camps whenever she can, travels when the opportunity arises, and enjoys the simple luxury of spending a snowy day curled up with a good book and music. Stay up-to-date with her books, appearances, and giveaways by following her on Facebook @Author.E.Elizabeth.Watson, and on Twitter @AuthorEEWatson. For information on her latest book releases, visit her website at:
www.eelizabethwatson.com
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An Earl for an Archeress Page 35
