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  She sighed, as she pulled the comb through her thick tresses and reached for a few pins to secure a bun at the nape of her neck. To be a part of a family and share such love and closeness was all that circled her thoughts as of late. It seemed to Riley every young woman at Collins Stead experienced the pleasure she sought.

  Fiona Cavendish was fully and completely doted upon by her husband, Simon. Riley, one morning standing at her bedroom window, caught a glimpse of the captain’s affection toward his wife as the couple made their way to the main house. Beneath the purpling-blue of a sky laced with fluffy white clouds, Simon held his wife’s hand, shared a secret with her that brought on a fit of the giggles, and even gave her a peck upon the cheek. The news, a few days ago, that Fiona was expecting a second child in six months made for an excuse to have a celebration dinner. The dining room table was set with Lucinda’s best china, and an array of delicious food and wine graced each plate and goblet.

  Leah and Oliver, the resident newlyweds, had also been given a celebration dinner. Leah’s thin, pale cheeks blushed with delight at Oliver’s display of affection. With a kiss upon her hand, an arm around her waist and the center of her new husband’s admiring and appreciative gaze, Leah seemed to be floating on a cloud.

  Jane was also in love. Charles had finally proposed, and the two planned to be married in the spring. When Riley came downstairs late one night to fetch a warm mug of milk, she caught the two sitting at the kitchen table, heads together and smiles bright as they shared their day.

  Even Rufus, Leah’s cat, found a mate. Lulu, the stable-dwelling feline, caught Rufus’s eye, and Riley had no doubt the place would soon be swarming with kittens.

  Though she was happy love was in the air at Collins Stead, Riley couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy. She had shared two wonderful and extraordinary kisses with Gabriel, experiencing his favorable response in return. Yet in spite of this and the fact his eyes were constantly watching her, he never declared a single word for a future together.

  His silence on such matters stemmed from the fact he planned to leave England...return to America and his people. No doubt his departure would be soon, since he was only waiting for his sisters to have their babies.

  Sunny’s children were born weeks ago without complications, and only three days prior word came from Limerick, Ireland. Raven gave birth to a daughter, naming the child Amanda Maureen. Mother and baby were doing fine. So, Gabriel had no reason to stick around.

  And yet he did.

  What could she take from that? Was he biding his time, or did he believe she would not want to leave England?

  She rose from the dressing table chair and stepped to the window. Looking out to the grounds below, she remembered the first night she spent at Collins Stead. Scared, missing Anita, she curled up on the window seat and gazed out at the same scene that met her glances now. What would she have done if Lucinda hadn’t taken her in?

  She closed her eyes, not wanting to even imagine what would have become of her; a nine year old girl, alone on London’s streets. But as grateful as Riley was for Lucinda, loving the elder woman with all her heart, she was not a blood relative. All her real kinfolk were dead. And now that the Cavendish’s took over the smaller mansion meant for her, and Leah was there to fuss over Lucinda, would she really be missed all that much at Collins Stead?

  She sighed.

  Nay, I think not.

  Her heart leapt at the prospect of a new adventure, a new life with someone she loved.

  Oh, Gabriel, I would go to the end of the earth with you. If you would just ask, you’ll see how agreeable I can be. Just try and see, Gabriel, just try and see.

  She opened her eyes and returned to the mirror, smoothing aside one stray tendril of hair before she made her way to Sunny’s chamber.

  She found Sunny out of bed, standing by the window. Her long blonde curls fell to her waist, and her arms were crossed over her chest, as she gazed up at the morning sky.

  Riley reached for the robe at the foot of the bed and draped it over her friend’s shoulders. “You’re sure to catch a chill standing like this, barefoot and in just a nightgown, by this drafty window.”

  “I am fine,” Sunny said, turning to face Riley. “I knew you would be here soon, so I sent Cirie off for our breakfast, and I quickly snuck away to the bathing room.” She frowned. “I refuse to do my business any longer sitting on a bed pot.” Her eyes moistened. “It is so frustrating the way everyone is treating me like I was made out of glass, like those crystal goblets of Lucinda’s, and I cannot stand much more.”

  “Come, love,” Riley coaxed, escorting Sunny to the edge of the bed. “They only have your best interest at heart.”

  “I know, and I do not mean to sound ungrateful,” Sunny whispered.

  She found the other woman’s slippers and knelt to slide each one upon a delicate foot. “Why, your feet are like ice bricks,” she noticed, standing to take Sunny by the hand and leading her to a chair by the fire.

  Sunny sat back in the armchair and allowed Riley to cover her legs with a throw. “You are way too good to me, my friend.”

  She smiled, giving Sunny’s hand an affectionate squeeze before moving to stand beside the two cradles. “And how are our little angels today?”

  “You would not think them angels if you heard how they scream for food at all hours of the night,” Sunny quipped in an exhausted tone. “When one is done, the other begins.”

  Looking down at each sleeping babe, Riley smiled adoringly. “Well, they seem content enough at present.”

  “They have nothing to be discontented about. Well, not for at least two hours, that is,” Sunny added. “They have been fed, burped, changed, and fussed over by both of their parents since the sun came up, as well as coddled and cherished by Cirie, Betsy, Jane, and now you.” She laughed softly. “You are looking at a pair of much-pampered infants.”

  “Aye, we’re going to make spoiled mites of them for sure,” she teased.

  Sunny bit her bottom lip. “How am I ever to take care of them when I get home?”

  Riley took a seat in a nearby chair. “Well, you will not be alone. There will be Cirie to help, and of course a nurse will be hired, along with a nanny.”

  Sunny’s eyes widened with horror. “No, I will never hire a nanny. My children will not be subject to such cruelty.”

  Leaning forward in her seat, she reached for Sunny’s hand. “What frightens you so about hiring a nanny?”

  “I heard what a nanny is like from Aunt Kaylena,” Sunny said. “They are dreadful to children. Aunt Kaylena’s nanny punished her severely for the slightest mistake. She told me all about how she was dragged to her room and after her bloomers were removed, made to bend over a chair. Then she was whipped until her bare-backside was welted and raw.” She shivered. “I would never allow anyone to unleash such a humiliating and harsh punishment upon my children.”

  “Not all nannies are so vile,” she said. “My own was a sweet-faced young woman who never laid a mean hand upon me. She taught me songs, took me shopping, and read me stories before bed.”

  “You were fortunate to have a nice nanny.” Sunny frowned. “But how can you tell which ones are nice, and which are not?”

  “First you hire the service of a reputable company. Then you and Rafe will conduct a lengthy interview to each applicant, go over their credentials, and talk to all their references before either of you make a decision,” she explained.

  Sunny’s frown deepened. “I know absolutely nothing about what you speak.”

  “Trust me when I say you will learn fast enough. But if you like, I can help,” she offered.

  Sunny’s face brightened. “Would you really, Riley?”

  “Aye, of course I would,” she said, looking again over the side of a cradle closest to her seat. “I would never stand for Peter and Amelia to be abused or frightened in any way.”

  Sunny searched Riley’s face. “That is good to hear, especially since I have a very im
portant favor to ask.”

  She smiled reassuringly. “You know I would do most anything I could for you and your family.”

  Sunny nodded. “You have been like a sister to me, and I am so blessed to have you in my life.”

  Riley’s eyes welled with emotion. “I feel the same toward you.”

  “I have already asked Simon and Fiona to be little Peter’s godparents at the baptism in a few days. And graciously they have agreed,” Sunny added. “But I would like you and Gabriel to be godparents to Amelia.”

  Her heart filled with joy. “Really, Sunny?”

  Sunny giggled. “Yes, really. There is no one else I would consider.”

  She stood and embraced the other woman. “Never fear. I will be the best godmother to Amelia.”

  Sunny giggled again, returning the affection. “I have no doubts about it. And my brother will also be pleased to share this honor with you.”

  Riley pulled back to look at Sunny. “I am the one to be honored. If not for Gabriel, I could be somewhere far away, being made to do...”

  “Do not speak of such things,” Sunny interrupted. “You are here where you belong...with Lucinda, with me, and with Gabriel.”

  She reclaimed her seat and looked down at the hands she now clasped in her lap. “Well, with you and Lucinda, at least.”

  “And with Gabriel as well,” Sunny insisted.

  “Nay, I think not,” she whispered.

  “Well, you think wrong then.”

  She raised her gaze to meet Sunny’s. “What are you saying?”

  “My brother has spoken to me about his feelings for you. He marvels over the way you have shown your affection for him, made your heart known as the women in our tribe do to the men.” She cocked her head sideways. “Do you not remember me telling you of the Apache courting tradition?”

  “Aye, I remember very well,” she said, a twinge of hope filling her heart. “The maiden chooses her mate at a ceremonial dance, lightly taps his face, and if he sits apart from the circle, he has accepted.”

  Sunny nodded. “Then a few days later, he will go to a place she frequents and places a path of stones. If she walks down the path then she has agreed to go with him to his home, where she will cook his meals and saddle his horse, but not sleep in his bed.” She smiled. “Not, that is, until he brings gifts to her family. And when they accept those gifts, then she is his wife.”

  Riley’s face warmed. “Surely not all of that exact ritual is appropriate here.”

  “Maybe not, but you have made the first step when you kissed my brother after your rescue,” Sunny reminded.

  She cleared her throat. “He told you about that?”

  Sunny nodded again, arching a mischievous brow. “And now, all I can say is watch for the stone path.”

  Riley stood and made her way to the window. Her heart raced as she looked out onto the grounds. “I don’t think that stone path is mine to walk, Sunny.”

  “Do you think this way because Gabriel plans on returning to America?” Sunny said.

  She turned to face her. “Then he’s told you?”

  “Yes, he has told me,” Sunny said.

  “And how does that set with you?” she probed.

  “Although I will miss him with every inch of my heart, I do know Gabriel has to do what he believes is right.” Sunny took an audible breath. “I also know that if Rafe had to leave England to do something he believed in, I would not hesitate to go with him. I love him beyond words.” She shrugged. “Where else is there that I would want to be, or that I would belong, if it were not beside him?”

  Riley whispered, “Where else would you be, indeed.”

  “Then you will go with him when he asks for your hand?” Sunny asked with a hopeful tone.

  “He has not asked,” she said, afraid to allow such a magnificent hope to fill her own heart. “And I don’t think he...”

  “But when he does ask, will you go?” Sunny ignored the protest and insisted further.

  She frowned. “You only guess he will ask.”

  “But when he does ask, will you go?” Sunny repeated more firmly this time.

  “Aye,” she said with a sigh. “I will go.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Most definitely, I will go.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  The morning dawned in fog. As the thick and gloomy mist enveloped Collins Stead, a cold wind blew in from the north. But in spite of the bleak weather brewing outside, Sunny was in high spirits inside. She beamed as she sat across from her brother at the breakfast table.

  “Do you realize this is the first day in a month I am wearing clothes?” Sunny smoothed down her skirt with a gentle stroke.

  “And for once you do not look like you mind all that goes on beneath,” Gabriel teased.

  “I was referring to the day clothes,” she corrected, a light blush washing her cheeks.

  “Ah, yes. You were beginning to remind me of the little girl I used to know who fought with her mother to get out of her bedclothes each day,” he playfully reminisced.

  “That was different,” she said, taking a sip of tea from a blue china cup.

  He supposed it was, and so long ago. Yet, at times he felt it was only yesterday the golden-haired young woman before him was a small girl.

  He could see her so clearly, lilting to and fro on tiny bared feet, and could almost hear his parent’s exasperated tone as they admonished her for touching other’s belongings. She was overly curious, inquisitive at every turn and had the energy of five more like her all stored up in one. She would climb into his bed when she was frightened, cuddling in the crook of his arm. In those moments he knew he would die protecting her if need be.

  I still would.

  She begged him to tell her stories, told on him to his parents, looked up to him, bossed him, manipulated him, idolized him, stood by him, and loved him with the fierce loyalty only blood kin could.

  “And I cannot tell you how good it is to actually be out of that bed,” she said, breaking through his thoughts.

  “Oh, I am sure being pampered day and night, having your slightest whim answered, was pure torture,” he teased.

  “Being pampered and being treated like an invalid are two entirely different things,” she said, raising a defiant chin. “Do not tell me it would not drive you crazy.”

  Gabriel chuckled again. “When sick, I have never been a good patient.”

  “But I was not sick. I was just having a baby...well, two babies.”

  He grew serious. “A woman giving birth is no light matter, dayden.”

  She searched his face in silence, then stood and made her way beside him. With child-like affection she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her cheek upon his forehead. “I did not mean to sound so callous, my brother.”

  Gabriel placed a hand on her arm. “If I lost you too...”

  “But you did not lose me, or Raven, who has two children. So, you need to stop worrying,” she consoled. “You need to make your peace and find acceptance in what happened in the past, or else you will never discover true happiness.”

  He took an audible breath. “I suppose you speak the truth, but it is easier said than done.”

  Sunny kissed his forehead. “You must try, or how else will you ever be able to have a family of your own one day?”

  “Perhaps I will not,” he said softly.

  “Well, you certainly will not unless you get to work placing the stones,” she warned.

  He pulled back to gaze up into the delicate features of her face. She was so much like his mother, with the high cheekbones and slanted sapphire eyes. “None of this is any of your business.”

  “Your happiness is very much my business,” she said, a small frown creasing her brow.

  “I am going to find your husband and tell him he needs to properly keep you occupied so you will stop bothering me,” he quipped.

  Sunny folded her arms across her chest. “You are a pig-head.”

  At that moment Cirie came into th
e room. “Excuse me, mum, but Master Peter is awake.”

  Sunny pointed a finger at him. “This conversation is not finished.”

  “I say it is.” He stifled a smile.

  As she made her way out of the room, she called over her shoulder, “And I say it is not.”

  He shook his head and whispered to himself, “Sometimes little sisters never change.”

  ****

  Riley found Gabriel at the dining table, sitting in thoughtful silence and sipping from a mug. She knew the brew was coffee because other than a good brandy, he shied away from drinking much else. She filled a cup of tea for herself from the pot atop the sideboard before joining him. Making a gesture to the empty chairs around the table, she said, “And so what have you said to clear away the others?”

  He smiled, his large sapphire eyes locking with hers. “It seems other than you and Sunny, everyone else is too busy to join me.”

  She looked around. “And where is Sunny?”

  “She just left to feed her son,” he explained.

  “Aye, the duties of motherhood,” she said with a sigh.

  He nodded. “One babe can be demanding enough. I cannot imagine the responsibility of having two infants at the same time. Sunny will be spending most of her time just feeding them.”

  “Aye,” she agreed. “But I’ve had a talk with her about hiring a nurse and a nanny.”

  Gabriel arched a brow. “You might as well have saved your breath on the matter of hiring a nanny.”

  Riley took a sip of tea. “Sunny’s already expressed her fears to me, due to the horror stories your Aunt Kaylena shared on nanny-tactics. Sunny believes all nannies dole out harsh and humiliating discipline.”

  “And did you set her fears straight?” He reached for the plate of scones and offered her one.

  She accepted with a gracious nod and filled her own plate with two of the pastries. “I have tried, but Sunny is a...well, she’s a bit...”

  “Stubborn.”

  She frowned. “I was going to say willful.”

  He chuckled. “Then you would have been overly kind.”