The Price of Pleasure (34 page)

Three months later…

T
he new sheep barn had been completed just weeks before the shearing crew was to arrive. Spring had exploded on the downs, and Tori and Grant hardly had time to take a breath before the wool was flying.

The shearing had ended just this day, and the village celebrated as it did each year at this time. This season, along with the ale, there were family members who'd heard of the Sutherland marriage and new co-ownership of the Court and had finally returned to their homes.

Tori and Grant joined everyone for the festivities, but after such a long day, they'd decided to return home.

Home
. Such a lovely word. And the Court was becoming a lovely place, especially since Grant insisted on pouring money into it. If she smiled at something that was now repaired or beautified or installed, he redoubled his efforts. When she'd wished he wouldn't spend so much, he'd quipped, “We saved a bundle since we don't have to build a manor house for Camellia.”

No, indeed. Camellia was living with the baron a few rises over on their own estate. The two were in no hurry to fill it with little ones, but instead enjoyed riding each day over the countryside.

Nearing the Court, Tori and Grant reached the final hilltop and paused to take in the vista before them. He held her in front of him as they gazed out over the valley. Lights twinkled in the distance, and they could still hear the revelry and music floating through the downlands. Contentment washed over her. After lambing, they were going to go to the seashore, where Grant had bought her a cottage right on the beach, near where his family had stayed when he was young. She couldn't wait to see it, and was beyond curious as to why everyone chuckled when she said the word
cottage
or wondered if it would be
cute
.

She sighed. Ian's disappearance was the only shadow on their happiness.

Reading her mind, Grant said, “This adventure has probably been good for him.”

She snuggled closer against his chest. In fact, they had recently received word that not only had Ian escaped his captors, he'd started a mutiny and taken
their
ship, bound for somewhere unknown. There were rumors of a scarred, black-haired, and black-hearted devil pirating the South Seas, but Tori adamantly refused to believe that the dates of his marauding and Ian's escape were more than coincidental.

“Ian always lands on his feet, and since the runners have solid leads, we'll find him soon.”

“I know,” she sighed. “You found me.”

Grant nuzzled her neck and smiled against her skin when she shivered in delight. “So don't fret, love.” He gently laid his palm over her just rounding belly. “Worrying isn't good for the baby.”