“I grew up on an estate and know quite a bit about land management from my father. I’ve also spent a good bit of time with Nick. I can muddle through. When I’m stumped, I have speed dial to the Earl of Rivendon’s private line. I love you, Elise. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and Sammy. Just give in and admit you love me too. I can guarantee you’ll never be bored, not with Sammy in residence.”

“You’re definitely getting the raw end of the deal, Harry. I’m not the least domestic. I’ll make you a lousy wife and Sammy an even lousier stepmother.”

“I disagree. Sammy’s very keen on you, and where love exists, the rest doesn’t matter so much.”

Elise glanced at the stone wall where she had last seen Harry’s son. While Harry had distracted her, Sammy had disappeared.

“Sammy’s gone. Your proposal will have to wait,” she said matter-of-factly.

“He’ll be fine.”

She raised a brow. “This is Sammy we’re talking about.”

“You’ve got a point. Any idea where he went?”

“Aye.”

“Lead on, my lady.”

His eyes twinkled at her, but she didn’t miss the determination in their depths.

Behind the shooting range, the land rose steeply and hid a small lochan the size of a large pond. Sheep dotted the rolling landscape beyond. At the glen’s lowest point, thick vegetation followed a burn’s winding contours.

“There’s a trail to the shore,” she said, moving ahead.

She made a beeline for the lochan, with Harry just behind her. They broke through the brush before Sammy finished removing his shoes.

“What are you doing, son?” Harry asked.

Sammy’s face twisted guiltily. A battered canoe beyond him lay partly in the water.

“You weren’t going to take that out, were you?” Harry asked with a no-nonsense stare.

“Yes,” Sammy said.

Elise bit back a smile. One thing about the lad, he immediately owned up to his escapades. “When that canoe starts to sink, your father is going to fish you out this time.”

Harry shook his head. “I think not.”

“Did she say yes?” Sammy countered.

“She’s proving obstinate. I think she needs persuading.”

“You could give her some flowers. She likes girlie things,” Sammy said, then covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes huge. “I’m sorry, Lady Elise. I promised not to tell.”

“It’s all right, Sammy. I’m fairly certain your father already knows.”

Sammy picked up a handful of rocks, then tossed one into the lochan, his attention already elsewhere.

Quick as a wink, Harry grabbed Elise by the waist and hauled her into his arms. “Is it a yes? Or do I need to kiss you some more?”

She couldn’t fight him much longer. “I’m considering.”

“I’m crazy about you.” He kissed her forehead.