“You can’t wander off like that,” she scolded much too softly and with a smile.

“His curiosity grows along with him just like with a young bairn. Though, I don’t think Thaw would have wandered off if he was with you,” Tarass said. “He’s far too protective of you.”

Snow hugged Thaw tightly and lavished his head and snout with kisses before he wiggled in her arms to be released. When she placed him on the ground and he started barking, she understood.

“Your little adventure made you hungry,” she said with a laugh. “You want to eat?”

Thaw barked several times in response, then grabbed the hem of Snow’s shift and tugged to help her up the stairs.

“Nettle, take the hungry pup and feed him while I help Snow up the stairs,” Tarass ordered.

“Go with Nettle, Thaw. She will see that you eat,” Snow said, not wanting to keep the pup waiting while she made her way up the stairs.

Thaw barked and darted up the steps.

“He really is hungry. He’s already at the top,” Nettle said and hurried her way up the stairs, though with more caution than Thaw.

Snow was grateful that Nettle let her know what went on. It allowed her to see instead of wonder what went on around her.

Tarass took her arm again. “Hold tight. The steps are slippery in spots and I don’t want you to slip and fall.”

Snow reached out and rested her hand over his. “Before we go, I want to apologize to you. I was so frightened that Thaw might be hurt somewhere or that I’d never see him again that I behaved badly and in your own home.” She shook her head. “I should have never done that and I am truly sorry.”

Tarass was shocked not only by her genuine apology but by the fact that she felt she behaved badly and sought to correct it. He would never apologize or even admit there was reason he should. He recalled what she had said to him one time when he was at the Macardle keep and he demanded she apologize for calling him pigheaded.

I apologize for calling you pigheaded. And I apologize for the next name I call you and the one after that, since I’m bound to insult you again.

“You once extended apologies for future names you’d call me, so I believe you’re well covered when it comes to that,” he said.

Snow cringed. “Names are one thing, threatening to—”

“Cut off my balls,” he said with a smile he was glad she couldn’t see.

She cringed again. “My sister Sorrell popped into my head.”

“That explains it,” Tarass said and couldn’t stop from laughing. “Though, I don’t believe you need your sister to be as courageous as you are.”

She tilted her head to look at what she hoped was his face. “Or as foolish.”