Gwen still looked stunned but mouthed “thank you” to which Greylen mouthed “you’re welcome” before he sat down again.

Greylen resumed his conversation with Gavin as Gwen filled their plates. She served him first and he looked at the meal she set before him—perfectly seared meat covered with mushrooms, potatoes fried with onions, and greens sprinkled with spices. Then Isabelle placed a basket of bread between them and sat next to Gavin, across from him and Gwen. They took one another’s hands and Isabelle and Gwen reached for his. He obliged, expecting to say grace.

“Isabelle, why don’t you begin,” his wife said.

“I’m grateful you’re my sister now, Gwen,” Isabelle said quickly and with a smile. Greylen saw that Gwen squeezed her hand, then she looked to Gavin, who began with the same words. “I’m grateful…not to be outnumbered any longer.” His teasing remark caused Isabelle to laugh, and Gwen smiled too. Then his wife looked directly into his eyes and her quiet, simple words that followed touched his heart in a way that he’d never imagined. “I’m grateful you’re home.”

Greylen never took his eyes from her nor did he hesitate. “’Tis I who am grateful, Gwen, to have a wife such as you.” He picked up his goblet and tilted it toward his wife’s. Then he held it before him and gestured to Gavin and Isabelle.

Eager to sample the foods that Gwen had cooked for him, he quickly tried everything. His eyes closed after each bite. “Good God, my wife can cook.” He sighed, shaking his head.

’Twas a new experience, eating in the kitchen. And one he enjoyed immensely. They talked for the longest time and, in fact, had two more glasses of wine before they finished. Isabelle and Gwen cleared the island and washed the dishes, then Gavin put them in the cupboards. Greylen stood as well, bringing his goblet to the sink before extinguishing the fire beneath the stove.

“Gavin, see Isabelle to her room,” Greylen ordered. “I’ll wait in the study.”

Gavin tried to keep his face expressionless, but he clearly wasn’t pleased with the order, “Come Bel—Isabelle.” He made the correction quickly, then walked toward the doors and held them open.

Gwen shot Greylen a questioning look. He returned a conspiratorial wink. She had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing and turned quickly so Gavin wouldn’t see. After they left, Greylen held out his hand and when she took it, he gathered her in his arms.

“Thank you, Gwen.”

“You’re welcome, Greylen.”

“I still have work to do. Should I take you upstairs?”

“I’d prefer to sit with you, if it’s all right.”

“Aye, I’d prefer it too.”