Greylen always began these nights alone, watching from the same perch which he sat upon now. His mother was helping Anna set the tables that they had brought down earlier for a veritable feast. Tonight, however, he had a surprise, one that he couldn’t wait to share with his wife. It had taken two years to acquire everything he needed, a small fortune, but by God, ’twould be worth it.

His ship’s captain had happened by a sorry scene and taken it upon himself to buy a family from servitude. Greylen took the family in without question. He’d seen many such atrocities in his life and his captain had the authority, and means, to act on his behalf. The boon, however, was the family’s heritage and with their help, Greylen had compiled lists of supplies that were finally purchased.

Gwen would have tacos tonight.

And knowing his wife as he did, she’d make herself sick before she was done with them. He’d probably have to hold her hair back as she retched. He’d do it, too, gladly.

His men were talking and drinking by the fire as they chose music. In truth, they were most likely fighting over the songs, but they wouldn’t begin until he joined them. ’Twas the only night they had used Gwen’s iPhone and speaker—and ’twould most likely be the last. But he would hear those notes and lyrics in his head forever.

Gavin and Isabelle were just making their way down the path with their children. The twins had a brother now, Guy, named after their grandsire who’d passed four years ago. Gavin had made peace with his father before his death and now lived on the land that was his birthright. He’d had the entire keep dismantled and rebuilt, an undertaking that lasted three years.

’Twas Montgomery land now, and Gavin was laird of his own small clan. He and Isabelle came to Seagrave every few weeks and would stay for days. Their children would play together, and then sleep in the nursery with Anna while the four adults resumed their practice of late-night suppers in the kitchens, or if his wife preferred, they dined formally in the great hall.

Gwen always referred to those evenings together as “date nights” and they enjoyed them immensely. They would play card games or chess, and if the women weren’t with child or nursing, sometimes they just got plain drunk. They would sing to songs as they danced and listened to music, laughing so hard at their own antics Anna had no choice but to come downstairs and quiet them. Then they’d only laugh harder.

And then there was Gwen. His wife.