“Kevin couldn’t run this morning and…I was hoping you’d join me this afternoon.”

He made a very audible sigh. “’Tis quite impossible,” he teased, obviously waiting for the argument she’d begin.

“Impossible, I think not, Gavin.” Gwen made the statement haughtily, then clearly challenged him. “Tell me then, why?”

“’Tis not your place to question me,” he hissed as his eyes narrowed.

The remark didn’t bother her at all. “Yeah, right. You live for my questioning you and if you make me wait…” Gwen tried to think of something to irk him. “Well, I guess we can just sit here and talk. Oh, I know—let’s talk about Isabelle.”

It was perfect. They’d be running in no time.

“Get your clothes,” he said through clenched teeth. “I’ll meet you in the courtyard.”

“Don’t pretend you don’t want to, Gavin,” she said over her shoulder. “I know better.”

“You’ve five minutes,” he called to the open doorway. “I’ll dismiss the idea entirely if you’re not ready.”

“Isabelle, please. We’ve still to finish the headpiece,” Lady Madelyn admonished as her daughter watched Gwendolyn and Gavin leave the courtyard.

Gavin had awoken her late the previous night. He’d told her he heard riders approaching and was forced to leave Gwendolyn unattended for the first time, locking the chamber doors as she slept. There’d been no call from the guards, so he knew ’twas his own men who returned. Greylen had sent the soldiers ahead to ensure that all would be ready for his arrival.

“Gavin, what is it?” Lady Madelyn had asked when he’d awoken her.

“Greylen returns on the morrow, lady,” he answered with a smile.

“Oh, Gavin, ’tis about time.”

“Aye, lady, ’tis.”

“How shall we manage with Gwendolyn?” Lady Madelyn asked. She left the details to Gavin. He knew her better than anyone, and their friendship bothered her not in the least. In truth, she was pleased they had each other; they were kindred souls. Besides, she knew Gwendolyn was already in love with her son and that Gavin loved her daughter.

Gavin told her of the plan he’d formulated. And though she felt badly about the lies they would all have to tell her future daughter, she knew ’twas for the best. Gwendolyn would work herself into a fit otherwise, and she could only imagine the fights she’d pick with Gavin throughout the day.

What Gavin had said was best—they’d wait until the very last moment to inform Gwendolyn.

“Why don’t you wake Isabelle?” Lady Madelyn asked. “She’ll be so pleased.” She knew her daughter would be excited by the news, especially if it came from Gavin. But Gavin had turned away. “Oh, Gavin.” She sighed. “I hope one day you’ll see the fault of your actions, or lack of them.”