Page 39 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“It’s Mari to you, and you know it well.”

He was always being scolded for his formal address, but it didn’t make a difference. He still called her and Kenna ladies out of respect, as was their due.

She had him get down a number of things for her. “May I ask, how do these things get up here in the first place, you being too short to place them here?”

“My dear husband doesn’t like me to work too hard and puts them beyond my reach to hinder me from doing so.”

“Are you increasing?” he assumed. The MacKinlay men became even more protective of their wives when they were carrying.

She laughed. “Yes.” Her smile faded. “But don’t say anything to anyone. Only Cam knows. It’s early. It’s the scariest part.”

“I’ll keep your secret and wish you well.” He frowned at the pot in his hand. “Mayhap I should put this back. I surely don’t want Cameron to be angry with me when I’ve come to ask for his help.”

“You’ll do no such thing. I’ll tell him I used sorcery to retrieve them. It wouldn’t hurt for him to think I hold some great power.” She winked to let Liam know she was teasing him.

“I assume he’s not about?”

“No. He took the children to the stream to play and cool off.”

“Ah. Very well. I’ll return to speak to him another time.”

“Are you having trouble with the men?” she asked holding out a meat pie for him and a mug of ale. It appeared he was staying for a bit.

“Nay. It’s more of a personal matter. I wished to ask his advice regarding my wife.”

She laughed. “If you need advice regarding a woman, perhaps you should ask a woman.”

“True enough, but I have only Cameron.” He wiped his mouth and looked at her when she said nothing else.

Her hand rested on her hip. “I am a woman, am I not?”

“Oh! Aye. But I surely can’t talk to you about… well, what I came to speak to Cam about.”

“Physical relations, you mean?”

“Aye.” He squeezed his eyes closed in embarrassment, feeling his ears heat.

“As we just confirmed, I’m increasing for the third time, so I can assure you I’m well familiar with physical relations between a man and his wife.”

“Yes. I’m sure you are. It’s just I don’t think I can speak of them in front of ye.” He looked around. “I can wait until Cam returns.”

“The other reason Cameron took the children to the stream was in an effort to tire them out so we might have some time alone when he returns. I expect he’ll send you on your way when he gets back without any assistance.”

“Perhaps tomorrow then.”

“Or you could ask what it is you wish to know and let me help. I’ll not be scandalized. I’m married to Cameron. Surely, no man in the Highlands has a heartier appetite.”

“But you’re so small and delicate. He doesn’t… isn’t…”

“Rough with passion? Oh, I assure you he is at times, but at other times he’s gentle and tender. There are many different ways to join with a partner. I can’t imagine you don’t know your way with a woman. Not with the way the maids in the hall flirt with ye.”

Liam worried his ears would burst into flame, though he’d gladly welcome it to be free of this conversation. Unfortunately, there was no way out of it without offending Cam’s wife.

“It’s true enough, I’m no virgin. But I think it’s different being with one of the maids than to lie with my wife. Evelyn is skittish and has been hurt by men before. She won’t welcome a quick romp against the wall behind the kitchen like the maids.”

“I daresay the maids probably didn’t appreciate it, either,” Mari said.

He nodded in agreement. After giving Ev her pleasure the night before, it was clear the maids hadn’t been served as well.