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“I was busy murdering a post.”

“Aye, well.” Jack set down the rag. “It had it coming. Shifty-looking post, that one.”

Evander let out a huff that almost sounded like a laugh, though he would deny it to anyone who accused him of so much as a chuckle. “I’m trying to thank ye, ye great lump.”

Jack blinked. “I ken that. I’m trying to let ye. Clearly, it’s nae going well for either of us.”

Evander chuckled. “Nay, it isnae.”

They stared at each other. Jack set the rag down, but then picked it up again when Evander failed to get out the words. It wasn’t like he wasn’t trying.

“Ye could just say it plainly,” Jack offered.

“I’m a laird. We daenae say things plainly. We make speeches.”

“Then make a short one. I have shields to oil.”

Evander cleared his throat. “Thank ye for watching me back when I wasnae watching it meself.”

Jack nodded slowly. “That’s nae bad for a speech.”

“And I’m sorry I didnae listen.”

“That part is better.” Jack’s mouth twitched. “Say it again, so I can tell the lads.”

“Absolutely nae.”

Jack turned back to the shields, his ears red. “It was worth a try. How is Her Ladyship?”

“Eating again, sleeping mostly.” Evander paused. “She threw a boot at me this morning.”

Jack’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that good?”

“It’s very good, Jack. It means she’s feeling herself.”

“Strange marriage, me Laird.”

“Aye,” Evander muttered, but he was smiling. “Best one I’ve ever had.”

“It’s the only one ye’ve ever had.”

“Then it can only be the best. Oil yer shields, Jack.”

“Aye, me Laird.”

Evander was halfway across the yard when he heard Jack call after him.

“Ye’re welcome, by the way!”

He didn’t turn around. But he lifted a hand, still smiling.

He caught sight of Freya watching from across the yard, a knowing smile on her face. His wife knew exactly what he had done.

When he stopped beside her, she gently nudged him with her elbow. “So, how did it go?”

“I thanked him.”

“Did ye?”