Free Reunion (Hunter's Ridge Book 3) by Maggie Ryan Page A

was crowded with small tables and chairs, many occupied by others stopping in for lunch or simply to enjoy a cup of hot tea or a glass of ale before returning to their own duties.
    A pretty young woman greeted them. "Welcome to The Black Swan," she said, as she led them to a table near the fireplace. "Mrs. Brand has prepared a lovely stew today." Though it was chilly outside, the room was warm and cozy.
    After removing her outer garments, Edward seated Louisa before removing his own coat and hat. He pulled off his gloves, handing everything to the woman.
    "Thank you, Miss," he said, as he took his seat. "The stew will be fine. I'd like a glass of ale, and my wife will have a cup of tea." If his order surprised Louisa, she hid it well. After the woman left, he leaned across the table. "Don't fret, little one. I know you enjoy milk during your meals, and Cook has prepared a bottle for you. I thought it might be nice to feed you myself when we return to the carriage."
    "Um, thank you, Papa," she said softly, spots of color appearing on her cheeks.
    When the woman returned to set down his tankard of ale and her cup of tea, Louisa asked if she might be allowed a spoonful of sugar. Sweets were something rarely offered at Wintercrest. Edward appreciated her remembering to ask, and nodded his permission.
    She sipped the sweetened tea, grateful for the warmth as it settled in her tummy. They were served large bowls of thick stew, chunks of beef and vegetables swimming in a thick broth. Edward buttered slices of bread, passing one to her.
    "This is really good," Louisa said after taking a bite.
    "Enjoy it while you can. I'm not sure how the fare we'll be eating will stack up against our first meal, but promise I'll not let you starve." He bent a bit closer, his eyes twinkling. "Lord knows I have no desire for my little one's bottom to lose any of its delightful padding."
    "Papa!" she gasped, her cheeks coloring once more.
    "I only speak the truth," Edward said as he finished his meal and sat back, patiently waiting for her to finish her own bowl of stew. When it was two thirds gone, she laid down her spoon.
    "I'm full, Papa. Oh, should we get a bowl for Mr. Gordon?"
    "He's enjoying his own now, but that was very kind of you, little one." He nodded to a larger table where several men were sitting, their driver among them as they ate their own fill of the delicious stew. "If you are quite sure you've had enough, what do you say we walk a bit before returning to the carriage?"
    "Oh, yes, I'd like that."
    Edward paid for their meals and after they'd put their outerwear on, they walked hand in hand down the street. Though the wind had picked up, clouds scuttling across the sky to hide the sun, neither spoke of the growing chill. When her steps began to falter as they climbed a hill, he swept her into his arms, setting her on his hip. At her slight struggle, he patted her bottom beneath her cloak, instantly stilling her.
    He climbed the hill and stood, enjoying the vista. Fields spread out on either side of the road, furrows showing where crops would be planted. Birds sang from bare tree branches, and they watched as a pair of squirrels chased each other around a thick trunk, their chatter making Edward smile and Louisa laugh.
    "It's very pretty, even bare," Louisa said, tilting her head back to watch the squirrels crawl into their nest at the top of the tree.
    Edward grinned, his hand rubbing against the ruffles on her drawers. "I can think of many things I consider lovely when bared." He chuckled as she blushed and buried her face against his neck. "Mr. Gordon is probably wondering what's become of us. Shall I carry you, or are you ready to walk again?"
    "I'd like to walk, Papa. It's nice to be able to do so."
    He set her onto her feet and they returned to their carriage, both their faces colored from the wind. Mr. Gordon was waiting.
    "I've prepared Miss Louisa's bed, Sir."
    "Thank you, Gregory." Edward was anxious to show his little one