Born in Shame by Nora Roberts

a fair sight, that.” Murphy moved his shoulders as he poured his tea. His back was aching a bit, for he’d been plowing since dawn. But it was a good ache, a solid-day’s-work ache. “She wouldn’t see the like of it in New York City.”
    â€œYou always speak of New York as if it were another planet instead of across the sea.”
    â€œIt’s as far as the moon as far as I’m concerned.”
    With a laugh, Brianna glanced over her shoulder at him. He was more handsome than even he’d been as a boy. And the women of the village had talked of his angel face in those days. Now there was a good bit of the devil as well to add impact to those vivid blue eyes and quick, crooked smile.
    The outdoor life he led suited him, and over the years his face had fined down to a kind of sculpted leannessthat drew women’s eyes. A fact that he didn’t mind a bit. His unruly thatch of black waves defied proper combing. His body was tough, with muscled arms, broad shoulders, narrow hips. Brianna knew first hand that he was as strong as one of his beloved horses, and a great deal more gentle.
    Despite the strength and ruggedness, there was something poetic about him. A dreaming in the eyes, she thought with affection.
    â€œWhat are you looking at?” He wiped a hand over his chin. “Have I cream on my face?”
    â€œNo, I was thinking what a shame it is you haven’t found a woman to share your pretty face with.”
    Though he grinned, he shifted with some embarrassment. “Why is it whenever a woman marries she thinks everyone should do the same?”
    â€œBecause she’s happy.” She looked down to where Kayla sat contentedly in her infant chair. “Don’t you think she’s looking more like Grayson?”
    â€œShe’s the image of you. Aren’t you, Kayla love?” He bent over to tickle the baby’s chin. “What are you doing about your mother, Brie?”
    â€œNothing, at the moment.” Wishing she didn’t have to think of it, she gripped her hands together. “She’ll have to be told, of course, but I want to give Shannon time to relax before that storm hits.”
    â€œIt’ll be a gale of some proportion. Are you sure she knows nothing about the matter? Has no idea there was another woman, or a child because of her?”
    â€œAs sure as I am of my own name.” Brianna sighed and went back to setting up family tea. “You know how things were between them. If Mother had known, she’d have hounded him to death over it.”
    â€œThat’s true enough. Brie.” Murphy skimmed his knuckles down her cheek until she looked back at himagain. “Don’t take it all on yourself. You’re not alone in this.”
    â€œI know that. But it’s worrying, Murphy. Things are still strained between Mother and me, and they’ve never been smooth between her and Maggie. I don’t know how much worse this will make it. Yet there’s nothing else we could do. Da would have wanted her to come, and have a chance to know her family.”
    â€œThen rest easy for a while.” With his cup still in one hand, he cuddled her with the other and bent to touch his lips to her cheek.
    Then his world turned upside down.
    The vision stood in the doorway, watching through cool and glorious green eyes. Her skin was like the alabaster he’d read of, and looked as soft as fresh milk. Her hair shone as it followed the lines of her face to sweep the chin that was lifted high.
    The fairy queen, was all he could think. And the spell was on him.
    â€œOh, Shannon.” A flush heated Brianna’s cheeks as she spotted her half sister. How much had she heard? Brianna wondered. And how to handle it? “Tea’s nearly ready. I thought we’d have it in here. I’ll serve the guests in the parlor.”
    â€œThe kitchen’s fine.” She’d heard plenty, and would take time to