"I am an adult," Taggie hisses as Declan growls and threatens Rupert, "I can make my own decisions. You and Mummy might think I'm dim -" "Taggie, love, of course we don't think that." "You do! But I know my heart and Rupert's. I won't let you stand in the way of our happiness."

Something is amiss. Taggie is actively avoiding him, practically running out of the room whenever he walks in. Caitlin, too, is acting strange, whispering to her sister when they think he isn’t looking. He expects this from Caitlin, but Taggie is an adult, and far too mature 1/

daily word prompt: thirty four

For a short while, when he barely knows her, Rupert thinks he'd be fine with just a taste. One night (or afternoon, or morning, he's not picky) with Taggie O'Hara and she'll be out of his system. It doesn't take him long to realise a taste will never be enough. He wants forever.

He watches from horseback as the new tenant's' daughter scurries away. The taste of rhubarb roly poly lingers on his tongue, and he can't help but wonder if her honey between her legs is just as sweet. It seems he'll need to call around the Priory more often.

Maud can't understand it. Right from the start, she's made it very clear to Rupert that she's available. And yet he barely flirts with her before he starts mooning over Taggie of all people. He's got terrible taste. Too many showjumping accidents have obviously damaged his brain.

When he slips his fingers into her underwear, Rupert groans out loud at how wet and warm she is. Taggie’s hips buck, her hands on his shoulders to steady her, her breathy whimpers music to his ear. “You’re perfect, angel,” he growls, “perfect.” He’s the luckiest man in the world.

“I won’t apologise, Declan,” Rupert says as he and Taggie stand hand in hand in front of the fuming Irishman, “I’m not sorry.” “I told you to stay away from her!” “I couldn’t do it. I love her too much.” “And I love him too,” Taggie adds, smiling, "we're getting married." "What!"

It’s an accident that they drive too far one evening while canvassing for Venturer. It’s entirely coincidental that they have to stop overnight at a tiny BnB with only one room remaining. There’s really nothing to be done, they grin at each other – they’ll have to share the bed.

daily word prompt: thirty five

declan/reader snippet from the new chapter of “tread softly” (on a03 now lol)

"No," Rupert points sternly at the sofa when Taggie goes to stand, "you sit down there, angel - it's your birthday and we will make you breakfast today." Helen had agreed to let Marcus and Tabitha stay for the weekend. Between the three of them, breakfast would be easy. Probably.

“This tart tastes amazing, angel," Rupert actually moans, "you are a culinary genius.” Taggie blushes pink. She might be about the only one who cooks in her family, but they always seem to take it for granted – Rupert’s is the most enthusiastic compliment she remembers getting.