Extended Epilogues

 

One month later

Four entire weeks had passed without Alba realizing it. Everything went by so fast, the preparations for the wedding taking up all her time, much to Magnus’ chagrin. But Alba had to make sure that everything would be perfect. Everyone would be there, after all; the Murray Clan, the Menzies Clan, and all their combined allies. She couldn’t possibly allow anything to go wrong on the day of her own wedding.

Thankfully, everything went smoothly throughout the ceremony, and before Alba knew it, she and Magnus were married. She had once thought that it would feel very different after exchanging vows, but with Magnus, it was still the same. It was easy to be around him like they were always meant to be together.

Now the two of them sat at their table, and Magnus’ gaze kept drifting to her, full of want and heat. Earlier that day, right before they got married, he told her he loved the baby blue dress she had chosen for the occasion and couldn’t wait to rip it off her later that night.

And then Alba had forbidden him from touching it. The dress was too beautiful for Magnus to destroy it in his haste. She feared his wandering hands would destroy the delicate lace that lined the sleeves and the hem.

She only hoped Magnus would listen, unlikely as that was.

The feast she and Evelyn had prepared was already in full swing. The clansmen and women were eating, drinking, and dancing to the music, the great hall filled with their laughter and conversation. Alba couldn’t help but smile the entire time, her happiness bursting out of her and seeping into the room.

For the first time in her life, she could say that she was truly happy. She wasn’t thinking about anything else. She wished her mother could have been a part of this day too, but she no longer felt the intense sorrow she used to when she thought about her, and she felt excitement for her new life. It was what she had always wanted, to remember her mother fondly without having to remember the awful event that took her life.

When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she looked up to see Tate there, who looked just as cheerful and youthful as he always did. Alba was certain that plenty of ladies would try to capture his attention that night, popular as he was with women, but Tate seemed oblivious to it all.

“Congratulations, Alba,” he said but then frowned a little. “Well, I dinnae ken if that’s the right thing tae say, considerin’ ye married my brother.”

Alba laughed as Magnus slapped Tate’s shoulder. A part of her feared they would start roughhousing, but thankfully, they both behaved.

“What’s wrong with marryin’ me?” Magnus asked. “Am I that bad?”

“Ach, stop it,” Tate said. He pulled Magnus into a tight hug, one that he reciprocated immediately. “Always complainin’ about somethin’.”

As Tate hugged Magnus, Alba couldn’t help but notice that he had a birthmark on his hand that she had never spotted before. It was rather faint, a splotch of darker skin over his hand that was easy to miss.

Ever since Lana had told her about the man who had helped her, Alba had gotten into the habit of looking at men’s hands. She wondered if fate would have it that the man was none other than Tate, although it seemed unlikely. She didn’t know what the birthmark Lana was looking for was like, and she doubted it would be something as easy to miss as this.

Still, once she returned from her trip to the town, where she had gone with the Clan’s healer to help deliver a baby, Alba would introduce her to Tate and to let her know that she should look at his hands. If they hadn’t met already, that is.

“It really is a wonder ye two ended up married,” Tate said, resting his weight on Magnus’ chair as he leaned against it. “I never thought I’d see the day ye’d speak tae each other without shoutin’, let alone the day ye’d be a married couple.”

“We had tae hate each other first so our love could be even stronger,” Magnus said, reaching over to take Alba’s hand and press a soft kiss on her knuckles. “I think it was fate.”

“I used tae tell ye that she’s a good lass, remember?” Tate asked. “And ye kept sayin’ nay, nay, she’s a beast.”

“A beast?” Alba asked, gaping at Magnus as she snatched her hand back from him. “Magnus! Ye called me a beast?”

“Well, ye were a wee beast,” Magnus teased. “Ye were always so cold, and ye certainly thought ye were better than me.”

“Ye were actin’ so lecherously!” Alba said. She supposed Magnus still did, but only with her now, and she couldn’t deny that she enjoyed it. “What was I supposed tae dae? Ye even tried tae kiss me!”

At that, Tate and Magnus exchanged a knowing glance, one that filled Alba with suspicion. She narrowed her eyes at them and tapped her fingers on the table impatiently, unsure whether or not she wanted to hear the truth.

“What is it?” she asked. “Why are ye lookin’ at each other like that?”

“Dae ye wish tae tell her?” Magnus asked Tate.

“Nay,” Tate said. “She’s yer wife.”

With a sigh, Magnus turned to look at Alba and once again took her hand. For the moment, Alba let him hold it.

“Mo ghràidh…”

“Dinnae try tae placate me,” Alba said.

“Well, ye see, when I tried tae kiss ye, it was because Tate and I had a bet,” he said.

“A bet,” Alba said, her tone flat and unimpressed. “A bet.”

“Aye,” Magnus said, flashing her his charming smile. It didn’t work, not one bit. “I said that if I could prove that ye were a tiny beast, then Tate would stay longer. And, well, ye slapped me. Very hard.”

For a few moments, Alba stared at the two brothers in silence. Then she rolled her eyes at them and flicked Magnus on the forehead as a punishment.

“Neither o’ ye has a single proper thought in yer mind,” she said. To think that Magnus would have tried to kiss her for a mere bet. And not just that, but that it was a bet to prove she was a beast! Alba could hardly believe it. But as always, she loved him too much to stay annoyed with him for long. In the end, everything had worked out, after all.

“Forgive me, mo ghràidh,” Magnus said. “I adore ye. Yer the love o’ my life. My bonnie wife. The light o’ me eyes.”

“All right,” Alba said with a fond yet exasperated smile as she waved a dismissive hand at Magnus. “Ye can stop now. I forgive ye.”

“Dae ye forgive me, too?” Tate asked.

“Och, I’m sure ye didnae dae anythin’,” Alba said, reaching up to pat Tate’s cheek gently like a mother would comfort a little child. “This barbarian makes ye dae all these things, does he nae?”

“Alba!” Magnus explained in mock offense, clutching his chest. “I would never dae that! How can ye put all the blame on me?”

“Tate is young. He doesnae ken any better,” Alba laughed. “But ye dae.”

“I’ll spend the rest o’ me days makin’ it up tae ye, will I nae?” Magnus asked with a miserable sigh, letting his head fall against the table. It made such a loud noise and rattled so many of the plates and the cups that half the room turned to look at him.

“Och aye,” Alba said. But Magnus didn’t have to worry. She already knew a few ways in which he could make it up to her, and she was certain he would enjoy it, too.

Eventually, Alba allowed him to take her to the dance floor. The two of them glided around the room, and this time, now that all her injuries had healed, it was much easier for Alba to follow his lead.

Even though it had only been a little over a month since they had left Steward Castle, the events of those days seemed distant to Alba, as if they had happened to a different person in another lifetime. Ever since they had returned, she was surrounded by so much love and joy that she had almost forgotten about it.

The only thing that lingered were the nightmares, which Alba still had every now and then. While she still saw her mother and the fire in some of them, other times, she relived her kidnapping, while others yet, she saw Magnus being set on fire by Fletcher and Laird MacNab. Each time, she woke up screaming and covered in sweat, but Magnus was always there to calm her, whispering sweet, soothing words into her ear and holding her until she fell back asleep.

He never seemed to tire, no matter how many times it happened or how long it took for her to calm down. Magnus was always there for as long as it took, and each time, he promised her that he would always be there.

The rest of the feast went by in a blur as the maids kept refilling Alba’s cup. By the end of the night, when most of the clansmen and women had already gone to bed, she was giddy with love and alcohol, and she had to lean against Magnus for support when they made their way up to the chambers that they now shared.

Once they were behind their closed door, Magnus helped her out of her dress with such gentle movements that her breath caught her throat. His fingers seemed to touch every inch of her, brushing over her neck, her shoulders, and her arms, following the curves of her breasts and her hips. Then, once he had thrown his own clothes into a pile by the vanity, he took Alba to bed and helped her settle under the covers and into his arms.

Alba loved being in his warm embrace. Magnus was comfortable, safe, so incredibly loving, and familiar. It didn’t take Alba long to drift into a slumber. But then Magnus’ hushed voice pulled her out of it, and so did the hand that crept lower and lower until, much to her disappointment, stopped at her belly and refused to move, no matter how much she squirmed and tried to tilt her hips.

“Alba…” Magnus said, his fingers splaying open over her skin. “What dae ye think about havin’ a bairn?”

Babies were something Alba had never thought about, just like marriage. But the thought was appealing to her. She loved children and would love to have some of her own. Besides, she thought it would be a matter of time before she was pregnant, especially since she and Magnus couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

“Ye want tae have a bairn?” Alba asked with a small smile, her own hand coming to rest over Magnus’. “Ye never ken… we may already have one.”

“Are ye tryin’ tae tell me somethin’?” Magnus asked, suddenly sounding completely alert. Alba laughed and shook her head, reaching behind her to push him back down onto the bed when she felt him move.

“Nay,” she said. “I’m only sayin’ that there’s a possibility since we… are together so often. But I dinnae think so. Not yet.”

For a few moments, Magnus stayed silent, considering Alba’s words. “I’d like tae have many bairns,” he said once he finally spoke again. “Many wee ones, lookin’ like ye and me, runnin’ around the castle.”

It was a nice thought, and Alba let herself imagine it. She thought fatherhood would suit Magnus. For all he tried to stay away from people, to keep his distance from them, he was a very caring man with so much love to give. Alba couldn’t imagine a better father for her children.

“Robert will have someone tae play with, too,” she said. “Though I’m sure my sister will have plenty more bairns. We’re nae the only ones who cannae stay away from each other.”

It was the only reason Alba didn’t feel too guilty for spending so much time with Magnus. When Evelyn and Scott first married, they did the same thing. Alba could only hope that soon enough, her and Magnus’ desire for each other would settle into something calmer, less urgent.

They could hardly spend their whole lives in bed, after all.

Magnus laughed softly at that, and Alba felt him nod against her shoulder. “Aye, that’s true,” he said. “I cannae wait fer it. I never thought I’d want tae marry a lass, let alone have any bairns, but I cannae stop thinkin’ about it now. I want us tae have a family o’ our own.”

With a smile, Alba turned around in Magnus’ arms. She pressed a gentle hand over his cheek as she threw a leg over his hip, settling against him. “Yer so sweet sometimes, Magnus,” she said. Alba would have never thought this Magnus was the same person as the one she had met all that time ago, when their paths first crossed. Then again, the Magnus she knew back then was nothing more than a mask. Alba knew that now. It was how Magnus used to protect himself.

Alba kissed him slowly and tenderly, pouring all her love for him into the kiss. Magnus spoke her name reverently, like it was a prayer, his hands holding her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

Alba had never considered herself particularly lucky. If anything, only a few months ago, she would have called herself unlucky after the loss she had experienced and the grief that followed it. But now she felt as though fate was trying to make up for all that sorrow through Magnus. She finally had everything she wanted. She was finally loved, cared for, and safe.

She knew that hard times were still to come. Every life has its ups and downs, good moments and bad ones. But as long as she had Magnus and her family on her side, there was nothing that could hurt Alba anymore.

With a sigh, Alba closed her eyes once more, and this time, she let sleep wash over her. The smile on her face never faded, and she couldn’t wait to greet her first morning as a married woman.

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

The Sins of a Highland Beast

Tate’s innocent favor for a friend spirals into an intricate web of deception as he reluctantly steps into his shoes. Before he knows it, Tate ends up taking his friend’s place as laird, abducting a lass and… marrying her. When love blossoms unexpectedly between the two, Tate faces the dire consequences that certain choices carry. Yet not all Sins of a Highland Beast can be atoned for…

 

Four months later

From a blanket in the grass, Helen watched as Ella chased her twins alongside the flower meadow. Cam was watching from his hiding place, and Kai was with him behind a tree, ready to jump out at any moment. The twins squealed when the men scared them, and Helen laughed, looking over to see Cory watching her with amusement.

It was a perfect summer day, and they had just finished eating on the bright green grass outside his castle. Cory still couldn’t believe that this was his life. He had dear friends who had just come to visit, and his wife was so perfect, it hurt. Perfect for him. The past four months had been utterly blissful.

“What are ye thinkin’ about, lass?” he asked as he picked up her hand and kissed it.

She let out her breath and grinned at him. Her green eyes were like two bright emeralds in the sunshine, and her freckles were even more highlighted in the bright, cloudless day.

“I was just thinking about how wonderful it is here with you. I only wish Cecily could be here. She says there is still so much to do in England, and my father’s cousin is worried about her traveling on her own to Scotland.”

“Perhaps we should send someone tae fetch her?” Cory suggested. “I want tae meet her.”

“I will suggest it to her. Thank you.” She smiled at the merry scene as the adults played with the children.

He looked at her profile as she continued to watch them.

“Would ye like tae have a child, Helen? I ken we have discussed it from time tae time, but I never wanted ye tae feel as though ye had tae be a broodmare for a laird. It wasnae why I married ye.”

She chuckled, but didn’t turn to look at him. “I know. You are so kind, for you know just how much I value my independence and my freedom. I love you for that. But I think I would like to have a child one day. For us to have a child.” She turned to look at him with such love in her eyes. “But we do not need to rush. It will happen when it happens.”

“Aye.” He leaned down to kiss her. “I would be happy tae increase our frequency in makin’ one if that would make ye happy.”

She threw her head back and laughed, and Cory didn’t think he’d ever seen a more beautiful sight. “Oh, would you? That is so good to know, my love.” Her hand reached up to stroke his shoulder, and he could feel his desire rising.

It seemed there was no end to his desire for this woman, and she responded with such fervor and passion that he felt so grateful his wife wanted him as well.

“Shall we go for a ride, then?” she asked innocently, and Cory grinned.

He got to his feet and lifted her up as well. Pulling her close, he pressed a kiss on her lips.

“So, shall we go to the stables? I am sure Seamus will be happy to saddle us two horses.”

“The stables?” Cory looked at her with a puzzled expression, and then he shook his head, laughing.

“Oh, you thought I meant…” Helen grinned, grasped his hand. And together, they walked to the stables, leaving their friends as they laughed and played with the little ones.

“Ye will kill me, lass.”

“That would not be very good, since I intend to live out my days with you, husband.”

Seamus was glad to see them at the stables, and he had the young stableboy saddle two horses for the pair of them. Cory had gotten a new horse for Helen soon after they were married, and she went to coo and fuss over it while he and Seamus spoke.

“What a fine day, my Laird,” Seamus said, squinting up into the sunlight.

“Aye, very fine. It is rare that tae have such a fine day in the Highlands, but here we are.”

“Laird Chattan, Cory, I wanted tae say somethin’ tae ye.” The old man turned back, and Cory followed his gaze, watching Helen speak kindly to the young stableboy who was saddling her horse.

“What is it?” he asked, captivated by the sight of his wife.

“Ye have done a good thing here. Even in just a few months ye have made things so much better for everyone. The villages are thrivin’, and there will be a good harvest this autumn. Families willnae starve, and they have money tae rebuild their homes, and tae take care of their families. Me own daughter and her husband are daein’ so much better now, thanks tae ye.”

Cory looked back at the man, who was smiling at him, heavy lines crinkling at the corners of his eyes. “Ye are most welcome, Seamus.” He shook his hand. “I only wanted tae dae what me father would dae, and so I am so glad tae hear ye say that things are goin’ well. Now, all we need tae dae is keep ourselves safe, and then everythin’ will be good.”

“Aye.” Seamus nodded towards Helen who was now walking out of the stables and into the sunshine alongside her horse. “Ye have done well findin’ yer wife, too. I ken that many were skeptical because she is a Sassenach, but I have never met such a kind-hearted lass. And so full of fire at the same time.”

Cory laughed. “Aye, ye have described her perfectly. Now, Seamus, I plan tae take me wife on a ride.”

He walked to Helen’s horse and lifted her up into her saddle. “Are ye ready, love?” he asked, and she nodded.

“Yes, but you had better hurry, or I will beat you to our destination.”

“Where are we goin?” he asked, running to his horse.

With a big smile, Cory chased after her before she said a word. He would chase her wherever.

***

When they arrived at the shores of a dark blue loch, Helen slowed, and she turned to look at Cory, who was only a few steps behind her.

“We havenae raced for that long since that time we escaped the castle.” He jumped down from his horse and helped her down.

She could do it herself, but she always loved the strong feel of his hands around her waist, and she placed her hands over his.

“Why did ye want tae come here?” he asked softly.

“Because.” She pulled away from him and began to remove her clothing. “I wanted tae remember the past for a few minutes.”

She warmed under his heated look, and within seconds, they were undressed, clutching to one another in the dark waters of the loch. Her hands traced the pendant around his neck. Now the hidden room was empty. There was no need for any secrets or hidden things anymore. And yet Cory kept the pendant as the last token of his father.

He watched her as she toyed with it. “Ye are brilliant, ye ken. For figurin’ it out that it was a key. I wore it most of me life, and I never kenned.”

She lifted a brow. “Well, I thought we already established that, but I thank you for the compliment, Cory. I do like to be thought brilliant.” She kissed him. “And it had been just a thought. I was surprised it actually worked.”

He shifted underneath her, and she could feel his hardness. It never ceased to excite her.

“So, why the loch, lass?”

“I wanted to be far enough away from everyone when we did this.” She slid down over him, and with her legs wrapped around him.

Cory thrust into her, and all talking ceased for a time as they made love in the water. It was never cold when his arms were around her. She became breathless, kissing him sloppily before he came as well, his hands tight on her back.

“Ye are full of surprises,” he said once they were laying together out on the shore of the loch.

“Always. As are you.”

She was on her side, her elbow on the ground, staring up at him. “You know, I think Cecily should come as soon as possible.” Her fingers trailed up to his arm. “What do you think if we asked Kai to stay longer, so he can be here when Cecily is here?”

“I had nae idea that me wife was a matchmaker,” he replied. “But I suppose ye are just so happy that ye wish for everyone tae be so.”

“Well, aren’t you smug?” She leaned forward to kiss him, and then she stood up. “So, I think we return and ensure that Kai will stay with us longer.”

She stalked over to her clothes and began putting them on, chuckling at her husband’s look of shock. “Very well.” He hurried to dress. And then they were on the road again, returning to the castle over the green hills and along the river.

When they got close, they slowed, and Cory reached out a hand. She took it, and he squeezed it.

“Ye ken that every time I look upon this castle whenever I am returnin’ home, I thank God that ye stayed with me. That ye didnae go back home.” He stopped, and she pulled on the reins to stop her horse so that she could look him fully in the face.

To her surprise, he looked pained. “I ken it was a lot tae ask of ye, especially since ye lost yer brother, and then ye had a sister ye wanted tae see as well. I am so sorry for that. I should have taken tae yer home as soon as we’d gotten married so that ye could help yer sister, and she could return with us.”

“No, Cory, please. Don’t say such things. I wanted to stay right here with you. My time in England is over, and if you had come with me to help my sister, I know there is much you would be missing as Laird. You have much to do, and I confess I would not have wanted to be away from you for so many months just after our wedding if you had to return home. We did the right thing.” She smiled at him. “I promise you. I love you dearly, husband, and I do not regret a single moment. I just am surprised that it is taking so long for Cecily to return. She states the cousin is a good man, but I worry he is becoming too similar to Anthony or will wish to marry her himself.”

Cory jumped down from his horse and then helped Helen down. Together, they walked the horses to Seamus and returned to the castle.

“Well, I could send me men for her, and then neither of us would have tae leave or be apart from one another.”

“I will think about it.” They entered the main hall, hand in hand, to see Ella, Cameron, and Kai sitting in front of the hearth, drinks in hand.

“Ye’ve returned!” Ella called with a smile. “We thought perhaps we had lost ye for the rest of the day.”

“I’m sorry.” Helen blushed as the approached them, and Cory wrapped his arms around her from behind. “But we wanted to ride, and I did not wish to disturb your play.”

Helen could see the joking eyes Cam and Kai made at Cory.

“Ye have every right tae that, me dear,” Ella said, pouring them each some wine before passing them their glasses. “I ken that after Cam and I were wed, it became very difficult nae tae snatch time when we could.”

“Aye, she speaks the truth.” Cam wrapped his arm around Ella’s waist, and Helen leaned back against Cory.

“Tae ye both.” Cam lifted his glass in the air, and the others did the same. “Ye have done well, and we have kept the English from these parts as best we could. And Helen, ye have made me friend happier than I have ever seen him. Tae ye both and yer happiness.”

“Hear, hear,” Cory said from behind her, and they all drank.

Helen was touched. But her mind was on other matters. She turned to Kai, who was no longer facing them but looking into the hearth. Even after the time she’d known him, Kai was still a little of a mystery to her. He was kind and generally cheerful, but there seemed something dark about him on the inside, as if he was often troubled. But he never spoke of it, and Cory did not tell her either. As she looked at him, she thought of dear, sweet Cecily, full of light and laughter.

What she might do for a troubled soul.

“Kai, I wondered something,” she said, and he turned around.

“Aye?”

“Will you stay with us a little while longer? I know you have your own duties, but I would very much like you to meet my sister, since you are like a brother to Cory.” She tried not to smile so that he did not suspect anything. “It would be nice to have you for longer, anyway. I hope she will be here within the month. What say you?”

Kai looked surprised, and his eyes moved from one person to another as if he was seeking a trick.

“Well, that would be kind of ye tae have me. But I daenae want tae overstay me welcome.”

“Ye couldnae, old friend,” Cory said. “We would be glad tae have ye. And like she said, ye are like a brother tae me, and so I want Cecily tae be able tae meet the last remainin’ member of me family.”

Kai nodded, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck. “Aye, then, I will.”

“Wonderful!”

They spent the rest of the evening feasting, playing games, and enjoying the company. Helen had never had such friends, and she hoped it would continue. While Kai, Cam, and Ella were engaged in conversation over some humorous situation, Cory leaned over and whispered, “Tell me. Why dae ye want tae matchmake?”

“I think Kai and me sister could be very happy. I just thought that with Cecily’s brightness, she could scare away whatever shadows lie in Kai’s past.” She shrugged and looked at Cory.

He was narrowing his eyes at her. “But is it also true that ye are so happy that ye want everyone else tae be so? Ye didnae answer me earlier.”

“Ah, I forgot,” she teased. Leaning forward, she whispered against his mouth, “Yes, my love; you are right. I am so terribly, disgustingly happy. It seems only fair that I should help others to find the same.”

He kissed her, and when he drew back, he said, “Only fair, indeed.”

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Seduced by Highland Lies

In a bid for survival after witnessing her brother’s death, Cecily Ridley embarks on an unforeseen journey—one that involves stealing her cousin’s husband. Guilt and desire clash as her heart ignites for the deluded spouse that was never supposed to be hers.Yet, her family’s secrets unravel, threatening her brother’s fate may be about to repeat itself…

 

Three weeks later,
Castle Ardtun

Had there ever been such an exquisite sunrise? The sky was pink, and gold shot through with slivers of purple like a glorious canopy stretching over Castle Ardtun. Bathed in the golden light, Edina stood on the battlements, breathing in the fresh, salty air from the sea.

As the church demanded, the banns had been proclaimed three Sundays ago, and today was her wedding day. Tonight, she’d lay with Errol, and wake with him in the morning for the first time.

This was the day that only a few short weeks ago, she’d believed would be forever denied her. Her heart sang with happiness. At long last Errol MacKinnon would make her his wife.

Fear of her father’s barbarism no longer hung over her like a giant shadow. Her sisters were safe within the castle, embraced by the MacKinnons. As was she.

Ivy, Hannah, and the twins immediately took Skye and Margaret under their wings, showing them around the castle. Even though her sisters were still timidly finding their way amongst such a merry and rowdy family, now and again her heart lifted at the sound of their laughter. Her sisters were getting along so well with Hannah, probably because their age was almost the same. Along with her new sisters, Ivy and Hannah, Skye and Margaret would be her bridesmaids today.

After taking one more look at the glowing sky and breathing in the pure air, she turned, and with a light heart, retraced her steps to her chamber.

She found Joan fretting there with her break-fast, a bowl of honeyed porridge, boiled eggs, fried fish and freshly baked manchet.

She bobbed a curtsy when Edina entered, a brilliant smile splitting her face.

“Ye hardly need me tae urge ye tae eat milady. Today is a long day, and ye’ll need tae keep yer strength up.”

Ever since their triumphant return from Wemyss, Joan had waited on her anxiously, determined to ensure that she slept well enough and kept her appetite. She’d nursed Edina after she’d been brought from the infirmary and still insisted on treating her as if she were a most delicate flower needing special attention.

Edina laughed. “I thank ye, Joan. Ye’ve looked after me well. But today my happiness kens nae boundaries. I’ll wed my love, eat my fill, and dance together at the feast.”

Joan left her, nodding in approval.

Today’s preparations were much the same as those for the handfasting that had never taken place. Hannah and Ivy dressed her in a beautiful pale blue silk gown and braided her hair as they had before. But today, there was no dark secret weighing down her heart, no tears, no fear of betrayal. Her love new her. And he loved her still.

“Ye look like a princess of the fae,” Hannah exclaimed. “Ye’re sae beautiful, Edina. My brother is, indeed, a lucky man,” she sighed. “I look forward tae the day when I’ll find my true love.”

Edina smiled. “Hannah, that day will come soon. I can only wish ye tae be as happy as I am today.”

Ivy smiled at her. “And I pray for ye and Errol tae find that same happiness every day of yer life as I have with Blaine.”

Just then, the door flew open, and Ivy’s twins came sliding into the room, closely followed by Margaret and Skye, who were both dressed in newly tailored kirtles and tunics, their hair streaming with ribbons and flowers. However, they looked flushed, probably running after the babes.

Margaret looked in awe at her older sister. “Ye look beautiful, Edina.”

Edina twirled, and her long skirt flew out in a circle around her.

They all laughed, and young Skye clapped her hands delightedly. “I love our new life here,” she said solemnly. “And I love all my new sisters.”

The path to the chapel was lined with villagers, and when Edina appeared on the steps to the keep, a loud cheer went up. The entire village would join in the feasting and celebration after the wedding.

By the time Edina arrived at the huge oaken chapel doors, Errol, according to custom, was already waiting with the priest at the altar and the wedding guests were all seated. She took a steady breath, straightened her shoulders and held her chin high as the doors opened. Then, walking behind Ivy, Hannah, and her two sisters, she stepped into the flower-strewn chapel to the lilting strains of the beautiful Scottish harp, the clarsach.

Walking slowly down the aisle, breathing in the perfumed air, her heart beating a joyous rhythm against her ribs, Edina was aware of a sea of smiling faces turning toward her.

But she only had eyes for Errol.

He stood proudly beside the priest, clad in his laced shirt and great kilt, his tartan across his shoulder, his precious broadsword in a scabbard by his side, his blonde hair combed and trimmed, his brown eyes sparkling. His face lit up in a joyous smile as she walked toward him.

They stood side by side, never faltering, as the priest delivered the long mass in Latin. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, came the vows.

“…DO ye, Errol MacKinnon, take this woman tae be yer lawful, wedded wife?”

Errol’s voice rang out loud and clear through the chapel. “I do.”

Edina’s heart swelled with pride and joy as she pledged herself.

The priest bound their hands together in a strip of MacKinnon tartan and tied the knot, which tightened as they pulled their hands apart.

“Bound for life,” he said, beaming, as he presented Errol MacKinnon and his lady to the assembled guests as man and wife.

Once outside, they were met with wild cheering from the villagers and a bombardment of flower petals.
The sun shone brightly, warming them as they walked the short distance to the keep, accompanied by bagpipes and cheers.

The Great Hall was bursting. There were twice as many guests for the wedding as had been in attendance for the ill-fated handfasting and Errol’s welcome home celebration. Today all the Clan chiefs had brought their ladies, each of whom was outdoing the other for the finery of their gowns and jewelry.

Errol strolled with Edina among the guests, introducing his new bride to the loyal clansmen and their wives. She was pleased to recognize Laird Finlay MacPhee and Lady Kellina. Alongside them was their son, Lachlan, now happily recovered from the injuries he’d received during the battle with Sir Michael’s troops.

The Great Hall shone with the light of a thousand candles and resounded to the light-hearted music of strolling musicians.

As Edina and Errol took their places at the center of the flower-bedecked high table, they were flanked on their right by Blaine and Ivy and their left by Hannah, Gillebride, Margaret and Skye. Further along the table, Edina caught sight of Lyall McPherson. He was still pale and far too thin, but there was color in his cheeks as he raised a tankard of ale with another man wearing the MacKinnon tartan.

Like Edina and her sisters, it seemed Lyall was finding a welcoming home among the MacKinnon Clan.

The twins were seated with other bairns at a special table under the watchful eyes of Muriel and the other nursemaids.

She and Errol led their guests in the first reel of the night. Before long, the Great Hall was filled with flute, bodrhán and lute music amid cheers and wild cries as the guests joined in for a joyous ceilidh dance.

Quite out of breath, she and Errol returned to the table, and yet another serving of the feast. Blaine approached, also breathless from dancing, and poured himself and Errol over another tankard of ale. He leaned in, keeping his voice almost inaudible, but Edina heard the word “Taveon,” and her ears immediately picked up.

“In Inverness?” Errol queried.

“Yes, he was spotted there, and reports came back to my scouts. My men are heading there now.”

Edina wished she’d not been reminded of Taveon on this, of all days, but she was relieved to hear it appeared he was still in the Highlands and had not reached the English with his secrets. She could only hope he never would.

The hours wore on, and at the stroke of midnight, Ivy took Edina’s arm. “It’s time for the newly wedded couple tae take their leave. The barn is ready for ye. The animals have been herded out, and all the rats chased away.”

“Well, as delighted I am that I’ll nae be sleeping this night with a sheep or a cow, but is it clean?” Edina said, the hint of a frown appearing on her brow. It was a wedding custom that the noble bride and groom should spend their wedding night in a lowly barn, to indicate to the villagers that they, too, had humble beginnings in their married life and would never rise above them. Ivy and Blaine didn’t do it. However, Errol seemed to like the idea.

Ivy chuckled. “Aye, ‘tis clean and sweet-scented with lavender and roses. Ye’ve a comfortable bed awaiting ye, wi’ quilts and pillows. It’s a good enough place for the Laird’s brother tae be wi’ his new lady.”

Errol, who had been listening to this exchange, leaned in, grinning, to take Edina’s hand in his. “At last, the time I’ve been longing for has come, lass.”

Edina felt her cheeks heat. This night had been in her thoughts for so long. She could hardly wait to be alone with her husband and discover the secrets of lovemaking that she’d ached for.
As the couple stood to take their leave, a great cheer went up from the assembled guests.

****

Errol pushed open the door of the old barn. The shabby timber building was lit with lanterns hung from the beams; the floor was covered with mats constructed from rushes. A freshly laid flower-strewn carpet led from the doorway to the great four-poster bed, hung with velvet drapes that had been erected at the center of the barn.

Edina sighed. Apart from a few quick kisses here and there, she’d only had minutes alone with Errol since the night they had liberated her sisters and Errol McPherson from Castle MacDuff. They’d both been longing for this moment.

“My wife,” he said and bent to kiss her. He took her mouth in a long, precious union with his, their lips and tongues relishing the taste and feel of each other. Edina knew she would treasure the memory of this first kiss of their married life forever.

They pulled apart, gasping for breath, and he hoisted her into his arms.

He strode across to the bed and lowered her gently onto the piled-up pillows and quilts where she lay, gazing up at him. Her chest heaving, catching her breath, her body stirred in delighted anticipation of what was to come.

He pulled the drapes around the four sides of the bed, excluding the rest of the world from this, their little private world of pleasure.

After laying his broadsword on the floor, Errol undid the belt holding his scabbard and let it drop to the rush mat beside the bed. Then he pulled the tartan cloth from his shoulder and unwound the length that had formed his great kilt until all he had on was his long shirt.

Edina gazed rapturously at him as he pulled the shirt over his head and stood naked before her. Her eyes roamed over his well-muscled shoulders and traveled down his broad chest to his navel and the dark arrow of hair below it.

His manhood stood erect and proud, and she gasped at the sheer size of it. How could something so big possibly enter her body? She could only take his word that lassies were made to take in such a hard, enormous rod.

Errol took his time with Edina. First, he lifted her silk dress by the hem over her shoulders and head. Then he untied the laces of her chemise and peeled it off, leaving her breasts bare.

She heard him gasp as his finger brushed her puckered nipple, and she moved against his hand, aching for his touch. But he moved on, slowly untying the strings of her petticoat and slipping it down her legs, leaving her as naked as he was.

Twisting against him, Edina could scarcely wait to feel his bare skin against hers.

But he wasn’t done.

While she lay beside him, her eagerness for him growing by the second, he began taking the pins out of her hair. He tenderly unraveled each one of the many woven braids comprising her coiffure and spread the golden strands upon her pillow about her head.

He gazed at her up and down, studying her with eyes like burning coals.

“I cannae wait, Errol,” she gasped, groaning, reaching her hand to touch his thigh.

“I’m feasting my eyes,” he answered. “This is my delectable wedding banquet.” He flashed her a grin. “I’m starving for it, but I want tae take pleasure in the luscious sight before I take my fill.”

She laughed. “And when ye’re done with eyeing yer meal? What then?”

“I’ll taste ye first,” he said, bending to touch her lips with his tongue. She opened her mouth to him, finally relishing his feel.

“And after ye’ve tasted?” she asked when the lack of air ended the kiss.

His chest heaved. “Why, more tasting,” he said huskily, lowering his mouth to her breast he cupped in his hand, sucking her pink nipple.

She cried out his name, “MacKinnon,” as the wild sensations flowed from her breasts to the place between her legs that ached for him. She eagerly wriggled her hips against his hardness, wanting to hear him moan.

He kissed her again, and she writhed against him, the ache between her legs needing relief. She pulled his hand down to her core.

“Touch me, Errol. Please.”

His fingers found the space between her slippery, moist folds and he stroked her slowly, igniting the fire into an inferno. Her hips moved against his exploring hand as it met her inner opening. She gasped as he gently pushed two of his fingers inside her.

He groaned. “My God, Edina, ye’re so wet, so ready for me. Is this what ye’re wanting?” He moved his fingers deeper inside her and then slowly withdrew.

“Errol, please,” she cried. “Dinnae stop. I’ll die if ye do.”

He thrust his fingers inside her again and again, his thumb circling her swollen bud. All the while, he kept his mouth on her nipple, sucking hard.

“I cannae stand it,” she cried out, bucking against his hand as waves of pleasure built to their peak. Her entire body bucked and thrashed, consumed by the exquisitely intense sensations.

“My God, MacKinnon.” Edina brushed her fingers over his hardness as the last tiny waves washed over her. “I’ve waited for this night for sae long, but I still dinnae ken how it feels tae have that part of ye inside me.”

****

“And are ye ready now, tae find out how it feels?”

“Aye,” she said.

Errol took his erection in his hand, and Edina rolled on her back, eyes closed, legs bent, and he guessed from the tension in her jaw that she was expecting it to hurt.

She was dripping, so wet he could slide his tip in with no resistance. Then she raised her hips to meet him, and he slipped further inside.

He eased himself onto his elbows, desperately restraining the urge to plunge himself deep inside her. More than his own pleasure, he wanted this to be good for her.

He looked into the depths of her eyes.

“Dinnae wait another minute, MacKinnon. Come inside me now.”

Waiting, poised, he felt her tightening around him. And finally, he allowed himself to thrust the full length of himself inside her velvet sheath.

She moaned, her hips rising to meet his rhythm, and he was lost in sensation, taken higher than he’d ever been before.

This overarching need for her was all there was. The world disappeared, and the taste, scent and feel of Edina consumed him.

She moaned, her hips reaching for his. As he thrust harder, she met him stroke for luscious stroke until he felt her tightening around him, pulsating deep inside, calling his name as she came under him with a wild, exultant scream.

He could restrain himself no longer.

“Edina,” he cried out, thrusting hard. Then, as he grunted and moaned, he felt the tide of desire wash over him, drowning him in wave after wave of violent, earth-shattering pleasure.

Afterward, they lay silently, slipping in and out of a dreaming sleep, stirring to touch the other briefly before being claimed by their dreams again.

He woke to find Edina stroking his cheek and whispering in his ear.

“At last, I ken…” she breathed, “…the joy of being a woman with my man.”

Errol seized her, wrapping his arms around her in a mighty embrace.

Edina gave him a dreamy smile. “I ken what it is tae be in heaven.”

He grinned at her, smoothing her hair from her forehead. “Aye, lass,” he said. “So do I.”

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Marrying a Highland Outlaw

Desperate to protect his family, Taveon MacDonnell embraces the role of a traitor. When tasked with abducting a lass for ransom, his world changes as he discovers a darker plan—she’ll be forced into marriage against her will. Unable to stand by and watch this happen, Taveon’s heart becomes entangled with the spirited and brave Hannah MacKinnon’s, as he faces a heart-wrenching struggle between love and duty. Because saving her means to face his family’s downfall…

 

A few months later…

Charlotte was exhausted and excited. Today had been an eventful day, and it still wasn’t over. She smiled as she looked at her husband. It filled her with excitement that she could now call him that. Charlotte had been so nervous about the ceremony, scared that she might do something wrong, but Margaret quickly reassured her that everything would go smoothly. True to her promise, the ceremony had gone by in a blur, and Charlotte had been too focused on Owen to let her nerves get the best of her.

The hand-fasting ceremony had been one of her favorite parts of the wedding. As she moved around in a circle with her hands tied to his, Charlotte felt like she had been given the opportunity to start anew and create for herself the life she had always wanted to have. The other thing she had loved was the vows. She could not contain herself when Owen spoke his. Her eyes watered as he promised to love her and cherish her because she knew he meant it. Throughout the time they had known each other, he had proven to her over and over, the reason she could trust that he meant every word of his vows, and when it was her turn to speak her vows, she said it with all sincerity and truth because she meant it.

Charlotte was happy. His family had cheered them on when they said their vows and whistled when they kissed. Charlotte was glad that she met them. She could not have wished for a better family. She was happy that she could now call them her family as well. The past months before the wedding had been wonderful. Charlotte had spent the time getting to know every member of the Elliott family. Her mother-in-law had been so welcoming.

After they had returned from the battle at William’s, Charlotte had locked herself away to weep for the family that she had lost. With the death of her uncle, she believed she owed it to herself to let out the grief that she had bottled up. Charlotte had refused to let anyone in, not even Owen, but when his mom knocked, she had been forced to let her in.

It was the best decision Charlotte could have made. Her mother-in-law had wrapped her hands around her as she told her it was all right to cry. To mourn.

“I ken that ye have been through a lot, and I ken that I can nae replace yer maither. Nor me family can nae replace the one ye have lost. But I hope ye ken that we will always be here for ye if ye let us be. Ye are part of us now and we take care of our own.”

Charlotte had cleaned her eyes and looked up at the woman. Unlike the others she had spoken to before she ran off, she had interacted with the reserved woman only in passing. Yet here she was, treating her as if they were friends. Charlotte choked back a sob. Her uncle had tried, but in the end, he had failed to take everything away from her. She had a place with these wonderful people who were strangers to her only a few days ago.

“Thank you. I do not know how to repay you for the kindness you and your family have shown me,” she said, but her mother-in-law shushed her and smiled before rising to her feet.

“Ye dae nae have tae thank me. It is like I said earlier, ye are one of us now. I will leave ye alone now, but when ye feel like ye can join us, please dae. I am sure me son misses ye already and will only spend the time paving until he wears a hole into the ground.” She winked at her before she left the room, closing the door behind her.

Charlotte felt hands wrap around her from behind, and her smile blossomed when she looked back to see Isla. She had come to love the woman as much as she loved her own mother, and she knew that Isla loved her just as much. She had ensured that Charlotte knew that every day, both with her words and her action.

“Ye are now officially part of us, although ye have been one of us for a while now. How dae ye feel?” she asked her suddenly.

“I am happier than I have ever been,” Charlotte beamed, and she knew she meant all of it. She hugged her mother-in-law just as Owen came up to them.

Their wedding feast was filled with laughter and happiness. Charlotte danced with Rory and Margaret before she was carried off on Owen’s shoulders amidst the hoots and loud whistles. Embarrassed, her face went completely red, but she allowed herself to be carried off.

It was their first night as a married couple. Charlotte was quite nervous. After Owen asked her to marry him, he informed her that he wanted to do things the right way and that for him to do that, they would have to abstain from intimate practices while he courted her. Charlotte had been a little disappointed, but also quite excited. It was the first time she was going to be courted the right way, as opposed to the terrible experiences she’d had before. In the days that had followed, Owen had brought her flowers and asked her to accompany him on evening strolls around town. They went for picnics and even a swim in the lake at the back of their property. They followed the proper rules of engagement with a chaperone, and Charlotte felt pride and love for their new beginning.

Charlotte had not known how much she would enjoy the process, and she was glad that Owen had chosen to court her. The tension between them had been thick enough to cut through with a knife, but they had settled for the occasional kisses, never allowing themselves to go past that. Charlotte had counted the days until she could be in his arms again, the way she had been the night before the incident. She wanted to experience the intimacy she’d shared with him that night. She could still remember how gentle he had been with her and the whispered words in her ear that had made her feel safe and happy, content to be with him in that moment.

Charlotte giggled when Owen kissed her, and suddenly her hand came up to cover her mouth in shock. She had never been the sort to giggle. It was such a strange sound, but she did not much mind it. She was happy, that much she knew, and he was happy also, that much she cared about.

“Where’s your mind at? Why did you suddenly go quiet on me?” Owen asked her. Charlotte debated whether to tell him as he climbed the stairs with her still on his shoulders.

“I was thinking about how perfect the last few months have been,” she said. She bit her lip before adding, “I was also thinking about being with you again.”

Charlotte blushed when Owen chuckled. He opened the door to their room and gently placed her on her feet.

“Feel this,” He took her hand and traced a path down his body from his chest to the waistband of his trousers and a little lower until she was cupping him in her hands. Charlotte gasped in shock and he held her there, squeezing tightly before he let go.

“Trust me, love, ye are nae the only one who has been thinking about it. It is all I have been able tae think about since the minute we agreed tae nae be intimate,” he said, looking pained. Charlotte laughed suddenly. She knew he wanted to be with her, but she had not known how much until she saw his expression. Her face morphed into confusion when he suddenly looked serious. She noticed he seemed to look at something near and Charlotte froze in worry.

“What is it?” she asked worriedly. She turned around, but he shook his head at her.

“Nay, dae nae move, me love. Ye have got a spider on ye.” Charlotte froze for a second as his words registered in her mind before quickly removing her clothes. She could not get it off her quick enough. Charlotte flung pieces of fabric around as she jumped up and down in fear, her mind returning to the spider that had climbed into her dress in the monastery.

“Get it off! Oh, please get it off, Owen,” she screamed, still taking off her clothes. She continued to undress until she was naked before him, jumping as she shook her hair to make sure that it had not tangled itself in her hair. Her hair had grown slightly longer since her uncle cut it, though it was still a long way off from what it had once been, but she found she did not much mind it. Charlotte had begun to love her hair as it was, although she still intended to grow it out. Now, however, the strands tickling her neck felt like the legs of a spider, making her even more scared.

Charlotte stopped when she heard Owen laugh. She stopped and glared at him playfully when she realized there had been no spider.

“You need to stop doing this, Owen. If you wanted to get me out of my clothes so bad, then all you have to do is ask.” She watched his eyebrows shoot up and a grin form on his lips.

“Oh, is that so?” he teased. Charlotte’s heart raced as Owen slowly advanced toward her. He undid his shirt as he got closer and took it off, taking off the rest of his clothes until he was completely naked before her. “There. Now we are even.”

Owen wove his fingers into Charlotte’s hair and pulled her into him, kissing her deeply. She gasped when he pressed fully against her. She could feel the hardness of him. Owen pulled his lips from hers and took her by the hand, leading her to the bed. She felt the heat pool in her core when he groaned above her, his eyes closing as he sniffed her neck. “I love the smell of yer skin. It does things to me that ye can nae understand,” he murmured.

She quivered when he bit her neck, licking the sensitive bite mark. Charlotte wrapped her hands around him and pulled on his hair, kissing him hard on the lips. She moaned into his mouth and lifted herself until her breasts were pressed against his chest, making sure that her unspoken request was understood. She gasped when he lined himself with her center and pushed into her gently. Charlotte moaned softly when she felt the fullness of his sheath completely inside. Something about it made her feel whole, like they were meant to be.

She gasped and then moaned with pleasure when he began to move inside her with a rhythmic dance of their hips. Her hands wrapped around his hard bottom as she moved with him, chasing her pleasure. Charlotte could feel the tightening in her core increasing rapidly. His deep grunts filled her with excitement. Her legs shook when he thrust deep and slow inside her, grazing at a spot that sent sweet sensations racing through her body. Charlotte bit his shoulder when he did it repeatedly, the same feeling running through her body repeatedly. She moaned his name and tightened her grip around him. Her legs wrapped around his waist to better accommodate him. She let out a low-pitched scream when the pleasure overtook her, just as Owen jerked above her and collapsed on her.

Charlotte played with the short strands of hair at his nape, feeling complete. Her life had taken a turn for the better and she could not be more grateful.

The End.

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One year later…

“Should we just come in? Or should we have planned some sort of a surprise first?” Blair asked, looking out of the window of the carriage, Ada next to him.

She squeezed his hand. “I think our arrival will be surprise enough! It has been far too long since I have seen me family. Writin’ them letters was nae enough for me.” Ada leaned against his shoulder, and Blair leaned over to kiss her head and breathe in her scent.

She was his Ada, forever and ever. Even after one year of marriage and glorious travel around much of Europe, it still didn’t seem real.

“Ye dinnae regret it, dae ye, all that we have done and all that we have seen?”

“Nay, nae at all! It was everythin’ tae me!” She lifted up her head and touched his cheek to turn his face towards hers. “Never think that I have regretted it. It is only that Ella now has children, and I have never seen the babies! It is time. And she says that Father is gettin’ tired. She worries for him.”

“Aye, the troubles with the English abound it seems.” He rubbed at the back of his neck, remembering the letter he’d received from Laird MacPherson a few weeks before, asking for their return.

I would like ye tae take over the clan, Blair. I ken that ye feel ye have a duty tae Cameron, but now that ye are like a son, I would wish ye tae take a son’s place as laird. And then yer son will be the heir tae the MacPherson Clan.

He had not told Ada, fearful that she would not wish for that, fearful that she would get upset about her father attempting to force them back to her old prison again. But he hoped that age had mellowed out the older man and that the distance from his one daughter had done so as well. Perhaps she would be keen to stay and live in her old home and to have Blair take over the clan while her father took his retirement.

“It is all so lovely,” Ada sighed. “I am glad we came before the cold, but I can feel it coming. Despite the beautiful, sunny places we’ve seen in France and Italy, I confess that I have missed the cold air of Scotland. The way it bites at ye,” she chuckled, “it makes ye feel alive.”

He chuckled with her. “Aye, what a description. Quite right. And it makes one keen tae get close under the covers at night,” he added jokingly.

She pushed against him. “Ever the seducer, me husband.”

“Aye, of course.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “What man would have a bonny wife like mine and nae always be thinkin’ about ways tae seduce her and get her intae his bed?” His eyes widened. “Ye dinnae think yer father will try tae keep us away from one another again as punishment for bein’ away for so long?”

She burst into laughter and shook her head. “Surely nae. We are married this one year! And he would have tae fight against me if he wished tae dae somethin’ as nonsensical as that.”

He could see Grant Castle approaching through the window. He drew Ada in closer. He was excited to see his old friend and in-laws again, but he was also a little nervous. He hoped that a year had passed and that he had changed for the better. They’d left so soon after their wedding that no one had seen them as husband and wife. He was concerned that they would find him unsuitable as a husband in some way.

He shook his head. Despite Finley’s absence and his need for vengeance, Blair still struggled with himself and believing in his own worth. The darkness had weighed heavily on him for a long time, and the guilt he felt for killing those men had burned a hole inside of him. Ada’s love had healed him so much that he felt better all the time. He was still worried that he was not good enough for her. He was worried about being good enough for Laird MacPherson’s plan for him to take over the clan.

“Here we are!” Ada said excitedly as the carriage slowed.

He couldn’t help but smile at his wife’s happiness. The door opened, and he jumped out first so that he could help her down. He pulled her into his arms so that her back was against his chest, and resting his chin on her head, they looked at Grant Castle.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Aye, I cannae wait!” She wriggled free and walked towards the gates. When they opened, Ella, Cameron, and two young children who looked exactly alike rushed out.

Ada screamed with delight, running towards her sister while Blair laughed, walking up to Cameron.

“Blair!” Cameron cried, pulling him into a warm, brotherly embrace. “God, it is good tae see ye.” When he pulled away, he squeezed Blair’s shoulders. “Ye look well, brother.”

“I feel well,” he said, only partially truthful. “Ye look well too.”

Cameron had grown in maturity in the last year as if much more time had passed. More lines were fanning out from the corners of his eyes, and his smile lines were also deeper grooves. He was happy, and that made Blair happy.

“We did nae ken when exactly ye were comin’. I swear, Ella has been waitin’ at the window for the past month, hopin’ that day would be the day.” He hugged Blair again. “Come, meet me bairns.”

“Blair,” Ella said, hugging him and kissing him on the cheek before she reached for Ada again. “We’ve missed ye both so much.”

Her eyes were moist with tears. “We’ve missed ye,” Ada replied with equal emotion.

“These are the twins,” Ella said proudly, grasping at them as they clung to her skirts, almost not able to stand straight. “Danny and David,” she added with a twinkle in her eye.

Danny was toddling next to his older brother, and Ada reached down to scoop them both up in a hug. “What a pleasure tae meet ye all. I am yer Aunt Ada, and this is yer Uncle Blair.”

Blair smiled at the children. The boys were identical to their father. He knelt in front of them.

“Greetings tae ye, lads. Has yer father let ye hold a sword yet?”

They shook their heads at the same time.

“Well, perhaps I should be the one tae show ye.” He grinned, winking at Cameron, who shook his head.

“Ye are goin’ tae kill Ella, Blair.”

“Greetings!” A familiar voice called from the doorway. Both Blair and Ada looked up, and they saw Laird MacPherson coming out of the gates to meet them. “I was wonderin’ when ye’d arrive after me letter, Blair.”

Blair groaned inwardly when he heard Ada say, “Letter?”

He turned to his wife, the woman he’d sworn never to keep secrets from any longer.

“Aye. Yer father has sent me a letter,” he said, just as the laird came to hug Ada and shake Blair’s hand.

“I want Blair tae take over the clan.”

***

Ada knew perhaps it wasn’t very fair, but she was angry at her husband. Once they were all settled inside and Ella and Cameron were off speaking to the servants about meals and preparations, Ada looked between her father and Blair.

“When were ye goin’ tae tell me?” she asked, and he had the decency to look abashed.

“Here and now,” he said. “I did nae want tae worry ye.”

“Ada, come now,” her father admonished in his usual tone.

She tried her best not to wince at it. It had been three years since she’d last seen him, and she’d been afraid of seeing him again. They had made up before the wedding, but he was still the same man. Would he attempt to try to scold her as always? Would he even attempt to imprison her in his old ways?

“What is so terrible about this idea? Blair would make a wonderful laird, would he nae?” Ada’s eyes dragged to her husband.

She couldn’t help but smile a little. Blair had grown in maturity, wisdom, and good looks. Their time abroad had made his skin more golden, and it brought out the lines around his eyes. He’d laughed and smiled more than he ever had since she’d first known him. Her heart swelled with love for this man, and she knew she could not be angry at him for long. But the fact that he’d kept such a big secret from her hurt her. It made her afraid, made her remember the feeling of the past when he’d tried to keep her out of the situation with Finley.

Occasionally, despite all his actions to the contrary, she worried that he would run away again.

“Of course, he would. I only wish that he had told me. I could have talked about it with him instead of havin’ it sprung upon me without notice.”

Blair nodded, and he reached across the table for her hand. “I ken, lass. I am sorry about that.”

“Well, what did ye decide?”

He shook his head. “I have nae. I was waitin’ tae tell ye and talk about it with ye.”

“But of course, there is only one option,” her father said.

She narrowed her gaze at him. “Father, ye must let us make our own decision.” She softened a little, attempting to avoid the old tension which had seeped into her muscles. “But I thank ye for thinkin’ of us. Are ye unwell? Ella has written tae me about a few things.”

“Has she?” He chuckled. “Aye, I am nae so spry as I once was, and I think I am tired of rulin’ from an empty castle. Ye should go and fill it with yer own family.” He lifted a brow. “I wonder why ye dinnae have any bairns of yer own.”

Ada blushed. “Father, it is nae a question one asks.”

This time, Blair spoke. “We wanted the freedom tae travel, me laird. But now, perhaps if we choose yer solution, we can have a place tae settle.”

His soft eyes looked into hers, and she smiled. It had been so beautiful to travel and see the world. Ada had experienced a wonderful freedom that she’d never thought possible. She’d seen things so many in the Highlands had never and would never see. But the idea of returning home after so long away did appeal to her. It would be nice to sit in one’s own chair in front of one’s own fire.

“Here we are,” Ella said, returning to the hall on Cameron’s arm. “The children are settled, and the meal will be served shortly.”

Ada turned her mind away from the issue at hand, and they ate pleasantly as a family, Ella filling them all in on the latest goings-on of the village, Cameron’s ruling, as well as how the children fared. Ada smiled and laughed, and with each breath, she was grateful she’d been able to return to her family. She was tired and ready for bed when it was all over, and Ella met her at the base of the stairs before she went up.

Ella looked back at the men who were deep in conversation about something. “What will ye dae, Ada? Ye ken that I would love tae have ye close by, but ye must dae what is in yer heart. Ye would be welcome here as well, for Blair tae serve as Cam’s man-at-arms as planned. Dinnae let Father push ye intae it.”

“I will nae,” Ada said sharply and then looked up at her sister. “I’m sorry. I spent a long while thinkin’ about what it would be like tae be around Father again. I’ve been very nervous, plannin’ out what I might say tae him. He seems more subdued, of course,” she said, stealing a glance at him. “But I can tell he still wants me tae dae as he asks. I just worry that he will lord over me while we live in MacPherson Castle. That, I could nae abide.”

Ella lifted her chin. “Then ye will simply tell him what tae dae. Ye will be the lady of the castle if Blair chooses the lairdship. Ye are both a grown, and a married woman. Ye dinnae need him tae tell ye what ye must dae.”

“Thank ye, Ella. But I think that ye should also have him come and visit ye very often.”

Ella chuckled, just as her children came rushing into the entranceway, their nanny not far behind.

“And a good night tae ye all,” Ada cried, leaning down to squeeze and kiss them. When she rose, she touched Ella’s arm. “I am so sorry that I missed their birth. But I am here now. I want tae get tae ken them. I feel like I dae from all yer letters about them.”

Ella beamed. “Aye I was tryin’ tae keep ye well-informed. But I’m glad ye will nae go away anytime soon. I missed ye terribly all this time, but I was so happy that ye got tae have the freedom ye deserved.”

Smiling, Ada hugged her. “Aye, so am I.”

She felt Blair’s touch on her back, and she pulled away. “Ready?” he asked.

“Aye, I am so fatigued, I can barely stand up.”

“Go and rest!” Ella said, waving them both away. “A bath has been put in yer room for ye both.”

They wished her family good night, and Blair kept his hand on her back as they found their way to their room. Once inside, Ada was warmed by the fire and the sight of a steaming bath in front of it.

“How lovely,” she said, and Blair came behind her.

“I am glad they ken we wish tae bathe together. Let me help ye,” he said, slowly unbuttoning her bodice, untying her stays and helping her out of her clothing until she was fully naked.

When she turned around, he smiled and shook his head as he took her in. “Ye are perfect, Ada. I still lose me breath every time I look at ye.”

“And ye,” she said, helping him out of his jacket and shirt.

When he was fully bare, they walked to the tub and slipped inside. He pulled her against him, and she closed her eyes.

“I am sorry, Ada. Will ye forgive me?” he asked before he kissed her temple.
“Aye, of course. What would ye like tae dae?”

He traced a finger along her arm. “I dinnae ken. I fear that ye may nae like tae return tae yer home, lass, with yer father.”

“Aye, but Ella says that I must simply tell him his place.”

“So ye should.” He chuckled, and she felt the hum against her back. “He would listen tae ye now. There is nothin’ holdin’ ye back any longer.”

She nodded. “Aye, but what dae ye want? Dae ye want tae be laird?”

He hesitated for a moment. “Perhaps ye think me foolish, but I still think of how I took the lives of those men when I was young. I have taken other lives, of course, but those stick with me. I fear there is a darkness in me that could still come out and that I am unworthy.”

She pulled his arms tighter around her. “That is what makes ye the best laird. Ye dinnae already think yerself a gift tae mankind. Ye would have the humility tae help those in need and tae keep yer people strong.”

He didn’t say anything else, and they finished bathing. Once out of the water, Blair took a towel and wrapped it around her.

“I am only better with ye at me side.” He kissed her. “Would ye be willin’ tae be a laird’s wife?”

“Aye, of course,” she said. “I would dae anythin’ for ye. And if ye need further help in bein’ humble, I would be happy tae assist.”

Laughing, he drew her closer and pressed a kiss to the base of her neck.

“Blair,” Ada said softly, wondering what reaction she’d get.

“Hmm?” he asked, still holding her.

“Seein’ the children today has reminded me. We have put it off for so long. I ken that we have nae had children because of our travels. But now…” She pulled out his arms and looked at him. “Would ye like one of yer own?”

She feared that he would turn away or make her feel a fool. But instead, he put his hands on her cheeks and kissed her.

“Aye, lass, that would make me very happy.”

Grinning, she jumped into his arms, and he spun her about, their towels dropping to the floor in their haste. When he slowed, his hands caressed down her back and grasped her buttocks.

“Well,” he said in a low voice that never failed to send tingles down her spine, “shall we begin right now?”

“Aye, laird,” she teased. “That would make me very happy.”

Blair scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed, smiling the whole time. It was a new chapter, and she was fearful of many things. But, for the time being, Ada had more pleasant ones on her mind.

The End.

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