Arianna and Fergus had moved to the MacAllistair castle a few months later, their plans to rebuild the clan a clearer picture than when they had first spoken of it. They had begun by rebuilding the castle’s fortifications and recalling the clan members who had fled after Scott had taken over the castle. Many of their men and woman had left the safety of their homes because of his treachery; they had chosen a life of fear and constant running instead of bowing to his rule.
It had both warmed and broken Arianna’s heart to think of her people running away from their homes – their loyalty to her and her father was astounding, and they had flocked back when the news began to spread that Laird Ranulf’s daughter was returning to claim her birthright.
When they rode through the streets leading up to the castle, it was to find them strewn with flowers and wreaths; Arianna’s people lined the sides of the street, calling out their gratitude and blessings upon her and Fergus.
Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she smiled at her people, her clan; the joy she saw reflected in their faces was all she needed to see. Arianna was home, and that was as it should be.
These were her people, and this was her clan. It had not been a senseless battle after all – these people had waited for her to return, and she was grateful that Fergus had made sure that she could and would do so.
The weeks passed far too quickly, in Arianna’s mind, as they rebuilt everything they possibly could. The tides turned, and the weeks turned into months, as time inexorably wore on.
She found Fergus training Elijah in the training fields alongside the barracks; the boy was coming along well. He had decided that he wanted to be trained properly by Fergus after their ordeal; while the young man was still averse to any form of violence, he had stated that he wanted to be able to protect himself – and Molly, of course.
Fergus had been all too willing to oblige the young man, who had agreed to take up residence with them at the MacAllistair castle. While Laird Alec was alive, there was no need for Fergus to be at the McGill castle all the time; until they had managed to merge the two clans together, both had agreed that it would be best for Fergus to spend his time with the MacAllistairs. It would help them coexist in the future if they could see their new Laird and Lady living amongst them and could feel and see the protection that the union of the two clans would offer them.
The MacAllistairs could be hard-headed, as could any Highlander, but they needed to see that joining the two clans would only benefit them.
Arianna stood against the railing, watching Fergus train Elijah in swordsmanship, smiling at the two men as they jousted and jested with each other. When they were finally done, Fergus quickly made his way to her side, gathering her in his arms.
“What say ye, Arianna McGill?” he asked, breathless as he kissed her lightly on the lips.
“Yer going tae be a father, Fergus McGill,” she smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling with mirth and bliss.
“Nae,” he said, disbelief warring with excitement on his face.
“Aye,” she nodded, laughing as Fergus lifted her up to spin her around in his joy – their joy.
“It truly is a union o’ the McGills an’ MacAllistairs, is it not?” he laughed when he finally put her down gently.
“It is.”
If you want to stay updated on my next book, and want to know about secret deals, please click the button below!
This is the story of Gillian, an adventurous English lady who finds herself captured by a mysterious and alluring Highlander. This Highlander will do whatever it takes to save his people from hunger, even abduct the daughter of his enemy. But life seldom goes as planned. What will happen when the Highlander starts falling for Gillian? And will her feelings or her logic prevail in this peculiar turn of events?
This is the story of Julia, an intelligent English lady who runs away to escape her woes and finds herself in the keep of an enticing Highlander. This Highlander, as handsome as he may be, has serious economic troubles, and only a miracle can save him. But perhaps one's answer is closer than he thinks. How will he help her face the past that is haunting her? And how will she save him?
This is the story of Gale, an adventurous English lady who runs away to escape her murderous mother and finds herself in the company of an alluring Highlander. There she is called to change her ways, and he helps her see the world from a different point of view. But her past is catching up with her. How will she elude her mother? And will this be the only obstacle in their relationship?
Kaleb’s life had changed so much in such a short time that sometimes, he still struggled to believe it. There were days when he woke up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, fearing that Ralph would attack his clan before he remembered that his brother was dead, and other nights when his dreams were filled with images of that battle in the forest when Ralph had died.
But most nights were nothing like that. Most nights, he fell asleep next to Guinevere, and he held her for hours, her presence so calming that he dreamt of nothing at all.
He didn’t remember a time in his life when he had been happier. Every time he gazed at Guinevere, she took his breath away and put a smile on his lips, even when she was only sitting there, doing nothing. Kaleb couldn’t get enough of her. Even Andrew had difficulty dragging him to meetings with the Elders, as Kaleb was so determined to be by her side at all times.
But Andrew had managed to take him to one of the meetings, after all, and Kaleb had spent hour after hour listening to the Elders when there was little to talk about. Their clan wasn’t in danger anymore, after all. They were prospering, and so in his mind, most of those meetings were unnecessary.
When he escaped his study, Kaleb tracked Guinevere down and found her in the gardens, where the two of them had shared their first intimate moments. He remembered that night vividly, as though it were yesterday, and he had half a mind to recreate that night as he walked to her, placing a hand on the small of her back.
Guinevere didn’t seem to have noticed him coming, and she jumped, startled until she realized that it was him. Then, she smiled at him, leaning into his arms.
“Are ye done with yer meetin’?” she asked. “Ye were gone only for a short time, but I still missed ye.”
“Aye, I’m all done for noo,” Kaleb said, leaning down to press a sweet kiss on her lips. “I’m sorry that ye had to wait for me for so long. I didna ken that I would spend so many hours with the Elders.”
“It’s alright,” Guinevere reassured him. “I ken that ye’re a busy man.”
“Never too busy for ye,” Kaleb said. “Tell me, how has yer day been? What do ye wish to do today?”
“Weel . . . I did have somethin’ to tell ye,” Guinevere said, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth in that way that made Kaleb go wild with lust. “And this is the perfect time to tell ye.”
“What is it?”
“I’m pregnant, Kaleb,” she said, her hand coming to rest on her stomach. “Ye’ll be a faither.”
Kaleb’s eyes fell to Guinevere’s stomach. He had noticed a small change in her, as well, as though she had started glowing all of a sudden, more beautiful and radiant than ever before.
“A bairn,” he said, his voice barely a whisper, the tremor in it clear. “We’ll have a bairn?”
“Aye. Aye, we will.”
Kaleb could have fainted. He would have if he didn’t think that it was undignified for a Laird to faint from excitement in the middle of the gardens. He made his way to the nearest bench on unsteady legs and sat down, Guinevere perching herself right next to him.
“Are ye happy?” she asked.
“Happy?” Kaleb echoed. Did happy even begin to describe what he was feeling? Was there any word at all that could express his joy at the news? “Of course, I’m happy, Golden. Ye’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”
He wanted to ask her so many questions. He wanted to ask her when she had found out if she knew how far along she was, impatient as he was to meet the new member of their family but judging by the fact that there was no swell on her belly quite yet, he figured that she had only recently found out. He didn’t want to bombard her with questions, not just yet. He wanted the two of them to simply enjoy that moment for as long as they could.
“I have more good news,” Guinevere said then, but Kaleb could hardly focus on her words. No news could be better than what she had just shared with him. “Andrew has asked for Beth’s hand in marriage.”
“He has?” Kaleb asked, surprised. Sure, he had had a conversation with Andrew about it, giving him his permission to marry Beth, but he hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.
“Aye,” Guinevere said. “Beth told me this mornin’. And just as I thought, they’re both verra happy about it.”
Kaleb huffed out a short laugh. Guinevere liked to be right, and of course, she often was. He, too, was happy for Andrew. For the longest time, Kaleb hadn’t believed in marriage after Ava’s betrayal, but Andrew always preached about how every man should have a capable woman by his side, and there were few women as capable as Beth.
“It’s a good match,” he said. “I suppose noo we’ll have to have another feast.”
“Hopefully, this time, we willna leave as early,” Guinevere teased, and Kaleb knew precisely what she was talking about. He hadn’t been the only one eager to get to their chambers, though, at their own feast, as far as he remembered.
Kaleb responded to Guinevere’s teasing by grabbing her by the waist and giving her a twirl, which seemed to delight her. Then, he decided that it was time to give her some of his own news.
“Since ye made me so happy and gave me such a precious gift, I have a gift to give to ye, too,” he said. “Do ye wish to ken what it is?”
***
“A gift?” Guinevere said, startled. What kind of gift could Kaleb have for her? “What is it?”
“Tristan,” Kaleb said. “He’s comin’ home.”
It was a good thing that Guinevere was standing close to the bench, she thought as she sat down. Otherwise, she would have collapsed right there and then. The news was such a big shock that her strength left her, her hands trembling as she clutched onto Kaleb’s shirt.
“He is?” she asked, breathless. “He really is?”
“He’s on his way as we speak,” Kaleb said, giving her a soft smile. “He’ll be here by the end of the week.”
“And he’s weel?”
“I willna lie to ye,” Kaleb said. “The Sassenachs were anythin’ but kind to him, but me men say that he’s already recoverin’. There shouldna be any lastin’ damage.”
Guinevere wasn’t so certain about that. Even if his physical wounds would heal, there was no telling what had happened to his mind and his soul. But no matter how long it would take, she would be by his side, and she would help him through it all.
“Nimue . . . have ye told her?” Guinevere asked. “Have ye sent word to them?”
“Na yet,” Kaleb said. “I wanted ye to hear it first. I only just heard of it meself.”
Guinevere wanted to write to Nimue and their father immediately. They would both be so happy to know that Tristan was finally coming back after weeks of knowing he was still alive. That had come as a shock to them all when they had first found out, and since then, they had been expecting his arrival anxiously.
“I’ll go write to her immediately,” she said, extricating herself from Kaleb’s arms, which had found their way around her once more. “Ach, Kaleb, ye’ve made me so happy! Thank ye. I canna wait to see him.”
“And I canna wait to meet him,” Kaleb said.
With one last smile, Guinevere rushed back into the castle. She hunched over a piece of paper, furiously scribbling onto it, and sent a messenger to Nimue immediately, with the orders that he was to rush as much as possible.
For the rest of the day, nothing could wipe the smile off Guinevere’s lips. She could think about nothing else but the moment when she would see Tristan again, and she hoped that the rest of her family would accept her invitation to visit again so that they could all be together for a while.
That night, Guinevere slid into bed next to Kaleb, drawn to his arms like a moth to the flame. She kissed him, trying to pour into that one kiss all the love and gratitude that she had for him, and when they parted, she couldn’t stop gazing into his eyes.
How could anyone ever think that this man is anythin’ but kind? His eyes . . . his eyes show it.
Kaleb’s hand came to rest on her stomach, and Guinevere smiled at him, her own hand laying on top of his. She couldn’t wait for the moment when she would feel the baby move, but she knew that it was far too early for that. Nimue had told her that it would still take a while.
Her sister had been the second person to know that she was pregnant. The first had been Beth, who had also pointed it out to her in the first place. And Kaleb had been the third, as she had been trying to come up with a way to make the announcement special before she realized that she didn’t have to do anything for it to be perfect.
With a sigh, Guinevere closed her eyes, the smile never fading from her lips. And as she let sleep fall over her, she knew that from that moment on, she would only be happier and happier.
If you want to stay updated on my next book, and want to know about secret deals, please click the button below!
This is the story of Gillian, an adventurous English lady who finds herself captured by a mysterious and alluring Highlander. This Highlander will do whatever it takes to save his people from hunger, even abduct the daughter of his enemy. But life seldom goes as planned. What will happen when the Highlander starts falling for Gillian? And will her feelings or her logic prevail in this peculiar turn of events?
This is the story of Julia, an intelligent English lady who runs away to escape her woes and finds herself in the keep of an enticing Highlander. This Highlander, as handsome as he may be, has serious economic troubles, and only a miracle can save him. But perhaps one's answer is closer than he thinks. How will he help her face the past that is haunting her? And how will she save him?
This is the story of Gale, an adventurous English lady who runs away to escape her murderous mother and finds herself in the company of an alluring Highlander. There she is called to change her ways, and he helps her see the world from a different point of view. But her past is catching up with her. How will she elude her mother? And will this be the only obstacle in their relationship?
“Are you well, Rose?” Her father asked, holding her elbow as they walked up the most prominent hill near the Prestone Castle. She and her family had gone to the Prestone to celebrate Beltane.
“Yes, Father, why would I not be well?” she scoffed good-naturedly. It seemed the way of men to become overly protective when a woman was with child, even if for the second time.
“Well, I just want everything to be fine,” he said, and Rose smiled at him. He looked older and a little more fatigued than when she’d left him two years before, but he was still hardy. In the last two years, so much had happened. She and Euan had decided to remain married and raise their child, a daughter named Fortune. They had gone to England when Fortune was still a baby to visit their family.
Rose was reunited with her father, mother, her maid Mary, and Mrs. Drummond. It was a thing of perfection to bring together her old and new life. But, when she returned to Scotland afterward, she knew that she had made the right choice. England was like a foreign land to her now, and she would always and forever be Scottish in spirit, if not in blood. Her children would have that Scottish blood running through their veins, and they were the perfect example of an alliance. English and Scottish heritage in one.
“Thank you, Father. You are very kind. But I want you to focus on the festival, not me. You will have a wonderful time, I am sure.” She was breathing heavily now as they were nearly cresting the hill with the other Prestone villagers and clans’ people. They were preparing for the Beltane festival with a large fire. Rose was cheered at the memory of how well she enjoyed the festivity last time at her own home on Laird’s Hill.
“I think so,” he said, his attention taken by the sight of all that was taking place upon the hill. Village men were piling the wood high in the fire area. Women were tending to tables, and musicians were preparing their instruments. “So many people, so much to look upon,” he said in awe.
She squeezed his arm. He was a good man, although a little pious. She feared that he would be afraid when the villagers began to engage in their “pagan” traditions, but that would come later. There was still light in the sky, and they arrived early so that Rose did not have to travel in the dark. It was his first Beltane as they could not attend the last year.
“I thought just the same on my first trip.” She smiled. Siobhan and Walter’s clan were creating everything so perfectly. It would be a beautiful festival, and she knew that her father and brother would learn to love Scotland one day, as she did. But it would take a lot of time, longer than she needed because of their memories of war.
“It seems your brother has found someone to entertain him,” her father added, sounding a little disapproving. Rose turned her eyes toward the edge of the hill where she saw Susan and Henry walking together, speaking animatedly. Ever since her conversation with Henry two years before at her castle, a change had come over him.
She wasn’t sure what he had decided within himself, but he was happier, less full of vengeance and the need for power. He was kind and gentle now, and when she’d first seen this change on her visit to England, she was shocked. Even her father had been surprised. “He has found a companion in your lady’s maid, I see,” her father said, watching them.
“Yes, so he has.” Ever since Henry’s arrival to Rede Castle, he had finally met Susan, and they’d struck up a conversation. She knew it wasn’t exactly normal or perhaps proper, but Susan made Henry’s face light up again, and a woman who could do that was worth a fortune. So, she let it be, even if her father disapproved. “Susan is a good woman. Kind and gentle. Earnest. There is no reason to disapprove.”
Her father nodded. “I suppose I can no longer have opinions on the matter after all that has happened. You were forced into marriage, and yet it has turned out happily. Life is a strange thing,” he chuckled.
“You are right. It has turned out better than we could have ever expected.” Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Henry whispering something in Susan’s ear, and Susan blushed prettily.
“My dear,” Euan said as he approached, taking Rose’s hand and kissing it. “I am sorry that I have been gone almost the whole day. There was much tae do in Walter’s village. Thank ye, Sir Sayer, for escorting her tae the hill. I wanted her tae be here afore the darkness came. Are ye well? Do ye need anything?”
“Nothing at all, Euan. You can stop fearing for me.” She spied Fortune holding Siobhan’s hand as they crested the hill. She waved, and Fortune broke free from Siobhan’s grasp and rushed into Rose’s arms.
“Mother!” she cried. “Aunt Siobhan has shown me much today. May I tell you about it?’
“Certainly, my dear.” She smiled at her beautiful dark-haired, blue-eyed daughter and wondered for a moment what her new child would look like when the time came.
***
“Thank ye for watching her, Siobhan,” Euan said, and he kissed Fortune on the cheek as well as Rose before returning to Walter’s side at the edge of the fire. He was giving instructions as to its size and the laying of the wood.
Euan chuckled, and he slapped Walter on the shoulder when he approached. “Would ye happen tae be nervous about yer first Beltane festival with a lady at yer side?”
“Is it that obvious? Nae only that, but ye are here as well as with yer wife’s family. I feel as though the goings-on of my clan are on display for all tae see. And if they donnae live up tae a standard, I donnae ken what tae do.”
“What standard, ye fool?” Euan laughed, even though he could understand his friend’s sentiment.
Walter shrugged. “I donnae ken. I just ken that I want tae continue tae convince Siobhan that she made the right choice in marrying me.”
“She kens that, Walter. Why fear so?”
“I think that she misses home sometimes; she has said as much tae me.” He looked over at Siobhan, who was laughing and smiling with Rose and her father.
“So does Rose. And yet she is here, happily living the new life she has.” He smiled at his friend. “Donnae worry so. I ken that it is yer nature, even though ye often appear confident, but all is well. Siobhan is happy. I ken her, and I have kenned her for a long time. I have never seen her so happy.”
Walter smiled widely. Thank ye, Euan.” He looked over at Rose. “It took ye some time, but I am glad that ye got over yer…disinterest in yer Sassenach wife.”
“Och, ye are in a teasing mood, are ye? Well, should I try tae stir up some trouble between ye and Siobhan? I think I ken just what tae say.”
Walter laughed. “Ye are a far better warrior than I am, Euan. But truly, I am happy for ye. Things have gone will in yer life.” He paused. “Yer parents would be happy for ye. I am glad ye heeded my advice and chose love over vengeance, over pride.”
“It was nae easy task,” Euan sorted. “But I am glad tae. I donnae think that I would have ever relinquished my pride or my need tae help the clan and give up my own happiness tae do so if ye hadnae said something. Ye have saved me, friend. I hope that I can save ye someday.”
“But ye have!” Walter laughed. “The night ye spoke of Siobhan and me at the dinner table when Henry was there as sour as could be after the ill-conceived battle. It changed everything. I donnae think Siobhan would ever have listened tae me if it wasnae for the embarrassment we suffered at that moment. Nae only that, but Rose noticed my regard for Siobhan before even I did or before I even kenned of its strength and depth. My life has changed because of the two of ye. I thank ye.” Walter shook Euan’s hand, and Euan shook his head.
“Look at the two of us. Old warriors, and now we clasp hands and look as if we are about tae cry. Come let us get the Beltane fire lit and begin the festivities. The sun is soon slipping down the horizon, and I can feel the chill in the air.”
“Fine, fine,” Walter chuckled, and he instructed his men.
An hour later, Euan had his arm about his wife as they watched the men move the cake amongst themselves, attempting to find the one who had to jump the fire. “You did not wish to participate this year, my love?” Rose teased.
“Nae. I wanted tae give the honor to Walter tae participate as laird, and he refused to let me, kenning that if I did, it would cause ye distress. He doesnae wish tae upset ye in yer condition.”
Rose laid her head on his shoulder. “I will scold him for his overprotectiveness, but I thank him as well.” Rose looked at her father, and Euan followed her gaze. Susan explained the festivities to Henry and his father-in-law, and they both looked dumbstruck with surprise and interest.
“Do ye think yer father will ask ye tae leave Scotland after he sees this ritual?” He chuckled.
“No. I think his mind has changed on many things in the last two years. You can see how he holds Fortune in his arms. He is a happy grandfather, and he would not wish to change anything.”
“Good. Because I do not wish to change anything either. My life is perfect as it is.”
“Is that so?” Rose looked up at him. The crowd cheered when the man was selected. They watched as he backed away from the fire and then took a giant leap over the flames. “I am glad that you were not selected as the sacrifice this year, Euan.”
“Ye are right. I am also glad. It was a little too warm for my liking.” Rose giggled, and he held her closer. “Besides, we have already sacrificed so much for this life we lead.”
“You are right. And now we should continue to be happy instead.” Rose leaned closer, and Euan kissed her on the lips.
“Aye, lass. Let us be happy.”
If you want to stay updated on my next book, and want to know about secret deals, please click the button below!
This is the story of Gillian, an adventurous English lady who finds herself captured by a mysterious and alluring Highlander. This Highlander will do whatever it takes to save his people from hunger, even abduct the daughter of his enemy. But life seldom goes as planned. What will happen when the Highlander starts falling for Gillian? And will her feelings or her logic prevail in this peculiar turn of events?
This is the story of Julia, an intelligent English lady who runs away to escape her woes and finds herself in the keep of an enticing Highlander. This Highlander, as handsome as he may be, has serious economic troubles, and only a miracle can save him. But perhaps one's answer is closer than he thinks. How will he help her face the past that is haunting her? And how will she save him?
This is the story of Gale, an adventurous English lady who runs away to escape her murderous mother and finds herself in the company of an alluring Highlander. There she is called to change her ways, and he helps her see the world from a different point of view. But her past is catching up with her. How will she elude her mother? And will this be the only obstacle in their relationship?
Blair hummed softly while she sat in her chair, seated next to the open window. She basked in the warm sunlight while she gazed down at the baby in her arms. She never knew she could love someone so much until she had met her son five weeks ago, during a night of harsh storms. The pains were unbearable. Tavis had worried for her health during the entire ordeal. The midwife had kept Aindreas from entering her rooms, even though she had heard him demanding entrance. Her screams had terrified him.
That night, she had given birth to the new laird, Ethan MacBean.
The small laird slept in Blair’s arms. His little lungs were worn out from wailing most of the morning. Blair’s gaze kept flickering from his serene, sleeping face to the courtyard below, excited for a special guest’s visit.
Blair perked in her seat when she saw horses riding in the distance, led by a man with dark raven curls. She clutched Ethan close to her bosom and carefully rose from her chair, making her way out of her quarters and through the corridors.
“My lady!”
Blair paused and turned around, finding the midwife, Mairi, rushing towards her. The woman was young for being a midwife, perhaps only a few years older than Blair but had aided many village women with their births. Her brown hair was tied back in a low plait. Several strands escaped around her face. She had the most astonishing icy blue eyes Blair had ever seen and wondered if the midwife had been popular amongst the lads when she resided in the village.
“Ye mustn’t exude yerself too much, my lady,” said Mairi while stopping in front of her. “‘Tis still too soon.”
Blair smiled brightly. “I only wish to welcome a guest. I don’t expect to go walking around the castle gardens anytime soon.”
“If that is all ye intend to do,” said Mairi while following Blair towards the staircase. “Nevertheless, I will still aid ye if ye feel a wee weak.”
Blair slowly walked down the stairs, taking one step at a time. “Nonsense. I feel fine. Ye and Tavis both have been too wary.”
“Better to be wary than overindulge,” said Mairi as they stepped into the foyer.
Blair paused at the bottom of the staircase as she saw Daniel enter the keep, followed by several MacBean soldiers. Of what she heard, he was residing in a small cottage several miles from the castle, yet had been sending and receiving messages with the MacAlisters, often riding back and forth between the two clans. He looked different than she last saw him. His arms were well-muscled as if he had been training. His jaw was more angular, with stubble marring his flesh. He appeared exhausted from riding, yet something about him made him seem more like a man than the usual boyish quality he had about him.
Aindreas stood in front of the great hall, taking his cousin’s hand and giving it a firm shake. “Daniel,” he said, pulling the man forward and wrapping his arms around his cousin. “‘Tis good to see ye.”
Daniel chuckled while pushing the laird away. “I wish to say the same about ye, but then I’d be lying.”
Aindreas rolled his eyes while Daniel looked around.
“And the little laird, where is he?” Daniel’s eyes widened as they fell upon Blair. She quickly strode towards them, ignoring her husband’s scowl.
“I thought I told ye to rest in yer rooms,” said Aindreas slowly.
Blair pursed her lips while stopping in front of both Daniel and Aindreas. “And I thought I told ye I was fine.” She held out Ethan with pride.
“Ah, the little laird, we meet at last,” said Daniel with a bright smile while hovering over the sleeping baby. There was a sadness in his gaze, and Blair wondered what it would be like for Daniel to have a wife and become a father. She suspected he would make a wonderful family man given his calm nature and his patience.
“He’s beautiful,” Daniel said while lifting his gaze to hers, his smile slowly dissipating. “I heard ye were quite ill.”
“We nearly lost her,” said Aindreas gruffly.
Blair shook her head. “It was difficult, but I am fine now.”
“Hardly,” Aindreas muttered.
“If ye don’t mind,” said Mairi while stepping forth. Blair nearly jumped from her skin, having forgotten the midwife was there all along. Mairi took Ethan from Blair’s arms. “I could look after the little one for ye while ye welcome yer guest.”
Blair nodded, yet she noticed how Mairi kept her gaze from Daniel as if she was too shy to look upon him. Blair’s gaze slid to Daniel, noticing the way he stared at Mairi. His gaze raked over her, his lips parted. He blinked and quickly turned away as if he only just noticed how he had been staring at the lass.
“Apologies for my rudeness, Daniel,” Blair said with a sly smile slowly creeping her lips upwards. “This is Mairi. She is the midwife.” Blair gestured towards Daniel as she added, “This is Laird Aindreas’s cousin, Daniel.”
Mairi bowed her head and dipped into a short curtsy while she held little Ethan in her arms. “‘Tis a pleasure.”
Daniel smiled thinly. “Likewise.”
Ethan’s arm moved within the blankets surrounding him, and his mouth opened, emitting a whimper. “If ye excuse me,” Mairi said while turning on her heel, “I will see what the little laird demands for now.” She bowed her head once more before striding towards the staircase.
Blair nodded, her smile growing while a plan formed in her mind. She glanced at Aindreas, who wrapped an arm around her shoulders, placing a kiss upon her brow. Daniel’s followed Mairi as she walked up the steps. Blair couldn’t stop the hope brimming within her.
The hope that Daniel would soon find love to brighten his days.
If you want to stay updated on my next book, and want to know about secret deals, please click the button below!
This is the story of Gillian, an adventurous English lady who finds herself captured by a mysterious and alluring Highlander. This Highlander will do whatever it takes to save his people from hunger, even abduct the daughter of his enemy. But life seldom goes as planned. What will happen when the Highlander starts falling for Gillian? And will her feelings or her logic prevail in this peculiar turn of events?
This is the story of Julia, an intelligent English lady who runs away to escape her woes and finds herself in the keep of an enticing Highlander. This Highlander, as handsome as he may be, has serious economic troubles, and only a miracle can save him. But perhaps one's answer is closer than he thinks. How will he help her face the past that is haunting her? And how will she save him?
This is the story of Gale, an adventurous English lady who runs away to escape her murderous mother and finds herself in the company of an alluring Highlander. There she is called to change her ways, and he helps her see the world from a different point of view. But her past is catching up with her. How will she elude her mother? And will this be the only obstacle in their relationship?
Even though it had been over a year since Mairi’s betrayal, Lochlan was still avoiding everyone at the castle. He reminded Finley of himself, of how he had been before he had met Etna, and it broke his heart to know that Mairi had broken something in his brother that he would never be able to get back.
Even though Lochlan hadn’t lost all of his cheer, Finley knew that much of it was nothing but a façade. He spoke little those days, talking mainly when someone else started a conversation with him, and even then, it was difficult to keep him talking for long. Everyone could see the change in him, and no one knew what to do about it.
The one thing that Finley had found that worked was training with him. It seemed as though his brother had so much anger inside him that the only way to release it was through exercise, and besides, training did them both a lot of good. Finley had regained his stamina and strength after the years he had spent neglecting both, and Lochlan was working out his frustrations.
That day, the two were at the training grounds alone, each equipped with a dull sword. They had been fighting for hours, going again and again and stopping only when they needed time to rest, their lungs and muscles protesting under strain.
Finley looked at Lochlan, waiting for him to attack. But where Lochlan had once been the first to start a fight, now he waited patiently, perhaps curious to see if Finley would finally make a move.
But his anger still showed. Finley knew it wasn’t directed at him, and that gave him some comfort, but he also knew that he wouldn’t be patient for long.
He was proven right. Lochlan soon attacked him, dealing blow after blow with his sword. Finley struggled to parry them all, moving backward and trying to put some distance between them so that he could laugh a counterattack. When he found an opening, he swung his sword, but Lochlan quickly avoided the dull blade, jumping to the side.
Finley attacked Lochlan with a roar, doing the same thing to him as before, not giving him a chance to fight back. But Lochlan, in his frustration, shot out with his leg, kicking Finley in the stomach and sending him tumbling on the ground.
Within moments, Lochlan’s sword fell from his hand, and he looked at Finley with wide eyes, as though he couldn’t believe that he had actually taken it that far.
“Dinna fash yerself,” Finley said, sitting up and dusting his hands. Lochlan offered him a hand, and Finley took it, standing back onto his feet.
“Did I hurt ye?” Lochlan asked him, sounding so guilty that Finley had half a mind to pull him into a hug and comfort him like he did when they were kids. But Lochlan was skittish those days. He didn’t like people touching him. So instead, Finley just smiled at him.
“Do ye really think that was enough to hurt me?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood. “I’m fine, Lochlan. Truly. As I said, dinna fash yerself.”
But Lochlan didn’t reply. He walked to the nearest bench, throwing himself onto it and burying his face in his hands. With a sigh, Finley joined him, and this time, he did place a hand on his brother’s shoulder, only to have him flinch.
But at least Lochlan didn’t pull back or try to shove his hand away. It was some progress, at least, no matter how small.
“Lochlan, the more ye keep inside, the worse ye’ll feel,” Finley pointed out. “Do ye na wish to speak with me?”
Lochlan scoffed, shaking his head. “Says ye. Ye spent so many years hidden away from the world, but noo ye judge me for what I’m doin’? I thought that if anyone understood, it would be ye.”
“I do understand,” Finley assured him. In fact, he supposed he understood better than anyone. “It’s because I’ve been through the same thing as ye that I ask ye to speak about it, to me at least. Ye dinna have to talk to anyone else. Ye dinna have to answer grandmaither’s questions.”
Arlene had been understanding, and she had given Lochlan his space, but she was getting restless. Now that she had Finley back, she was afraid of losing Lochlan, and Finley could hardly blame her.
He was afraid of the same thing.
“I dinna ken what to tell ye, Finley,” Lochlan said. “I understand ye noo. I understand why ye did everythin’ that ye did.”
“Ye’re na like me,” Finley pointed out. “Ye’re far from bein’ in that state.”
“Na . . . na, I’m na,” Lochlan said. “I’m only hidin’ it better than ye did. All I wish to do is crawl into me chambers and never face another human again.”
“Dinna say that,” Finley said. “That woman is gone, and she doesna deserve yer love or anythin’ else.”
Lochlan didn’t reply, but Finley could tell that he was contemplating his words. But they had spoken about Mairi for long enough. Finley didn’t want to bring her up more than he needed to. He would rather have Lochlan thinking about other things.
And besides, there was something that they still hadn’t discussed, even though it had been such a long time since then.
Finley had been plunged in so much shame over what he had done to Lochlan that he could hardly force himself to bring the entire thing up. He had treated him horribly. He had believed him to be the traitor, and he had hurt him so much that he couldn’t understand how Lochlan didn’t hate him, too.
“Lochlan . . . for what I did back then, I’m sorry.”
The words were sour in Finley’s mouth, the knot in his throat impossible to swallow. He had spent many sleepless nights thinking about how he could possibly make it up to Lochlan, but he never quite seemed to find the right thing to do or say.
Lochlan sighed, shaking his head. “Why are ye apologisin’?” he asked. “It was me fault, Finley. I was the one who gave Mairi all the information that she needed to pass to the brigands. I’m the one who caused all those deaths because of me own foolishness. If I had been smarter if I had figured her out . . . I dinna ken. Many of those men would still be alive today. I’m the one who should be apologisin’ to ye and to everyone else.”
“Ye seem to forget that I fell for the same lies,” Finley reminded him. “Ye never once blamed me for believin’ Anna, so why do ye blame yerself for believin’ Mairi? How could ye have kent what she was doin’? Ye were in love, and she fooled us all, na just ye. I would have never suspected her. Na one else would have.”
“It doesna make it any better,” Lochlan insisted. “It doesna matter. What’s done is done, and I canna change it na matter how much I want to. I wish that there would be somethin’ I could do, but those men are gone, and so is she. I canna . . . I canna ask her how she could do it.”
“She was a bad person, Lochlan,” Finley said simply, giving his brother a small shrug. “But just because ye trusted her and she turned out to be a bad person, it doesna mean that ye shouldna trust anyone else again. I made that mistake once. I dinna want ye to make the same one.”
“It’s easy for ye to say, Finley,” Lochlan said. “Ye have Etna. Ye found someone worth trustin’. Me . . . I dinna ken if I’ll ever find anyone else. I dinna ken if I want to.”
With that, Lochlan stood and grabbed the sword that he had discarded on the ground, putting it in its proper place before walking away. Finley watched him, wishing that he was better with words, more convincing.
Perhaps Etna should speak to him. She got through to me once. Maybe she can get through to him, too.
Finley stood, as well, making his way back inside the castle. It didn’t take him long to find Etna and Malina, along with the new addition to their family, all of them sitting in the library as Etna read to the two children,
When she had given birth to their son, Finley had remembered just how happy Malina’s birth had made him. And now, seeing them all three together made him happy again and put a smile on his face. He didn’t think he would ever get used to the sight. He didn’t think that excitement would ever fade.
“Dadaidh!” Malina shouted, waving him over. Finley joined her obediently, always happy to do her bidding. He picked her up and placed her in his lap, Etna watching them with a smile even as she kept reading.
The four of them stayed there until it was time for supper. After eating and putting the little ones to sleep—something that Etna refused to leave to the governess—she joined him in their chambers, kissing him as she lied down next to him.
But then she pulled back, looking at him with a frown. It was a look that always forced Finley to tell her the truth sooner or later, so he had learned to not fight it anymore.
“What is it?” she asked. “Did somethin’ happen?”
Etna had always been perceptive, and after the time they had spent together, she could always tell when something was wrong with Finley. There was no hiding from her, but then again, he didn’t want to hide, not anymore.
“It’s Lochlan,” he said. “I was with him all mornin’ and afternoon’, but he barely talks to me. I dinna ken what to do, Etna. I dinna ken how to make it better.”
“There are some things that ye canna make better, and ye’ll have to accept that,” Etna told him, laying a gentle hand on his arm. “All ye can do is be there for him when he needs ye. Perhaps he doesna need to talk. Perhaps he needs somethin’ else entirely.”
“Dinna ye always say that I should talk to ye about what bothers me?” Finley asked. “Why should it be different for him? I’m his brother. He should be able to tell me everythin’.”
“Weel . . . ye were hidin’ away from the world for years. Lochlan hasna reached the same state as ye had. He’s withdrawn, that much is certain, but he doesna dwell in the shadows of the castle, orderin’ people to stop smilin’.”
The reminder made Finley wince. He really had been unreasonable, and he didn’t know why his people had put up with him. Especially his family, who should have slapped some sense into him much sooner.
“What I mean is, he’s still with us,” Etna said. “Ye dinna have to worry about him turnin’ into ye. Perhaps it will take a long time for him to heal, but he will. Ye only have to be patient.”
Finley supposed that Etna was right. The only thing that he could really do was wait for Lochlan to speak to him when he felt ready. But as things were, he felt so useless. He felt as though he had failed his little brother. It had always been his duty to protect him and knowing that he couldn’t do that anymore left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“Do ye think ye could speak with him?” Finley asked her. “I ken that ye think we should wait, but perhaps he’ll listen to ye more than he listens to me.”
Etna hesitated, but in the end, she nodded, perhaps because she could sense his anguish. “I can try,” she said. “If it will make ye feel better, I can certainly try.”
“Thank ye, mo ghràdh,” Finley said. “How am I so lucky as to have a lass like ye?”
“Och, I dinna ken. I often ask meself the same thing,” Etna teased. But then she kissed him, showing just how much she still wanted him, how much she loved him and yearned for him. Finley knew because she felt the same for her, his body and soul reaching out for her with everything he had.
He couldn’t imagine what his life would be if his grandmother hadn’t called Etna to the castle. And before he had met her, he certainly couldn’t have imagined that he would have such a beautiful life with her and their two children.
“Ye ken . . . I always wanted a big family,” Finley said, grinning at Etna as he pulled her closer by the hip. She was so warm and soft against him, supple and inviting, and he couldn’t resist. He always wanted her. It was as though she had turned him into a teenager, always ready to go. “Perhaps it’s time—”
“I’ll stop ye right there,” Etna said, pressing a finger against Finley’s lips to shush him. “Ye willna put another bairn in me any time soon. One pregnancy was enough for noo. Talk to me again about it in a few years.”
“But ye’re so, so bonnie, Etna,” Finley said, his lips finding her neck, kissing and nibbling on her skin. “How could I ever resist ye?”
Etna laughed, slapping his shoulder playfully. “I’m na tellin’ ye to resist me. I’m tellin’ ye to be careful.”
Etna kissed him, but as she did, a yawn erupted from her, pulling her away from him. She did seem exhausted, and Finley knew the reason. Between tutoring Malina and raising a newborn, Etna always had her hands busy. Finley had told her multiple times that she had a perfectly good woman to help her, the governess that had taken care of other children in the clan, too, but Etna wasn’t having it. She always talked about how she loved children and brought her joy to raise the two they had.
Resting his head next to her own on the pillow, Finley kissed her cheek and then her forehead. Etna sighed contently against him, and he could feel her smile on his chest. “Go to sleep, mo ghràdh,” he told her. “We’ll have plenty of time for another bairn when ye’re na so tired.”
Etna mumbled something that Finley didn’t quite catch, but he didn’t ask her to repeat it. Soon, her breathing evened out, and he knew that she was peacefully asleep.
Being in her arms had always helped Finley sleep, too. He had spent years staying up at night, sleep evading him every single night, but now, he usually slept like a baby, Etna drawing out every last bit of stress that he held onto and making it melt away.
He loved her for it. He loved her for many reasons.
And now that he had her as her own, he would never let her go.
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This is the story of Gillian, an adventurous English lady who finds herself captured by a mysterious and alluring Highlander. This Highlander will do whatever it takes to save his people from hunger, even abduct the daughter of his enemy. But life seldom goes as planned. What will happen when the Highlander starts falling for Gillian? And will her feelings or her logic prevail in this peculiar turn of events?
This is the story of Julia, an intelligent English lady who runs away to escape her woes and finds herself in the keep of an enticing Highlander. This Highlander, as handsome as he may be, has serious economic troubles, and only a miracle can save him. But perhaps one's answer is closer than he thinks. How will he help her face the past that is haunting her? And how will she save him?
This is the story of Gale, an adventurous English lady who runs away to escape her murderous mother and finds herself in the company of an alluring Highlander. There she is called to change her ways, and he helps her see the world from a different point of view. But her past is catching up with her. How will she elude her mother? And will this be the only obstacle in their relationship?
