Briana

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  what you say about me. But leave Emma's name out of this

  scandalous talk."

  Emma surprised him by laying a hand on his arm and smiling at her

  sister-in-law. "What you suggest happens to be very true, Briana."

  At that, Briana managed a half smile. "Thank you, Emma. Your

  honesty is refreshing."

  She turned to Keane, who had remained silent through this exchange.

  Pressing the tip of her sword to his chest she said, "Now we will talk

  about you, my lord. You think you know what is best for me? That

  you can decide, without consulting me, what will make me happy?"

  "I saw your tears, Briana, when you first saw your home. And I saw

  the love in your eyes when you were surrounded by your family. Can

  you deny those feelings?"

  "Nay. I love Ballinarin. And all who dwell here. And will for all my

  life. But that doesn't change the way I feel about you. And I know that

  you feel the same way about me. Can you deny it?"

  When he said nothing, her smile flashed in triumph "You see? You

  cannot say the words, for you know them to be a lie. Without me,

  what would your life be like now? It was I who persuaded you to

  teach villagers to defend themselves. Was I not right to do so?"

  "Aye." He watched her, loving the way the morning sunlight turned

  her hair to fire and her eyes to gold.

  "Was I wrong to persuade you to go to England and reclaim your

  daughter?"

  "Nay, Briana." She was so magnificent, she took his breath away.

  "You were not wrong."

  "Then what must I do to persuade you to admit your love for me,

  Keane?"

  "You can begin by lowering that damnable sword."

  "Nay. It is my only power. Without it..."

  He caught her by surprise, dragging her close and wrenching the

  weapon from her hand. He tossed it aside with a clatter, muttering,

  "Woman, haven't you yet figured out your true source of power? It's

  this." He drew her firmly against him and kissed her until they were

  both breathless.

  Oh, how long he had wanted, needed this. Just touching her had the

  heat rising, the blood surging through his veins.

  As for Briana, she was so stunned, all she could do was cling to him.

  She had been so desperately afraid. Afraid that her bold confrontation

  would only drive him further from her.

  When at last he lifted his head, he was aware that the entire household

  was staring at them in stunned silence.

  He flashed a wicked smile. "Well, it would seem my plans have

  changed again." In one smooth leap he pulled himself onto her

  stallion's back, then reached down and lifted her into his arms. "And

  it would seem, Gavin, that Briana has seen through all of us. If she

  can forgive me all the sins of my past, as she has forgiven you, what

  choice have I except to do her bidding?"

  "Where are you going?" Gavin demanded.

  "For now, we're going to find a quiet place where we can finish

  this...lover's quarrel, and come to some sort of understanding."

  "And then?" Gavin shouted.

  "Then, I think you and the good friar had better plan a wedding. The

  sooner the better." He wheeled his mount. "And Gavin, I'll expect a

  very large dowry to take this troublesome lass off your hands."

  With a clatter of hooves he urged the horse across the courtyard, then

  headed toward a distant meadow.

  When the others were far behind, he brought the animal to a halt and

  slid from the saddle, still cradling Briana in his arms.

  "A very large dowry to take me off my father's hands. I can't believe

  you really..." The words died in her throat as he covered her mouth

  with his.

  "God in heaven, Briana," he muttered inside her mouth. "Have you no

  mercy? I'm starved for the touch of you, the taste of you."

  "Oh, Keane. No more than I. But I need to know. Did you mean it

  when you spoke of a wedding? I need to know our future...."

  "This is our future," he muttered against her mouth, as he took it with

  a savageness that made them tremble. "You are my future, Briana

  O'Neil. From this day on, there is no past." They came together in a

  firestorm of passion, unlike any they'd known before. And as he lost

  himself in her he whispered fiercely, ' 'There is only tomorrow. And

  all the tomorrows of our lives."

  Epilogue

  The chapel at Ballinarin, the ancestral home of the clan O'Neil, was

  filled to overflowing with family and friends who had come from as

  far as Malahide Castle in Dublin, and Bunratty Castle in Clare. The

  mood was festive as they prepared to witness the union of Briana

  O'Neil, only daughter of Gavin and Moira, and Keane O'Mara, Lord

  Alcott, rumored to be one of the wealthiest men in Ireland, and one of

  its greatest patriots.

  In a small room off the chapel, Briana, wearing a gown of white,

  stood quietly, head bowed, lips moving. Sunlight spilling through a

  high, narrow stained- glass window bathed her in a rainbow of colors.

  "Praying, are you?"

  At the sound of Rory's voice, she looked up, then hurried forward.

  "Memorizing what I want to say to Keane."

  "You needn't put yourself through so much trouble, little sister."

  "And why not?"

  He caught her hands and held her a little away, looking her up and

  down with approval. "When he sees you looking this beautiful, every

  single thought will go out of his brain. The poor fool won't know what

  happened until it's too late."

  "Oh, you." She hugged him, and he drew her close to press a kiss to

  her temple.

  "I still can't believe my little sister is all grown up and getting

  married."

  ' 'If you tell me one more time about how you used to carry me around

  on your back and be my obedient horse, I may have to throttle you."

  "And ruin that lovely gown?" He laughed. But there was a twinge of

  sadness in his smile. "I hope you know that if you ever need me, for

  any reason, you need only send me a missive and I'll be at your side."

  She pressed her forehead to his. "Still my hero, are you?" •

  "Aye. And ashamed of how I let you down."

  "You didn't, Rory. I know you were just looking out for me."

  He swallowed, too overcome to say more. "I'd better join AnnaClaire.

  She has her hands full these days with young Patrick. I'll probably

  have to take him out of chapel halfway through the service." He

  squeezed her hand. "Be happy, Briana."

  She nodded and watched him walk away. Minutes later she looked up

  to see Conor standing in the doorway, studying her in silence.

  "I've just left Keane," he said as he walked toward her. "And if it's any

  consolation, he's as nervous as I was on my wedding day. Like a

  warrior about to taste his first battle."

  She caught his hand, and offered her cheek for his quick kiss. "That

  doesn't sound like Keane.""You don't understand what marriage does

  to a man. Or rather the thought of a marriage ceremony, with pomp

  and pageantry and all."

  "Would you do it again, Conor?"

  He laughed and nodded. "Aye. For Emma. For myself, I'd rather be

  run over by a carri
age."

  Brother and sister shared an easy laugh. He took both her hands in his

  and lifted them to his lips. "I haven't been much of a brother to you

  these last years, Briana."

  "You had no choice. I wasn't here."

  "But I immersed myself in my own life, and gave little thought to

  what you were going through. I hope you and Keane will visit us

  often. I want us to have what we once did."

  "I'd like that, too." She brushed a kiss over his cheek. "Even when

  we're apart, we'll always have something special that binds us

  together."

  "Aye."

  They both looked up at a timid knock on the door. Seeing Innis,

  Conor bid goodbye, leaving his sister alone with the lad who had once

  been her dearest friend.

  "Innis." She hurried to his side and looped her arm through his. "I'd

  hoped you'd come to see me before the ceremony."

  "We've seen little enough of each other since you've returned."

  "Aye. My fault, I'm afraid. There was so much to catch up on. And

  the plans for the wedding."

  "And Keane."

  "Aye. And Keane." She waited a moment, then took a breath. "You

  don't approve?"

  He shrugged. "It isn't for me to say. Rory and Conor seem to like him

  well enough. Even your father's come around."

  "But not you?"

  "It isn't Keane. He seems a decent sort. It's..." He disengaged his arm

  from hers and crossed to the table, where her veil and prayer book

  lay. His big, work- worn fingers played with the edge of the veil. "I'd

  always thought..." He tried again. "When you went away, I thought

  I'd die of loneliness."

  "I know. It was the same for me. At least you had Rory and Conor and

  their wives. And all the lads from the village."

  He looked up. Met her direct gaze. "They weren't you."

  And then she understood.

  "Oh, Innis." She stood where she was, afraid to go to him. Afraid to

  touch him. He was so grown up now. Almost a man. With a man's

  feelings. She knew that she had to tread carefully. "Of all the things

  taken from me, losing you was the worst, Innis. You were my best

  friend. The brother I chose, rather than the ones given me by my

  family. The one I always opened my heart to. We stood together,

  against the others. The two outcasts. Remember? You, because you

  were the only survivor of your clan. And I, because I wanted so

  desperately to have what my brothers had."

  "Aye." He nodded. "That's it. We always stood together. And when

  you were sent away, I was more alone than ever. And I used to dream

  of storming the abbey and rescuing you from that horrible life." He

  ducked his head. "It shames me to admit that I never even tried."

  "Shame? Oh, no, Innis." She did go to him then, and threw her arms

  around his neck, hugging him fiercely. "We'll never know what might

  have been, if we'd never been separated. But this is now. I'm so

  happy. And I want you to be happy with me."

  "What's this?"

  At the stern voice from the doorway they both looked up. Keane was

  studying them with a frown. "I leave my bride-to-be alone for a

  moment and find her in the arms of this handsome lad."

  Even though he blushed clear to his toes, Innis felt a sense of

  satisfaction, that a man like Keane O'Mara would consider him a

  threat.

  "I hope you just came in here to wish Briana luck."

  "Aye." The lad leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. His big hand

  squeezed her shoulder and suddenly he meant every word. "Luck and

  love, Briana."

  "Thank you, Innis. You know I wish you the same. Always."

  As the lad brushed past him Keane said, "There's a lovely lass out

  there with pale yellow hair and dimples in each cheek, who's been

  asking for a certain lad she claims is the finest horseman in all of

  Ballinarin. Would that be you, Innis?"

  His smile brightened considerably. "Lindsay. Aye. I've been teaching

  her to ride."

  "You'd best be careful, Innis." Keane winked and offered his hand.

  "I've seen what a dimpled smile can do to a man's heart."

  "Aye." The lad accepted his handshake, and even clapped him on the

  shoulder. Then, with a quick glance-toward Briana, he was gone.

  Keane barely noticed his exit. He was too busy staring at the vision

  before him. "Ah, Briana. I've never seen you looking so lovely."

  "You weren't supposed to see me until I walked to the altar."

  "I couldn't wait. I had to see you this minute. Or die."

  With a laugh she walked closer, touched a hand to his forehead. "I

  believe you do have a slight fever."

  "Slight? I'm burning up. And feel this?" He caught her hand, placed it

  over his heart.

  "Oh, my. It's racing like a runaway team."

  "Aye. I'm not sure I'll make it through the ceremony. I think we

  should sneak away right now. We could have a village priest marry us

  on the way back to Carrick."

  "I never took you for a coward, Keane O'Mara."

  "You see? This is what you'll be stuck with for a lifetime. Maybe

  you'd better reconsider."

  She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. ' 'Not on your

  life. I went through too much to get you here. I'm not letting you get

  away now."

  Against her lips he muttered, "Tell me. Did Mother Superior have an

  uplifting sermon for such an occasion as this?"

  Her cheeks turned nearly as red as her hair. "I must confess

  something." She was so embarrassed, she didn't notice the way his

  mouth curved with humor. "I hated the sound of Mother Superior's

  voice. She was constantly preaching. And so I learned to close my

  mind to her, and take myself off in memory back to Ballinarin, riding

  across the green meadows with Innis and Rory and Conor. I... made

  up most of those things I attributed to her."

  He did smile then. And pressed his lips to hers as he whispered,

  "You're not a very good liar, Briana ! figured it out a long time

  ago.""You...knew I was lying?"

  He touched a finger to her mouth, and felt the heat growing. "Aye.

  But you were such a joy to watch, I didn't have the heart to tell you.

  Oh, my beautiful, clever little Briana. What a wonderful delight you

  are. I can see that my life is always going to be filled with sweet

  surprises."

  A shadow fell over them and they looked up to see Gavin O'Neil

  standing in the doorway, glowering at them.

  "Could the two of you keep your hands off each other until after the

  ceremony? It's about to begin. The bishop's here and a cardinal from

  Rome. I thought I'd bring them in to talk to the two of you about

  your...marital duties and such."

  Briana grinned, while Keane nearly choked.

  "Nay, Father. I'll not speak to the bishop or the cardinal. I've told you

  before. They are free to assist at the Mass. But I want Friar Malone to

  be the one to say the words."

  "Now, about this other business..." Gavin flushed. "Your mother tells

  me I'll not be giving you to your husband."

  "Nay, Father. I give myself. Freely. Besides, I've just decided

  something. I wish to walk up the aisle beside Keane,
carrying Alana

  in my arms. We're a family, now. I want the whole world to know it."

  "You'll scandalize the entire congregation, Briana."

  "Aye, Father. I probably will. But it will be nothing new, will it?"

  Gavin glared and turned to Keane, "I should be grateful you're taking

  this obstinate little female off my hands."

  "Aye. You should indeed." Keane caught her hand and brought it to

  his lips while he smiled into her eyes. "And when she fills my home

  with children, I'll expect their grandfather to be as generous as he was

  with the dowry."

  "You drive a hard bargain, Keane O'Mara."

  "I had a good teacher, Gavin O'Neil."

  "Come along, then. Let's finish this thing you've started."

  As he turned away, Briana called, "Wait, Father."

  He turned. She crossed to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  "I'll miss our battles," she murmured against his cheek.

  "As will I." He drew her into his arms and closed his eyes for a

  moment, remembering the wee lass who used to snuggle against him

  just this way. She would, for all time, have the ability to tug at his

  heart. Or break it. "Know that I love you, Briana."

  "And I love you, Father."

  He turned away, brushing a tear from his eye.

  The sound of a harp could be heard, filling the chapel with the

  sweetest of music.

  Mistress Malloy and Vinson paused in the doorway and watched as

  Keane took Briana's hand.

  "Excuse me," the housekeeper said. "I've brought Alana, as you

  asked, to watch from my arms as her father is wed."

  "Thank you, Mistress Malloy. But I've changed my mind. She won't

  watch from afar. She'll be part of it. As she will always be a part of

  our lives."

  Briana took the infant from her hands and cuddled her close. At once

  the little girl closed her chubby fist around a red curl and made soft

  cooing noises.

  While Keane watched, the housekeeper lifted the veil from the table

  and settled it over Briana's head.

  "Nay, Mistress Malloy. Lift it away from my face."

  "But it isn't proper to show the bride's face before the ceremony."

  "I don't want to hide, Mistress Malloy. I want to see where I'm going."

  She shot a quick brilliant smile at Keane. "And who I'm going with."

  Keane threw back his head and chuckled. "I'd expect no less from

  you, my love."

  The housekeeper did as she was told, then watched as Keane and