The Highlander's Bride

by Donna Fletcher

  “You did right by my son.”

  “And you’ve done right by me. We struck a good and honest bargain and honored it. It’s done.”

  He thought to differ with her but knew it was senseless. She had made up her mind and would have it no other way. He, however, had given his word to her, and he would see to honoring the full bargain. Besides, in the short time they had known each other he’d grown comfortable with her, and he found himself attracted to her. He needn’t worry about love or commitment. She understood how he felt about loving anyone other than Alaina, and yet…

  He chased the persistent thought away, though it bounced back again, teasing at the fringes of his mind, annoying him until he couldn’t help but pay attention to it. There was a stirring in his soul for Sara, and no matter how much he tried to ignore it; it refused to go away. He had convinced himself it was merely a sexual stirring, but that had proved false, especially when her father ordered her out of the hall. He had taken umbrage to the man dictating to Sara. He was her husband now, and no one told his wife what to do, not even her father.

  “What did my father have to say to you?” she asked on a yawn.

  “You’re tired. We can talk tomorrow.”

  “Then he had nothing of importance to say or else you would tell me,” she said, burrowing under the blanket to turn on her side toward him.

  Cullen leaned over and gently kissed her cheek, pleased with the easy trust they shared. “Nothing important.”

  “I knew you would impress him. I picked a good husband.” Her eyes drifted closed.

  “Your father’s exact words,” he confirmed.

  He watched her drift off to sleep thinking how natural it seemed being in bed beside her. Neither of them had hesitated in sharing the bed, but then the week’s journey had forged a close bond between them that neither expected.

  The bond had started well before the journey. It began when Sara decided to save his son. He reached out to brush a stubborn curl away from the corner of her mouth. She was a beautiful woman, and not only to the eyes, but to the heart. She was caring and compassionate and blunt in her efforts to do what she saw was necessary, and more so, what was right.

  He hadn’t given thought to loving again, but Sara would be easy to love.

  He turned on his back with a soft sigh. He couldn’t think about her now, he didn’t have the right. Tomorrow he would fulfill the promise he’d made to Alaina. He would hold his son in his arms and keep him forever safe.

  Cullen had never doubted this day would come. He would have moved heaven and earth to keep his word to Alaina and find their son. But he’d never imagined he would be doing so with his wife.

  He turned at her soft cries and saw that she stirred fitfully in her sleep. Was she dreaming once again of forfeiting her life for him and Alexander? He would never let that happen. He might have failed to protect Alaina, but he wouldn’t fail in protecting Sara. He would make certain no harm came to her.

  His revenge against the Earl of Balford would serve twofold. He’d avenge Alaina’s senseless death, and he would guarantee Sara’s safety once he was gone. If he left Scotland without doing so, he’d leave Sara in peril. The earl would certainly track her down, and once he discovered her deception, he would execute her, if torture didn’t claim her first.

  Sara’s fretful moan had him responding instinctively. He reached over and took her in his arms, tucking her in the crook of one arm so her head rested comfortably on his chest. Her arm wound around him and her leg slipped comfortably between his two.

  They fitted naturally together, as if carved from the same stone, and the thought pleased yet disturbed him. He had thought he and Alaina a perfect match, that he would fit no other but her. Yet here he slept fitted perfectly with his wife.

  How did he make sense of it?

  Did he want to or did he just enjoy the time he had with her?

  How, then, did he walk away from her?

  The questions played havoc with his thoughts until finally he simply surrendered to the comfort he felt with Sara snuggled against him and he fell asleep.

  He woke with a stretch, working the sleep from his body, then bolted up in bed when he realized Sara wasn’t beside him. He was quick to dress and run her comb through his long hair. He was wrapping the ties of his sandals around his legs when she came prancing proudly through the door, a smile of joy on her face and a platter of food in her hands.

  “You are the talk of the village,” she said, placing the platter on the table near one of the two windows. “Everyone agrees I’ve done well for myself, though none believe it will last. Most are sure you will grow tired of my blunt tongue and willful nature soon enough. Some of the women plan to vie for your attention, assured you’ll be looking for another wife.”

  “And this pleases you?” he asked, annoyed.

  “It should please us both. No one will be the wiser when we begin to bicker and you take your leave.”

  Suddenly, he didn’t care for the plan. Sara would suffer ridicule once he was gone, and she didn’t deserve that.

  “Honey bread, eggs, porridge, meats, fruit, eat your fill,” she offered, slipping onto one of the two chairs flanking the small table.

  Cullen joined her, not very hungry. He didn’t like thinking of the fate Sara would suffer because of him. It wasn’t right. She was a good woman and deserved so much more.

  “I’d prefer to see my son as soon as possible, and I’m not ready to bicker just yet.” He leaned down and deposited a kiss on her cheek.

  Sara placed a gentle hand to her cheek where he had kissed her. “Neither am I.”

  “Good, then let’s enjoy the day, for it will certainly be a good one. I will finally hold my son in my arms. But first…” He took a plaid cloth from one of his satchels and handed it to Sara.

  She stood, accepting it, and asked, “What is this?”

  “My plaid for my wife to wear.”

  Sara’s eyes grew glassy, as if close to tears, then she broke out in a big grin and worked quickly to secure the red, black, and yellow plaid over and across her blouse and around her waist.

  “Thank you for letting me wear this,” she said. “It will please my father and impress my clan even more.”

  He wanted to make it clear that the plaid was meant for her, his wife, not to impress anyone, but held his tongue. It would only cause a debate he wasn’t ready to have, and perhaps he would never be. He could, however, let her know how well the colors fit her and how proud he was for her to be wearing them.

  “The plaid suits you, and you bring honor to my father’s colors.”

  Her grin vanished in a heartbeat and she stood staring at him as if struck dumb.

  It was his turn to grin as he walked over to her, grabbed hold of her chin and planted a solid kiss on her lips, making certain his tongue teased hers for a moment or two before gently brushing her lips with his and sealing their kiss.

  “Time to go,” he said, and took her hand to tug her speechless out the door.

  They entered the great hall with arms around each other, smiling, and Donald McHern greeted them with a wink and grin.

  “I can tell it won’t be long before I have a grandson.”

  Most women would have blushed, Cullen thought, but not Sara.

  “That’s my husband’s and my business,” she said. “Right now, I wish to take my husband to meet my sister.”

  “I imagined as much,” her father said. “But tomorrow Cullen is mine. He can show me if he is as fine a hunter as he claims to be.”

  “Make no bones about it, Father, Cullen will best you with a bow,” Sara said proudly.

  “We’ll see about that,” McHern said. “And, Sara, I’ll have a talk with you when you return.”

  Cullen wasn’t pleased to see the sparkle fade in Sara’s eyes. It was a subtle shift that would go undetected by most, but not by someone who knew her well and could almost feel it before seeing it. He felt it, a sharp little jab, and he didn’t like it at all.


  Sara nodded, and Cullen tugged her to the door while he called out to McHern, “If my wife returns tired, you can speak with her tomorrow.”

  He gave the large man no time to respond; he shoved Sara out the door and into the bright sunlight and the balmy warmth of a fine spring day.

  “You play your part well,” Sara said as they headed to fetch their stabled horses.

  “You’re my wife, my responsibility, and your father needs to honor that,” he said sternly.

  “Be prepared for my father to disagree.”

  “Disagree or not, he’ll do it my way.”

  It was no surprise to Cullen that their horses were ready and waiting for them. Sara knew how anxious he was to see his son, and she had seen that nothing would delay their journey.

  Their departure from the village was slower than anticipated, with many villagers calling out congratulations and salutations. Cullen welcomed the quiet of the surrounding countryside once the houses disappeared in the distance. He was eager to see his son, yet apprehensive. He had no experience with babies, and Alexander was a mere babe. Was he walking yet? Could he talk?

  “He will need time to get to know you,” Sara said, as if she knew his mind. “Unless he is a friendly one and takes to you right away.”

  Cullen confided his fear. “What if my son doesn’t like me?”

  She smiled. “Do not worry. I think Alexander and you will get along well. Besides, my sister Teresa will assume that you are the babe’s father and see that he spends time with you.”

  “You’re right. She will assume me the father.”

  “Ironic, isn’t it? But a ruse I think we’d be better off sustaining,” she suggested.

  “Agreed,” Cullen said. “I’d prefer no one to know the truth. It could possibly place them in danger.”

  “I thought the same myself. If the Earl of Balford ever made his way here and questioned my clan—” She shuddered. “We must hurry and be done with this all. You and Alexander must seek the safety of your brother’s ship and leave Scotland as soon as possible.”

  “After I see to the earl,” he said solemnly.

  Sara snapped her head around at him. “What do you mean?”

  “I intend to avenge Alaina’s death.”

  “You can’t mean to tell me that you intend to foolishly take the chance of killing the earl?” she asked incredulously.

  “He deserves killing.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. He’s a vile, evil man, but to place yourself and your son in danger is foolish.”

  “I will make certain my son is safely on my brother’s ship before I carry out my plan,” he said confidently.

  “And what if your plan doesn’t go as planned?”

  “My son will be safe in America and raised by my brother.”

  Sara shook her head. “I cannot believe you would be so selfish and stupid!”

  Cullen crinkled his brow. “I am not stupid or selfish. I do what is right.”

  Sara reined her horse to a halt. “Do you think Alaina would agree with this dumb plan of yours?” She held up her hand while shaking her head. “She wouldn’t. She would want you, his father, raising Alexander.”

  He couldn’t get over how beautiful she was when she grew agitated. Her cheeks blossomed a bright red, her eyes glistened like the surface of a sparkling lake, and her rigid posture was one of resolve and courage. She was a remarkable woman who had somehow worked her way into his heart without him even realizing it.

  The startling thought angered him and he barked at her, “You don’t know what Alaina would want.”

  Sara stood her ground. “Every woman worth her salt wants to protect her man and her child, and I know Alaina was worth more than her salt.”

  “She certainly was, and that’s why I’ll do what is right and avenge her death.” Cullen held his hand up. “Not another word. My mind is set and that’s all there is to that. We’ll speak no more of it.”

  “Like hell we won’t,” she said, and with a tug of the reins, she urged her horse forward.

  Cullen followed, though he kept a safe distance. He didn’t intend to argue with her. It wasn’t an issue they’d agree on, therefore it was senseless to discuss it. He would do what he must whether she liked it or not.

  He did, however, appreciate her concern, and it made him realize that perhaps Sara thought more of him than she even realized. Or perhaps she did realize it and was wise for having made the choice not to consummate their vows. Intimacy would only draw them closer together, and they had already drawn quite close without it. He could only imagine how intimacy would cause more of a problem for them.

  But damned if he didn’t want to give a try!

  The remainder of the ride was silent, each of them lost in their own thoughts, opinions, and plans, so when they finally approached the cottage tucked in the hillside and surrounded by fields ready for planting, they both were surprised by the sight of the little boy wobbling around on uncertain feet as a woman stood nearby, ready to catch him if he should fall.

  The woman snatched the child up when she spied them and shaded her eyes with her hand to see them better. Once she caught sight of Sara waving wildly at her, she returned the enthusiastic wave and even took hold of the boy’s little arm for him to welcome them with a wave.

  Sara barely stopped her mare before she was sliding off it to run to her sister and hug her and the boy.

  Cullen expected a crying fest between the two women, though he hadn’t thought he would get choked up himself when he laid eyes on his son. The boy was a miniature copy of him, eyes, nose, and the stubborn set to his small chin. That he was his son was undeniable, and he ached to have Alaina there at that moment to thank her for this beautiful child.

  Alexander wiggled out of Teresa’s arms as soon as Cullen dismounted, and to his surprise wobbled over to him.

  The child tilted his head back, stretched out his pudgy arms and said, “Da.”

  Chapter 23

  With tears damp on her cheeks, Sara’s eyes welled up again as she watched Cullen reach down and scoop his son up in his large arms. The little boy giggled and poked at Cullen’s nose and cheeks.

  Cullen grinned from ear to ear, his excitement palpable, his relief something only Sara could detect. She had gotten to know his nuances in the time they’d spent together and could now read him easily. And, of course, he had been waiting for this moment since they first met. The little bundle of joy in his arms was the fulfillment of his promise to Alaina and the reason for him to live after her death.

  “Give him a kiss, Alexander,” Teresa called out.

  Alexander opened his mouth wide and planted a sloppy kiss against his father’s cheek.

  Cullen smiled and returned the kiss, though with a closed mouth.

  “He certainly can’t deny him,” Teresa said, turning to Sara. “But I think he’s got your stubbornness.”

  Sara wiped the tears off her cheeks and laughed softly, wishing that were true, wishing she was Alexander’s mother and that the three of them truly were family.

  Cullen joined the women, his son tucked safely in his arms, Alexander’s tiny fingers busy trying to pick the stripes off the plaid that crossed his father’s chest while repeatedly saying, “Da!”

  “He calls everyone Da,” Teresa explained. “It’s his first word and he’s very proud of it, and it appears he’s learned it at the perfect time.”

  Sara appreciated her sister’s acknowledgment of Cullen as Alexander’s father before he had even been introduced. It allowed for an easier rapport between them all, especially Cullen, since his smile brightened even more at her sister’s remark.

  Sara saw to proper introductions. Upon meeting herself and Teresa, most people did not realize that they were sisters. Where she was tall, Teresa was no more than a couple of inches over five feet; slim and simply beautiful with long, honey-blond hair. Now, she introduced her sister with pride. “Teresa, my husband Cullen Longton. Cullen, my sister Teresa.”

/>   Cullen offered his hand and Teresa took it with a smile. “I am pleased to meet my sister’s husband.”

  “Pleased I am to be her husband and grateful to you for taking care of our son.” He drifted over to Sara and slipped his free arm around her waist, still holding his son in the other arm.

  Alexander leaned over, opened his mouth and gave Sara a wet, sloppy kiss on her cheek. She near cried again, and almost did so when Cullen leaned down and followed his son’s actions, kissing her cheek.

  “Thank you,” he whispered.

  It was no simple thank-you. It was heartfelt. He was thanking her for saving his son’s life, knowing he would not have had this moment of sloppy kisses if not for her courage at sneaking his son out of the abbey and sending him to safety.

  Sara smiled at Cullen. “It was all worth it,” she said, understanding him.

  Teresa laughed. “She can say that now, after the pain is but a faded memory.”

  Cullen hugged Sara close. “She’s a courageous woman; I’m proud of her.”

  “You’ve got yourself a good man,” Teresa said.

  “A very good man,” Sara confirmed, smiling while her heart ached. This was all make-believe and she wished it were real.

  “I was about to set the outside table,” Teresa said. “It’s such a fine warm spring day. Shamus will be returning soon. You can join us and we can catch up on things. In the meantime, why don’t you and Cullen taken Alexander for a walk. This is the time of day we go to the creek so he can throw pebbles in and laugh at the splashes they make.”

  Sara hesitated, not having seen her sister in two years and wanting to spend time with her, yet knowing she had little time to spend with Cullen and his son.

  “We’ll have time to talk,” Teresa said with a gentle nudge at her sister. “Alexander needs to get to know the both of you.”

  As they walked in the direction Teresa had pointed, Cullen said, “Your sister is an understanding soul. I can see why you sent my son to her.”