The Highlander's Bride

by Donna Fletcher

  Sara smiled at Alexander, who giggled as his father bounced him in his arms. “She’ll do what she can to make this an easy transition for Alexander. She had planned for this day, for she knew I would return for him.”

  He was an adorable child, the image of his father, with the same dark brown hair, Teresa having braided the sides to keep the strands out of his face. He wore a blue linen dress that reached to his pudgy knees, with a dark blue sweater atop it that hugged his chubby little belly, while his feet were bare.

  “He’s a strong one,” Cullen said with pride. “Look how he grips my plaid.”

  “He is like you, strong and determined.”

  Alexander poked his father in the chest repeatedly while singing, “Da. Da. Da.”

  “I cannot believe I’m holding him.” He shook his head. “And I fear letting him out of my arms.”

  “The safest place for him is with my sister.”

  “I know, but—”

  “You finally have him and you don’t want to let him go,” Sara said, anticipating his thought. “I know how you feel.” She didn’t want to let father or son go, especially now, seeing them together, being here with them, sharing this moment as a family.

  “You’re right. I don’t want to let him go. Not ever.”

  “You won’t have to,” Sara said, squeezing his arm reassuringly. Father and son had a right to remain together. Their reunion had been a long time in the making, and a life had been lost in the process. They had lost time to reclaim, starting now.

  “Da! Da!” Alexander cried out, his tiny hand waving at the creek then shoving at his father’s chest.

  Cullen swooped him up and out of his arms, placing a laughing Alexander on the ground. The little boy near tumbled over searching the ground for stones.

  Sara joined him in the hunt and followed as he toddled to the creek and flung a stone in. He screeched with joy and clapped his hands when the stone made a splash, then reached his hand out to Sara for another stone.

  Cullen plopped down beside him with a handful of stones and joined his son in throwing stones.

  Sara fell in love at that moment with father and son. She tried to convince herself that she didn’t know either one of them long enough to fall in love, but it didn’t work. Her heart was lost to them. Actually, she realized, she had lost her heart to Alexander from the first time she held him in her arms and fought to save his life. He had been such a precious little bundle and so trusting, but then, he was new to the world then. What did he have to fear? That was what a mother and father were for, or a woman who could do what his mother couldn’t—save him.

  His father, however, had been a different story. There had been no love at first sight. It had grown out of admiration, respect, and, strangely enough, challenge. She had found in him what she’d been looking for—a man worth loving.

  She laughed at Alexander’s antics and at herself. How foolish was she for thinking herself in love with a man she barely knew? But she did know him, better than she knew most. How and why, she couldn’t say for sure, though she could say that he knew her just as well. In their short time together, they had managed to come to know and understand each other as if they had been friends for years.

  Friends.

  That’s what did it. Somewhere along the way they had become friends, and that opened the door for so much more, whether either of them had planned on it or not. She would have liked to believe that Alaina would have approved of her loving Cullen. If Alaina loved him as much as she thought, then Alaina wouldn’t want to see Cullen alone. She would want him to love again.

  But could he ever love her?

  Alexander fell in her lap with a squeal and she hugged him to her, kissing his chubby cheek. He rubbed his eyes and nestled his face against her chest.

  “He grows tired,” she said, more from instinct than knowledge. She cradled him in her arms and he settled comfortably against her as she rocked him gently. His eyes drifted closed and in no time he was asleep.

  Cullen moved closer to Sara and ran a tender hand over his son’s forehead. “I am so very grateful to you. I owe you a great deal.”

  “You owe me nothing. I did what was right.”

  Cullen shook his head. “No. Most would believe it foolish to take such a dangerous risk. After all, what difference did it make? Why bother to save a babe?”

  Sara hugged Alexander close. “A babe is a precious and entrusted gift, not to be taken lightly or discarded at whim. A babe must be protected at all cost.”

  “I’m glad you believe so strongly—” He smiled gently. “No, I’m glad you know what is right.”

  Sara smiled and nodded. “I knew you’d understand.”

  “I do. I truly do understand, though it is strange to find someone who knows what is right and does what is right. Many ignore it, and even more refuse to act on it. You are rare, Sara Longton.”

  Her heart leapt, hearing him emphasize her marriage name. She had not thought of herself as a Longton, but she was a McHern no more. She belonged to Cullen and he to her…though not for very long.

  Her heart suffered a blow at the discouraging thought, but she had little choice and little time to enjoy father and son, so there was no time to wallow in self-pity.

  Cullen stretched out his legs and sighed heavily. “I don’t remember when I’ve felt this content.”

  It pleased Sara to hear him admit that, for she felt the same, being here with Cullen and Alexander. It was as if her dream had come true and she was happily married with a family of her own.

  “It does feel good,” she said. “Like a breath of fresh air.”

  “Like a new life beginning.”

  How she wished it were true. A new life for the three of them. But it would be a new life for only two, she told herself, and she would have to accept that.

  “He took to you right away,” Cullen said with a nod to his sleeping son.

  “He’s a friendly little fellow.”

  “Or maybe he remembered you and what you did for him.”

  “That’s not possible.”

  “You never know,” Cullen said. “Sometimes I think instinct is stronger than we know. Instincts tell me you’d make a good mother.”

  “I’d like to think I would.”

  Cullen stroked her cheek. “I know you would.”

  She liked when he touched her, especially his soft, simple touches. They made her feel so alive, tingled her senses and sparked her passion. She never felt more like a woman, a desirable woman.

  “I will see you’re taken care of before I take my leave.”

  This time the blow stunned her heart. She didn’t want to think of his leaving, didn’t want to think he would never touch her so simply yet so lovingly again, or that she’d never see or hold Alexander in her arms.

  The empty ache was like none she had ever experienced. It hurt down to the very core of her and radiated out until every inch of her felt the pain. This parting was going to be so much more difficult than she ever believed possible.

  “I think we should get Alexander back so he can nap comfortably in his cradle.”

  Cullen nodded and stood, then leaned over and, before assisting her up, kissed her gently. “Thank you again for saving my son.”

  She almost lost it, but bravely fought the tears that threatened and forced them to remain locked away.

  With no difficulty, he hoisted her up without disturbing the sleeping Alexander, and together they returned in a slow stroll to the cottage.

  Shamus, Teresa’s husband, was hugging his wife as she tried to set food on the table shaded under the branches of a large pine. A gentle breeze stirred the edges of the pale blue linen cloth that covered the table, which was set with pewter dishes, tankards, and goblets.

  Sara smiled, the scene a perfect one, and one she wished for herself, though she intended to enjoy what she had this day and worry about tomorrow when it came. She did not want to waste a moment with Cullen and his son, and if she continued her worries
, she would waste too much precious time. She would enjoy here and now, and feast on the memories later.

  Teresa waved for Sara to follow her, and Shamus released her. The two women then disappeared into the cottage to put Alexander in his cradle.

  Teresa’s husband held out his hand. “I’m Shamus.”

  ” And I am Cullen,” Cullen replied.

  By the time the women emerged from the cottage a short time later, the two men who had but just introduced themselves were laughing over tankards of ale.

  “You’ve met the only man my sister will ever love,” Sara told Cullen, and got a huge bear hug from her brother-in-law. She loved Shamus like a brother. He was a good man, and though shy of her height by three or four inches, stood tall and proud and was heavy with brawn and intelligence. He also was a good-looking man, with dark hair and eyes and strong, compelling features. But most of all she loved him for treating her sister like a princess. He would do anything for her, even raise his wife’s sister’s baby as his own.

  Shamus grabbed his wife from behind, slipping his arms around her waist and hugging her. “Right you are. I’m the love of her life.”

  “And what of me?” Teresa teased.

  “You…” Shamus nuzzled her neck. “…are my world.”

  “You two obviously are a perfect match,” Cullen said, and saluted them with his tankard.

  Sara joined in raising a goblet she had filled with wine. “To the perfect pair.”

  “And a delayed thank-you to two generous people with much appreciation,” Cullen said.

  “Not necessary,” Shamus said, and with his arms around his wife, rubbed his hands together. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

  They feasted on the hardy fare while relaxed conversation ensued, and when Alexander was heard crying over an hour later, Sara and Teresa went to tend him.

  “Why don’t you change his diaper?” Teresa said, placing Alexander on the thick towel she had spread out on her bed.

  Sara eagerly tackled the chore.

  “I won’t ask you to tell me the whole story, unless you want to,” Teresa said. “What I do want to know, though, is what troubles you. Something isn’t right. What is it?”

  “You were always perceptive.”

  “Only when it came to you.”

  Sara had wanted to confide in her sister, but feared the truth could harm her. Yet she badly needed to un-burden her worries.

  Teresa placed a gentle hand on her sister’s back. “Tell me, Sara. We always shared our secrets because we trusted.”

  “But our secrets could never hurt either of us.”

  Teresa smiled. “Now you’ve sparked my curiosity, so you must tell me.”

  Sara didn’t need any further urging, and with a deep breath told Teresa everything from the beginning, from saving Alexander up to the present and Cullen’s inevitable departure without her. She finished with, “Please, don’t share this with Shamus. It is safer he doesn’t know.”

  Teresa was silent for a moment, and Sara worried that perhaps she should have kept the truth to herself, but she felt such a relief sharing it, and she was confident that her sister would not say a word to anyone.

  She didn’t, however, expect Teresa to respond as she did.

  “You have no choice. You must go to America with Cullen and his son.”

  Chapter 24

  Cullen stared at his sleeping son in the cradle. He had come into the cottage to kiss him good-bye. He and Sara needed to be on their way, having stayed longer than they planned since he hadn’t wanted to leave his son.

  He was a beautiful babe, and every now and then when he smiled, Cullen saw Alaina in him. Otherwise there was no denying that Alexander was his son. If it hadn’t been for Sara’s courage, he would have lost him. There would have been nothing to show that Alaina and he had loved, but there he was, Alexander, a legacy of their love. In him, Alaina would always live, their love would always live.

  He leaned over and kissed the boy’s cheek lightly, not wanting to wake him, though Teresa had said he would sleep after having run himself ragged, not to mention tiring out his father and Shamus, who had chased playfully after him.

  Cullen wanted to stand here and watch him sleep, watch him breathe, watch him wake ready and eager for his da. He pried himself away from the cradle, sneaking one last look before slipping out the door.

  “He’ll be fine here with us until you’re ready to make it known he’s yours and Sara’s son,” Shamus said when Cullen approached the three at the table outside.

  “I appreciate all you’ve done,” Cullen said, holding his hand out to Sara. “I’d like to be in the laird’s good graces before we even consider telling him of Alexander, though I hope to see my son often.”

  It was a lie, though a good enough excuse. He didn’t plan to tell anyone anything; he’d simply disappear. It troubled him that Sara would be left with the aftermath, but she had repeatedly assured him she had gotten what she wanted—freedom from a forced marriage.

  “Good idea, and you’re welcome here anytime,” Shamus said.

  Parting greetings were exchanged, then Cullen and Sara were on their way.

  “We need to keep a good pace if we hope to reach the keep before nightfall,” Cullen said, and Sara agreed with a nod.

  Cullen was glad the hurried pace left no room for them to talk. His mind couldn’t focus on anything but his son and the torment it caused him to leave him behind even though he knew he’d be safe.

  He had just gotten to hold him, had begun to know him, and then had to leave him. He knew it was right to leave him there, but it didn’t make it any easier. He simply wanted his son in his arms for now and always. He had thought the ache from Alaina’s loss was painful, but this cut at his gut. His son was so small, so trusting, so vulnerable, and as his father, he was intent on protecting him and keeping him safe.

  It was his job, his duty, his promise, but they meant little compared to his love for his son. He had never imagined the depth of love he would feel. It went so deep, felt so strong, tugged so hard at his heart that he feared it might kill him. Then he realized it had the opposite affect. It made him stronger. His son had actually made him more of a man.

  He had Sara to thank for it all, and though he’d thanked her throughout the day, he felt his words were inadequate. He owed her and he would repay her; arguing though she would, he would see it done.

  Then he’d be on his way to his new home with his son.

  They entered the village as night fell over the land, and after seeing to their horses, walked hand in hand into the great hall. Sara’s father was waiting.

  “We’ll have that talk now, lass,” he ordered, and a few of his men at the table quickly vacated their seats.

  Cullen held her hand firmly. “Not tonight,” he said. “Sara’s too tired.”

  “I’ve waited,” McHern said, annoyed, and shot Sara a heated glare. “Why did you linger at Teresa’s when I told you I wanted to talk with you?”

  Cullen tugged her hand to keep her quiet and answered. “With all respect, Laird McHern, Sara no longer answers to you.”

  McHern pounded the table once, creaking the wood. “Damn, son, I like you.”

  “Good, then you’ll see Sara tomorrow—”

  “At breakfast,” McHern said.

  “Sara will be sleeping late, she’s tired. You’ll see her after our hunt. Good night,” he said, and scooped Sara up in his arms to walk out of the great hall to the sound of McHern laughing.

  “You can put me down,” Sara said once they were out of sight and earshot.

  “Don’t want to. You feel good in my arms.”

  “I’m too heavy for you to carry all the way up the stairs,” she argued.

  He laughed. “You wound my pride, wife.”

  “I’m large for a woman.”

  “Sweetheart, you’re not large, you’re just right.” He kissed her cheek.

  “If I did not know you to be truthful, I would think you say the words ju
st to please me.”

  He shoved the door to their bedchamber open with his shoulder. “Then it is good that you know me as a man of his word.”

  He released her to stand, though he drew her into his arms. She, however, splayed her hands over his chest to push away from him.

  “A kiss, just a kiss,” he urged, reaching out for her.

  She shook her head and moved away from him. “Not a good idea.”

  “Why?” he asked softly, and pursued her with cautious steps.

  She moved closer to the fireplace, away from the bed. “You were my champion just now. No one has ever stood for me as you just did.” She drew a deep breath and placed a hand to her chest. “You tempt my heart.”

  “Is that so bad?” he asked, maneuvering closer, though slowly, not wanting her to flee from him.

  “In this situation, yes. I can’t afford to lose my heart to you, and you of all people should understand.”

  He knew she spoke of Alaina and his feelings over losing her. Would he wish the same on her? But that would mean she…

  “You can’t mean to say you love me!”

  She hesitated. “I can’t mean to say I don’t or I do for sure, though it would be no chore loving you and your son. I have known you for a short time but I feel as if I have always known you, that somehow you have always been part of my life.”

  He felt the same, though he couldn’t bring himself to say it. How could he? He had loved Alaina with all his heart. He couldn’t possibly have feelings for a woman he’d known for just over a week, and yet as she had said, it felt like he’d always been part of her life, and she part of his.

  It made no sense, none of it, and yet it seemed perfectly clear.

  “It’s foolish, I know,” Sara admitted with a sad laugh. “I tell myself it’s ridiculous, pure nonsense, that I’m lonely and you’re convenient and it will pass easy enough when you’re gone. I only need to get through this temporary madness and all will be well.”

  “Madness?” he questioned softly.

  She shrugged. “Better I deem myself temporarily mad than temporarily in love.”