Ian lessened his hold the barest bit but bounced Colin back against the hearth one last time for good measure. “Have I made myself clear to ye?”
Both hands still latched tight to Ian’s wrist, Colin managed a lowering of his chin and expelled a wheezing, “Aye.”
Ian released him and stepped back to Gretna’s side as the fool dropped to his knees.
“I wish ye wouldha killed him,” she whispered as she hugged herself to his side and pressed her cheek to his chest. He held her close, the urge to finish the man off barely containable.
“What about my business? My croft?” Colin rasped and coughed, still crouched on the floor, one hand to his throat. “Chief Neal signed an agreement with my brother stating him and his would always have the job of taking the horses to their buyers. That paper be filed in the chapel records as well. It is my right!”
“Clan MacCoinnich has no further need of yer services, Master Neal.” Alexander returned to his seat behind the desk. “And yer croft became ours when we absorbed Clan Neal. The agreement betwixt yer brother and Chief Neal was also nullified due to yer six-year absence. Everything became the lady’s property once ye were assumed dead.” He scooped up the handful of papers and held them out. “Ye may take yer papers and go. Our business here is finished.”
Pushing himself up from the floor, Colin snatched the papers out of Alexander’s hand and shoved them inside his jacket. He glared first at Ian, then Gretna. “Ye’ve nay seen the last of me. None of ye. The MacCoinnichs have enemies, ye ken? And ye sorely erred by adding me to their ranks. I’ll have my day. Ye’ll see.” He jerked his chin in Gretna’s direction and shifted his snarling focus to Ian. “Keep the nagging bitch. It willna take long ’til ye’ll wish ye gave her and those three little bastards back to me.”
Without a second thought, Ian punched Colin in the jaw so hard, he knocked him back to the floor. The man stirred for a moment, then crumpled into a heap and went still.
“It appears I’ve made a mess in yer solar, cousin.” With the toe of his boot, he flipped Colin to his back. “Looks to be out for a while. Shall I drag him away, or do ye wish to have the honor?”
Alexander stood and peered over his desk. “I’ll have one of the lads dispose of him.” He relaxed back into his chair and settled a concerned look on Gretna. “A confusing man, this Colin Neal. Claimed all he wanted was to be reunited with ye and yet, when ye refused, seemed more concerned about any holdings he might still be owed rather than the loss of his family. What do ye make of it?”
Gretna edged her way closer to the hearth, rubbing her arms as though chilled. “He’s always been a greedy man. Greedy but fearsome lazy.” She frowned down at the fool, her eyes narrowing as she studied his still form. “Quickest and easiest way to get coin. That was the reason for everything he did. His travels. His adventures, as he used to call them. Coire always said Colin would fall in with the wrong sort someday and end up with his throat cut. There’s no telling what plot he had in mind by coming here.” She shifted her pained scrutiny to Ian, and her look softened. “Thank ye for all ye’ve done. Please hear me when I say, I’m so verra sorry. This is such a mess. Ye are a good man, Ian, and I am grateful. Truly.”
“I’m not sorry for any of it.” He went to her and gently pulled her into his arms. “I meant every word I said, Gretna. Every. Word. I consider ye my wife and the boys my sons.”
“But…”
He cut her off with a long, urgent kiss that he hoped would convey what he couldn’t put into words. He’d never been so sure of something in all his life, but he’d also never been so afraid. If his curse kicked in and he lost her or any of the boys—he kissed her harder, concentrating on the sweet taste of her to silence his own demons.
Alexander cleared his throat. “I shall send a letter straight away to Alasdair, aye? He can see to the preparation of the divorce papers.”
“Nay,” Ian said as he reluctantly broke the kiss, but kept Gretna close as he turned and faced Alexander. “We’ve still time with the mild weather for a trip to Edinburgh. We can have a good visit with the family, whilst Alasdair files the papers to ensure the divorce is proper and my guardianship of the lads is recorded and provable should aught happen.”
“Catriona will be delighted to have a wedding to plan even though the two of ye are already as good as married.” Alexander shook his head. “She never sleeps what with the bairn’s kicking and all. Swears this one’ll be dancing a jig soon as it’s born.” He rose and stepped around the desk. “Let me be the first to congratulate ye both.” He gave Gretna’s hand a polite kiss, then took hold of Ian’s forearm and pulled him into a manly hug. “I’m glad for ye, cousin. Truly.”
“I need to see the boys now,” Gretna said softly, edging toward the door. She frowned back at Colin’s unconscious form. “Do ye think he’ll just go and leave us alone? He was always a spiteful man bent on revenge against any who crossed him.”
“He’ll leave if he wishes to live.” The sentiment might be harsh, but Ian didn’t care. He opened the door and ushered her out into the hall. “I’ll send up a pair of lads to clean up the mess,” he said as Alexander joined them at the door.
As they walked away, Alexander called after them. “Ye willna leave for Edinburgh ’til after the feasting, aye?” He gave them a grave look. “Catriona will have my arse if ye miss the full seven days of all she has planned.”
“Seven days?” Ian repeated.
“Aye.” Alexander pushed away from the doorframe. “I told ye she never sleeps. Constantly plotting something.”
“We’ll stay the full sennight,” Gretna promised, pulling on Ian’s arm to quicken his step. “Now, I must see to the boys. I fear what Colin may have said to them no matter what he said about seeing them at the gate.”
“I’ll tend to having Colin hauled away,” Alexander said. “Go now and see to the lads.”
Ian lengthened his stride to keep up with his newly acquired wife, amazed at the speed with which she moved. Conversation was impossible, but maybe that was for the best. They could talk later. When it was just the two of them. Anticipation heightened every sense. Aye. They would talk.
Avoiding the main hall at all cost, they managed to reach their quarters without encountering anyone. It was a miracle since revelry still vibrated through the keep.
Gretna was first through the door. As soon as she entered, she dropped into a crouch and squeaked out a high-pitched cry.
A separate piercing sound filled the room. Ian recognized the shrill, chattering call. It was Magnus’s damn bird.
“Merlin willna hurt ye, Mama,” Finn reassured as he approached her with the falcon perched on his outstretched arm.
Magnus’s long, heavy glove swallowed the lad, reaching clear to his armpit. Face aglow with pride, the child gently brushed the back of a crooked finger against the bird’s creamy breast streaked with darker feathers.
“He likes me. Master Magnus says I can help him take care of this fine new friend of mine.” His voice softened as he gently swayed from side to side. “Master Magnus says Merlin can be fierce whenever he needs. He can protect me. He’s braw and brave and can even fight with his talons.”
The look on the boy’s face paired with the teary-eyed storm of emotions in Gretna’s eyes softened Ian’s regard for Merlin considerably. Maybe the bird was not so bad after all.
“He is a fine bird,” Gretna agreed while still keeping her distance. “I was but startled when he flew overhead. I’m proud ye’ve befriended him. My goodness, ye’re such a brave lad.” She edged deeper into the room, her attention still locked on the feathered wonder perched on her son’s arm. “Evander, Rory, be ye as well as yer brother and his new acquaintance?”
Ian’s concern for them returned in full force when neither unsmiling boy answered. Both Magnus and Sutherland gave a warning shake of their heads. Perhaps the sharing of what had happened in Alexander’s solar was in order to allay the lads’ fears. Or at least some of what happened. H
e moved to Gretna’s side and settled an arm around her waist. “I believe our announcement will help settle any misgivings yer earlier encounter with Colin Neal caused ye.”
“Did ye kill him?” Rory asked, sounding hopeful.
“Nay, lad.” Ian waved them closer. “Come over here. The lot of ye, aye?”
Magnus and Sutherland nudged the boys forward. Finn joined Evander and Rory in line.
“Go to Master Magnus,” he whispered to the bird. Merlin complied, returning to his usual spot on Magnus’s shoulder. Finn slipped off the oversized glove but hugged it to his chest, looking lost and forlorn as his side to side rocking increased.
Ian’s heart went out to the lad, to all of them. “Have ye ever been to Edinburgh?”
Gretna latched hold of the hand Ian had rested at her waist. She squeezed his fingers.
The boys looked at him as though they thought him either addled or drunk.
“I’ll take that as a nay.” Time to seal his commitment further. “After the festival, we’ll all be going to Edinburgh to visit my brother Alasdair. He is a solicitor there. The finest in all of Scotland.”
Magnus and Sutherland gave each other a side-eyed look that held the hint of victory.
The young trio remained silent, still looking bewildered.
“Yer mother’s divorce from Colin Neal must be properly filed before Father William can hear our vows in the chapel, and so must the papers regarding my claiming the three of ye as my sons.”
Evander was the first to fully understand. His eyes widened.
Ian gave them all an encouraging smile, hoping if they couldn’t come to accept him as their father, they would at least accept him as their friend. “The legal papers will make it official, ye understand, so I can protect ye.”
Rory cocked his head. “What about Da?”
“I’m not sure where Master Neal will go.” He pulled Gretna closer. “And I really dinna give a damn.” He pressed a quick kiss to her temple. “My attentions are better spent tending to my new wife and three sons.”
Finn’s rocking stopped, and he stepped forward. “So, ye will be our da? Instead of that mean one?”
“Aye.” Ian waited, allowing the news to fully sink in. He didn’t expect to win their trust or wipe away their fears immediately, but hopefully, this was a start. He nodded at their surroundings. “I’m sure the chieftain will let us live here in the keep until we figure everything out.”
That triggered a few daunting worries of his own, but he’d fight those battles when he came to them. For now, easing all of them into this new way of life was more important. Almost as an afterthought, he looked to Gretna. He’d have to work on the habit of including her opinion in his decisions now. After all, it wasn’t just him anymore. “That would be all right, aye?”
She sniffed, patting at the corners of her eyes as she blinked faster. “Aye. I’ve no problem with living here at the keep.” She glanced up at him with a worried smile. “The keep will be safer for the boys and makes my tending the Lady Mercy easier.”
“I will do my damnedest to protect all of ye.” Ian gave them all a sweeping look. “I swear it.”
“And we’ll be yer kin, too,” Sutherland said as he made a playful tap atop each of their heads. “Ye’ll have our protection as well.”
“Aye,” Magnus said, and Merlin joined in with a stirring chirrup.
“So…” Evander stood taller, looking as though he was spoiling for a fight. “Ye going to make us call ye Da or Master Ian or Master Cameron…or what?”
Ahh…the first test. Ian shrugged. “I willna make ye call me anything. But what I will require is that ye’re always respectful, ye ken?”
“I’ll call ye Da,” Finn announced, his twitchy back and forth swaying growing less pronounced.
“Thank ye. I’m honored, Finn.” And he meant that. He gave the boy a nod.
“Rory? Evander?” Gretna’s tone held a gentle warning. “Ye will be respectful to Master Ian. He’s a good man, and we’re thankful to have his protection.”
Both lads nodded but remained silent.
“The hour is later than late,” Magnus announced as he headed toward the door and motioned for Sutherland to follow. “Merlin and I must seek our rest.”
Sutherland paused and turned back to the boys. “Do ye wish to return to the guard tower with the other children?”
All three looked to Ian.
“Do whatever ye wish. It’s yer decision.” He had mixed feelings about it himself. He feared Gretna would be uneasy about their safety and would not be able to relax enough to…well, whatever she felt inclined to do. But if the boys stayed here… He shook away the thought. They’d figure something out. He chided himself. That should be the least of his worries right now.
“We can stay here if we want? In our own beds? Where we’re safe?” Finn whispered.
“If that’s what ye wish, then absolutely,” Ian said in a tone he hoped the boy would take as genuine reassurance. “All of ye may stay or just yerself, Finn. It is entirely up to each of ye.”
“I wish to stay,” he whispered and took hold of his mother’s hand.
“Me, too,” Rory announced, sounding subdued for the first time.
“Evander?” Sutherland asked.
Evander shifted in place and squared his shoulders. “I’ll stay, too, and make sure these two dinna cause any trouble since it’s yer first night handfasted and all.”
Magnus smiled and ushered Sutherland out the door with a wave of his hand. “Then we shall leave ye to yer new family. All of ye, rest ye well, and may God bless yer new life together.”
Ian nodded. Blessings were all well and good, but he’d rather God gave him wisdom. After all that he’d just agreed to do, he was damn sure going to need it.
Chapter Eight
Gretna’s heart pounded. It was a wonder its fierce beating didn’t quake her out of her shoes. She pressed her hand to the cool glass of the window and hung her gaze on the silhouette of the jagged mountain against the star-spattered sky. “There’s naught but a few hours of night left,” she said more to herself than to Ian. She stole a glance back at him. He’d waited in her bedchamber while she’d settled the boys in their beds. Now, here they were. Door closed. Room softly lit by the hearth and a pair of candles on the mantel.
He sat by the fire, whisky in hand, staring at the flames. “Aye.”
A seed of nervous worry took root and sprouted. She moved across the room to the chair beside him but didn’t sit. “Are ye wishing ye’d nay said the words? Regret the burden ye’ve accepted?” What would she and the boys do if he did? What if he changed his mind and decided to leave next summer as he’d already planned?
Without answering, he rose from the chair and set his drink on the mantel. After a brief moment of staring down into the fire, he turned and held out his hand. “I am not sorry for my oath, lass. Please…come to me.”
Whether it was the gentle caress of his deep voice or the loneliness in his eyes that pulled her, she didn’t know. Nor did it matter. At that moment, she realized they were kindred spirits. Their souls had been tempered by the same pain. She slipped her hand into his and stepped closer.
“Ye offered yer bed to me earlier,” he whispered as he brushed his fingers along her temple, then trailed them deeper into her hair. “I was a fool and refused. Does yer offer still stand?”
She slid a hand into the open throat of his shirt, savoring the warmth of his flesh and the braw hardness of his muscles. “Aye,” she breathed out as she pushed aside the cloth and dared to skim a trail of kisses to his chest.
He scooped her up into his arms and walked to the bed. Holding her above it, he smiled down at her. “I carried ye like this last night. I ached to lay with ye then.”
“I thought it was a dream,” she said as he lowered her into the pillows. She held fast to his powerful shoulders, pulling him to join her.
“Nay—not yet.” He eased away, stripping his tunic off and letting it fall.
Belt and kilt fell away, too. Boots were already gone. The candlelight shimmered across the taut ridges of his muscles—the part of him she could see anyway. With the light at his back, all else teased her from the shadows.
She sat up to rid herself of her shoes, then scooted to the edge of the bed and stood. “Perhaps, I should tend to my clothes, too.” It had been so long since she’d had a man. She felt awkward, as uncertain as a virgin.
As Ian turned toward the light, the golden glow of the candles revealed him in all his glory. Merciful heavens. A heat she’d not felt in a long time flashed through her. She hurried to let her skirts drop to the floor but paused when nothing remained but her chemise. Would he find her lacking? She was not some fair, untouched lass who had never born a child. Her body reflected her life. Even though she wore the marks of motherhood proudly, she feared he might not feel the same.
As if hearing her thoughts, Ian picked her up again and lay her back in the bed. “Ye’re a fiery beauty, m’ eudail. Never doubt that.” He lowered himself down beside her, propping on his side as he allowed his gaze to rake across her. “I can scarce believe ye’re mine.” Caressing her cheek, he smiled down at her. “And I’m thankful it’s so.”
She reached up and pulled him closer. “I’ll always do my best to make ye happy,” she whispered before sealing the promise with the kiss she’d craved since he’d claimed her earlier. The warm maleness of his scent. His hardness. His strength. The velvet of his flesh teasing against hers. All made her feel alive. She ran her hands across him, reveling in the reawakening, the searing promise of what was to come.
He released her mouth and resumed the searing kiss down her throat and across her breasts, treating each of them with breath-stealing reverence and tingling nibbles. Shifting, he gathered her chemise and slipped it over her head. “Such beauty.” His rumbling tone made her squirm. He licked his way down her body, moving to kneel between her legs, and pushed them open wider. He smiled, then bent to the task, kneading her buttocks and thighs as he teased with light flicks of his tongue, then dove in with delicious fury.
The Dreamer Page 10
