A Heartbeat Back to the Highlands

by Deborah R Stigall

  Nodding his head in agreement, MacCallen’s form was also changing as his light joined with that of his bride. “Aye…ye will always be protected. That is my gift to wee Aveline.”

  Her eyes filling with tears, Harley slowly shook her head as she watched their lights slowly rise into the the sky. “Thank you, Aveline! Without you...I would’ve never found happiness. You gave me the greatest gift of all.”

  The wind died down and the air grew still as everyone realized the immortals had finally gone. Staring down at their still tightly clasped hands, Harley gasped at the shining black pearls that had been imbedded in each of the bands.

  “Hmmmpff! Fat lot of good it did for me to get dressed in my finest robes just to stand up here like a fixture on this blasted ship!” Aggravated, Emrys stamped his staff on the deck as he eyed the couple with an irritated glare.

  Smiling sadly at the fuming old man, Ronan slightly bowed a reverent head. “We’d be most happy if ye’d also give us your blessing…since today seems to be destined to have a bit of sorrow mixed in with the joy.”

  His eyes narrowing as he pursed his lips, Emrys slowly raised his staff in the air. As he nodded toward the couple, the tip of his staff began glowing as though energy were gathering within.

  “With the strength of the sea, with the endlessness of time, this couple before me, I eternally bind. No matter the body, they be of one soul. With each incarnation, their bond will be known.”

  As he spoke, the rings on their hands began glowing and both Harley and Ronan felt as though a growing heat that started in their clasped hands suddenly flooded throughout their veins. Pulling her to him, Ronan closed his mouth on hers as their bodies seemed to meld with the fiery energy.

  The men, women and children witnessing the ceremony broke into cheers of relief as they saw the couple complete their vows with a kiss. This MacKay wedding would be fodder for a romantic tale to be retold on many a long winter’s night.

  *******

  The moonlight from the bay windows filled the room, washing the couple with its rays as they lay upon their bed. Her head resting upon his shoulder, Harley idly played with the dark hair swirling across Ronan’s chest.

  Covering her tickling hand with his, Ronan ran his other hand up and down her silky back in wonderfully sated possessiveness. “Apparently, I’ve not loved ye properly if ye’re still fidgeting upon my chest.”

  Propping her head in her hand, Harley avoided his gaze as she worriedly chewed her lip. “I cost you your sister. I’m afraid that someday…that will become a wedge between us or between me and your family. If not now, then some other time down the road.”

  His eyes remaining closed, Ronan pulled Harley down to his mouth and gifted her with a reassuring kiss. As he tasted her lips, he felt a familiar heat stirring his weary body.

  “Aveline’s punishment for meddling with the fabric of time could’ve been far worse than being bound to Mannanan Mac Lir. She could’ve paid for her poor judgment by having her very soul banished to the abyss.”

  “The abyss?” Harley asked as she slid over his side to straddle his enticing body.

  “Lore…woman…how can ye be so ready for me and still asking questions?” Ronan settled himself inside Harley with a groan as she grinned and started a slow grind of her hips.

  “Maybe because I was such a late starter…I’m making up for lost time.” Leaning forward to press her breasts against his damp chest, Harley gasped as Ronan added a few grinds of his own.

  “Then cease your questions…and rest assured that nothing will ever come between us.” Rolling her over, Ronan closed his eyes in ecstasy as he settled deliciously into her depths.

  Panting thru parted lips as her rocking hips met his, Harley arched her back and moaned with pleasure. No more questions seemed to come to mind, as her body exploded into shards of erotic bliss.

  Collapsing beside her on the bed, Ronan pulled her into his arms. Pushing her damp hair away from her forehead, he gently kissed the tip of her nose. “There, Love. Do ye feel better now?”

  Snuggling deeper into his arms, Harley smiled as she released a satisfied sigh. “Hmmmm….as we used to say in Kentucky…I’m finer then frog hair split three ways.”

  Laughing into the darkness, as he held her close, Ronan kissed the top of her head. As he closed his eyes, he heaved a satisfied sigh. “Now..that’s verra fine indeed.”