“He is not here,” Ian said reading her thoughts. “We sent word to him.”
“Thank you.” She genuinely liked Ian and wondered why he’d not married. Other than what now seemed as a passing fancy with Elsbeth McNeil, he didn’t show any type of interest in other pursuits past sword play and guard work.
The room silenced at her entry. She looked to the front of the great room ignoring the rapt attention she garnered. Beside the priest in front of the high board, stood Declan. His darkened eyes met hers and held them. It gave her the strength to keep walking even though her legs trembled and threatened to give out.
Astoundingly handsome, Declan was dressed like Ian with the Gordon tartan of blue and green with thin yellow stripes woven through. At his left shoulder, the Gordon crest was pinned. Her eyes focused on the word engraved in it Bydand, steadfast, abiding.
He held out his hand and took her to stand before him.
The vows spoken both in English and Gaelic were familiar, as she’d only spoken them months earlier. But this time they felt real, each word imprinting past speech into her very being. Declan spoke his vows in the deep, husky voice and she met his eyes to see he struggled with keeping his composure. The man meant every word. Like most Scotsmen, a vow was the most sacred of speeches.
The priest pronounced them husband and wife and they kissed. Not quite a chaste kiss, but not the hungry, demanding type she associated with Declan.
Meredith allowed him to turn her to face the cheering crowd. Her eyes lighted on movement in the doorway. Aiden stood, clapping, his dirty, sweaty face bright with happiness.
The merriment of the celebration, along with Aiden’s appearance, made it a great day.
She was introduced to Declan’s older brother, Carrick, who was just as handsome, in spite of an angry scar down the side of his face. His wife, Analise, immediately made her feel welcome to the family with a tight hug. “I look forward to getting to know you.” The woman kissed her on the cheek and Meredith knew they would become fast friends.
She danced with her brother, who explained he’d taken care of any threat to her well-being and refused to say more on the subject.
Declan also danced with her, his face softer now, but he’d yet to speak anything more intimate than to tell her he was glad for the ceremony to be over. The evening loomed and she wondered at the consummation. Being that Declan was laird, the clansmen would want to be present for it, which mortified her. She’d never thought to have to deal with the rite.
At the high board, Declan filled her glass with wine. “Drink up. It will make it easier when we perform later. I can see you’re worrying your lip and keep looking to the stairs. It can’t be helped. The clan has a right to know we are married fully.”
She nodded and guzzled down the contents. “It’s a ridiculous custom.”
“But it is.” His simple reply made her realize Declan would be a strict husband. A man who adhered to customs and what was right in his people’s eyes.
Before long, the chants proclaimed the time had come. Declan was taken by the men and she hurried upstairs with the women. She gave her new husband one last glare as he laughed loudly at the crude words the men sang.
Settled in the bed wearing a thin shift, with only Pat in the corner, they waited for the men to arrive. Her new sister-in-law had patted her hand in leaving, stating it would soon be over and they could move on towards happiness.
How she wished it.
At the men’s voices nearing, Meredith stared at the wall unable to look to the door until Declan, stripped of clothing, was shoved through the doorway, his tartan thrown in after him. Ian and Dugan, his guardsman, entered next, both of them looking from Declan to her.
Aiden stood at the door, his eyes locking with hers once, then he turned his back. Two elderly men entered along with the priest, who stood next to the hearth, and seemed to find a lot of interest in the fire.
Declan came to her, his face bright from drink. “Come, lass, let’s join.”
With those simple words and his steady hands on her waist, she immediately relaxed. He climbed over her and parted her legs. He took his cock in hand and edged it to the entrance of her sex. Without preamble he thrust into her bringing Meredith to gasp in surprise. Her eyes on his, not daring to look at anyone in the room, she took courage in his steady gaze.
Declan moved once more pulling out and back in. In the wonder of finally being with him once again, she barely noticed the people quietly filing out of the chamber.
The shift she wore was quickly discarded and he pulled her up by the hips to allow for deeper penetration. His mouth took hers with a desperate hunger. She returned the kiss and of their own accord, her legs wrapped around him holding her lover close.
It was not a gentle love making. Her new husband took her harshly but, at the same time, she knew he held back. Urged by his moans of enjoyment, she became hungrier for more of what he could give.
She clawed down his back and dug her nails into his buttocks. He, in turn, bit into her shoulder, sending trails of heat down the length of her body. At once, they switched positions, Declan on his back now and she over him. Meredith pushed up to look down at her new husband. His sensuous lips curved, as darkened eyes locked with hers.
It was impossible to remain still, so she began rocking with his hardness moving in and out of her and her sex clenched around it taking him in a different way.
“You’re my perfect fit. My beautiful lover,” he told her, his gaze raking down her body. His large hands covered her breasts and kneaded them until he began to lose control. Declan grabbed her hips and helped lift and lower her while pushing his hips upward to drive into her.
They became one, both crying out in release, floating away in the abyss that raptured them. Space seemed to spin around them and Meredith was lost in Declan. Everything about him was perfection.
He pulled her against his chest and kissed her temples. For some unfortunate reason, Meredith began to cry.
“What is the matter, lass?”
“I don’t know.” Honestly, she didn’t understand why she cried. It was clear now he desired her, but it bothered her how he’d barely spoken to her in days.
Fingers under her chin, he lifted her face. “Tell me.”
“All right.” She sniffed. “You don’t like me. I am sad that you only want my body, but you’re my husband now. I want you to care for me. Even just a bit.”
An unreadable expression crossed his face. Eyes downcast, he cleared his throat. “What do you feel for me? You rebuffed my requests for weeks. It doesn’t seem you care for me either.”
“I rebuffed you because I was hurt. But I was about to relent. I missed you so much and wanted to see you.”
He wrapped his arms around her, the steady heartbeat under her ear reassuring. “I went after you without hesitation when you were taken. Every minute that passed, I prayed for you to be alive. I never asked you if they’d raped you because it didn’t matter to me. I didn’t touch you because I wanted to give you time to rest. Heal, if needed. True, I didn’t spend much time with you since your arrival. I feared if I would, I’d beg to be allowed into your body. It was best to wait until we were married. At least, that is what I felt was right. You are very important to me, Meredith. In my heart, I refused to lose you even though I worried about marrying you. I do hope you’ll come to care for me as I do for you.”
His words lulled her into a womb of warmth and safety and she listened to the deep voice, loving the sound of it as he continued. “My father was in a loveless marriage. It taught me a lesson. That type of marriage allows for evil to happen. I don’t want that with you. I don’t fear it with you.”
Once again he lifted her face and kissed her on the lips. “Every vow I spoke today, I meant, Meredith. I will always be true to you. I promised it then and I promise it to you now. I care for you more than I should, cannot fathom a day without you.”
Past the haze of tears, she smiled at him and kissed his lip
s. “I can tell you this, Murrough Declan Gordon, I love you, husband. I love you with all my heart and being.”
He didn’t reply for a long time, his softened gaze looked from her face to her breasts. His hands slid down to cup her behind. “I wish to have you again, wife.” The soft words were a melody to her ears.
“As do I, husband.”
Epilogue
Meredith strolled in the garden, enjoying the warmth the beginning of spring brought. Her enlarged belly made it hard to bend to pick up the yellow flowers she wanted to use to brighten up the great room and her and Declan’s chamber.
“I think you’ve got enough.” Lily, ever at her side, laid several stems into the basket. “Should we cut some of the long grass to fill in the vases?”
“Good idea.” Meredith rested her hands on her stomach at spotting a rider in the distance. “Someone comes.”
Lily squinted past the bright sun. “It may be your brother again. He’s overly anxious to be here when you go into labor.”
“True. I wonder what will happen when he marries and faces the prospect of his first-born. He’ll, no doubt, go mad with nerves.” Both laughed as the horseman neared. It was, indeed, Aiden who dismounted and pulled his horse behind as he walked to her. “Should you be out and about so freely in your condition? Where is your husband? What does he say about it?”
If not for the fact she knew he cared, she would have hit him on the side of his head with her basket. “I am more than well, dear brother. Would you like to come inside? Perhaps ale will calm your nerves.”
Lily excused herself when her brother’s expression darkened. He took her hand and led her to sit on the garden’s bench. She leaned onto his shoulder and sighed. “I miss seeing you every day. I am glad you come to visit. I am fine, I promise you.”
“I know your husband cares for you, but he’s not your family. I am.”
How to say what she had to without hurting him? Meredith straightened and took his hand. “No, darling, you are wrong. Declan is my family now, as well. You and he are my family. Once the bairn comes, there will be one more. You are his uncle, a part of us always.” It bothered her that he seemed so alone. If only he’d marry.
“You are right, Meredith. I am glad you feel so. Laird Gordon has proved to be good to you.”
“Get married, Aiden,” Meredith pleaded. “I want to see you with a wife and children of your own.”
He frowned and looked toward the field where the guards practiced. “Aye, maybe soon. I was close once.” Meredith remained quiet, although many questions came to her mind. “I was in love. But she belonged to another world. A different people.”
“Norse?”
After a moment Aiden nodded. “Aye. Golden-haired beauty who was to return to Scotland with me. But on the appointed day, she didn’t come. I waited for two additional days. Finally, we left. I never knew what happened…until…” He looked at the ground. “It doesn’t matter now.”
“That Norse who kidnapped me. Did he look for her?”
“Nay. He looked for you, planned to take you back to avenge her.”
“Why?”
“Because on her way to meet with me, she was killed. He is her brother.”
“Did you kill him?”
“No. He now knows I loved her.”
“I am so sorry.” Meredith wrapped her arms around his waist. “Truly, I can’t imagine how you feel. If something happened to Declan…”
“Nothing will happen to me, love.” Her handsome husband came to them, leaned to kiss her and held his hand out to Aiden. The men shook hands and, before long, wandered toward where the guardsmen sparred.
Meredith watched her brother and sighed. If he loved before, he would again. She turned when Lily neared. “Lily, what do you think of inviting Elsbeth McNeil to sup with us tonight?”
Lily narrowed her eyes and looked toward where her brother now stood with Declan. “I’d say it’s a wonderful idea, milady. I’m sure Lady McNeil will accept.”
The baby kicked and Meredith smiled. “Come now, we must dispatch a messenger and get these flowers inside and into water.”
Meredith sighed when a stern-faced Pat greeted them. “Milady, you shouldn’t tax yourself so. You’re too heavy with the wee one.” Pat took her arm and guided her inside.
Her life was complete. She’d been blessed with a caring brother and staff, a child on the way who would be loved and a wonderfully, wickedly handsome husband at her side.
“Hurry, Laird, the babe comes!” Dugan called from atop his steed. “They ask you come now.”
Everything tilted and Declan grabbed his horse’s reins to steady himself. It would definitely not do to pass out and fail his wife when she needed him most. He mounted and caught up with Dugan. “Is all well?”
“Aye, as far as I know.” They rode hard toward the keep. “Damn having to come so far today.”
It was necessary. A herd of sheep had gone astray and with so many wolves about hunting to feed their young, he and the guard were forced to help the shepherds. Now, the animals were rounded up and safe, with minimal losses.
“All will be well, Laird.” Dugan studied his face. “You have lost all color. Not the time to fall off your horse.”
“Thank you, Dugan, I am aware of that,” he replied dryly. Since he’d grown up with most of his guards, they were too free to point out his missteps. Dugan, being his cousin, even more so. Admittedly, he’d not have it any other way. They’d all give their life for him. And he for them.
Finally arriving at the keep, he leaped from his horse and sprinted through the great room and up the stairs. A young lad stood at the door and said something he didn’t hear as he rushed past the boy. “Laird, you shouldna be inside.” Lily tried unsuccessfully to push him out the door. “Milady is not prepared to greet you.”
He rounded on the maid and froze. Pat and the town’s midwife bustled about. One held a howling baby, while the other cut the long cord. Bloodstained cloths were strewn about. So much blood.
“Meredith.” He looked past the women to the bed.
His pale wife was focused on the babe, a determined look on her face. “No need to upset him further. Wash him and swaddle him tight. I wish to hold him.” She barely spared Declan a glance, once again, looking to the women. “Hurry on about it.”
He came to her and leaned over to kiss her. She frowned up at him. “Declan, what are you doing in here? They haven’t had a chance to clean up.”
“I don’t care about that. How do you feel?” He sat on the side of the bed and followed her line of sight to the babe who was now being swaddled. “A boy.”
“Here, I’ll take him.” Meredith stretched out her arms. “Give him to me.”
Her face softened upon the child being placed in her arms and, immediately, Declan, too, became bewitched, both looking from the child to one another. Meredith beamed at him. “I am so happy at this moment.”
“As am I,” Declan replied and kissed her. “What shall we call him?”
“I will leave my father’s name to Aiden for when he has children. I would like to name him after you. Murrough James Gordon.”
“Very well.” Declan fought to keep from tearing up when she placed the child in his arms. “Laird Gordon, meet your son.”
The babe’s green eyes met his and Declan’s chest filled with pride.
“My son.”
Lady and The Scot
Chapter One
Moriag Forest, in the Northeast Highlands of Scotland
Just before he loosed his arrow, the buck jumped and dashed away. The day of hunting had become a total waste of time. Aiden Stuart let out a big huff and slapped his leg in frustration.
“A restless man is a dangerous thing,” his friend, Ian McRainey of Clan Gordon, stated as they crouched behind trees and bushes waiting for another shot at prey. “You have yet to stop fidgeting. They hear all the noise you make.” Ian put down his bow and stared at him. “Do you starve every winter?”
&
nbsp; He gave the man a droll look. “It could be the blinding shine from your golden tresses keeping the beasties away.”
Ian was right, of course. This life of leisure was excruciatingly boring. If there were such a thing as death by boredom, he was close to it. Of all people, Ian would understand. The seasoned warrior, who now lived in Moriag with the new laird, Declan Gordon, had to be having trouble adjusting to life in a place where peace reigned for decades.
Aiden’s small keep to the south of Laird Gordon’s lands made them neighbors. Often, he joined Ian and Declan for outings to hunt or visit the townspeople. But this day, it was just him and Ian hunting. The Gordon had his hands full now that his wife, Aiden’s sister, had given birth to their first child. A boy.
“Mayhaps I should take to the sea again. I miss my life aboard the ship.” Aiden peered into the forest thinking he spotted movement. “I am, indeed, restless.”
“Or just in need of a distraction,” Ian said with a bark of laughter. “A woman may help with what ails ye.”
“She may,” he reluctantly agreed. “I’ve not lain with a woman in almost a fortnight. My hand grows tired.” Aiden chuckled at his own joke.
The men laughed and gave up the pretense of hunting. Ian pulled out a wineskin and took a drink. “It is a good thing your guardsmen are good hunters,” Ian said passing the skin to Aiden. “Else you would, indeed, starve.”
He took a long drink and gave it back. “They train and hunt, which keeps them in shape for whatever comes. Let us go to town for our evening meal.”
Within moments, they mounted and headed to the small village of Moriag.
Lanterns illuminated the interior of the small inn within Moriag. Every table was filled with either local townsfolk or travelers. A man sat in the corner and played a stringed instrument, the soft music created a soothing atmosphere. Exactly what Aiden didn’t need. He rolled his eyes when the man began to sing a song of love and sorrow.
Enticed by the Highlander: The Moriag Series Page 15
