‘You cannot sell a gift from the king. They are meant for you to wear. Sew a gown from the samite, and when we go to meet with him, you’ll wear the pearls.’
She held still, not speaking. Bram took the pearls from her and fastened them around her throat. ‘I know you are trying to take care of our clan. But you have nothing of your own.’ He rested his hands upon the matched pearls. ‘Years ago, I gave you pebbles and pretty stones. But these are what I wanted to give to you.’
She turned to look at him. ‘Bram, I don’t need pearls.’
‘I want you to wear them for me. I want to see you in the gowns and jewels you deserve.’
‘I can’t accept gifts like these. Not when our clan needs so much.’
‘You would offend our king if you don’t take them.’ He pulled her into his arms. ‘It’s a mark of your status, as my wife. Give our people a reason to be proud of their lady.’
‘I’m not their lady.’
‘You are. In every way that Laren cannot be.’ Though she started to argue with him, he cut her off with a kiss. ‘It’s not a criticism of her, only a fact. You enjoy being in charge of the household more than she ever did.’
‘I suppose.’
‘Now, a good wife would offer thanks to her husband for bringing her gifts like these.’ He settled his arm around her waist. ‘Unless you’d rather I spent my time talking to the sheep.’
She shook her head, sending him a shy smile. ‘Thank you, Bram.’
He held her in his arms, stroking her hair. ‘Would that I could give you everything of your heart’s desire. One day, perhaps.’
She lifted her face to his. ‘I already have my heart’s desire, Bram. You’re standing here before me, alive and well.’
Bram leaned in to rest his cheek against hers. ‘But you want a child, too.’
A faint smile crossed over her face. ‘There’s hope. It’s too soon to tell, but it’s possible…in winter.’ Her hand went to rest upon her midsection and Bram covered her fingers with his own.
The light on her face made him kiss her, for he wanted nothing more than to see Nairna happy. He loved her so much, there weren’t words enough to say it. He could only show her, every day, for the rest of their lives.
And he intended to do just that.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-0214-6
CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR
Copyright © 2011 Michelle Willingham
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*The MacEgan Brothers
**The MacKinloch Clan
†linked by character
Claimed by the Highland Warrior Page 24
