Breathless, she collapsed against his chest. Their hearts were pounding as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple, the two lay in the water until the heat had dissipated. Sated in each other’s arms, they simply held each other and basked in euphoria.
Being home again made Broderick feel complete, having his beautiful wife in his arms made it all that more real. Feeling her shiver, he cradled her and stepped out of the deep tub onto the rug. Grabbing a towel, he slowly dried her off as he placed kisses along her body where he touched. Running his warm hand over her growing belly, “You’ll make an incredible mother Elisabeth." A large smile appeared on his face, he simply couldn't wait for her to tell him. He wanted to celebrate with his wife, the thought of her carrying his child made his chest burst with pride.
Her jaw dropped and she lowered her hand to touch his that lay on her stomach, “You know?” Tears brimmed her eyelids.
“I’ve known love, I suspected before I left. Kendrix hesitantly confirmed my suspicions hours before you so gloriously galloped into camp.”
She threw her arms around his neck, tears streamed down her face, “I’m so sorry Broderick! I’m so sorry I rode to war carrying your child, I had no other choice!”
Taken back by her emotions, he gently picked her up and carried her over to their bed. Sitting her down gently, he slid in next to her and explained, “Shh, Elisabeth. I understand my love; if I were in your boots I would have done the same thing. Nothing would have kept me from my family, ever. I am not mad my love.” Clearing his throat he pulled the covers over them and tucked her against his side, playing with her long red hair as he admitted, “Now, bartering with me to fight Ivan damn near made me break. Watching you fight that man was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, please, never make me do that again.”
“My sword belongs to you now Husband, from this day forth.” She whispered, tears of joy brimming her eyes.
Shaking his head with a grin, “Nae nae Lis, from this day forth ye shall never be without your blade. I want you protected always.”
Leaning down he captured her mouth and ran his hands over her glorious curves, “Tell me Lis, I want to hear it from your mouth.” He purred.
Flickering her eyelids open, she pulled back from Broderick’s kiss and bit her lip as she blushed, his dazzling green eyes looked directly into her soul. She had thought of nothing more than telling him, she had gone over it in her head thousands of times. She had been so close to telling him several times on their ride home, multiple times as she stitched his chest closed, and yet every time she couldn’t get the words out.
Reaching up, she cupped his strong jaw and grinned, “I carry your heir my love,” taking his hand, she placed it against her warm stomach and smiled at him in wonder, “You will be a father Broderick, we will be parents come summer.”
“In all the years, all of what we have suffered, never did I imagine that someday I would be this content, this happy and this loved. You have given me everything I thought I didn’t want Elisabeth. I love you my queen, I’ll follow you to Hell and back with a smile on my face if need be.”
Wrapping her arms around Broderick she snuggled under the warm covers and pressed against his naked body, whispering back, “and you have given me things I have longed for all my life, a family, a babe and love. I love you my king, I’ll love you to our dying day.”
Epilogue
September 1209
The Highlands, Scotland
Sighing contently Elisabeth lay on her back in the beautiful purple heather field. Eyes closed, she listened to the sounds in the glen. Children laughed, puppies barked and the deep vibrato of men’s voices could be heard in the breeze. The Scottish summer was coming to a close and the weather had never been more perfect. The warm Highland sun beat down upon her face, warming her as the breeze blew through the valley. High in the air she could hear the sweet song of birds as they flew past, smiling to herself she soaked up these perfect little moments, they were some of her most treasured times.
Grinning, she opened her eyes and leaned upon her elbow as she heard someone approach, before her, her husband smiled deeply as he struggled to keep the precious cargo in his arms from falling as they squirmed.
In his arms he held two laughing, green-eyed, one-year-old babes. Seamus Duncan MacMillan and his twin sister Jocelyn Grace, the most beautiful things she had ever seen. Twins, she had two beautiful, headstrong children who melted her heart with one smile. They were the spitting image of their handsome father, with her light green eyes.
Watching Broderick carry both of the giggling babes over to her, her heart filled with joy. Their birth had been difficult, but she would do it all over again. She reminisced about how overprotective Broderick had become at the end of her pregnancy with the twins; he had been a nervous wreck. The twins had just celebrated their first birthday this summer. A large festival was thrown at Castle MacMillan to celebrate the twins’ first birthday. It had been a weeklong celebration with contests and entertainment galore, dancing and merriment livened up the entire Highlands as people came near and far to participate in the joyous occasion. The King of England even came with a beautiful gold crown for each child.
Hearing Broderick curse, she snapped out of her daydream and saw the litter of wolfhound pups entangle themselves in between Broderick’s legs as he continued walking towards her.
Smiling up at her handsome husband she had witnessed Broderick turn into a loving father right before her eyes this past year. The moment the twins were born he held them tight and promised them the world. He had been so loving and careful with the children this past year, his protectiveness and pride in his children made her heart burst with love. Just when she thought she couldn’t love him anymore, he proved her wrong.
Behind Broderick, Elisabeth heard the sweet laugh of Isobel. Running past her Uncle, and baby cousins, she swung a handful of flowers as she ran towards Elisabeth, all smiles and long blonde hair. The young lass was fast growing up, she was quick becoming known for her archery. Following behind Isobel was her father, Kendrix who attempted to corral the barking wolfhounds as Conn and Isla, the proud parents, lumbered behind. Laughing at the scene ahead of her, her heart was light with joy; these were the moments she lived for, and today was a special day.
“Aunt Elisabeth, when do we have to go back to the castle to get ready?” Isobel question as she ran up to the blanket where Elisabeth sat, flopping down beside her.
“Soon my love, ye know how long weddings take to prepare for.” She winked at Isobel and looked back at Broderick as he leaned down and handed her Jocelyn before sitting down on the blanket next to them.
Kendrix walked up and held out his hand for Isobel, “Come my love, we need to get back to the castle, allow your Uncle and Aunt some family time my dear. I’m sure Molly will be waiting for you.”
“Alright Da,” she sighed, clearly sad to be leaving her cousins, “I’ll go because I’m excited she is to be my new mum, not because I have to wear another fancy dress.” She pointed out.
Chuckling Broderick took pity on his young niece, “We will be heading home soon Isobel, you’ll have plenty of time to play with your cousins tonight. We shall see you at the wedding dear, if you’d like, you can take the pups back to the stables.”
Clapping, Isobel quickly got up and picked up as many puppies as she could fit in her arms and charged her father with the rest.
Waving goodbye, Elisabeth and Broderick watched as Kendrix and Isobel walked back to the castle together, along with the family of wolfhounds.
“I still cannae believe he’s finally getting married again, I wasn’t sure if he’d ever find love again” Broderick mused as he nestled his sleepy son in the crook of his arm.
Running her hand over Jocelyn’s cherub like face, she tucked her in closer and leaned against Broderick, “Molly is a wonderful woman, I am happy to see Kendrix in love, and our little niece happens to love Molly like a mother already. It’ll be a wonderful start
to their family. I hope Rhona didn’t need my help this afternoon.” She yawned as the summer sun shined down upon them.
“Rhona has been planning this wedding for weeks, she has her own well trained castle staff to see to the duties today. In fact, you know she specifically told you to take us all on a picnic, I think she wanted you out of her hair for the afternoon.” He chuckled.
Playfully swatting his arm she grinned, “She dinnae Broderick!” The two of them sat in the field of heather outside the castle and enjoyed the lovely weather. Soon enough the coldness and snow would descend down upon them and long gone would be days like this.
Since the children were born, Broderick had made a considerable effort in making sure he had plenty of time on his hands for his family. He delegated when he could and always wanted the twins close by. Leaning her head against his strong shoulder she sighed with happiness at how lucky she was.
In one arm she held little Jocelyn who dozed off into dream world with her brother who was lightly snoring in his father’s arm. Using her free hand, she pulled her gorgeous husband closer by his shirt and kissed him as the world buzzed around them. Her attraction to him never waned; it only grew stronger the longer they were married. Stolen moments like this had to suffice until the nights when they would get lost in each other.
“Ouch” feeling her hair pulled, she broke the kiss and looked down into their arms. Seamus was bright eyed and smiling, holding a fistful of her hair in his sweet little hand.
Chuckling, Broderick reached down and untangled the shiny red lock out of his son’s hand, “Seamus, be nice to ye mum lad.” Ruffling the wee babe’s chestnut hair.
Sighing, Elisabeth sighed with complete happiness, sitting with her family in the fields of vibrant purple heather, she reflected on their journey to each other up till today. Death and sadness had slowly transformed her path in life into her destiny. Fate had led her to Broderick; fate had seen them through battles and meetings with their king. Fate had brought them together, combined they now owed over three quarters of the Scottish Highlands.
King Richard had blessed them with the Douglas lands, adding considerably to their combined lands. The king had even graced them with his presence soon after the twins were born; he was also present for their christening and of course their first birthday festival. Elisabeth’s cousin was most pleased with seeing her again, yet they continued to keep their blood ties secret. King Richard had expressed must content with knowing the vast majority of the Highlands were under their direct eye. He had also let Elisabeth know he was planning to marry and produce his own heir, he knew how little she wanted the crown, it was the reason he liked her so much.
She had been most pleased to hear he was marrying, although she would always see to her duty, she wanted nothing to do with England. Scotland was her home, these Highlands were home, and Castle MacMillan was where she belonged. It was her eternal destiny, all roads led to where she was now. One day her children would inherit their lands, and so would her grandchildren. Between Broderick and Elisabeth, they now possessed the majority of the Highlands. Their legacy was secure.
Feeling Broderick rub her back, he kissed her temple and whispered into her ear, “Lets get the children home my love, you and I have a wedding to prepare for, our nursemaid is most excited to watch the children tonight” nibbling her ear, “and I am most excited for a night alone with my stunning wife, she owes me a few dances…and maybe a few under the sheets.”
Nudging her shoulder into him she kissed his jaw, “Oh, I very much look forward to it, to the castle my dear.” Winking.
Broderick stood up and helped her with his free arm, handing Jocelyn over to her father she bent down and picked up the sheet from the green grass and shook it out, tossing it over her shoulder.
Beside her Broderick had each of the children tucked in each arm, Seamus awake fumbling with his own hands and little Jocelyn, asleep and peaceful as could be. Both children looked exactly like their father, dark chestnut hair with beautiful green eyes like both of their parents.
Walking back to the castle she wrapped her arm around Broderick and soaked in the last bit of sunlight the day had. The familiar path to the castle gate was well worn and picturesque. The closer they got to the castle; the more voices could be heard as well as lilting Scottish music.
Rhona had arranged fun games for the children to play in the bailey, as well as archery contests for the older children and wives, the men were tossing logs and drinking their fair share of mead. Today was another joyous celebration for their clan. Games and music, fresh food and mead were abundant from the bailey to the stable, the keep to the kitchens.
Entering through the gates they were greeted by the cheers of people who were enjoying the entertainment in the bailey. Waving to their friends and fellow warriors, Elisabeth walked next to her tall husband with pride. Broderick had a bairn in each arm and not a care in the world; he wanted to spend as much time with the twins as possible. He wasn’t a father who pushed his children off on their mother or nursemaids or help, he was an active roll in their everyday life, just like she knew he would be. He nodded to his friends as they walked across the courtyard to the castle, ladies fawned over the children as they stopped and talked to a few groups along the way. Everyone was excited for the wedding tonight.
At the top of the castle stairs they could see old Rhona searching for them, she loved the bairns like they were her own grandbabies, and it appeared they were a tad late returning from their picnic.
“Think we are in trouble?” Broderick chuckled as he saw the inpatient look on Rhona’s wrinkled face.
“Oh she’ll forget about how late we are as soon as you place the children in her arms, she turns to mush around them, ye know that.” She joked, softly elbowing him as she reached down to pull up her skirts as they walked up the stairs. Doing as she said, Broderick smiled at his old nursemaid and gently placed both children into her steady arms and kissed the elder lady on her cheek, “We shall see you later Rhona, enjoy them!”
Clasping hands with her husband, they quickly kissed the younglings on their chubby cheeks and waved as they walked up towards their room. They had few chances of alone time, and when they did, they took advantage. Running to their room like youngsters, they didn’t look back.
Hours later, the wedding of Kendrix Angus MacMillan to Molly Marie O’Connell took place just as all weddings did at Castle MacMillan- at sunset. With fresh flowers in bloom, the chapel emanated the sweet fragrant smell of summer flowers. Once again the clan filled the large chapel to the hilt as they came to watch the final MacMillan brother get married. Pews were filling fast as Elisabeth and Broderick stood outside the chapel, greeting their people together as they entered. They would be the final people seated before the wedding began.
When all had entered, the large doors were shut. They stood behind the closed doors and had a brief moment to themselves before they made their entrance to the front pew.
Squeezing Broderick’s warm hand she gave him a slight tug to get his attention. She was bursting with excitement and couldn’t contain it any longer.
“Yes love?” He asked as he looked down upon her with his dazzling green eyes.
“In all my life I never imagined my future to look as it does, I have never been happier Broderick. You are my world, our babes are my world,” looking up at him, she took the hand she held and placed it upon her flat stomach, “are ye ready to be a father again my love?” She asked with a mischievous smile.
His eyes grew wide, and a brilliant smile appeared on his face. Broderick wrapped his arms around her and picked her up, twirling her around “Are ye serious Elisabeth?” his excitement radiated from his bright smile.
Nodding, “Aye, I thought I’d jump on the chance to tell you myself this time.” Wrinkling her nose she squeezed his neck as he kissed her, just as the chapel doors opened up.
Feeling hundreds of eyes upon them, Elisabeth and Broderick broke their kiss and looked over their shoulder to see t
heir entire clan watching them.
Ignoring everyone, Broderick slowly sat her down and tipped up her chin. Looking into her eyes, he whispered so only she could hear, “Ye are my world Elisabeth, I cannae wait to see what life has in store for our family, with you by my side there is nothing in this world we cannae accomplish. I love you Elisabeth Rosslyn MacMillan.”
“and I love you Broderick, until the end of time, you will always be branded upon my heart and soul.”
Hand in hand the Laird and his warrior wife turned together and walked down the aisle, passing hundreds of their clansmen, completely unashamed of being caught in an embrace. The entire clan was well aware of their affection for each other. Sliding gracefully into their seats, Rhona had the twins dressed in wee plaids, calmly waiting for their parents at the front of the chapel in the front pew.
Elisbeth and Broderick were quick to scoop their children up before turning to wait for Molly to make her entrance.
Leaning her cheek against Broderick’s strong arm, tears brimmed in her eyes as the music began; right here in this moment is where she belonged. She had married the man who captured her heart years ago, the man who had saved her life and given her life. He was her fate, her destiny, and their children would be their legacy.
Branded by a Warrior Page 29
