Legacy of Love: Highland Hearts Afire - A Time Travel Romance

by B. J. Scott

  “The fool never connected the fight Rory and I started to your escape, or the holes in the other boats either.” Blair covered his mouth and laughed. “When you made your getaway, I told him I would orchestrate the search. And I did.” He chuckled again. “Handpicked my men, excluding Rory of course, and told them to man the boats so we could give chase. Of course the minute they were in the water, the boats filled up and sank like stones. Blamed that on you too, I did.”

  “We were worried about you and Gweneth, too,” Rory said. “After you dove into the water and got soaked to the skin, we thought you might have frozen to death on the open sea. The water was rough and the north wind cold.”

  “There were times I thought that was going to happen as well,” Kyle said. “If not for the sack of provisions in the boat, I’m sure Gwen would have perished, so I am grateful for that boon too.”

  “Gower thought so as well,” Blair added. “He figured no one could survive in a small boat in open waters and, because we were so far out, decided to go on without her.”

  “How did you get back to the mainland?”

  “Once we arrived on the Orkneys, we slipped into the crowd. Two weeks later, we signed on to a ship heading back to Scotland. Took us a while to get here, but we did.” Blair rested his hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “But this day isna about my brother and me. It is about you and Gweneth, and what comes after the marriage takes place.” He wiggled a brow and slapped Kyle on the back.

  The priest poked his head around the corner of the kirk. “The bride has arrived, lad.”

  Rory slung his arm around Kyle’s shoulder. “Let’s get you married.”

  Kyle waited for his cousins and uncle to go into the kirk and find a seat before he entered. Not an easy task, given it was standing room only. Things had changed a lot since he and Gwen returned and announced their nuptials. While Gwen and Lilith tended to all the details of planning a wedding, Kyle concentrated on caring for the children of the clan. He was pleased at how some proper food and decent lodgings improved the overall health of the people living in the former impoverished area of the village.

  It had been so long since anyone had shown these people a modicum of kindness, many forgot what it was like to be treated like they were humans. Damen ruled with an iron fist and tight purse strings, where Gwen made sure every family had proper clothing, food, clean water, and blankets. Her goal was it improve the health and happiness of the entire clan, not feeding the coffers, which accounted for their success in improving conditions. Unlike in the past, every member of the clan, be they rich or poor, were invited to the wedding and feast to follow. Judging by the crowd, most had accepted the invitation.

  As he stood beside the priest at the front of the kirk, Kyle glanced around at the faces of people who were once strangers and now felt like family. When Gwen entered, his heart skipped a beat, and the closer she got, the more he knew he was making the right choice. She was his love, his soulmate, his destiny.

  When Gwen arrived at the altar, Kyle took her hand and kissed the back of it. “You take my breath away, Gwen. I am truly the luckiest man in the world.”

  “Shall we begin?” the priest asked. The couple answered yes in unison.

  Following a traditional Celtic wedding ceremony, delivered in Gaelic, and the exchange of rings, Kyle was given the okay to kiss his bride—which he did with enthusiasm.

  Blair and Rory were the first to congratulate the bride and groom when they left the kirk, and Gwen expressed in no uncertain terms how thrilled she was to see them.

  “We owe you both so much for all you did for us, and can never repay you,” she said to Blair. “We feared you’d perished, and are so glad you’re alive.” She threw her arms around Blair’s neck, then hugged Rory as well.

  “A dance after the meal will pay your debt,” Blair said and grinned broadly. “That is if Caol isna too impatient about spiriting you away to your chamber to consummate your marriage.”

  Gwen grinned and took Kyle’s hand. “Can I steal my husband away for a minute? We won’t be gone long and I promise to give you both a dance.”

  Kyle followed her to a corner of the courtyard. The wedding turned out to have so many in attendance, they were forced to move it outdoors. Fortunately, it was an exceptionally mild day given it was November, but Gwen had convinced Kyle that Beatha had used her magic to make sure the day was perfect.

  “What is it, sweetheart? Is there something on your mind or did you miss me?” he asked playfully, then kissed her brow.

  She took his hands and gazed up at him. “I know a lot has happened over the last month...” her words trailed off and she nibbled on her bottom lip.

  “It’s too late to change your mind. We’re already married,” he said, grinning.

  “I’m thrilled to be your bride. Almost as happy as I will to be the mother of your babies.”

  “My what? How?” He picked her up and swung her around.

  “The usual way. You’re a doctor figure it out.” She laughed.

  He slid his hand over her belly. “Are you sure? It’s kind of early to tell.”

  “I haven’t had my period for two months, and while I have never been regular when stressed, I have noticed my breasts are tender and the last two mornings, I’ve awakened feeling queasy. I figured it was nerves until I spoke to Beatha.”

  “Beatha?”

  “She told me I conceived the night we were in the cave.”

  “And you believe her?”

  Gwen laughed. “And you don’t?”

  “Point taken.” He chuckled, then pulled Gwen into his embrace. He was going to be a father, and the thought both thrilled and frightened him. He couldn’t wait to hold their baby in his arms, but worried he’d fail as a father. This wasn’t the twenty-first century and medieval life was totally different.

  “Are you not pleased about this?” she asked, her voice cracking.

  “There is nothing I want more than to make babies with you.” He brushed her lips with a kiss. “I know you will be an awesome mom. I just hope I am up to the task. I am still getting used to living in this era myself.”

  “You’ll be a fantastic dad. Any kid would be lucky to have you in their life. As for the medieval lifestyles and skills, you are so at home here. I’ve often thought you fit in perfectly, as if you were born here too. And look what you’ve done for the children, the improvement in their health is mind-blowing.”

  The more he thought about it, the more excited he got about the idea. “I can’t wait,” he said, then captured her lips.

  “I’m glad you feel that way, because Beatha told me it was twins.”

  Kyle picked her up and spun her around again, then took a step back. “I’d better get busy making cradles,” he said. “Do you know where I can find a Rowan bush and some iron nails?”

  The End

  About B.J. Scott

  With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid characters--dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can't help but admire--spring to life. A PAN member of RWA, World Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.

  C.S. Lewis first captivated B. J.'s imagination in the fourth grade, and her desire to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child and youth work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her away to his castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in a small Canadian town on the shore of Lake Erie with our dogs and a cat. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.

  To find more books by B.J. Scott visit her Amazon author page


  It is easy to follow B.J.:

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbjscott

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/BJScott3

  Subscribe to Duncurra’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cDtujD

  Don’t miss the Duncurra YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/duncurra

  You’ll find videos of Scotland, Scottish words of the day explained, free audiobooks and much more

  More by B.J. Scott

  Highland Hearts Afire – Time Travel Romance

  Talisman of Light

  Will changing the Past destroy their future?

  Intent on setting a wrong to right, Alex Innes flies to Scotland to return an Ancient Talisman to its rightful resting place. But his plane crashes and he finds himself in twelfth century Scotland, where winter holds the country in its icy grip and only one maiden can set it free. Ciara Dunmore offers her life to appease the winter hag on the Imbolc Festival, but Alex has different plans for the beguiling lass who has captured his heart. Will changing the past destroy their future?

  Forever and Beyond

  Katherine MacDonald trades her luxury Manhattan apartment, high paying job, and abusive fiancé for what she believes is a rundown estate, deep in the Scottish Highlands, unaware that her future, and perhaps her very life, depends on secrets deeply rooted in the past.

  When she discovers a ring with a sentimental inscription and a journal written by one of her ancestors within the ancient croft, she suddenly finds herself in fourteenth century Scotland where she comes face to face with Ayden MacAndrews, a braw Highlander who has haunted her dreams since she was a child.

  Will Katherine and Ayden be able to right an ancient wrong? Will their love stand the test of time?

  Other Scottish Historical Romance

  Bedded by her Highland Enemy

  Her Highlander's Promise

  Fraser Brothers Trilogy

  Highland Legacy

  Highland Quest

  Highland Homecoming

  Blades of Honor series (Sequel to Fraser Brothers Trilogy)

  Highland Hellion

  Highland Resurrection

  Highland Deliverance

  About Duncurra

  Duncurra is a small independent publishing company. We highly value the heart and soul, energy, time, and talent that our authors pour into their stories. Unlike many independent publishers, we help authors build their readership by investing significantly in marketing platforms to complement the author's own promotional efforts.

  We are particularly proud of our YouTube presence and ever increasing subscribership there, which is unique to the publishing industry.

  Whether you are a reader, an established author, or an aspiring author, we have a lot to offer. We take the reader experience to a new level, connecting authors and readers in unprecedented ways.

  Visit our website at www.duncurra.com.

  To stay up to date on all Duncurra releases, sales, giveaways and more, sign up for our newsletter here: https://tinyletter.com/duncurra

  Experience the difference.

  Experience Duncurra!

  Other Scottish Romance from Duncurra LLC

  Award Winning, New York Times Bestselling Author

  Kathryn Lynn Davis

  Highland Awakening

  Can the transforming power of magic help two people on a perilous journey create a miracle — even when one of them doesn’t believe?

  Since she lost her brother and nearly her father, Esmé Rose fears the world beyond her family and her garden. But one year when winter clings overlong, a dream begins to haunt her, forcing her to take a journey and face a challenge more difficult than she could ever imagine.

  Magnus MacLeod is a skilled healer, always curious to know more. He, too, is called by a dream he doesn’t quite believe in, despite its physical effects on him. He and Esmé travel a treacherous road that takes them to a magical place. There they must put aside their feelings for one another — and their difference in beliefs — long enough to make a miracle.

  Sing to Me of Dreams

  One woman’s journey of discovery…through all the mysteries of the human heart.

  As a child, Saylah held the magic and wisdom of her Salish Indian people. But when tragedy ravages the Salish, she must leave them for the world of the Ivys – an English/Scottish family whose traditions are as strange to her as her spirit world is to them. The Ivys have come to fertile British Columbia in search of paradise, but the secrets and mysteries surrounding them are overwhelming – until Saylah comes to help them understand the darkness holding them back.

  Frustrated Julian Ivy, in whom sophistication and fury entwine, is drawn to Saylah's healing strength and disquieting beauty. Through sorrow and elation, the two discover the fullness of love...but no one can resolve for her the contradictions of her birthright. Following the songs of her heritage, she will finally make the most wrenching choice of all...

  Coming June 2017, the long awaited sequel, Weave for Me a Dream.

  Award Winning, Bestselling Author

  Lily Baldwin

  Highland Outlaw Series

  (All of the Highland Outlaw series are complete standalone stories and can be read in any order.)

  Jack: A Scottish Outlaw

  Freedom is not won…it is stolen

  Jack MacVie and his brother are thieves, robbing English nobles on the road north into Scotland. They’re about to attack the Redesdale carriage when another band of villains, after more than Lady Redesdale’s coin, sweeps down and steals their prize. Despite his hatred for the English, Jack’s conscience forces him to kidnap the lady to save her life.

  In the aftermath of the Berwick massacre, Lady Isabella Redesdale’s world is shattered. Her mother is dead, her father lost to grief, and she’s risking it all, journeying north into war-torn Scotland to be with her sister.

  Although they come from different worlds, Jack and Isabella are more alike than they first realize. They both crave freedom from war and despair, but in a world where kings reign and birth dictates one’s station, freedom is not won, it is stolen.

  Quinn: A Scottish Outlaw

  He is an outlaw…And the only man she can trust.

  Quinn MacVie is in pursuit of a prize, but it is unlike any plunder he has stolen before. He seeks neither gold nor jewels, but something infinitely more valuable—Lady Catarina Ravensworth. Sent by the lady’s sister, who fears Catarina is in danger, Quinn’s mission is to steal the lady away from Ravensworth castle. But nothing there is as Quinn expected.

  Lady Catarina has been accused of a horrific crime and is forced to run or face a fate worse than death.

  But she is not alone.

  Thief and Scottish rebel, Quinn MacVie, is at her side. With a price on her head, they must disappear into the wilds of the Scottish Highlands where the only thing greater than the danger following at their heels is the desire burning in their hearts.

  Rory: A Scottish Outlaw

  Lady Alexandria MacKenzie is one of Abbot Matthew's network of rebels, fighting for Scottish independence. When her father dies, leaving their clan without a laird, she asks the abbot for aid in finding a husband. He sends her a selection of three noblemen from which to choose. Accompanying them is secret agent and reputed rake, Rory MacVie, who must assist Alexandria with a perilous mission for Scotland. But the abbot makes one point very clear--Rory is not a potential suitor.

  This is a passionate story of honor, rebellion, and forbidden love.

  Alec: A Scottish Outlaw

  Two broken hearts unite, becoming one love that will last forever.

  Sold from one ruthless master to another, Joanie is a servant who has lived her whole life in fear. When Randolph Tweed, an English merchant with cold, unfeeling eyes, buys her, she fears she has fallen into the hands of her cruelest master yet. But what she doesn’t realize is that Randolph is actually Alec MacVie, Scottish spy and rebel.

  The first time Alec sees Joanie is in his dreams. He has a vision
of a young woman standing on a bridge alone, bleeding, and broken hearted. He must rescue her, and when he does he soon realizes she holds the power to rescue him right back.

  Join Alec and Joanie on a journey of healing, passion, and hope, where their love and strength forge a new destiny for themselves and for Scotland.

  Award Winning, Bestselling Author

  Ceci Giltenan

  The Pocket Watch Chronicles

  (All of the Pocket Watch Chronicles are complete standalone stories and can be read in any order.)

  The Pocket Watch

  When Maggie Mitchell, is transported to the thirteenth century Highlands will Laird Logan Carr help mend her broken heart or put it in more danger than before?

  Generous, kind, and loving, Maggie nearly always puts the needs of others first. So when a mysterious elderly woman gives her an extraordinary pocket watch, telling her it’s a conduit to the past, Maggie agrees to give the watch a try, if only to disprove the woman’s delusion.

  But it works.

  Maggie finds herself in the thirteenth century Scottish Highlands, with a handsome warrior who clearly despises her. Her tender soul is caught between her own desire and the disaster she could cause for others. Will she find a way to resolve the trouble and return home within the allotted sixty days? Or will someone worthy earn her heart forever?

  The Midwife

  Can a twenty-first century independent woman find her true destiny, in thirteenth century Scotland?

  At his father’s bidding, Cade MacKenzie begs a favor from Laird Macrae — Lady MacKenzie desperately needs the renowned Macrae midwife. Laird Macrae has no intention of sending his clan’s best, instead he passes off Elsie, a young woman with little experience, as the midwife they seek.

  But fate — in the form of a mysterious older woman and an extraordinary pocket watch — steps in.