Extended Epilogues

Was there a part that bored you or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

What moment from the book you enjoyed the most? *

Something you liked, a specific scene, a character's quality, some detail that caught your eye.

Did you get frustrate by the fact that Avery didn't believe Callie when she tried to tell him the truth? *

• Yes, I was irritated by him and he became kind of unlikeable in my eyes.
• No, he was blinded by his own thoughts and emotions. It a flaw that made him seem more authentic as a MC.
• I can't really decide. It annoyed me a bit, yet I could see and understand Avery's reasons.

Do you like the "forbidden fruit" trope? *

• Yes, I love it! It creates a lot of sexual tension and it's a good reason for the MCs to fall in love.
• Not really. We have seen it too many times already.
• I don't have a specific opinion. As long as they're executed well enough, all tropes work for me.

Is there something else you'd like to share? *

Something you noticed, frustrated you, left you confused, etc.

Submit

Three months later

“Are ye ready?” Aila asked as Callie stepped toward the mirror.

“A minute more.” Callie moved in front of the mirror, finding her nervousness was making her hands shake. The wedding day had come, and though she could not wait to marry Avery, so they did not have to part again, nor have to sneak around the castle in order to spend a night together, she was nervous. It was a large affair thanks to Avery’s wealthy family and his father’s standing, much bigger than Callie could have ever imagined in a wedding.

“Ye look beautiful,” Aila said sweetly and came to stand behind Callie. “Look at ye. Oh, if our mother could see ye now. She’d be overawed.”

“Ye’re so kind tae me, Aila. Ye always have been.” Callie took her sister’s hand as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

She wore a bold, dark-blue gown, a swathe with tartan across her shoulder. Despite the tartan, the deep neckline was obvious and set off by a peek of white chemise. There were sprigs of red berries and white flowers in her hair, all for good luck, and she carried a bouquet in her free hand that was similarly dappled with such flowers.

“There is only one thing I regret,” Callie whispered, turning away from her reflection to look at her sister. Since Aila had come to live nearby, she looked infinitely healthier. She had traveled to the castle for the wedding, for she had taken lodgings in town, but her new position was clearly paying her well, for she no longer looked too thin with gaunt cheeks. She was healthy, with pink cheeks that had once been pale.

“What is that?” Aila asked, encouraging her on.

“It is Fiadh,” Callie murmured softly. After she and Avery had searched for Fiadh, they had found neither hide nor hair of her. As Fiadh must now be living under her husband’s name, tracking her down was even more difficult. Sadly, neither Aila nor anyone at the brothel had been told his name, so it had become a seemingly impossible task to find her.

Avery still sent scouts out searching for her, but Callie was growing increasingly despondent with each passing week, fearing that Fiadh would not be found.

“It would have mean everything tae me if Fiadh could have been here for this moment.”

“And for me too,” Aila assured her, holding her hand tightly. “Yet dinnae despair. We willnae give up but continue tae search for her. Maybe with our relentlessness and good fortune we will someday find her.”
“I pray ye are right.”

“Ah, Callie, fear nae.” Aila kissed her on the cheek warmly. “Today is a happy day indeed. We will find Fiadh, and today, ye become the wife of the man ye love dearly.”

“Ye like him, do ye nae?” Callie asked, surprised how important this had become to her.

“Of course!” Aila declared with eagerness. “He is the man who helped me out of that brothel, so I will always be indebted to him. What is more, I have seen the two of ye together these last few months. Nay couple could be more suited, I think. Except perhaps Laird Chattan and his wife.”

“Aye, Lady Scarlett is an excellent match for him,” Callie said with a laugh, thinking of how big Lady Scarlett had now grown. A few weeks later, her child would appear in this world. “Laird Chattan is tae be the best man today.”

“How lovely,” Aila said with a smile. “Will his brother be there? Ian Chattan?”

“Aye, he will be.” Callie tried not to look at her sister too hard, noting that more than once as of late had Aila asked after Ian. She wondered if he caught her sister’s eye. She knew there was a spark between him and Eloise when they met, yet they became rather good friends, so he was free as a bird. So was Aila.

Maybe it is all in my imagination, but there may be something there.

“Well, let us get ye tae yer wedding.” Aila offered her arm to Callie. “I may nae be the traditional person tae walk ye down the aisle, but –”

“I wouldnae have anyone else do it.” Callie held her sister’s arm tightly as they left the room.

On the tower’s staircase, more than one maid was already throwing dried petals and calling wishes of good luck and fortune. Callie smiled and thanked them all for their kindness, then hurried across the open courtyard with her sister. The sun was shining beautifully above them.

“It seems the sun smiles on yer ceremony today,” Aila called as they slowed their pace near the church.

“Aye. Perhaps it is a sign of good things tae come.” Callie barely stood still as she waited by the closed door of the chapel, arm in arm with her sister.

A guard stood by the door, though he no longer carried a pike or anything else so ready for battle. He bore a ceremonial sword at his hip and vast tartan swathed his shoulder.

“They are ready for you.” He bowed his head in greeting and reached for the door, opening it wide.

The moment the door was open, Callie’s eyes searched for Avery.

Soon, we shall nae have tae part again.

***

“Brother, do stand still,” Scarlett said as she patted her rounded stomach. “Ye seem as if ye have ants in yer trews.” His other sister, Eloise, burst into laughter at their side, then tried to hide the extent of her humor and hung her head forward.

Avery abruptly stilled and looked at his sister with a smile.

“Is that better?” he asked, yet he couldn’t keep still for long and adjusted the tartan strip across his shoulders and the clan brooch on his shirt.

“Marginally,” Scarlett said in answer. “Ye are excited, are ye nae?”

“Exactly, that is why I cannae stand still,” he assured them, his eyes darting around the chapel.

The vicar already waited for them by the altar, and nearby stood Laird Chattan and Ian, both deep in conversation about the arrangements that were to follow later that afternoon and evening. Avery had overheard Scarlett talking with them that morning about a vast feast, though Avery had already planned to sneak away with his wife as soon as possible.

The pews were full of guests, and Avery was touched by how many of his friends he’d made across the clans had come to see him wed, sitting at his side of the pews. There was one face that wasn’t particularly welcome to him, though he knew he had to make peace with the man.

“Have ye spoken tae him yet?” Eloise asked knowingly, elbowing him and pointing at their father.

“Nay,” Avery said with a sigh. “I dinnae how tae. It’s been so long since I have really spoken tae him at all.” He’d merely spoken to the man briefly a year before, around the time of Scarlett’s wedding, when he had gone to his father to help break the news of Scarlett’s existence, something their father had never known. As Avery had suspected, their father kept a cool distance from Scarlett. He treated all of his children much the same.

“Well, as poor a father as he is, at least he was right in one regard,” Scarlett said, tutting.

“What do ye mean?” Avery asked, looking toward her.

“About Ella,” Eloise answered before Scarlett could. The two sisters nodded in unison, their identical looks and movements creating quite a surreal experience for Avery.

“Ye two are too alike sometimes. It’s frightening.” At his words, they shared a humored laugh.

“Ye should say something tae him,” Eloise urged.

“Aye, and as ye do, I need a seat.” Scarlett rested a hand to her rounded stomach. “This baby is becoming more and more uncomfortable. Callie says it is a sign that the baby will come soon.”

Avery smiled, not just thinking of the child he would soon be an uncle to, but the possibility that he might have a child sometime soon too. He and Callie certainly spent most nights together, and often they made love.

He had already planned in his mind that if he was so fortunate as to have a child, he would right the wrongs of the last generation. He would be a better father to that child than his father had been to him, and certainly better than Gowan had ever been to Callie.

“Ye’re right, I must speak to him.” Reluctantly, Avery nodded and agreed with his sisters. They smiled and hurried to the pews, sitting some distance from their father. Slowly, Avery sat down in the empty space beside his father. The haggard features turned toward Avery, clearly stunned at his approach. Kendrick shifted awkwardly in his seat, just as restless as Avery was.

“How are ye?” Kendrick asked after a minute or so of silence.

“I am happy, Father. Aye, happy indeed.” Avery smiled as he looked at Kendrick. His father seemed relieved, sighing, before he smiled too.

“Then I am glad. I ken well enough what sort of man ye think me, Avery, but I am nae entirely devoid of heart. If ye are happy, then that means something tae me.”

“Good.” Avery shifted to face his father fully. “On that matter, there is a discussion that has tae be had between us. Do ye remember Ella?”

“Nae that now.” Kendrick pinched the brow of his nose. “Ye wish tae bring up that maid here? At yer own wedding –?”

“Calm yerself, Father,” Avery said pleadingly. “I am trying tae tell ye that ye were right about her.” Kendrick’s shoulders slumped. He didn’t look pleased to be told he was correct. “She was a woman who sought advantages in life, money, in particular, and at one point she set her cap at me in order tae get it. I owe ye an apology. Ye were nae the one that misjudged her, that was I.”

Kendrick smiled, but it was a rather sad look.

“Then I am sorry tae be right.” He sighed and glanced over his shoulder toward the door that was still closed. “I will admit, I was stunned when I was told ye were tae marry just a castle healer –”

“Father, please.” Avery felt his gut tightening, fearing the old argument resurfacing.

“Yet I hear from Eloise that she is nothing like Ella was. In that case, I am happy for ye indeed.” Kendrick offered his hand to shake.

Avery regarded it with suspicion, sensing a coolness in the air between them. They were never going to be a loving father and son. There had been too many arguments, and they were too different. Avery knew his father lacked benevolence, even empathy, but he didn’t want to turn his back on him, regardless.

“Thank ye.” He took his father’s hand and shook.

The vicar cleared his throat, and Avery released his father’s hand, returning to his place by the altar. Laird Chattan appeared at his side, elbowing him.

“Ready for this, Avery?”

“Aye.”

“It is marriage, a big thing,” Laird Chattan whispered.

“Are ye trying to make me more nervous?” Avery looked at his brother-in-law accusingly who revealed the smallest of mischievous smiles.

“Just checking ye are certain.”

“Oh, I am.” Avery looked at the door as the organ music began playing and the door opened. Callie appeared on her sister’s arm, absolutely beautiful in a dark blue gown with matching flowers in her hair and bouquet. But it was her eyes that he couldn’t take his gaze away from. They were alight with happiness. “I have never been so certain of anything else in my life.”

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Ian Chattan spins a web of deception, delving into the depths of Aila Mathieson’s hidden secrets, only to realize her sins could lead to her ruin if he doesn’t come to her aid. Oblivious to the whirlwind of emotions awaiting him, he goes with her only to find his soul on fire with each caress. Yet, a love built on lies cannot withstand the winds of truth as they threaten to swallow them whole…

Resisting the Highlander's Charm

Was there a part that bored you or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

What moment from the book you enjoyed the most? *

Something you liked, a specific scene, a character's quality, some detail that caught your eye.

Did it frustrate you how long Katherine kept her secret from Tor? *

• Yes, I think it would be better if she had told him earlier. It was not fair.
• No, I loved the tension it created. I understand her reasons, so I cannot blame her.
• I can't really decide. It annoyed me a bit, yet I could see Katherine's reasons.

Do you like slow-burn romances? *

• Yes, I love them! The tension they create is amazing!
• Not really. I get too anxious while waiting for the characters to get together.
• I don't have a specific opinion. They're alright.

Is there something else you'd like to share? *

Something you noticed, frustrated you, left you confused, etc.

Submit

Strathnaver, Scotland, One Year Later

Katherine stood on the shore of Loch Naver and stared out at the water. It was the first time that she had returned to the loch since that day all those years ago with her mother. She remembered her mother sitting reading, her hair shining in the sun. Katherine picked up a stone and skipped it across the water as she had done that day. She watched until it sank beneath the water’s surface.

“Remembering?” Tor asked, coming up to wrap his arms around her.

“Aye, it has been a long time,” replied Katherine.

“Much has changed,” he murmured, nuzzling her ear with his lips. “Ye are safe and loved,” he whispered, to reassure her. He knew that she still sometimes got nervous around large bodies of water, but she had come a long way since that day.

“Aye,” she murmured in agreement, leaning into his arms.

Tor’s hand slipped down to her abdomen. “How is our wee bairn?” he asked.

“Restless and excited tae meet the baby cousin,” she said, smiling down at her belly fondly. I am glad that Katarina agreed tae come tae us. I ken that she does nae have good memories of Strathnaver. I hope the trip is nae unbearable for her.”

“We will make new memories here for the both of ye,” Tor promised. “We should go and meet them now. They will be arriving soon.”

“Aye,” she sighed, turning away from the memories of her past and moving forward into the future with her husband.

The two of them rode to Ian’s so that they could meet the boat as it came to shore. Katherine squealed with delight as Tor’s family climbed out of the boat and clambered onto the shore. Dunn and Tor embraced each other laughing with happiness at their reunion. “I missed ye, brother,” Tor confessed.

“As I did ye,” Dunn admitted, as they turned to grin at Katarina, who was walking up the embankment with their new baby in her arms. Her sisters followed close behind her like a gaggle of worrying hens, making certain that she did not misstep and fall.

Katarina greeted Katherine with a heartfelt smile. “I have missed ye both so very much!” she said.

“As we have missed ye,” Katherine greeted, coming to admire her nephew.

Dunn stepped forward and took the baby from Katarina’s arms. “If I may I introduce ye tae yer nephew, Bran. Bran, this is yer Uncle Tor,” Dunn said and handed the baby to Tor to hold and grinned in pride at the sight.

Katherine looked on with a smile. Tor will make a wonderful father.

“We brought a guest,” Katarina informed her gently. “I hope that ye dinnae mind.”

Katherine turned back to Katarina. “Ye may bring whomever ye wish. I ken that this is a difficult visit for ye tae make. Ye dinnae have happy memories here,” Katherine said.

Katarina smiled at her gently, her eyes filled with compassion. “This guest is not for my comfort,” she said.

“Oh?” Katherine’s brows arched in question.

“I have brought our aunt from Rome,” said Katarina.

Katherine’s eyes opened wide with surprise. “Aunt?” she asked.

Katarina’s aunt stepped out of the boat and grabbed Katherine’s hands. “Katherine, my brother’s daughter, it is a great pleasure to finally meet you.” I have heard many things about you, and I must say that your father would have been proud of the strength that you have shown,” she said.

Katherine couldn’t speak because her throat was clogged with tears. She fought back a sob as she shifted her gaze between Katarina and their aunt. She had feared that she would never see the aunt Katarina had mentioned. She assumed she’d never meet anyone else from their family because what little remained of it was scattered across the known world. Their aunt had married the head of another important Romani family in the vicinity of Rome. Her duty was to her new people, but she had already left them behind to travel to the north of Scotland to see Katarina. She’d done the same for Katherine, a niece she’d never met. The emotion of it all overwhelmed her, and her control slipped away, leaving her to cry in her aunt’s arms.

“Katherine, my Katherine, do not cry,” her aunt soothed her, rubbing her back.

“I thought that I might never see ye,” she sniffed, trying to get her emotions under control.

“When Katarina wrote to me telling me that she had found you, I knew that I had to come. I miss my brothers every day. Having you girls gives me a piece of them back,” their aunt said. She opened her arms wider to embrace all four girls at the same time. “My beautiful nieces.”

Dunn and Tor smiled at the sight. “She also had tae come and see her new grandnephew,” said Dunn who beamed with pride as he took his son back from Tor.

Katarina smiled as she untangled herself from the group and retrieved her son from her husband. “Indeed, she did,” she said.

“And what a beautiful grandnephew he is,” their aunt praised, smiling at mother and child.

“Bran is nae the only grandnephew or niece that ye will need tae come and visit auntie,” Tor announced, smiling at Katherine as she moved away from the group hug and took a step back.

“Oh, aye?” Dunn inquired raising a brow.

“Katherine is with child,” Tor announced, also beaming with pride.

Joy spread across every face present. Katherine’s cousins rushed forward to embrace her once more, the younger two talking about names and rubbing her belly speaking to the bairn within. Katherine did not know what to make of all of it, but Tor just stood back and laughed with pure joy. Their aunt stepped forward and placed her hand on Katarina’s belly, moving the other girls out of the way. She murmured something in the Romani language that Katherine did not understand.

“What is happening?” Katherine asked, confused.

Katarina smiled and explained, “She is blessing yer child. It is the way of our people.”

“Our people,” Katherine murmured. She looked into their aunt’s eyes. “Please, tell me of my father.”

Smiling, her aunt laced her arm through Katherine’s and they walked together along the shore, speaking of many heartfelt memories.

Later that night, Tor and Katherine were lying in bed together thinking about the events of the day. It had been a bittersweet time, and neither of them would have traded it. Tor laid his hand on her belly, rubbing it in soothing circles. “I told Dunn that we wished for him and Katarina tae be the bairn’s godparents,” he said.

“Did he agree?” asked Katherine.

“He said that they would be honored,” answered Tor.

Katherine nodded, smiling softly. “What did auntie say to ye before she went tae bed that made ye laugh so much?” she asked him.
Tor chuckled in amusement. “She said that had she kent that there were so many handsome men in Scotland who loved Romani women, she might have waited tae wed until now,” he said.

Katherine laughed. “She didnae mean it. Katarina said that she is very much in love with her husband,” she said.

“Aye, I ken that. I didnae take her seriously. She just amuses me,” Tor said.

Katherine smiled. “I like her,” she said.

“As do I. She loves ye and that is enough for me,” said Tor.

Katherine nestled into his side, laying her head on his chest. “Ye ken, I was thinking that we have come a long way from hating one another,” she said.

“Aye, that is true. But I cannae imagine hating ye now, my pretty wife,” he said.

“Neither do I, my loving husband,” said Katherine and traced her fingers through his chest hair. “What we have is a blessed miracle, given how it started.”

Tor pulled her tight against his side. “We have accomplished much with yer people. They have come tae trust my judgment and yer tender care. By the time that the bairn comes, we will be ready tae provide him with a safe secure home,” Tor said.

“Supposing that Alistair Morgan does nae return,” said Katherine.

Tor kissed the top of her head. “He cannae harm ye now. Dead or alive, he is beyond this place and willnae be allowed tae return, whether by God’s edict or the king’s. Ye can rest in the knowledge of that,” he reassured her.

Sighing, Katherine let her fears go and settled back against his side. He was right. She had to trust that he would keep her safe and that the life they were building together could not and would not be destroyed by the life of one man. “May God forgive him, for I surely willnae,” she said.

Tor smiled against her skin. “And ye should nae, love.” He leaned down and kissed her lips softly. “I love ye more than life itself,” he breathed against her skin.

“And I ye,” she whispered.

“Remain with me always,” he said and kissed her again.

“Always and forever,” she promised.

He kissed her once more, this time with passion. He gently moved to hover above her. He slid his hand beneath her nightdress as he kissed her deeply, fingering the nub beneath her nether curls. His lips moved down her throat, across her shoulders, and down to the top of her breasts. Pulling her nightdress up and over her head, he exposed the delicious mounds of her breasts. Leaning down, he took each breast into his mouth in turn and suckled gently at first, then harder, as she weaved her fingers through his hair pressing him closer.

“Tor,” she moaned his name and he smiled against the smooth white flesh of her tender breasts. He moved his hand back down her body, caressing every inch until he once again reached the sensitive bud. He massaged the bud beneath her nether curls until she began to thrash about in a frenzy of need.

“Tor,” she whispered his name in ecstasy as she crashed over the edge of bliss.

“Katherine,” Tor growled with the fierceness of his own need.

Katherine ripped at the ties of his trews and shoved them down out of the way spreading her legs to receive him. Coming back up to reclaim her lips, he buried himself deep inside her with a single thrust all the way to the hilt.

“My love,” Katherine cried out as he sank his full length into her and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“My love,” Tor whispered back. “My heart, my soul, my life…”

“Yer wife,” Katherine murmured, as they two became one.

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Bran McLeod, believed to be dead, is compelled to obey his enemy’s orders to protect his daughter. However, he plans their escape after one final mission: kidnapping a lass. Little does he know that their paths have crossed before and he has exchanged his own life to rescue hers. As he wrestles with his feelings for her and the risks involved, Bran faces a challenging decision: save the woman he loves or risk his daughter’s life. Because he knows there’s no way to spare them both…

The Highlander's Gypsy Temptation

Was there a part that bored you or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

Do you think Avery's role was too small to be the one who murdered the villain? *

• Yes, I think it would be better if Noah was the one who ended Athol's life.
• No, I loved that Avery's character was presented in such a strong manner.
• I can't really decide. I liked that Noah was not portrayed as a murderer, but I'd like to see him receive his satisfaction from killing the one responsible for his life's misery.

Are you tired from epilogues that end with marriage and babies? *

• Yes, I'm tired of seeing the same thing in the end of each novel.
• No, I love these types of endings! They bring me a huge satisfaction.
• I like but, but I won't mind seeing something different too.

Do you think Athol had to die? *

• Yes, I loved to see the villain pay for his crimes.
• It was not necessary. A villain can pay for his crimes by being thrown in the dungeons too.
• I don't mind it either way.

Is there something else you'd like to share? *

Something you noticed, frustrated you, left you confused, etc.

Submit

One year later

“Avery!” Scarlett called to her brother as she watched him cross the drawbridge.

When he reached the courtyard, she and Noah hurried to greet him.

Over the last year, brother and sister had written to one another often, and though there was still much to learn about him, they had already formed a close bond

I love him dearly. I am only sorry that we missed being together our whole lives.

“’Tis wonderful it tae see ye in the flesh. Letters are good, but nae substitute for seeing ye with my own eyes.” He opened his arms wide, and she embraced him enthusiastically. “How are ye, sister?”

“I am well.” She had news to share with him, great news that she and Noah kept so far. “I have so looked forward tae yer arrival.”

Noah clapped his brother-in-law on the back, embracing him in welcome.

“I’m pleased tae hear it. We have a great feast prepared for ye, enough to keep us all at the table for some time.”

“He’s right,” Scarlett agreed. “I vow tae keep ye at that table until I hear about all yer travels and what it was ye had tae attend tae so soon after our wedding.”

“That is a long tale. Give me a chance tae freshen up before we begin the interrogation?” He chuckled.

“Agreed. Tonight, we celebrate yer return. She turned to her husband. “Can we tell him tonight?” she whispered. “Please? I ken we have tae keep it a secret from the clan for a while, but this is my brother.”

“Aye, we can,” Noah smiled, “as long as we can tell my brother too. Ian watches the two of us so much, I’m certain he kens. He even wondered why I ask after yer health so much. He must have guessed.”

“Guessed what?” Ian’s voice came from the hall as he approached.

“In the name of the wee man, Ian, ye will give us both heart attacks. We have news tae share, but ‘tis nae tae be said yet,” Noah explained.

“What a surprise,” Ian said straight-faced. “I may have guessed what yer news might be.”

“News? What’s this?” Avery joined them to join the conversation.

She reached for Avery’s. “Come, let’s hear all about yer travels now.”

“Ye’re back and she forgets me so easily,” Noah teased as he trailed behind them, into the dining room.

“Ha! Longing for my departure already, my Laird?” Avery asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“Nay indeed. And ye can call me Noah.” He brushed off the title as he strode into the room and took his place at the head of the table.

“In fact, Noah and I wished tae say tae ye, Avery,” Scarlett paused as she released his arm and took her place beside Noah, “ye can stay for as long as ye wish tae.”

“Truly?” Avery jerked his chin upward in surprise as he sat on Scarlett’s other side. “I can?”

“Of course.” Noah said. “Ye are family, and family are welcome.”

“I’d certainly prefer it tae returning tae our father’s house,” Avery’s voice lowered with the words, and he shook his head.

Scarlett smiled rather sadly. Since her existence had been revealed to her father, he had attempted some sort of a relationship and written to her a few times. Yet in the last year, that had amounted to just three letters. He evidently struggled with the suspicion that her mother could have been a witch, for the superstitious whispers still ran high, and he didn’t know how to be with Scarlett.

We will be better apart from each other.

“Ye are always welcome here,” Scarlett assured him as she lifted a jug of mead and began to pour.

“Still the tavern girl?” Avery teased her, nodding his head at how she poured out the mead.

“It’s a habit she cannae break,” Noah said, sighing as he leaned back in his vast chair and looked toward her.

“She willnae bother tae break it either,” Ian joined in and began to pass plates around the table, so they could all serve themselves.

“I’m happy as I am,” Scarlett insisted. The way Noah’s foot nudged hers under the table showed he loved her as she was too. She smiled at him, showing she felt what he meant. “How are Eloise’s travels?” Scarlett asked.

“Last I heard, she was still on the continent. Aye, she is adoring her freedom.” Avery smiled with the words.

Scarlett became distracted as Callie came into the room.

“Lady Scarlett, here ye are.” Callie presented her with a small vial. “This should help ye.”

“Ah, thank ye.” Scarlett took the vial and placed it beside her mead cup. It was to help remedy some of the sickness she was feeling, now she was carrying her first child. When Callie didn’t retreat, Scarlett looked up to see her staring at Avery. He did a double take, glancing at her twice before his lips parted.

Wait… do they ken each other?

“Have ye met before?” Noah said before anyone else could.

“Nay.” Avery answered hurriedly, tearing his gaze from Callie. A blush spread across her cheeks and Scarlett caught her eye, raising her eyebrows. That blush was all Scarlett needed to know.

They have met before. What else could that look have meant?

“Nay, yer brother just looked like someone I have met. Long ago. My apologies. If ye would excuse me.” Callie bobbed a curtsy and hastened from the room. Scarlett was ready to call out and ask her to join them, for she often persuaded Callie to sit at their table these days, but she did not get a chance.

“Will ye nae ask who that was?” Ian said with something of a mischievous tone.

“Oh, aye.” Avery was pulling at the collar of his waistcoat, looking abruptly flushed himself. “Who was she?”

“Callie, our healer,” Scarlett explained, staring at her brother with hooded eyes.

Aye, something is amiss, though he willnae say what it is.

“And her treatment for ye? What is that for?” Avery motioned to the vial beside Scarlett’s goblet. Sighing, she looked toward Noah, knowing they could no longer keep it a secret. He cleared his throat and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

“Well, I shall tell them then, but ye two must keep this a secret for us. We dinnae wish for the clan tae ken yet.”

“I can guess what it is,” Ian said, raising his mead cup to his lips. “Let me say this, will the sound of tiny running feet be sounding through the castle corridors soon enough?” When Noah glowered at him and Scarlett continued to smile, he clasped his hands together triumphantly. “I kent it!”

“Ye are with child!?” Avery said loudly, leaning toward her.

“Shh! What do ye nae understand about nae wishing the whole castle tae ken?” she protested.

“Aye, I’m sorry, but congratulations tae ye both! I’m delighted.” Avery bent toward her and laid a hand across her shoulders. It was a comforting and warm touch, one that made her smile again.

“Thank ye. As are we.” Noah’s foot nudged Scarlett’s under the table, and she looked toward him.

Aye, very happy indeed.

“So, we may have an heir tae the clan soon enough.” Ian raised his cup in the air. “Now, that is something we should toast.” They all raised their cups in unison. “Tae the future of the clan and yer child, may they be as happy as ye two are now.”

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Avery MacTavish is on a mission: to find his first love and avenge those responsible for her misfortune. But when his path crosses with Callie, a lass who owes him her life, he is drawn to her in ways he never imagined possible. But how can Avery keep his vow when all he desires is to succumb to Callie’s charm, thus risking everything he holds dear? Especially when he has no idea she is on her own mission that will leave him with a shattered heart…

Bound by a Highland Lie

Was there a part that bored or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

Did you enjoy the development of Ciara & Aidan's relationship or you think they developed feelings for each other too quickly? *

• Yes, I found their connection genuine and believable.
• No, I though they needed more time together to develop such strong feelings.
• I can't really decide. It's normal for their feelings to grow faster in a delicate situation like theirs, but at the same time I'd like to see more moments between them.

Did you get frustrated by the fact that, in the beginning, Ciara was using Aidan to her benefit? *

• Yes, I didn't like it.
• No, I understood her reasons and fears.
• I was frustrated a bit, but at the same time I understood why she did it.

What is your favourite trope in Highland romances? *

For example, arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, stuck together, etc.

What is your LESS favourite trope in Highland romances? *

For example, arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers, stuck together, etc.

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One year later

Ciara smiled as she watched her newborn baby sleep soundly, and her heart filled with joy at the beautiful sight in front of her. Her smile widened when he suddenly stretched and let out a sweet little yawn before wrapping his tiny hand around the finger she had been running up and down his arm.

Ciara let out a yawn herself. It had been exactly one month since she had given birth to her baby, and while he was such a beautiful angel she was not used to catering to the high demand a child often came with. She refused to let anyone else take care of him, refusing the offer of a wet nurse even. This was her chance to create a bond with the life she had carried inside her, and nothing would get in her way.

She would give him the life and the family she never had, and nothing made her happier than knowing her child would never have to suffer her fate.

She shivered as she remembered how intense her labor had been. Ronan had been a restless baby in her womb, constantly kicking and turning, as though he was impatient to come out and greet the world. There were days when she woke up extremely tired, yet nothing could have prepared her for how intense his birth had been. A panicked Aidan had run out in search of Maria the moment her water had broken, and soon the pain came as she prepared to welcome the life she had carried inside of her for nine long months.

At one point, Ciara had looked up to see the worried look on Maria’s face, before she rushed out and returned soon enough with some concoction that she encouraged Ciara to drink. Soon the sound of her crying baby filled the air, and the door had opened to show Aidan with tears in his eyes as he reached out to touch their son.

Now Aidan’s hands wrapped around hers, and he placed his head on her shoulder as he stared in wonder at their sleeping babe. He had had that same look of awe on his face since the day his son was born, and it seemed he would not be losing it anytime soon. Ciara did not know what it was about the sight of his face, but something in it made her heart swell and her eyes fill with tears of joy.

She blinked to stop herself from tearing up. He had been a wonderful and supportive husband during this time, always eager to take care of the baby and trying to coax her to relax whenever he thought she had overworked herself. Her eyes would close, and she would hear him come into the room where she had begun to rest, and he would place a soft lingering kiss on her forehead.

Aidan had not been sleepwalking, and she could not have been more grateful. She had woken up so many nights to make sure he was asleep beside her and was always glad to find him there. They did not even have to lock the doors anymore. On the few nights Ciara had woken up to find his side of the bed empty, she had known where to find him. He would always be in Ronan’s room, watching over him as he slept and sometimes rocking him back to sleep if he was restless.

“I still cannae get over how perfect he is,” Aidan whispered into her ear, careful to not wake him up. “Thank ye for making him.” He kissed her once again before returning his stare to the child. As he did, his hand lowered to caress her stomach, and Ciara smiled.

There were so many things that had made her pregnancy easier, and many of those things revolved around Aidan and her newfound family. Maria had made sure to check up on her and give her herbal mixtures that would alleviate whatever cramp she was feeling. Darragh and Hannah had made sure that she was never bored. Her Aidan, her very protective Aidan, had done exactly what he had promised. He made sure to shield her from whatever could harm her or make her sad. He gave her whatever she wanted and what she didn’t even realize she needed. He was so in tune with her emotions and needs that Ciara wondered whether he could read her mind.

So far everything has been wonderful, and she could not have asked for better. She sighed with contentment and pulled away from her husband to stare into the crib once again.

“I received a letter from Darragh. He said he is on his way back and is excited to see Ronan,” Aidan said, pulling her away from her thoughts.

Ciara was excited at the news. Darragh had been on a trip to broker new trade deals with other clans for a long while, and also to prepare for the time when the MacNeil clan would be joined to the MacDonald clan.

A few months after their troubles, her father had passed on the battlefield, struck down by one of his countless enemies. A lot of things needed to be sorted before Aidan met the new leader of Clan MacNeil, a young man who had won the title by vote, given the scarcity of Keir’s heirs. Darragh was the one in charge of taking care of these things and making certain everything went smoothly.

Ciara was not the only one who had missed Darragh, however. It had saddened her to see Hannah sitting alone, staring out into space, visibly sad. She knew that their romance had not blossomed into anything more while they were together, but she felt bad for the girl who was clearly in love with him. It was obvious for everyone to see. Yet who knew what would happen when he came back…

“That is wonderful news, Aidan,” Ciara said after a while. “I have missed him, and I ken that ye have as well.”

Her mind flashed to her sister-in-law. Lillie had been drawn to Ronan the moment she saw him, asking if she could give him a name. Ciara had been so touched by Lillie’s display of love that she had agreed to it without thinking twice.

Ciara and Aidan were wrapped in each other’s arms in silence when they heard a knock on the door, and they turned to see Lillie, who smiled at both of them as she made her way in.

“There’s my favorite person,” she said as she got closer.

“Ye are speaking of me, aye?” Ciara teased and smiled brightly.

“What? Och, of course, I mean my second favorite person.” Lillie smiled teasingly at both of them and walked to the opposite side of the crib, peering at the still-sleeping Ronan. “Och, he’s so precious,” she cooed. “I cannae get over how perfect he is, nae matter how many times I see him.”

The parents smiled and nodded in agreement. “I suppose that is why ye have completely abandoned us now that ye have this perfect little human to play with. How cruel ye are, Lillie,” Aidan chastised playfully.

“Well, maybe if ye looked anything like this,” Lillie gestured at Ronan, “I would want to play with ye, but ye dinnae and it is no fault of mine.”

“Ye wound me, sister.” Aidan placed a hand on his chest, a mock frown on his face, and Ciara rolled her eyes, stifling her laughter at their antics.

“I will be taking my love with me,” Lillie said, as she picked Ronan up. “Only beautiful people allowed.”

The laughter Ciara was holding escaped her lips as Aidan glared at his sister before smiling. “Ye are lucky I love ye, else I wouldnae stand fer this betrayal,” he said to Lillie.

Ciara smiled. Everything was right in her world. She had the love of the people that mattered to her, and there was nothing about it that she would change.

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Darragh MacDonald follows a perilous path when, unbeknownst to him, he saves Lara, his enemy’s daughter; surrendering to his irresistible temptation. Little does he know, a single sinful lie will be the only thing protecting his life once her father finds out: that he has taken her hand in marriage. Yet as their deceit happens to break an old vow, it turns out Lara’s father will not be the biggest danger they must face…

Wicked Kilted Highlander

Was there a part that bored or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

Do you enjoy stories that include prophecies? *

• Yes, I find them very intriguing.
• No, I find them kinda predictable.
• I can't really decide. They are ok I guess.

Do you think the fact that Katarina was a woman of colour, influenced your opinion about her? *

• Yes, it did influence my opinion of her
• No, it did not have any influence on my opinion

Was the story too heavy because of Katarina's family's fate? *

• Yes, I found it too heavy because of it
• No, I found it appropriate for the story
• I can't really say. It was ok.

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Orkney Islands, Scotland, One year later

Katarina stood atop the battlements and watched the clan’s men and women bringing in the first harvests from the fields beyond. It had been a year since they had fought the bloody battle to keep Orkney safe from the clutches of Alistair Morgan. She thought for a brief moment of Morgan’s trial but pushed it from her mind. Today was a day for happy thoughts. She gently caressed her belly, smiling softly to herself. She had not yet told Dunn the good news, but she planned to do so that very night after the celebrations. It was Lammastide, which just so happened to also be Adamina’s day of birth. Everyone would be coming to the castle for the celebrations.

Idalia and Leonor had gone to Rome to deliver the news of their parents and grandparents’ deaths to their aunt. Katarina had been scared to let them go, but Dunn had assigned them to be guarded by Ewan and Andrew, along with several other of their men. They had been gone for some time but were to return at any moment if fair weather held. Tor was about the business of the king. It was unclear whether he would be able to return, as he now held his own responsibilities apart from the clan that kept him away most of the time.

Returning to the hall to continue preparations for the evening’s festivities, Katarina inhaled the delicious scent of bread coming from the kitchen. Baking bread was an important part of the Lammastide tradition using the first wheat harvested. The cook had been baking all morning. Katarina’s stomach rumbled at the delicious smells, and she tore a piece from one of the finished loaves. It was fresh, warm, and just what her body needed. “My lady,” the cook greeted her with a smile. “Does it meet with yer approval?”

“It does,” Katarina nodded with a smile. “Our people will be well fed this night.”

The cook nodded in acknowledgment of the compliment. “They will indeed. Let us pray that yer sisters make it home i time tae enjoy the fruits o’ our labors.”

“I have faith that Ewan and Andrew will get them here as promised.”

“And the laird’s brother, our own dear Tor?”

Katarina shook her head. “It is not certain.”

The cook shook her head sorrowfully.

“He has his own responsibilities now.”

The cook frowned at this and spat on the floor. “He is ours, nae the king’s.”

Katarina nodded. “We do what we must. What he does, he does for us.”

Nodding, the cook went back to work, grumbling under her breath about the cost of the crown upon the clan and their dear sweet Tor being dragged into it all. Katarina stifled a smile and left the kitchen before she could get into trouble for an inappropriate remark about Tor perhaps being a willing sacrifice to the king’s wishes. Feeling tired, she went to her bedchamber and laid down for a moment on the bed. There was much work to be done, so she did not intend to lie down for long. But before she knew it, she was fast asleep.

Dunn came in from the fields to find his wife sound asleep in her bedchamber. She never slept in the middle of the day unless she was ill. Concerned, he crawled into bed next to her and pulled her into his arms to feel if she was feverish. Stirring, her eyes opened, and she smiled up at him sweetly. “Are ye unwell, lass?” he asked, brushing the hair back from her face.

She shook her head. “I was simply tired. I did not mean to fall asleep.”

Dunn smiled in relief. “Ye have been working hard. Ye deserve a rest. Are ye certain that naught is amiss? Ye did nae break the fast this morning.”

Katarina gave him a knowing smile, and he raised a brow in question. Taking his hand, she laid it across her lower abdomen. “I am with child, Dunn.”

Dunn’s heart stopped, then raced forward with a powerful force as what she said to him sank in. “Ye are with child?”

“I am.” She nodded, her expression one of excitement.

Dunn squeezed her tight, kissing her passionately. “When?” he finally asked when he came up for air.

“Sometime in late winter to early spring.”

Dunn looked down into her eyes and felt as if they held his entire world. “A wee bairn,” he breathed in awe as he gently caressed her stomach.

“Aye, a wee bairn,” she mimicked his Scottish brogue, and he laughed. She had gone back to speaking with her own native voice when they had told the clan the truth about her, but every once in a while, she would speak in the way of his people. His heart always warmed at the sound of it.

“I pray that the wee bairn has yer eyes,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck as he sprinkled kisses all along it. He leaned back to look into her eyes and saw tears there. “What is it, my love?”

She shook her head and brushed the tears away. “I only wish that my mother and father were alive.”

“As do I.” Dunn understood her feelings all too well. He held her close for some time before either of them spoke again.

“If we have a son, I know what I would like to name him, but I do not know how you will feel about it.”

“What is it? If it is after yer faither, I would consider it. It would make the bairn’s life harder, but we could prepare him for that.”

Katarina shook her head. “I would not wish to cause our son further difficulty than his inheritance already will bring him in life.”

Dunn nodded. “I am sorry, lass. I wish it were not so difficult.”

Katarina nodded. “I know that. You have done well for your people. I am proud of ye.”

“I ken well enough the burdens that the future leaders o’ our people will carry tae their graves. The difficulties will nae cease with me, as they did nae cease with my faither or grandfaither. In time, I hope that it will be different, but that is for us tae see tae as each day comes. I dinnae wish tae burden him with my faither or grandfaither’s given names either. The crown does nae need tae be reminded o’ past rebellions. He will bear my surname. That will be enough.”

Katarina nodded. “I understand.”

Dunn kissed her on the forehead. “What name did ye have in mind, lass?”

“Bran,” she whispered the name as if it were holy.

Dunn gave her a squeeze of reassurance. “It is a braw name tae be certain, a worthy name indeed.”

“He gave his life in an attempt to save mine. I want to honor that sacrifice. He was not able to bear sons of his own, but his memory will live on in ours.”

“Aye,” Dunn nodded, burying his face in her hair. He breathed in the scent of her and closed his eyes. The thought of her in danger made his entire being tense with the need to protect her. He pulled back and looked her in the eyes. “If we have a son, he will be called Bran.”

“When Andrew arrives with my sisters, I would like to tell him of our decision.”

Dunn nodded. “Aye, I have nae doubt that he would very much like tae hear such bonnie tidings.”

“It is a terrible thing that we were not able to have his body returned for a proper burial.”

“It was never found. Andrew beat the truth out o’ the Morgan master o’ arms.” A shiver passed over Katarina’s body, and he squeezed her tighter. “Let us think upon happier things, my love. We have much tae be grateful for.”

“We do,” she answered, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“We can announce our joy tae all before the evening’s feast.”

“My sisters will be overjoyed.”

“As will mine.”

They both smiled at the thought. A knock at the door interrupted their private moment. “Enter,” Dunn answered, sitting up to see who was at the door.

One of the guards entered the room and nodded his head in respect. “My laird, my lady, they have returned.”

Katarina squealed with delight and leaped up out of bed at a run. Dunn laughed and followed close behind her. They raced down the stairs, across the courtyard, and down the path to the shoreline where the boats came in. Katarina was out of breath by the time she got there. As soon as her sisters’ feet touched solid ground, she engulfed them in a hug. “I have missed you both so very much!”

Dunn stepped forward and clasped arms with both Ewan and Andrew in turn. “It is good tae have ye home again.”

“We brought guests,” Ewan announced and turned to help a woman out of the boat.

Katarina’s eyes opened wide with surprise. “Aunt?”

Katarina’s aunt stepped out of the boat and into her arms. “Katarina, my darling niece, it has been too long. I hear that you have had many adventures since last we saw one another.”

Katarina could not speak for the tears clogging her throat. She sobbed into her aunt’s hair. She had thought that she might never see her again. Her aunt had married the leader of another important Romani family—her duty was to her new people, and yet she had left them behind and come all the way to the north of Scotland to see her. The emotion of it was too much to bear, and she could do nothing but cry. Her aunt simply held her until she could get her emotions under control.

“My Katarina, my beautiful Katarina, do not cry.” She said, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

“I thought that I might never see you again,” she sniffed, trying to get herself together.

“When Idalia and Leonor told me what happened, I knew that I had to come.” She turned her head to eye Dunn’s tall, formidable form standing protectively next to them and smiled. “But I see now why you decided to stay.”

Dunn smiled. “Ye have come at an auspicious time, Auntie.”

Katarina smiled at his use of the familial term. “Indeed, you have,” she agreed, taking a step back to stand beside her husband so that she might tell all of them at once. “I am with child.”

Joy spread across every face present. Her sisters rushed forward to embrace her once more and to coo over her belly, speaking to the bairn within. Katarina laughed. Her aunt stepped forward and placed her hand on her belly. She murmured a Romani blessing that brought tears to Katarina’s eyes once more. Ewan and Andrew stepped forward to deliver their well wishes.

“My lady,” Ewan brought her hand to his lips, then stepped back to allow Andrew to do the same.

“There is something that Dunn and I wish to share with you.”

“Aye?” he asked, his brows arched in inquisition.

“We have decided that should our child be a son, we will name him Bran, after your brother.”

Andrew stilled, and his eyes met Katarina’s. “I thank ye, my lady. Bran would have been honored tae have yer bairn bear his name.” Breaking with his usual reserved form, he stepped forward, embraced her, kissed her softly on the cheek, then stepped back. Nodding his congratulations to Dunn, he walked away.

Ewan stood with his jaw dropped. “That is the most emotion I have ever seen him show outside o’ rage at Morgan for killing his brother.”

“Andrew has lost much,” Dunn murmured in sympathy. “He is the last o’ his family.”

“He has us,” Katarina reminded him.

“Aye, he does.”

“We are his family, and he should not be allowed to forget that.” Squeezing her husband’s hand, she ran after Andrew, stopped him, threw arms around him, stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, then laid his hand on her belly. She knew that people were watching, but she did not care. His brother had tried to save her life, and she would never forget that or the debt that she owed his family. “You are a part of our family, now and forever. This bairn will be as a nephew to you and you an uncle to it. You are bound by blood and by name to this child, always. Do you accept this solemn duty?”

Andrew, strong, masculine, brave Andrew, stood there with tears in his eyes and dropped to his knees, his hand still on her belly. “Aye, I do here pledge ye my oath. By blood and by name, I bind myself tae this bairn, and only in death will I be parted from it.” Rising, he bowed at the waist. “My lady.” This time when he walked away, Katarina let him go. She had no wish to make him cry in front of his fellow clansmen. There were some things a person needed to do alone.

She turned back to where her own family stood and thought back over everything that had happened to them. It was a mixture of the most traumatic of sorrows and the greatest of joys. In a little over a year’s time, she had lost nearly every person that she loved, regained her sisters, married, and now was expecting a baby.

Had someone told her that running from August Raymond would result in all of that, she would have told them they were of unsound mind. Now, August Raymond was nowhere in sight, Alistair Morgan had been dealt with, and her family was finally back together. She could feel her parent’s spirits with her. She murmured a prayer for their souls.

Walking back over to Dunn, he enfolded her into his warm embrace. “I am proud o’ ye,” he whispered. “Ye are more o’ a wife than I ever could have dreamed o’ having. Ye are the lass that God meant for me tae wed, o’ that I have nae doubt, but ye are more than that. Ye are the true lady o’ my people, the true lady o’ my heart.” He kissed her deeply, then leaned back to look into her eyes. “A curse may have brought ye tae me, but ye are truly a blessing gifted from God himself.”

Katarina smiled up at him, her eyes filled with tears. “Nothing so pure as our love could ever come from a cursed heart, my love. The curse did not bring us together. Only God himself could have foreseen a match such as ours.”

Dunn laid his hand on her belly. “And the bairn? What will we tell him o’ his beginnings? Will we tell him o’ the evil that Morgan wrought or o’ Esmerelda’s curse and why it was cast?”

Katarina thought about his words for a moment. “I believe that we must. For those we have lost live on in our memories. If we do not remember them and the sacrifices that they made, then it is as if they have died once more. It will bring us pain to speak of it and will bring our children pain to hear of it, but it is the only way that we can be true to those that are gone. I want our children to remember where they came from. I want our love to live on through them. And that will not be possible if we are not truthful with them about what brought them here. Are you with me?”

Dunn smiled down into her eyes, his love for her clear upon his face. “Always.”

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Katherine Morgan’s world is turned upside down when she is forced to marry by royal decree in order to save her father from the noose. However, when she discovers that her groom is Tor Leòideach, the man who sentenced her father to death, she walks down the aisle with a heavy heart and buried truths on the tip of her tongue. Katherine risks everything to keep her end of the bargain as their mutual desire grows stronger. But she’ll soon realize there’s no way out of this mess without a broken heart…

Married to her Highland Foe

Three years later

Ava folded her arms across her chest as she leaned against the back of the wagon. The sky was clear with white fluffy clouds as she smiled at the way Boyd played with their daughters. He picked them up and threw them into the air before catching them again as they squealed with delight.

Skye was a beautiful little girl of two. She had long dark curls, a button nose, cherubic cheeks, and deep grey eyes. She was a fierce little girl with an iron will of stubbornness to match her father’s. Boyd liked to joke that she would one day be the death of him, whenever she refused to listen; or at least the death of her husband, if she ever got married someday.

Caitir was the complete opposite of her boisterous older sister. A year younger, she was a frail little girl with light blond hair and pale skin. She had deep blue eyes like her father and a sweet nature. Everyone said she was the spitting image of her grandmother. Ava sometimes wished she’d met Caitir Cameron., but she was more than content to know her legacy lived on in one of her granddaughters.

“Who would have ever thought we would end up here?” Skye suddenly spoke as she came up behind her friend, making her jump. “It’s a fine picture ye have there, I must say.”

Ava turned and embraced her friend. “I didnae ken we would be seeing ye here today. Why didnae ye send word that ye were coming? I would have prepared a picnic or a feast. Ye ken ye are always welcome tae stay over.”

“As if I need a reason or yer permission tae come and see me favorite girls,” she rolled her eyes and laughed. “I fancied a walk and thought I’d see how things are going over here. Ye look a little peaky there, Ava. Are ye well?”

The girls caught sight of Skye and immediately came running with their arms outstretched to embrace her, cutting their mother’s conversation short.

Skye knelt down and drew them both in for a tight hug. “I missed ye so much me wee ones, come here.”

“Well now, I thought we might be seeing ye today…” Boyd smirked as he walked up to the group with long strides. He stopped next to Ava and planted a gentle kiss on her head, drawing her closer to his side with his arm around her waist.

“What dae ye mean?” Ava asked him with a frown. “I didnae ken she was coming, how did ye ken she would? And why did ye nae tell me?”

“Just a hunch,” he said softly and laughed as he hugged her to his side. “Dinnae ye worry about it.”

The girls squealed with even more delight when three figures descended the steep hill that led down into the moor. They walked slowly toward the group but picked up their pace when they spotted the girls.

“Is that Rory with Sophie and Neil?” Ava asked as the figures came into focus. “Is he back from his mission already? Oh,” Ava suddenly clicked as she looked from the figures to Boyd and Skye.

Boyd let out a hearty laugh. “He sent word last week that he would be arriving today. Callum and all the other lairds agreed tae all the terms we proposed for fair land distribution. I sent Skye word as soon as he said he’d be coming home. I thought she might like tae welcome him.”

Skye blushed a deep shade of pink and straightened her dress to avoid making eye contact with either of them. “I dinnae ken what the two of ye are implying. But it has naething tae do with me being here. I just wanted tae see the girls, anything beyond that is pure coincidence.” She stopped talking when Rory came walking up with one of the girls on each arm.

“Daddy look! Uncle Rory is back!’ Skye giggled as she perched on his arm. Her chubby little arms were wrapped tightly around his neck.

Caitir shyly rested her head on his shoulder and smiled at her mother, ever the picture of poise and grace.

Rory’s chin was dark with stubble from his long journey. It looked as though he’d come straight from the stables to greet his friends.

“And look who is here, if it is nae the witch in the woods,” Rory teased Skye before greeting the others.

“Which poor man are ye hexing today?” he smirked at her after planting a friendly kiss on her cheek.

“I dinnae think she’d been hexing any other men,” Boyd whispered in Ava’s ear so only she could hear. He smirked and pursed his lips when Ava gently nudged him in the ribs with her elbow.

Skye had stayed on in the cabin with Neil when Ava moved. She had taken to healing as a craft and was now working closely with Sophie’s mother as an apprentice, making honest money for herself as a healer in the village.

“I’ll hex ye if ye dinnae put down my girls!” she warned in a friendly tone as she gently tickled their sides, eliciting tiny giggles from her victims.

“Yer girls!” Rory retorted as he lowered them both to the ground. “I’m pretty sure these are my girls! Did ye hear that, lasses?” he said as he hunkered down beside them. “The wicked witch is after ye both! We better run and hide!” he set off at a run.

They screamed with delight and followed Rory as he ran ahead.

“Ye better stop calling me a witch, Rory!” Skye laughed as she picked up her skirts and ran after them.

“Or what?!”

“Or I’ll hex the lot of ye!” she laughed and joined the chase.

Rory had been sent as an envoy for the Cameron clan. They needed to sort out the matter of the lands that had been taken captive while the war was still on with Callum Steward. Boyd had stayed behind to see to the Jacobite meetings. The council had since accepted his role and ceased arguing about the cause.

The Jacobites were planning another battle in which Boyd would play a key role.

Neil shook his head as he and Sophie watched the game of chase. They’d quietly been observing the others from beside the cart.

Boyd had insisted he move into the castle where Angus could look after him on a permanent basis. Neil had gained a healthy weight and had even built some muscles in the time he’d been living in the keep. His dark hair was thicker and bounced on his head as the gentle summer breeze whipped it about.

The maids at the castle were constantly gossiping about the laird’s strapping young brother-in-law. He’d resisted all their advances, seemingly uninterested in any of them.

However, Ava couldn’t help but notice how Sophie blushed whenever she looked at him. She’d invited her to stay at the castle while Angus mentored her and passed on her knowledge of healing. She was a great addition to the family and Boyd had considered asking her to stay on as a healer in the future. Angus was getting on in years and wouldn’t be around forever.

“Out for yer afternoon walk?” Boyd asked them cheerfully.

“Aye, we were on our way tae the barracks when we bumped intae Rory,” Neil responded. “He was looking for the two of ye so we thought we would accompany him an’ breath in the fresh air.”

“What were ye looking for at the barracks?” Ava asked him suspiciously, narrowing her eyes.

Boyd pursed his lips and shook his head, avoiding looking at his wife.

“Neil… We’ve been through this. I dinnae approve of ye learning tae fight…” Ava said sternly. “Ye talked me intae leaving ye be with the horses but I will nae allow ye tae tire yersel’ out with a sword.”

Neil rolled his eyes and huffed. “I’m afraid ye dinnae get a say in the matter, sister. I’m a grown man now an’ Angus is perfectly fine with me learning tae use a sword, as long as I keep up with me medicines an’ dinnae over dae it.”

Ava glared at him with her hands on her hips before turning to Boyd for help. “Will ye say something?”

Boyd shrugged with wide eyes. “I dinnae ken what tae say, Ava. He’s a man now. If he wants tae learn how tae fight, I dinnae see the harm. It’s nae like anyone is forcing him intae battle.”

Ava shook her head and turned back to the others.

Sophie laughed and placed her hand on Neil’s arm. “We better get back tae the castle an’ see Angus for yer afternoon treatment ‘afore yer sister pulls ye over her knee an’ spanks ye.”

“I agree,” Neil said quickly and laughed as they hurried away together.

“Slow down for pity’s sake!” Ava yelled after them. “Ye will lose yer breath if ye run tae fast!”

Boyd laughed and grabbed her around the waist, hugging her from behind. “Calm down, mama bear. Yer bairns are all fine. There’s naething tae worry about.”

She smiled when he planted a lingering kiss on the side of her neck. “Easy for ye tae say, when yer the fun one, an’ I have tae be the strict one.”

“I like it when yer strict,” Boyd hugged her tighter when she placed her arms over his. “In fact, ye can be as strict as ye like with me tonight when we’re in the bed.”

The laughter bubbled from Ava’s throat as Boyd tickled her sides. “Stop it, Boyd! What if the girls hear,” she scolded in a gentle voice.

“They are tae far away an’ will nae even ken what I meant even if they did hear,” he nibbled her ear as she settled back into his arms.

They looked at their daughters playing in the distance with their best friends as they savored the moment together.

“Are ye happy, Boyd?” Ava asked quietly.

“Happier than I ever thought I had the right tae be,” he kissed her cheek. “I recall ye saying that tae me on our wedding night. An’ that’s exactly how I feel right now. There’s nae other place in the world I would rather be than right here beside ye.”

“So, there’s naething ye would change? If ye could?”

“Nae, why would I change anything about our perfect life?”

“I worry that yer life isnae complete because we have nae sired an heir yet.”

Boyd gently turned Ava around and placed both his hands on either side of her face. “Ava Cameron. Me life is perfect just as it is with ye in it. Ye’ve given me two of the most beautiful daughters in all of Scotland. Believe me when I say I would nae change a thing. I would be a very selfish man if I wanted anything else.”

“I dinnae think the council will agree with yer beautiful sentiments.”

“Damn the council an’ anyone else that dares wager an opinion. If I dinnae have a son I will break the rules an’ mak’ Skye Cameron the next laird! The first female laird in Scotland!”

Ava laughed heartily at his words. “She’s fierce enough tae pull it off tae! I’ll give ye that.”

“Exactly!” Boyd said as he kissed her before lifting her onto the back of the cart that they used to show their daughters the countryside.

She smiled down at him as she caressed his face with her fingertips. “So, ye dinnae want tae try for a boy?”

“Now I dinnae recall saying that,” he winked at her. “We can start trying as soon as we get back tae the castle if ye like. I’ll tell Skye an’ Rory tae watch the girls an’ we can go right now.”

“Slow down there, milaird!” she teased him. “I’m glad ye would like another bairn, whether it’s a boy or a girl.”

“Of course, I dinnae care what it is. I’d sire an entire army of girls with ye if ye like.”

“Let’s just focus on one at a time an’ not an entire army, Boyd Cameron,” Ava winked at him. “But I guess we will find out in seven months whether ye’ve sired an heir or another little lady laird.”

Boyd drew back as he examined her face. “Ava, are ye telling me that yer…?”

“That ye Boyd Cameron, have successfully placed another bairn in yer wife’s womb. If we carry on at this pace, we might just get that army ye were talking about.”

“I cannae believe it!” Boyd exclaimed as he lifted her from the back of the cart and tossed her in the air as he’d done with his daughters. “I’m going tae be a father again! I’m the luckiest man in the world!”

“What?!” Skye screamed in the distance and threw her arms around Rory’s neck, knocking him over in the process. “Another one! Did ye hear that, girls? Ye are getting another brother or sister!”

They cried out with happiness as they set out at a run toward their mother and father. Ava watched her daughters running towards her against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. There was not a storm cloud in sight. And there probably wouldn’t be one for a very long time.

Ava and Boyd went on to sire a healthy heir by the name of Malcolm Boyd Steward. He grew up to be a strapping young lad that took over from his father and fought for Scotland, siring several heirs of his own with a beautiful young wife.

Tavish Cameron became nothing more than a legend as time went on. All his deeds were soon forgotten as Boyd healed with the help of Ava’s love.

The End.

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Ron, Liam, Lucas, and Father Jacob all paced the floor of the corridor outside of Amelia’s bedchamber. Screams of pain tore through the wooden door panel, wrenching Ron’s heart from his chest. Maggie and the village midwife were in the room with her and had not allowed any of the men in her life to enter. The smell of blood and water filled the air. Ron wanted to beat his fists upon the door and demand to be allowed in, but he restrained himself for the sake of his wife and their unborn child. He could hear the priest murmuring prayers under his breath and sent one of his own up to the heavens.

God keep them safe.

Another scream rent the air, turning Ron’s palms clammy and his mouth dry. His head swirled with thoughts of what was going on behind the closed door and his stomach turned over in fear that they might perish, and he would not be there to help them or to say goodbye. The thought of having to live life without them made his knees go out from beneath him and he sank to the floor, sliding down the stone wall with a thud. He closed his eyes and gripped his hands into fists, his nails biting into the flesh of his palms.

“She will get through this,” a voice reassured him, standing above him. “She is much stronger than her maither e’er was.” Ron looked up in surprise to see the eldest among the clan elders leaning on his cane. He had climbed the stairs with the aid of Angus the blacksmith. “Neither God nor the devil will take our lady this day.”

Ron was shocked speechless.

“It is true.” Lucas nodded in response, overcoming his surprise faster than Ron or Father Jacob could manage. “Our Lady has more strength than any o’ us.”

Tears came to Ron’s eyes at the show of support from his fellow clansmen. He looked up to find Laim’s eyes filled with tearful anguish over the very same thoughts that Ron had been obsessing over. Liam had been visiting from the Rossell stronghold where he looked after their people’s affairs on Ron’s behalf when Amelia had gone into labor. It had terrified them both to see her in so much pain. He reached out a hand to his brother-in-law and stood. “They are right, ye ken,” he spoke to calm both of their tortured hearts.

“Aye, she is stronger than any man among us,” Liam agreed, attempting to get his emotions under control.

“May yer child possesses her same strength,” Father Jacob voiced as if by way of a blessing. If words could make a difference, Ron prayed that he was right.

Another scream tore through the door and echoed down the corridor, causing every man present to tense as if ready for a fight, but there was no enemy to be defeated that could be assaulted by sword or bow. “Battle is less terrifying than this,” Liam exhaled in frustration. “How do women do this?”

“God only kens, my son,” Father Jacob intoned, clutching his rosary so hard that his knuckles were turning white.

In the stillness that followed the scream, Ron’s hairs stood up, every part of his body attuned to the tiniest noise. He held his breath, one, two, three… A different cry filled the air as his child took its first breaths and let the world know of its displeasure. A few moments more and the bedchamber door opened to reveal Maggie’s smiling face. She stepped back and allowed Ron to enter. He found Amelia laying back against the pillows exhausted, but beautiful, her face wreathed in adoring smiles as she stared down at the bundle in her arms.

“Ye have a bonnie wee daughter, my laird,” the midwife announced.

Ron broke out in a grin and came to stand over his wife and child. “She is beautiful,” he breathed. “Just like her maither.”

Amelia looked up at him and smiled. Ron leaned down and kissed her, then kissed the feathery soft whisp of hair at the peak of her tiny head. He heard a shuffling noise at the door and motioned for his brother-in-law to join them. Liam entered and came around to the other side of the bed. Amelia smiled at them both. They had discussed names but had kept their choice a secret until they knew for certain what their child would be. “Uncle Liam meet yer niece,” Amelia murmured in joyous introduction, “Anna Maria Sarah Ysenda Kyall Rossell McAlpine. In honor o’ all o’ our maithers.”

Liam’s eyes widened in surprise and filled with tears once more. “Welcome tae the world, little Anna,” he whispered, as he reached out a hesitant finger to caress her cheek.

Ron looked up at the other men still standing in the corridor. He would have no doubt as to the position his daughter held in his heart and in their lives. “Gentlemen, I present tae ye the Lady Anna, heir to the Clan McAlpine and Rossell.”

In a gesture that defied the past and its pain, all five men bent a knee and bowed their heads in reverence. “Long live the Lady Anna,” the midwife murmured in awe, as a single tear rolled down her cheek. “May all lassies be so loved.”

Amelia smiled and reached out to take the older woman’s hand, the hand that had brought her into the world. “Amen.”

“For a time, I was afeared that ye would be as yer maither and lose the bairn,” the midwife admitted. “I am happy indeed that ye did nae.”

Ron stepped forward and placed a grateful arm around the older diminutive woman’s shoulders. “As am I. I cannae thank ye enough for yer aid in bringing our wee lassie in tae the world.”

The midwife looked up into his face. “Ye are a better man than both o’ yer faithers afore ye. I am proud tae serve a laird o’ yer heart.” Bowing in respect to his position as laird, the midwife excused herself to give the new parents a moment of privacy, ushering the Lady Anna’s admirers out of the room, and closing the door behind her.

Ron gently slid into bed beside his wife, their baby daughter in his arms. “Ye did well, my bonnie,” he whispered in awe staring down at the tiny pink sleeping face. He turned his gaze to his beautiful wife and held her eyes in wonder. “Ye have blessed me with far more than any man deserves. When ye came tae me in that prison, I thought my life tae be over. The thought that I might someday hold a child o’ my blood, was lost tae me. Ye have given me my life back and as if that was nae enough ye have also given me a beautiful future tae look forward tae.”

Amelia smiled up at him, her eyes glowing with love. “I thought I had tae do everything myself, without the aid o’ a man, tae prove my faither wrong. I was wrong. True victory lay in loving ye and our people enough tae do what was best for them. A better life is found in sharing one’s love and light with others. That is where my faither failed.”

“And where ye succeeded,” Ron murmured, kissing the top of her head.

Amelia laid her head down on his shoulder, snuggling against his warmth. “It took finding ye tae learn the true meaning of love. I shudder tae think what my life would have been had I ne’er met ye.”

“’Twas a miracle that ye did. Had ye come but a brief time later, I would have been nae more. It is as if our love was touched by heaven itself.”

Amelia reached out a finger and caressed the tiny fist cradled upon their baby’s chest. “May our wee angel be so blessed.”

“She will face a difficult road as so many lassies do, but she has yer strength, my bonnie. She will do well.” Ron spoke with confidence in his voice as if he could see the future spread out before them. His heart was filled with more hope than he had ever felt before. His heart was so full it felt as if it might burst.

“I cannae stop staring at her,” Amelia confessed, smiling wistfully. “I believe that I could remain happily in this moment forever. I was nae certain that I would live through the birthing tae see it.”

Ron nodded and brushed her forehead with his lips. “I was afeared for ye, but somehow I kenned that God would nae take ye from me, nae this day. We have come through tae much for it tae end now.”

“Had I perished, it would have been enough tae ken that ye loved me.”

Ron’s heart thudded hard in his chest, a residual effect of the fear he had felt while waiting for his daughter’s arrival.  A line from one of Shakespeare’s sonnets floated through his mind and he voiced it aloud as if by a promise to his beloved. “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, so long lives this, and this gives life to thee.” He breathed in the scent of her hair, memorizing the way the firelight played across her features. “Ye are my love, my light, my life, and forever shall be. I could nae more live without ye than I could live without breath. That kind o’ love does nae fade away but glows as an eternal ember long after the mortal body is nae more. Ye are and shall always be my forever love.” Lowering his head, he kissed her lips as if to seal the vow between them.

“May our daughter be so loved,” Amelia murmured the prayer, bending her head to kiss the fluffy little had in the crook of his arm.

“If she is anything like her maither, she will be.”

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