My Wild Highlander (40 page)

He swallowed hard. "'Tis a lot. But, I vow, I
love you more." He drew her closer and pressed his lips to hers in
a warm, gentle kiss of pure emotion.

Epilogue

A week later, when Lachlan was well enough,
they had a feast in honor of the two brothers and their new brides.
Lachlan sent Rebbie, his cousin Fergus MacGrath, and several others
to straighten out the problems at Draughon, find the false papers
at Burnglen and meet with the Perth officials and the
constable.

Two weeks after that, when Lachlan was strong
enough to sit a horse for several hours, he, Angelique, Camille and
Dirk prepared for departure. A dozen MacGrath guards and cousins
would escort them.

"I wish you'd stay until spring," Alasdair
said, his breath fogging in the crisp morning air.

"Much as I'd love that, I must see to
Draughon," Lachlan said, observing his brother's dark frown. "I'm
fine, mother hen."

"Take care of him," he told Dirk.

"As if he needs it," Dirk muttered, then sent
a smirk to Lachlan.

"I've sent messengers ahead to some chiefs
and friends along the way who will give all of you a night's
lodging."

"I thank you, brother. And we'll see you
again soon. In the spring, aye? We'll return for Orin and Kean, and
I'll get to meet your new son. Or daughter."

"Indeed." Alasdair shook his hand, hugged him
and slapped his back as if trying to knock something from his
windpipe.

"Och." Lachlan would show no weakness or he'd
be stuck here another fortnight. He turned to his mount. Aye, he
could sit in a saddle, but mounting was the problem with a sore
arm. Alasdair and Dirk grabbed him and hoisted him onto the horse's
back.

"Damnation. Warn me when you're going to do
that."

"He appreciates naught," Dirk grumbled.
Lachlan knew he was teasing but maybe it was true and he didn't
show his appreciation enough.

"I thank you, friend."

Dirk tried to hide a grin as he mounted.

Lachlan turned his attention to Angelique on
a bay mare not far from him. He winked, drawing a secret smile from
her. Indeed, he had much to be thankful for, especially his
adorable wife. The past three weeks she had cared for him like a
bairn and near spoiled him. A few days after he'd awakened—once
he'd convinced her he would not die—they had indulged in lovemaking
such as he'd never imagined. He had not known such depth of feeling
was supposed to accompany the bedding. Now he understood why
Alasdair had been willing to move heaven and earth for Gwyneth. He
would do the same for Angelique.

They traveled slowly south but the late
autumn weather did not cooperate. They waited out a snowstorm at
another castle, midway, before they could continue. It took over a
week to reach Draughon.

At last, they rode through the gates of their
home. Rebbie descended the steps to meet them in the courtyard.

"'Tis about time, you slackards. I was
tempted to send out a search party."

"What news?" Lachlan dismounted, then helped
Angelique, glad to feel his arm growing stronger.

"All is well. Naught to worry over," Rebbie
assured him. "We found the false papers at Burnglen and were able
to prove to the constable the signatures were forged. Some of the
lying witnesses were arrested and others ran away. We found your
loyal Drummagan clansmen locked in the dungeon and they testified
against Kormad."

"Heckie?"

Rebbie grinned. "Aye. He is well and ornery
as ever."

Lachlan slid his arm around Angelique's
shoulders and they entered Draughon's great hall, the rest of the
party following.

"M'laird. M'lady." The servants and clansmen
bowed respectfully, then a cheer went up.

Lachlan thanked them, shaking hands all
around, a bit sad that only half the clan remained. But he was
fairly certain these were the people he could trust.

"Who is this?" Angelique asked.

A wee lad stood near high table. Something
about him looked familiar, not just his green eyes and red hair but
his facial shape and expression.

"This is Timmy," Rebbie said. "We found him
at Burnglen with his nanny. Lady Angelique, he is apparently
your…natural half-brother."

"
Mère de Dieu.
In truth? My father's
son?" She crept forward.

"That's the rumor. Even I can see the family
resemblance."

Angelique knelt. "Good day, Timmy."

He ran and hid behind a woman's skirts. His
nanny.

Lachlan watched while Angelique gently coaxed
him out and even convinced him to talk in a whisper. He was so
young, no more than four summers. Soon, he would no longer remember
much about his uncle Kormad. Timmy would grow up here at Draughon
with Orin and Kean, Lachlan decided. A good start to their
family.

Rebbie joined Lachlan and Dirk. "I need to
talk to both of you," he said quietly.

They proceeded into the library.

"What is it? Has something else happened?"
Lachlan asked.

"Nay. I but wanted to tell you, when I
arrived here a few weeks ago, Eleanor had taken up residence."

"You jest! She had that much gall?"

Rebbie chuckled. "Aye, but I sent her packing
back to England soon enough. Hopefully, she will leave you and
Angelique in peace."

"I thank you for taking care of that
debacle."

"About the two white mares you purchased for
Angelique's wedding gift, they are in the stables whenever you wish
to present them to her."

"Och. I wondered where they went." Lachlan
looked forward to seeing the happiness on Angelique's face when he
gave them to her.

"When the horses were released the night of
your attack, they returned to the Robertson's. The chief then sent
some of his men to return them to you."

"I'm relieved."

Rebbie opened a drawer on the desk and took
out what appeared to be a missive bearing a red wax seal. He handed
it to Dirk. "This arrived for you."

"For me?" He frowned.

"Aye, it bears your name."

Dirk broke the seal and unfolded the paper.
Standing by the window, he read in silence for a few moments.

Lowering the paper, he muttered,
"Damnation."

"What is it?"

"I'll tell you later." Taking the letter, he
strode out the door.

"Hmph," Lachlan grunted. "I wish he wouldn't
do that."

"He's the most secretive person I know. 'Tis
vexing."

"Well, given your prying skills, I'm sure
you'll find out soon enough," Lachlan said, opening the door.

"Och." Rebbie frowned.

Lachlan smiled. "In the meantime, 'tis time
for my beautiful wife and me to retire for the evening." They had
much rest and lovemaking to catch up on.

Entering the great hall, Lachlan found her
talking to Timmy's nanny. Taking Angelique's hand, he kissed the
back.

Her wide-eyed gaze flew to him. When he
pressed another kiss to her satiny skin, a pink flush moved over
her face.

He drew near and whispered in her ear. "I
think 'tis time for a long, hot bath. What say you?"

She grinned and glanced around at the people
observing them, her blush darkening. He had no worries about who
watched or if they knew he desired—and loved—his wife. He scooped
her up into his arms and headed toward the stairs amid many
snickers and chuckles from the clan, along with a few bawdy
comments.

"Lachlan," she scolded quietly. "Your arm! It
is not yet healed. You will injure yourself."

"Nay. My arm is growing stronger. Besides,
you weigh no more than a bluebell blossom."

"But everyone is watching," she said in a
scandalized whisper.

"I don't care if they know how much I love my
wife," he said, trying to nibble on her chin or neck. If only she
would stop squirming.

"But…." she sputtered, finally growing still
as he quickly mounted the steps. Her emotion-filled eyes locked on
his.

Aye, indeed. How could she argue with that?
He grinned.

"I love you, too, my wild Highlander," she
whispered. At the top of the stairs, she took his face between her
palms and kissed him eagerly. Lachlan's heart melted because he
would never tire of hearing those words. Nor would he tire of
trying to please his wee hellcat.

***

Look for Dirk's story, next in the
series.

***

About the author: Vonda Sinclair’s favorite
indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland, from Edinburgh to the
untamed and windblown north coast. She also enjoys creating hot,
Highland heroes and spirited lasses to drive them mad. She is a
past Golden Heart finalist and Laurie award winner. She lives with
her amazing and supportive husband in the mountains of North
Carolina where she is no doubt creating another Scottish story.
Please visit her website to learn more.
http://www.vondasinclair.com