The Highlander's Vow (Loch Moigh #4) (28 page)

The orderly helped him put the extra gown on like a robe, threading the IV tubes through the sleeves. Struan sat with his bare legs dangling over the side of the cot, while Ronald put slipper-socks on his cold, bare feet.

“Ready?” Ronald asked, handing him the cane. He wheeled the stand holding the IV bags next to him. “You have the cane and the wheeled IV stand for support, and I’ll be right beside you.”

“Ready,” Struan said. He clenched his jaw and pushed himself up to standing. The room began to spin, and stars flickered before his eyes. He sat back down. “Not ready. Give me a minute.”

“Dizzy?”

“Aye. The room is spinning, and I’m seeing stars.”

“Take it slow,” Ronald suggested. “You’ve been flat on your back and comatose for several days, no’ to mention the infection.”

“And they keep taking my blood. There’s hardly any left to pump,” Struan grumbled, leaning over. “That’s bound to weaken a man. Plus, today is the first day in I don’t know how long that I’ve eaten.”

“I’m sure your blood sugar is low.” The orderly opened the top of a plastic container of juice sitting on his tray. “Here, drink this, and then we’ll try again.”

Struan finished the apple juice in two swallows, took a deep breath, and then another. “Let’s go.” This time, he rose slowly and remained stationary for a few seconds while he worked on regaining his balance.

The orderly took him by the elbow. “Hold on to the IV stand and the cane. Small steps now.”

Struan managed to shuffle his way to the door and out into the hall. His thigh hurt where the arrow had pierced him, and he leaned heavily on the cane. He continued to shuffle along the hall and around the corner. Sweat broke out on his brow. “You wouldn’t know it to look at me now, but I run, fight with a broadsword and joust at Renaissance fairs. Now I’m hobbling about like an octogenarian.”

“My granny is eighty-three.” Ronald grinned. “I hate to tell you this, but she gets about better than you.”

“Thanks. I feel so much better.” Determination lent him strength he didn’t have, and he insisted on making another round. At the end of a hall, he stopped to lean against the door of a restroom. “I think I’ve had enough. Give me a minute before you help me back to my room.”

“Want me to fetch a wheelchair?” Ron asked.

Struan shook his head, his limbs rubbery. “I just need a minute.” He took a few deep breaths and waited until the shakiness receded. “All right. Back to bed.” He pushed himself off the door and leaned on the cane. He gripped the IV frame with his other hand, rolling it along the tiled floor at a snail’s pace.

Ron hovered close. “Someone will be by after lunch to help you take another walk.”

Sweating, all he could manage was putting one foot in front of the other. Finally, they reached the door to his room. Ron opened it, and Struan dragged himself across the threshold. He almost fell to the floor when he saw who waited for him.

Sky stood staring at his empty bed with her arms wrapped around her midriff and her shoulders slumped forward. Her hair was loose and flowing down her back. His insides turned into a jumble of emotions, relief being the strongest. “Sky,” he croaked.

She turned and burst into tears.

Struan’s knees gave out, and Ron caught him before he collapsed in an undignified heap on the floor. His eyes never left Sky’s as she hurried to his side. She put his arm around her shoulders to support him. Between the orderly and Sky, they managed to get him back to his bed.

Ronald arranged the pillows behind him so he could sit. “If I can, I’ll take you for your next walk.” He looked between the two of them. “Looks like you two could use a few minutes.” He tugged the curtain around his space.

“Thanks,” Struan called out, his gaze still fixed on Sky.

Ron chuckled, nodded to him and left.

“You’re . . . here,” Struan whispered. “I thought”—he swallowed a couple of times—“I thought you stayed . . . behind.” He patted the bed and scooted over to give her room.

Tears coursed down her cheeks, and she shook her head. Sky stretched out on the edge of the narrow hospital bed next to him. Sighing, she put her arm around him and laid her head on his shoulder. He held her as she wept and ran his hands up and down her back while breathing her in.

Once her tears were spent, she sat up. “When I saw your bed empty, I feared you’d . . . you’d . . .”

“Died? Nah, I just took a walk.” He cleared his throat in an effort to dislodge the boulder there. “When the McGladreys were here yesterday, and you weren’t, I assumed you’d—”

“Katherine wouldn’t let me come with them yesterday, but I was here both days before that. She said I’d exhausted myself and ordered me to rest. She gave me a sleeping pill. I slept and slept, all through that afternoon and that night.”

“You’re here,” he said again, as if he needed confirmation. He reached out and ran his knuckles down her tear-dampened cheek.

She gripped his wrist and turned to kiss his knuckles. “You’re alive.”

“I love you, Sky. Please tell me you’re staying. Please put my poor heart out of its misery.”

Her eyes brimmed with fresh tears, and she let out a garbled laugh. “I love you, Struan, and, aye, I’ll stay for as long as you want me to.”

“Why, Sky? What made you decide to leave everything you know, your time, clan and family . . . for me?”

“I could no’ bear the thought of my life without you, Struan. I almost lost you, and that is when I realized what I needed to do.” She sighed. “I used to think I was no’ cut out for adventure.” She lifted her head to smile at him. “’Tis no longer true. Adventure suits me, and meeting you has been the greatest adventure of all—more than traveling through time, or escaping an enemy determined to take my life.”

“You’re the bravest, most audacious woman I have ever known, my love.” He drew her closer.

“I’m glad you see me thus.” She chuckled. “My place is by your side, Struan.”

“Good, because I want forever with you.” His entire being relaxed and settled. He rolled to his side to face her. “Tell me everything that happened between the battle with the Erskines and now.”

She turned to him. He hadn’t planned well, and lay on his wounded shoulder. It hurt, but he didn’t move. He didn’t dare break the spell he must be under, because he feared she might disappear. Tangling his fingers in her glorious hair, he leaned close and kissed her briefly. “The McGladreys said you took care of me at Moigh Hall. Then what?”

“We all kent . . .
knew
that your best chance for recovery lay in the future,” she whispered. “Robley, Connor and I loaded you on a wagon, intending to visit . . . two of the Xs on Connor’s map along the way, hoping one might provide us with the means to . . . you know.”

“Aye, and did you find an open door?” He kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose. He put his good arm around her waist. “You’ve lost weight, love.”

“Aye. I’ve been under quite a bit of strain for the past fortnight.” She nodded, her heart in her eyes. “That first day we traveled, you took a fever, and we never stopped at either spot. I insisted we travel with all haste straight to DúnConnell and my brother’s keep. Katherine had medicines I hoped would heal you.”

“Did her medicine help?”

“Nay. Katherine said you needed intravenous antibiotics, but we gave you what she had anyway. We hoped ’twould at least slow the infection.” She sighed and snuggled closer. “Madame Giselle, Áine, happened to be at home in her cottage on my brother’s land, and I begged for her help.”

“Happened to be?” He smirked.

“Aye. She swore she had naught to do with anything that befell us.” Sky placed her palm against his cheek. “She confirmed what Connor had guessed, that there are long-forgotten portals left open by the fae dotting the landscape on both sides of the Atlantic. She agreed to lend her aid, since she owed a debt to my mother. Áine gave us a crystal to open the way home for us. We talked about it, and decided the best thing to do was to return to the day we went back to the past.” She brushed her lips against his before continuing.

“It worked. The rental car was still parked where we’d left it. We brought you straight to the hospital, gave them a story about a drunken brawl during an SCA reenactment event and told them you’d struck your head on a rock as you fell.”

“Ah.” He nodded. “Makes sense.” He drew her closer. “Let’s get something out of the way before the doctor or the McGladreys show up.”

She grinned at him, her eyes sparkling. “Och,
mo rún
. You’re far too weak for bed sport now.”

He laughed, and happiness flooded through him. He’d believed he couldn’t cheat death a second time, and he had—because of Sky. He’d also believed she’d reject him once she found out he was the bastard son of the earl of Sutherland, and he’d been wrong. The love of his life had returned to the future—to be with him. He grinned. “I wasn’t going to suggest bed sport, princess.”

“What then?” Her brow creased.

He found her hand, pressed his palm against hers and twined their fingers together. “Will you marry me, Sky Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the earl of Fife?” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Will you be mine to have and to hold for as long as we both shall live?”

She sniffed, made a choking sound and pressed herself closer. “Aye, Struan, son of the fourth earl of Sutherland. I will marry you, and I dinna wish to wait. Let us begin our future together as soon as may be arranged.”

“All right. You’ll get no argument from me, but I want you to know whatever you decide to do with your life, or whatever you want to make of yourself, I will support you.”

She smiled through her tears. “There’s something I need to tell you. My mother and sisters packed a good deal of gold and jewels along with the healing herbs and some of my personal belongings. I come to you with a good portion of my dowry.”

“That’s nice.” He yawned. Money wasn’t a concern. Perhaps they’d invest her dowry for their retirement and set aside some of the funds for their children’s college education.

“Aye. I wrote my family a very long letter, which I gave to Robley to deliver. My cousin pointed out that we were all able to return to the past, and we found a way home. He suggested we visit from time to time. Might we?”

“After everything you’ve given up for me, how could I refuse you? Where you go, I will follow—now and forever.”

Nodding through her tears, Sky rested her cheek on his chest. Profound peace and contentment settled over him like a soft blanket. With a smile on his face, Struan held the woman he loved in his arms. “I’m tired. All this emotional stuff has worn me out.”

Sky laughed and sat up. “Take a nap. The McGladreys will be here soon. They’re talking with Dr. Hamilton to arrange for your release so we can go home.”

He tugged her back down. “Don’t leave me.”

“I won’t,
mo anam
. Not ever. Sleep now—I’ll be here when you wake.”

“
Mo céile
, my wife,” he mumbled, drifting. “I am the luckiest bastard on earth.”

EPILOGUE

S
ky opened the front door wide, taking in the brilliant crimsons and golds surrounding their valley, punctuated by the deep green of the pines and spruce. October had always been her favorite month, and not just because it was her birth month. She loved the transformation from summer to autumn, and here in Gordon Hollow, the colors were most spectacular. “Here they come, Struan,” she called over her shoulder.

“Good. I’m hungry.” He came to stand by the door with her, placing his hands on her shoulders.

She covered his hands with hers as they watched their family approach. Her heart wrenched. This would be her first birthday separated from her parents, siblings and relatives. She sighed.

“Are you all right, Sky? I know you’re missing your family.” He kissed her temple.

“I am.” She leaned back into him. “’Tis . . . it’s no’ really so different though. Had I remained in the fifteenth century, married and moved to my husband’s keep, I’d be feeling the same. I love the Gordons, Struan, and all of you are also my family.”

The delicious smells emanating from their kitchen made her mouth water. With Lindsay’s help, Struan had put together a feast in honor of her twenty-first birthday. Speaking of the Gordons, they were almost to the door now. Lindsay carried the birthday cake she’d baked for the occasion. Was that Brian by her side? Sure enough. She smiled, thinking about possible double dates in their future.

Sky waved at their approaching guests, and her engagement ring, forged by Struan’s own hand, sparkled. He’d used a deep blue oval sapphire from her dowry. Two oval diamonds that he’d purchased for her were set on either side to frame the sapphire. He’d teased that since royalty always used sapphires or rubies for their wedding rings, he’d been honor bound to make her a ring worthy of a princess. She loved the ring, and the man.

“Come on in,” Struan said. Michael, Lindsay, Gene and Marjorie entered.

Marjorie kissed his cheek and then Sky’s. “Ethan and Carol will be late,” she said. “They said not to wait. Little Gene is teething, and he’s been fussy. They finally got him down for a nap, and don’t want to wake him until absolutely necessary. Courtney and her husband should be here any minute.”

“That will work. We’re not going to eat for a while, anyway.” Struan shot Brian a pointed look. “Nice of
you
to join us.”

“I know, right?” Grinning, Brian took the container holding the cake from Lindsay’s hands. “Where do you want me to put this?”

“Anywhere in the kitchen is fine,” Sky said. “Make yourselves comfortable. What can I get everyone to drink?”

“Sky, you sit.” Lindsay wagged her finger at her. “It’s your birthday. We’ll take care of everything.”

“Oh,” Marjorie gasped, staring at the wall where Struan had made room for her gift to him. “Your tapestry! It’s absolutely stunning.”

Struan took Sky’s hand, and they joined his mother where she stood admiring Sky’s handiwork.

“Did you make the frame, Struan?” Gene asked, coming up beside them.

“I did,” he answered.

“You can almost see the water reflecting the sunlight,” Marjorie said, reaching out to trace a golden thread gilding the waves of the lake. “Why, it’s our lake, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Sky nodded, pride infusing her tone.

“Hmm.” Lindsay studied the work of art. “Why that particular scene?”

Struan glanced sideways at her and squeezed her hand. Surely he was remembering the day by the lake where they’d made love for the first time. Her face heated, and she picked at a thread hanging from the bottom of her blouse.

“Umm,” Lindsay murmured. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.”

“What?” Marjorie looked from him to Sky and then at Lindsay. “What am I missing?”

Gene put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Young love, sweetheart.”

Marjorie looked confused for a moment, and then her eyes widened. “Oh.”

“Yeah,
oh
.” Lindsay laughed.

“So, Sky,” Michael said from his chair. “Have you decided what you want to do for the rest of your life? I mean, besides marrying my brother.”

Sky glanced at Struan, and the look of pride shining in his eyes warmed her heart. He gave her a slight nod of encouragement.

“I have, but let’s sit before I share my plans with you.”

“Wait. I’ll get beverages. Beer, Gene, Brian?” Struan busied himself with being a good host, and Gene helped. Once everyone was taken care of, Struan took his place on the couch beside her.

“Do we have to wait until everyone is here?” Marjorie asked, looking around the room.

“No, we can fill them in later.” Struan put his arm around Sky’s shoulders. “Go ahead, sweetheart.”

She nodded. “Katherine sent me Meghan’s high school and college diplomas, along with her transcripts.”

“Why’d she do that?” Brian asked with a puzzled look.

“Lindsay, you’re going to have to bring your boyfriend up to speed.” Struan raised his brow. “For now, just listen.”

Brian’s brow creased, but he shut up.

“I want to enroll in nursing school. I wish to become a midwife like Erin.”

“Perfect,” Marjorie said, clapping her hands together.

“Does it bother you, doing all this under someone else’s name?” Lindsay asked.

“Hmm, it’s no’ like I stole Meghan’s identity. ’Twas given to me.” Sky gazed at Struan. “I do wish to be married in my own name though. Mayhap once in a kirk, using Meghan’s identity, and again using my true name.”

Brian’s eyes narrowed. “Are you in some kind of witness protection program or something?”

“Nay.” Sky bit her lip. “I came here from the fifteenth century, and the McGladreys’ daughter, who was taken to the past, is wed to my brother. It seems we have traded places.”

Brian shot up from his chair. “Yeah, right. If you don’t want to tell me, fine, but don’t insult me.”

Struan raised his brow at Lindsay.

“Come on, Brian,” Lindsay said. “Let’s go check on the horses.”

Brian scowled Struan’s way and stomped off with Lindsay.

“That ought to be an interesting conversation,” Michael said with a smirk.

“Back to the weddings,” Marjorie said, waving at her youngest son to be quiet. “How will you manage to marry in your true name?”

“Connor thinks he’s found a man—a priest, actually—whom he believes came from the past. He’s going to talk to him, see if he can’t get him to admit where and when he’s from. If things go well, Connor will ask him if he’d marry us. Mayhap it doesn’t matter, but I want to take my vows as . . . me.” She swallowed. “I want to marry Struan without having to deny my kin, my clan and my history.”

She blinked several times, and Struan tightened his hold. “
We
know who you are and where you came from. I swear never to forget and to always honor your past.”

Her eyes misting, she nodded.

“I hope you’ll call me mother, Sky, because I already consider you my daughter,” Marjorie said, moving to sit by Sky on the couch. Gene managed a nod, his eyes glistening.

“And as far as I’m concerned, you’re my newest sister,” Michael chimed in.

“Thank you.” Sky swiped at her eyes. “I am most fortunate to have all of you in my life. I’m proud to be a part of clan Gordon.” Her vision blurred as she looked around the room. She’d been blessed. First to have been born into her large, loving family, and then with the Gordons. Most of all, she’d been blessed with Struan. No longer did she resent her fae gifts, or fear having bairns of her own. No longer did she see herself as standing at the periphery of life, avoiding being noticed, or letting others make her decisions for her. Struan had given her everything she never thought she’d have.

A timer went off in the kitchen. Struan rose from his place beside her. “Time to set the table. How long do you think it’ll take Lindsay to convince Brian we’re not part of a witness protection program?” His family’s laughter reverberated through their home. “Michael, come help me.”

“On my way.”

The front door opened, and the rest of their family crowded into their living room. Greetings and hugs ensued. Finally, Lindsay led a stunned-looking Brian back inside.

Brian frowned. “Does Andrew know?”

“He does.” Struan nodded. “Let’s eat before my efforts in the kitchen are ruined.”

She and Struan had lots of helping hands to get dinner on the table, and finally they sat down at the feast-laden table, surrounded by loved ones.

She and Struan had it all: family, love and work they were passionate about. Sky sent up a prayer of thanks. Aye, she truly was a lucky woman, and she’d do everything in her power to hold on tight to the gifts she’d been given.