by Mary Morgan
Meggie frowned. “But how did ye get away?”
Adam smiled and waved his hand toward the loch. “The Great Dragon emerged forth from the water. She is a mighty beauty. It was she that gave me the time to flee from Lachlan.”
“’Tis a miracle,” she muttered.
“Aye, Meggie.” Kissing her softly, he said, “Let us go greet our son.”
Making their way back to the castle, the front doors had been flung open, and they could hear the shouts of joy from the women and children. “Wait a moment, Adam,” said Meggie.
“Is something wrong?”
She smiled. “Nae. I just want to remember this moment of joyous laughter.” Laughing, Meggie added, “And so it begins. Alastair always has to be the first to tell the tale. I swear he’ll embellish the events vastly.”
They stood standing for a while longer before entering the Great Hall. Meggie released his hand and ran to Jamie. She scooped him up and swung him around. Laughter and tears flowed from everyone. Meggie was correct. Alastair was already twisting the tale of Lachlan’s downfall. Duncan’s son, Finn, sat in rapt attention. Every so often, Stephen would correct him. His own son sat cradled on his lap.
Alex stood near the hearth speaking with Angus and Deirdre. His brother actually smacked Angus on the back, and the Dragon Knight roared with laughter. Never in his lifetime did he fathom that the MacFhearguis and MacKay clans would unite in friendship. A prayer answered and he said a silent word of thanks to God.
Patrick wandered over to his side and handed him a mug. “To victory, brother.”
Adam raised his mug up. “To peace.” Drinking deeply, the wine warmed his body.
Meggie put Jamie down and the lad ran to him. “Da, we did it!”
Adam handed his mug to his brother. Lifting his son, he hugged him fiercely. “I am verra proud of ye, Jamie. Ye showed courage in a time of great danger.”
Jamie squeezed him tight. “Thank ye, Da.” Then he cupped a hand over Adam’s ear and whispered, “Can we now get married?”
Adam chuckled. “At this moment?”
The lad shook his head. “Aye. My uncles are leaving soon. We don’t have much time.”
Not once did Adam think to ask Conn, Meggie, the MacKays, or his brothers about returning to his own time. Adam believed once her memories came back and the evil defeated, they would return home. He thought—nae expected to. Was it not possible for Meggie and Jamie to travel the veil? He placed Jamie down. “Go fetch your mother,” he uttered quietly.
Confused, he looked to Patrick. The answer to Adam’s question was written on his brother’s features, and pain shown in his eyes. He grasped his brother’s shoulders. “What are ye not telling me?”
“I am sorry, Adam. Ye, Meggie, and Jamie cannae return to the past.”
Adam took a few steps back.
“Adam,” called Meggie.
He turned around slowly. “Does she ken, Patrick?”
“Aye,” he muttered.
As Meggie approached, she cupped his face. Grabbing her hands, he brought them to his lips. “How long have ye known?”
She glanced at Patrick and then back to him. “I had a vision—a message from the Fae. And then Archie confirmed everything.”
“Does everyone ken, but me?” he blurted out.
“Aye,” she uttered softly. “Conn had already spoken to them before they crossed the veil. Each moment I have had in this time with my brothers and their families, I have treasured.”
Dropping her hands, he rubbed a hand across his brow. “This is not mine—our time, Meggie.”
“Yet, we are together. Remember, Adam, the bloodline divided. A new Order of the Dragon Knights has been born this night.” She looked over her shoulder at Jamie talking with his cousins and playing with Skye. “Our son is the future. His bloodline will secure a much stronger Order, since the Dark One will surely try again in a thousand years.” Meggie turned her gaze back to Adam. “We make this sacrifice for Jamie. Aye, my heart aches.” She placed her hand over her heart. “It will always be thus. But ye are here with our son and me. Can ye find peace here? A home?”
Adam sighed heavily, realizing her words rang true. They were his family, no matter the century. Wrapping his arms around her, he gazed into her eyes. “As long as ye are by my side, leannan, I will always have peace. Ye are my home—my heart.” He tipped her chin up with his finger. “When are they—your brothers and mine leaving?”
Her smile wavered. “By dawn’s first light. Ronan stands ready to return them.”
He brushed his lips over her mouth. “Then go prepare yourself for a wedding. We have time. I shall ask Cathal to bless our union.”
“Oh, Adam, ye are sure ye do not want to wait for a priest?”
“My bonny leannan, nae. We shall say our vows in front of our joined families. ’Tis what we both wished for three years ago. Let us seal this night with love. I see naught wrong with the druid giving us his blessing.”
“I love ye!” Giving him a quick kiss, Meggie turned around and shouted, “I need all the women in my chambers now! I need your help with a wedding dress, and my hair is a wreck.”
The hall exploded in shouts of revelry. Meggie blew him a kiss as she left the hall.
Adam strolled over to Angus. Standing before the leader of the Dragon Knights, he said, “As Meggie and I are about to be married, I would like to ask for your consent. Ye are her laird, and I ken she would want to have not only the blessing of ye”—Adam gazed at each brother—“but all her brothers.”
Angus picked up a pitcher and filled two mugs. Handing one to Adam, he held his high. “To a new Order, a new beginning. We are honored to have ye as part of our family.”
A resounding aye echoed in the Great Hall.
Chapter Thirty-Two
“For the rest of my life, I will never forget the power of helplessness—of utter despair and loss when Adam died in my arms. I would have given my own existence all over again to spare his life. Gladly, I would have sold my soul to have him back in my arms whole again.”
~Meggie MacKay as told to the Guardian
Meggie stood before the oval mirror and tried to steady her trembling hands. They had searched everywhere for something to wear and finally dared to enter Lena’s room. When Deirdre pulled out an ivory colored silk gown trimmed in lace around the edges, Meggie nodded her approval. It hugged her form perfectly with a long flowing train of material. She’d make her apologies to Lena later and prayed nothing would get spilled on the gorgeous material.
Fiona did the honors with her hair. Braiding and twisting the curls, she wove them around her head like a crown leaving some loose to frame around her face. Each woman contributed something. Aileen gathered the fresh flowers from the kitchen and created a bouquet. Brigid did her make-up, though Meggie only wanted a little blush for her cheeks and lip-gloss.
Deirdre stood behind her. “You look so beautiful, Meggie. But you’re missing something.”
“A good night’s rest to banish the dark circles under my eyes?” suggested Meggie.
“Stop,” chided Brigid. “You’re stunning, even after everything that happened.”
“As I was saying,” added Deirdre, “you need some jewelry.”
Meggie lifted her hand. “What ye see here is the only piece of jewelry I own. Adam gave it to me at the stones.”
Deirdre removed a small velvet pouch from her pocket. “I believe this now belongs to you. Angus told me so, and I wanted to bring it with me.” Taking Meggie’s hand, she laid the item in her palm. “Open it.”
Frowning, Meggie opened the pouch and pulled out the pendant. “This was my mothers,” she gasped, staring at the exquisite amethyst stone suspended on a silver chain. “She had promised it to me on my wedding day. I might have been young, but I remember the day as if it was yesterday.” Tears blurred her vision, and clutching the pendant to her chest, she closed her eyes, bringing forth the vision of her mother and father.
Feeling someone t
ouch her shoulder, Meggie opened her eyes. Aileen handed her some tissue. “Thank ye, thank ye all.” She turned to face each of the women. “I will miss ye, my sisters.”
“As we shall miss you,” sobbed Fiona.
“We are all a fine bunch,” sniffed Brigid, handing Fiona and Deirdre some tissue.
“Again, how did my brothers get so fortunate?” She laughed softly.
“I believe we were blessed, too,” added Aileen.
“Here, let me put this on you.” Deirdre took the necklace from Meggie.
When the pendant was secured, Meggie turned back around. The gem felt warm against her skin, and she sensed her parents were here, watching over her and the others. They would have approved of Adam.
Deirdre embraced her. “Ready?”
“Aye.” Picking up the bouquet of flowers, she held her head high and nodded for Brigid to open the door.
As the women departed, she noticed Archie standing in the corridor. “If you would permit me, I would like to escort you down the stairs.”
Reaching for his outstretched arm, Meggie replied, “I am honored to have ye walk with me.”
Archie clasped a hand over hers. Making their way slowly down the corridor, they paused at the stairs. “I have a message from the Fae,” he stated.
Meggie glanced up at him. “Truly?”
“They hold you and Adam in high regard after what you did to preserve two worlds. Any request will be granted.”
She arched a brow.
Archie angled his head. “I’m sorry to say there is one request that cannot be granted.”
“Nae, I did not think they could return us to the past. However, I believe ye can pass on this one and only request.”
“Name it.”
“Spare the lives of Conn, Liam, and Rory. Not only do I speak for myself, but I ken this appeal comes from Adam, as well. We would not have been able to vanquish Lachlan without their aid.” Meggie waited.
Archie closed his eyes, and she feared they would deny her plea.
He opened them and for the first time, Meggie witnessed the power of the Fae in his eyes when they flashed silver. “Granted.”
She squeezed his arm. “Thank ye.”
Archie escorted her down the stairs to the Great Hall. His steps slowed as they entered, and she gazed at the gathering. The long table had been moved to the side of the wall. Bottles of wine, mugs, and wine glasses were on one side. The other end of the table was a platter filled high with every treat that the men must have found in the kitchen.
Angus came forward. “I shall escort her the rest of the way.”
Archie nodded.
“Ye look stunning,” said Angus as he took her arm and placed it in the crook of his.
Smiling, Meggie lifted to her toes, and kissed her brother’s cheek. “Thank ye.”
Turning to look at the crowd gathered, her eyes locked on the one man standing to the right of the blazing hearth. “Adam,” she whispered. He stole the breath from her lungs. Where hours ago he had the look of death across his features, he now was a sinfully gorgeous man in a black dress shirt and black pants. Where they found items to fit him was a mystery, but even more so, how they got him to wear the clothing. His hair had been brushed and hung in soft waves around his face, and his gaze swept over her. His stance and presence oozed a raw sensual power, and Meggie fell in love with the man all over again. Then, Adam smiled and she melted.
“I fear if you do not breathe, I will have to carry your limp body to Adam,” muttered Angus.
She could feel the heat creep up into her face. “Sorry, got distracted.”
Angus leaned close. “Ye are looking at him like ye want to devour the man.”
Meggie resisted the urge to fan her burning cheeks, upon realizing Angus knew her thoughts. “Hush.”
Suddenly, Jamie ran over to her. “May I take your hand, Mama?”
“Of course. Ye look splendid in your clean clothes.”
The boy puffed out his chest. “Da helped me. But first, we hung the rest of the pictures. Now they are all together.”
“Pictures?”
“Tapestries,” corrected Angus. “Archie brought out the family one with ye and the Great Dragon in the center. Apparently, Aileen’s father, Aidan Kerrigan took it from here and kept it at his castle. He realized there was a connection to Stephen and Aileen. ’Tis a long tale for another day. They have placed it on the center wall above the hearth. And your lone tapestry reading to the Great Dragon now hangs next to ours.”
Meggie’s mouth dropped open. “Great Goddess. I’d forgotten. Our mother was a wonderful weaver. I often wondered how she could have captured us so well, since she passed away when we were young. Well, perhaps not ye.”
“Remember, she had the gift of sight.”
“Aye, true.” She leaned to the side to see her tapestry in the middle, surrounded on either side by her brothers. “We are all together,” she whispered.
Angus chuckled. “If we dinnae proceed forward, I fear Adam may come charging forth to claim your hand.”
Taking a hold of her son’s hand, they all walked toward Adam. When they neared, Angus placed Meggie’s hand in Adam’s. “As Meggie’s laird and brother, I give ye our blessing along with her brothers.” Giving her a kiss on the forehead, Angus stepped back.
Meggie handed her bouquet to Deirdre and grasped Adam’s other hand. His warmth and strength flowed through her, calming her senses.
“Ye are a vision, Meggie.”
“I can say the same for ye, too.”
“Ye approve? The clothing?” Adam fingered the shirt.
“Have I ever told ye how handsome ye are, Adam MacFhearguis?”
He leaned close to her ear, his breath warm, and Meggie shivered. “Tell me later when ye are lying under me naked.”
“Are we ready?” asked a smiling Cathal.
“Proceed,” replied Adam, giving her a wink.
Cathal spread his arms wide. “’Tis a great moment to be gathered all together—MacKay and MacFhearguis clans to witness the blessing and union between Adam James MacFhearguis and Margaret Aine MacKay.” He motioned to Kevan and the man handed him a crimson cord. “Allow me to wrap the binding cord around your joined wrists, so ye may each proclaim your vows.”
As soon as Cathal finished, Adam smiled broadly at her. “Ye hold my heart, Meggie, and ye are my home—my north star. My love flows for ye as does the river flows into the sea. Even when I take my last breath, I will always love ye.” He nodded to Alex. His brother handed Cathal the long swatch of material Meggie had given him three years ago.
Meggie gasped, her eyes misting with tears. “Ye kept the piece I made for our handfasting?” Her fingers brushed over the worn material.
“Aye. I carried it close to my heart, even on my journeys,” Adam’s voice bled gruff with emotion.
“Oh, Adam…”
He brushed away her tears with his thumb. “Ye were always with me, my leannan.”
“From across the meadow I saw ye, Adam, and my heart claimed ye there on that day. I will bring the light when the shadows haunt your days and nights. Love will always be an open door between us. And when I take my last breath, ye will be there to lead me to the land of forever. Every stream runs into the river, and every river into the sea.”
“As does our love,” responded Adam. “Until time ends and we become one.”
“I love ye with all my heart, Adam.”
Grabbing her around the waist, he sealed their vows with a kiss that sang through her veins. When he released her, he brushed a kiss behind her ear as he whispered, “A promise of what is to follow later.”
He left her body and mouth burning for more.
Cathal held his hand over their joined hands. “With the binding of your hands, so, too, I bind the bonds of your love forever. By the element of air, bless this union. By the element of fire, bless this union. By the element of water, bless this union. By the element of the Mother, bless this union.”
The hall erupted into shouts and applauds once again. Congratulations were given and Meggie went to embrace her brothers.
Adam picked up Jamie. “We are now all married.”
“I love ye, Da. But we must say good-bye to the others.”
His moment of joy overshadowed by the parting of not only his brothers, but also those of Meggie’s, and his heart ached. Yet, when he looked into his son’s eyes, Adam had no more doubts about being here in this time. They would create a stronger Order, and his son would one day become their leader.
Jamie patted his cheek. “Da, I need to say good-bye to my cousins.”
“Of course.” Setting his son down, his gaze traveled to where Meggie stood. A vision in a gown, his fingers itched to remove.
He strolled over to the table and grabbed two mugs. Filling both, he turned and froze. Standing at the entrance to the Great Hall, stood Meggie’s cousins. None of them looked shocked or angry. How much did they actually know? Or understand? Adam set the mugs down and nodded to them.
Scott was the first to move forward, the others following behind him. The hall became quiet as they made their way to Meggie and her brothers. Adam walked to his wife’s side and placed an arm around her.
“It is done? The battle finished?” asked Scott.
“Aye,” replied Meggie slowly. “How do ye ken?”
Lena gave them a reassuring smile. “We are not your cousins, Meggie.”
Meggie touched Adam’s hand. “Explain.”
Her brothers’ wives had gathered around their husbands, each gripping their hands.
Scott stepped forward. “We are the descendants of the Dragon Knights. It was prophesized that a woman by the name of Meggie MacKay would travel to the future, and she would be found within the standing stones. She would bring about a new Order. The circle has been broken for over eight hundred years.”
The hall became eerily quiet. Stunned, Adam said, “Ye have known all along? But why did ye treat me thus?”