My Reckless Love

by Melissa Limoges

  “What of him?”

  She swatted Mairi’s thigh.

  Grinning, Mairi winked. “Nay, I’ve never chanced upon my brother in such a state. To my utter relief.” She shuddered. “In truth, Calum has never chased after the lasses like Liam. ’Tis the old wounds he carries.” She motioned to her cheek. “I think he believes women look upon him with distaste, but ’tis quite the opposite. A few of the clan’s women have shown an express interest in him over the years, but he’s always disregarded their attentions. I remember once, when I was much younger, another clan chieftain approached my brother and proposed a union with his daughter.”

  Jealousy wrenched Arabella’s stomach at the thought of Calum with another woman.

  Mairi was quick to reassure her. “As you can see, it did not happen. The impudent cow took one look at Calum’s face and begged her father to disapprove of the match.”

  Appalled, Arabella gasped. “What a wretched creature.”

  Mairi agreed. “’Twas naught but a massive blow to his pride. I despised her for the longest time for hurting Calum so.”

  Affronted on his behalf, she glared. “I hope she’s miserable now. I’m glad he did not marry her.”

  “Me, too.” Mairi grasped her hand and squeezed. “I would not soon have you as a sister if he had.”

  Touched by her friend’s words, she smiled. “I’m also glad to gain you as a sister.”

  As was the other woman’s nature, she tugged Arabella into a warm embrace, which she did not mind one bit. She’d grown used to the kind show of affection.

  Mairi pulled away and grinned at her. “Shall we pay a visit to Aunt Elena? I’m eager to learn what’s going on with her and Hammish.”

  “Aye, I wish to know as well.”

  They rose to their feet and made haste halfway across the garden when Arabella remembered her two escorts. She paused long enough to call over the wall. “Sean? Gavin? I’m leaving now.”

  A loud snort pricked her ears and she grinned.

  She and Mairi hastened around to the courtyard and weaved through the village with the pair of warriors trailing after them. As they drew near Elena’s, the sound of her uncle’s gruff voice drifted from the open cottage windows. Surprised, she slammed to a halt and snagged the back of Mairi’s gown to stop her. Her friend frowned over her shoulder and opened her mouth to speak, but Arabella held a finger to her lips, pleading for silence.

  At Mairi’s nod, she spun around to find Sean and Gavin a short distance away. Pointing to the cottage, she waved the pair away. Thankfully, her escorts did as she bid and blended into the nearby forest, out of sight.

  Arabella grabbed Mairi’s hand and tugged her toward Elena’s. Crouching low, they crept closer to cottage, kneeling below one of the open windows. She strained to listen to the sound of Elena’s soft words. Her uncle’s voice, on the other hand, was much easier to understand. The question he spoke rang out, loud and clear, and she slapped a hand over her mouth to silence her startled gasp.

  *

  “Why did you not tell me Liam was my son?”

  Wary, Elena wrung her hands together, unsure of what to say. Hammish deserved an explanation, but words completely failed her in that instant. Dread coiled in her stomach. His nearness, the warmth of his frame, just the man alone was too much to bear. The consequences of her past hung like a snare around her neck, growing tighter with each painful draw of air. ’Twas no excuse satisfactory enough for why she’d never told him of Liam.

  Hammish shifted closer. The heat of his body chased away the chill from her spine. “You used to share everything with me. Do you not remember, El?”

  An ache welled deep in her heart. How many years had passed since he’d used the childhood name?

  “I’ve no wish to battle with you any longer. We’ve wasted enough of our lives doing so.” He settled a hand on her shoulder and she tensed. “Swallow your pride as I’ve done and speak to me. Please.”

  The scene outside the window blurred as tears filled her eyes. Aggrieved and betrayed, she’d allowed her pride to guide her actions long ago. Never once had she given him a chance to explain or make amends. Never revealed she carried his child.

  Instead, she’d behaved with cowardice rather than face him, then married another to spare herself certain disgrace. The look in his eyes when he learned she’d wed another—the pain, the devastation, the loss. Even now, the remembrance absolutely tore her heart in two.

  Saints, Hammish was right. For the sake of their blemished souls, this fissure between them must end.

  Steeling her nerve, Elena slowly faced him. “When I found out I carried Liam, I was so frightened…of you, of my father, of what my clan would think. I knew not what to do.” Plucking at the sleeve of her gown, she studied the ruby brooch holding his mantle in place. “When Cormac found out about us, I confessed I carried a child. That’s when he spoke to you of a match between us, but after what you said…I could not tell you of the child. You would’ve believed I thought to ensnare you in marriage. No matter how much your words hurt, I could not bear to do that to you.

  “I pleaded with Cormac not to tell you. After a lot of convincing on my part, he relented and approached his commander and good friend, Robert, with the matter. Cormac told him everything and Robert agreed to marry me anyway. Before we wed, he assured me he took no issue with claiming the child as his own.” Swallowing against her parched throat, she stepped away to lean against her work table. “I count myself fortunate to have married a good, honorable man. He passed when Liam was ten summers and I truly grieved his loss.” Releasing a weary sigh, she confessed her greatest fear. “I do not know how I’ll ever tell Liam the truth. He’ll never forgive me.”

  “Then do not tell him. He never has to learn the truth.”

  His calm words unsettled Elena. The Hammish she knew would’ve flown into a fit of rage, thrown over the table, and stormed from her small work cottage. She heard movement behind her, felt him draw near. His hand grasped her upper arm and he turned her to face him. He raised his hand and, on instinct, she flinched. When the tips of his fingers grazed her cheek, she met his gaze.

  Hammish searched her features. “The only explanation I can give you for the cruel words I spoke to Cormac is I feared becoming my father. You must’ve known that. You knew me better than anyone.” He traced faint circles over her skin. “A fortnight later, when I’d come to my senses, I came for you…to beg your forgiveness…to ask you to marry me. But I was too late. It crushed me to see you on the arm of another man. When I learned you carried his child…” He closed his eyes for a brief moment and blew out a shaky breath that ruffled the hair atop her head. “’Twas my own damned fault, El.”

  Tears ran down her cheeks and he swept them away with a brush of his callused thumbs. The achingly sweet touch broke her.

  “Forgive me,” she choked out. “I should’ve told you. I could not see past my own foolish blindness and pain. I never meant to hurt you, Hammish.”

  “’Tis taken many years to learn I’m not my father. I’m naught like him.”

  Elena placed a trembling hand on his broad chest. The strong beat of his heart thrummed beneath her palm. “Nay, you’ve never been. You are your mother’s son.”

  He tugged her closer, pulling her into the shelter of his arms. “I’m crude, uncouth, lack manners. My temper is piss poor, and I speak without thinking. I’m an arse and can be a mite stubborn, but when I love, ’tis with all that I am.”

  She dared not blink. He cupped her face in his big hands, moving his mouth within a hairsbreadth of hers. The whiskers of his beard tickled her lips.

  “I’ve loved once in my life.” The depth of his mossy green gaze bore into her. “You. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. My heart is yours. ’Tis always been yours.”

  Hammish pressed his mouth to hers, the tenderness of his kiss stealing the air from her lungs. He drew back to peer at her. “Tell me, do you feel anything for me any longer?”

  She
knew what he sought, what he wished to hear. She’d denied him so much in this lifetime—her love and understanding, his son. Nay, she would not deny him this. Not now and never again.

  “Aye,” she whispered.

  “What’s in your heart, El?”

  A stray tear ran down her cheek. “I love you, Hammish.”

  The back of his finger grazed her jaw. “Even after half our lives have passed?”

  Elena swallowed the lump in her throat and surrendered after a score and eight years. “Aye, I do.”

  Hammish threaded his fingers through her hair. “I’ve spent too much of my life furious at you for marrying another. But ’twas I who was the fool. I only have myself to blame for betraying your trust in me.” His breath fanned against her cheek. “Can we set aside our differences and carry on together?”

  She held her breath. He could not possibly mean… “Are you asking—”

  “Blast it, woman. I’m asking you to wed me.”

  A spark of hope that had long since died flared bright. Saints, she wanted to. “But what of Liam?”

  “Let me handle matters with Liam. I’ll take care of you and our son. Trust me for once, love.”

  Elena opened her mouth to speak, but he captured her lips in a smoldering kiss that robbed her of breath. A hunger, deep in the pit of her stomach, reawakened within her. How long had it been since she’d felt such sweet bliss? Lost in desire, she molded herself to his frame and twined her tongue with his.

  He released her mouth long enough to ask, “Does this mean aye?”

  Never in her dreams did she imagine this day would come. A thousand reasons to say nay sprang to mind, but one truth rang out, loud and clear. She loved him. Time had not dimmed her love. She’d always loved him.

  Brimming with happiness, she laughed and nodded eagerly. “Aye, I will marry you.”

  Like a sack of grain, Hammish swung her up and over his shoulder. She squealed in surprise and he planted a firm slap on her backside.

  “Quiet, woman. We do not want the entire village to know just yet.”

  In a few strides, he carried her to the far corner of the cottage and dumped her on a small cot. His heated gaze tracked over her body, igniting a slow burn deep in her belly.

  “I’ve waited years for this, El. You and I have much to make up for.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Contented with his men’s efforts, Calum nodded in appreciation as he surveyed the encampment they’d finished earlier in the day. He and his clan had toiled hard the past sennight to prepare for the arrival of guests. With the wedding looming closer, he wished everything to be in perfect order for Arabella. Not to mention, throwing himself into work around the keep and village kept his mind occupied with something other than his comely bride.

  Everyone in the clan flitted to and from the keep and village, busy with one task or another. Men chopped and stored a bounty of firewood. Women aired and cleaned empty cottages for guests. From floor to rafter, the keep had undergone a thorough scrubbing. The alewife brewed a special batch of ale, while Agnes began preparations in the kitchens for the banquet. The hunting party Calum led a few days past stocked the larder with deer, rabbits, small game, and boar.

  All in all, the clan’s progress pleased him. Furthermore, his second commander, Symon, returned that morn along with one of Calum’s wedding gifts to Arabella. Eager to inquire after another of his gifts, he set off for Elena’s cottage.

  Cool, autumn air ruffled the hair at his nape as he strolled along the worn paths through the village. The season would soon turn, bringing with it harsh, biting winds and snowfall. At the thought of colder weather, he grinned. This year, he would have a wife to keep his toes, amongst other things, warm during those long, winter eves.

  As he turned a corner and Elena’s cottage came into sight, he stopped in his tracks. He narrowed his gaze at his bride and sister, crouched beneath a window. Eavesdropping from the looks of it. Serves them right if he called the two out for prying.

  Determined to surprise the women, he doubled back and slipped into the surrounding forest. He halted once more when he spotted Sean and Gavin leaning against a pair of trees. When the two men noticed him, they straightened and lifted a hand to their chests in acknowledgement.

  He waved away the show and jerked a thumb toward Arabella and his sister. “What’re they doing?”

  Gavin shrugged, while Sean muttered, “No notion, Laird.”

  Calum chuckled. “Head back to the keep. I’ll see to the women for now.”

  Without waiting for a reply, he moved through the wood until he was level with the cottage. Crouching low, he crept to the rear wall and slid around the corner to the side where the two women stooped.

  Arabella paid no notice of his presence, but Mairi did. His sister’s eyes rounded and she pointed at him. Arabella peered over her shoulder and gasped in surprise, losing her balance and pitching forward. Before she toppled to the ground, Calum shot out his arm and pulled her back to rest against his bent knees. She awkwardly shifted to face him with a fierce glare, not in the least pleased to see him. A strangled feminine moan accompanied by a loud male shout pierced the silence, and the three of them froze in place.

  He may be far more reserved than his cousin, but he recognized the sounds of coupling when he heard it. Confused, he tilted his head at Arabella, who lifted a finger to her lips, beseeching silence.

  “Oh, Hammish.” Elena’s distinct voice drifted from the window, followed by Fraser’s muffled laugh.

  Utterly astonished, Calum opened his mouth to spit out a curse, but Arabella dove at him and slapped her hands over his mouth. Caught off guard, he fell backward on his arse and she tipped forward with him, landing atop his chest in a heap.

  He stared at her wide eyes and startled features hovering above him for several moments. The weight of her soft frame pressed against his chest and thighs stirred his manhood to life. Saints, she was beautiful. Suddenly, a sennight seemed a lifetime away.

  A nudge at his shoulder grabbed his attention and he glanced right to find Mairi had crawled beside them. Frowning, she pointed toward the forest and lifted her brows, indicating they should leave.

  Calum retraced his steps, shepherding the woman away from the cottage and toward the village.

  Arabella searched the area. “Where are Sean and Gavin?”

  “I sent them on their way. ’Tis good I did after what just happened back there. What the devil were the two of you doing?”

  Arabella ducked her head, a deep blush staining her cheeks.

  “We simply wished to speak with Elena.” Mairi flung her arm in the direction of the cottage. “We did not expect to hear that.”

  “So why did you not leave?”

  Arabella peeked up at him. “We did not know they were…”

  Amused by her shyness, he teased her. “Were what?”

  “You know…” She waved her hand as if to explain.

  “I do not think I do. Mayhap you should tell me.”

  “Blast, Calum.” Mairi huffed in irritation. “You know precisely what they were doing.”

  He rumbled out a laugh and grasped Arabella’s hand. For a moment, he thought she might pull free when her gaze darted to his, but she offered a timid smile and twined her fingers through his.

  Calum leaned closer. “There’s something I wish to show you.”

  “What is it?” Her voice held a note of curiosity.

  “You’ll have to see for yourself.” He chuckled at her pursed lips.

  When the three of them entered the bailey, he immediately sought out Symon, who stood on the front steps of the keep. At Calum’s nod, his commander stepped backward and disappeared inside. Within moments, he remerged with the first of Calum’s wedding gifts.

  A tall, aging warrior with a wiry, gray mane and matching beard stepped through the main doors, guiding a short, plump woman with graying-brown hair and ruddy cheeks. The man wrapped an arm securely around the female’s waist as they made their
way down the steps.

  As soon as Arabella spotted the pair, she halted in her tracks and her fingernails dug into Calum’s hand. For long moments, she simply stood rooted to the earth, her eyes rounded and mouth agape. To snap her from her stupor, he nudged her in the side, which had the desired effect.

  She dropped his hand and dashed across the courtyard to launch herself into the pair’s waiting arms. “Maggie! Dougal! I feared I’d never see you again.”

  Calum grinned at their warm reunion. Aye, he was mighty pleased with himself this day.

  Once the three exchanged embraces and kisses on cheeks, Arabella stepped away from the couple and spun to face him. The sheer joy written across her features was all the thanks he required.

  With a wide grin, she paced toward him until the two of them stood toe to toe. She raised her arm and crooked her finger, beckoning him closer. He ducked his head closer, expecting her to whisper in his ear, but his bold lass threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his mouth.

  Stunned by her actions, Calum stilled and absorbed the press of her soft lips. Just as quick, desire replaced his surprise. He wrapped his arms tight around her waist, hoisted her up on her tiptoes, and returned the kiss with equal measure. Loud cheers rang out, and he realized they’d gained an audience.

  Chuckling, he released her mouth and leaned his forehead against hers. “We’ve drawn a crowd, Sweetness.”

  “This means so much, Calum.” Her fingers caressed his scarred cheek.

  “I’d hoped you would be pleased.”

  “Pleased? How can I ever thank you?” She stepped out of his arms and grabbed his hand. “Come, you must meet them.”

  He moved to join her but a firm hand clamped on to his shoulder.

  “Surely I’ve not missed the wedding?”

  Calum spun around and came face to face with Patrick MacEwan. Nearly a year had passed since he’d last seen his ally and close friend. The sight of his amused face was a welcome sight.

  “Patrick,” he exclaimed. He cuffed his friend’s shoulder, truly pleased with his presence. “’Tis good to see you.”