by Gwyn Brodie
He brought his hand up to her cheek. "Jilly, if I'd known you still cared for me, naught would have stopped me from having you. I was afraid your feelings for me had changed. I refused to allow myself to think of a life with you beside me. We've wasted so much time, when we could have been together."
She smiled up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Aye, but it appears that fate has granted us another chance at happiness."
A strong wind suddenly gusted through the gardens, whipping their hair about their faces and twisting their clothing around them. Kade grabbed Jillian by the hand and led her inside a small, secluded sitting area, surrounded by tall, thick shrubs they'd planted many years before, to block the strong Highland winds from anyone who ventured inside.
Kade's arms circled her waist, drawing her closer. She didn't pull away, only looked up at him, her blue eyes wide. Nervously, she raked her teeth across her bottom lip. That was his undoing. If he didn't have another taste of those lovely lips of hers right then and there, he would surely die. He lowered his head, gently covering her mouth with his own. It took but a moment for her to respond to his prodding tongue and allow him inside.
She reacted to him in a way he had never thought possible, passionately returning his kisses, going so far as to wrap her arms around his neck to draw him nearer. Her enticing taste, the rose scent of her skin, the amazing feeling of her body pressed so close to his, ignited in him such a fever that he knew if he didn't stop now, he'd not be able to later. He lifted his mouth away from hers.
Jillian blinked up at him, as if unsure of what had just happened.
Her lips, puffed and red from his kisses, further enticed Kade, but he forced himself not to give in to the sweet temptation of her. Instead, he took her hand. "'Tis time for us to go inside for the meal. And I've a surprise for you."
"What sort of surprise?" Her face lit up like a child's in a confection shop.
He chuckled. "You'll see soon enough."
Jillian couldn't imagine what sort of surprise Kade had in store for her. As they entered the great hall, a piper began to play. She looked about the room, not believing the amount of food, as well as the variety, on the tables. The combination of the many platters piled high could have fed the entire village. In fact, it appeared that most of the villagers were there, for the room was full to overflowing.
"Welcome to our marriage feast."
Jillian couldn't contain her smile. "So this is the reason you spoke to Logan earlier today, to arrange all of this?"
He grinned and led her through the crowd to the high table, which was also stacked high with many delicious foods. "I wanted to announce to the people of Ravenskull the news of our marriage. I hope it meets with your approval?"
Tears filled Jillian's eyes. "Aye, 'tis all so wonderful, Kade, but where did you get all of this food in so short a time?"
"The cooks had already prepared food for the Midsummer's eve festivities the day after the morrow; I but had them take out a portion for today's feast."
Ian raced up to her, his eyes wide. "Is it true, Jilly? You're going to wed Laird MacLachlan?"
"'Tis true, sweeting," she said, hugging him against her. "But, how did you ken? I but learned of it myself a short time ago?"
"From Laird MacLachlan, he told me this morning."
"I see," she said, smiling up at Kade. "You must have been certain I'd not change my mind."
"I'd hoped you wouldn't."
"Ian, Laird MacLachlan is also going to remove Gordon MacRae and his garrison from Lochstorm."
Ian smiled. Jillian knew he didn't fully realize the extent of what she'd said. She held him close, content in knowing that as long as he remained at Ravenskull, he'd be safely out of Gordon's dangerous reach.
When the piper ended his piece, Kade rose to his feet. "I've an announcement to make." His deep voice boomed against the wooden beams of the ceiling.
The room grew quiet, whilst everyone waited for their laird to speak.
He turned to Jillian and took her hand.
She rose from her chair and stood beside him, content in knowing that now she was where she'd always belonged.
As he spoke to the crowd, he continued to hold on to one hand, whilst Ian kept a tight grip on her other.
"As soon as Father McTavish gives his blessing, I welcome you to eat and enjoy all the good food before you. Lady Jillian MacRae and I are about to be wed, and you're all invited to share in our happiness."
Shouts of joy echoed throughout the great hall. Jillian couldn't help but notice that some of the young maidens, as well as a few of the ladies, were weeping. She didn't for one minute believe them to be tears of joy. It hadn't gotten past her the way some of the females at Ravenskull watched Kade whilst he wasn't paying any attention. Jillian intended to make certain that watch was all they did. Then a thought entered into her mind. "Did you mean today?" she whispered, her heart suddenly beating wildly.
He threw back his head and laughed. "Aye, is there any reason why we should wait?" My being wed to you when we ride into Lochstorm, will give much needed hope and strength to your people. And our new alliance will give MacRae much cause to worry." His heated gaze traveled over her face before settling on her mouth. He lowered his voice, so that only she would hear. "As well as let him ken that you now belong to me, and will be sleeping in my bed."
She trembled with anticipation.
"Do you not agree?" he asked, his warm breath caressing her cheek.
His nearness was overwhelming. "Aye, but of course you're correct, on all accounts," Jillian managed to say, pulling Ian into her lap. "Sweeting, are you happy about the marriage," she asked him, brushing curls away from his cherub face."
"Are you happy, Jilly?"
She laughed. "I am, Ian, I am."
"Then, I'm happy, too," he said, quickly giving her a peck on the cheek, leaving behind a bit of sticky confection. "May I ask Laird MacLachlan a question?" he whispered into her ear.
Jillian turned to Kade. "Ian has a question he'd like to ask. Do you mind?"
"Och, of course not. What might that be, lad?"
"Why is your castle called Ravenskull?"
He smiled and patted his thigh. Come on over here lad. I'll tell you the story."
Ian slipped down from Jillian's lap and moved over to Kade, who picked him up and placed him on his knee.
Jillian smiled to herself, picturing what a wonderful father Kade would be.
He pretended to clear his throat. "Many years ago, on this very same plot of land, lived my ancestors. Back in those days, when the eldest son of the laird had been weaned, he was given his first sip of cows' milk to drink from the skull of a raven. For the raven is considered to be the wisest and most knowing of all birds. After drinking from it for many years, he'd possess certain magical powers, but no one knew exactly what that might be. Sometimes it could be the ability to speak to the animals, and in turn ken what they spoke. Or to even read people's thoughts. 'Tis said that one of the greatest rulers of Ravenskull was able to do just that. He knew when visitors to the castle drew near, which ones were his enemies and with which ones he should form an alliance. And that, lad, is why 'tis called Ravenskull, after the ancient tradition of drinking from a raven's skull. Does that answer your question?"
"Aye, it does," he said, and quickly turned to Jillian, his eyes wide with excitement. "Jilly, may I drink from a raven's skull?"
Jillian's mouth dropped open. "Certainly not!"
"Why not? I'd be an even better laird when I grow up, if I knew what people were thinking."
She glared at Kade, who held his hand over his mouth stifling a laugh. "Now see what you've done?"
He shrugged, smiling from ear to ear. "The lad asked. I but told him what I too learned as a child."
Ian slid from his lap. "I have to tell Jamie and Will," he said rushing over to where a group of children sat playing in the corner.
Jillian watched the other boys reaction to Ian's tale and a horrible thought
ran through her mind. "Those children are planning to seek out a raven's skull and drink from it."
At her words, Kade doubled over with laughter. "I must tell you, Jillian," he said, between bouts of laughter. "After my grandfather told me that story, I actually went looking for a raven's skull. Each day I searched the wood and meadows, hoping to come across one.
"By chance, did you ever find one?" she asked, hoping that it hadn't been an easy thing to track down.
He regarded her with open amusement. "I thought I had once, but it turned out to be the skull of a red squirrel. I was most disappointed," he said, showing her a silly, sad face that made her smile. "You should've seen my mother's face when I placed it on the table and asked for a wee bit of milk."
Jillian could no longer contain her laughter. "I can but imagine. The poor woman," she said, shaking her head.
He chuckled. "Don't fash yourself, Jilly. Ian will be fine. Eat, and when you're finished, I've another surprise waiting for you in your bedchamber. 'Tis imperative that you see it before Father McTavish performs our wedding ceremony."
She smiled up at him. "Kade MacLachlan, you're just full of surprises."
He leaned in close, grinning mischievously. "Aye, and the best are yet to come. Tonight—after we're wed."
Oh my! At his words, a quiver of delight shot through Jillian. But even with her stomach tied in knots, she managed to taste several of the wonderful dishes spread out before her. But her favorite pastry was the scones. Ian had been right. Cook did make the best scones.
Once they'd finished with their meal, Kade escorted her upstairs. After entering her bedchamber, Jillian found a beautiful blue gown spread across the bed. 'Twas brocaded with an intricate lace of the same color. "Oh, Kade, 'tis exquisite. I've never seen anything like it. Where did you find it?"
"It belonged to my mother, along with the slippers and silver hair combs. She brought them along with her when she left France to marry my father. I'd like you to wear it for our wedding."
She ran her hand over the silky blue fabric. "I'd be honored. Lady MacLachlan was a wonderful woman. My mother and I liked her very much."
"Good, I'm pleased."
He closed the bedchamber door and moved in behind her. Gently brushing her hair out of the way, Kade gently kissed the back of her neck. Shivers of absolute delight slowly spread from Jillian's head to her toes. Then he turned her around 'til she faced him and covered her mouth with his. She was powerless to resist him, even if she'd wanted to.
A slow heat began in the pit of Jillian's stomach and she wanted naught more than to be closer to Kade. 'Twas then that she realized she still loved him. Being in his arms was the most marvelous feeling. She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with such eagerness that it elicited a moan from him. Jillian knew she wanted more than just his kisses, much more, but exactly what that entailed, she was soon to find out.
Kade gently pried her arms from around his neck. "Easy, lass," he said, his eyelids heavy with passion. "We'll not be making it to the ceremony if you keep kissing me like that. I'll fetch Glennis to come help you get dressed." He kissed the tip of the nose. "Tonight," he whispered against her ear and Jillian shivered.
Chapter Ten
After dressing in his finest shirt and belted plaid, Kade headed down to the stables to fetch Caesar. The kirk was but a short distance from the castle, but once the ceremony was over, Kade intended to grab Jillian and get the hell out of there. He wanted her all to himself.
Hoof beats echoed across the glen. Kade searched the vibrant green meadow dotted with tiny yellow flowers, then the path at the edge of the thick pine wood. 'Twas Galen and the others. They'd returned from Lochstorm sooner than he'd expected. After the stable lad brought Caesar out, he waited for them to ride through the portcullis and come to the stables.
"I'm certain you have much news, Galen, but I'm about to be married within the hour. Later tonight, Jillian and I will meet you in the library. She'll wish to hear the information you've gathered from your visit to Lochstorm."
Galen raised his brows in amusement. "Are you not planning to consummate your marriage immediately after the vows? Or are you letting me ken it won't take long?"
This sent a wave of snickers through the group of men gathered around them.
Kade feigned a frown. "You needn't concern yourself with that, my nosey friend. You must be hungry. Make haste to the great hall and eat. There's still much food left from the marriage feast. Then come see the ceremony."
"Kade, I left Sully behind to keep an eye on MacRae 'til we return with the garrison. He may be able to learn something useful whilst he's there."
He nodded. "Aye, good idea. If anyone is able to remain unseen, 'tis Sully. As lads, many the time 'twas, he'd suddenly appear from out of the shadows, whacking me soundly on the arse with his wooden sword."
Galen chuckled and slapped Kade on the back. "I'll see you after the wedding."
"Galen?"
"Aye?"
"Your color has returned. If I were you, I'd leave be whatever 'twas you drank last night."
Galen grinned. "Aye, I've well learned my lesson. I hung off the side of my horse most of the way to Lochstorm, whilst the rest of them laughed at me."
Taking Caesar by the reins, Kade chuckled to himself as he walked the short distance to the kirk. There'd be plenty of time to discuss Lochstorm. For now, he didn't wish for anything to stand in the way of his newfound happiness.
It amazed him that something he'd wanted for so long, was to now be his. That morning in the library four years ago, when he'd learned of Jillian's betrothal, Kade had never felt such despair. After his marriage to Isabelle, he'd tried to force himself not to think about Jillian. But if the truth be known, more often than not she'd slipped into his thoughts and dreams.
Earlier, in her bedchamber, he'd wanted her. Her kisses had near driven him mad, but it'd been him who'd had to be the voice of reason. Father McTavish wouldn't have been too pleased to learn they'd consummated their marriage before they'd even said their vows, especially whilst he patiently waited for them to put in an appearance at the kirk.
Kade had been pleasantly surprised by Jillian's passion. He didn't believe she even realized it. But Kade knew it to be so, from the enthusiastic way she'd kissed and clung to him, her arms wrapped tightly about his neck. Tonight, once he had her alone in his bedchamber, he intended to set all that passion of hers free.
After reaching the kirk, he waited at the altar of the crowded church, along with Father McTavish, for Jillian to arrive.
Logan suddenly appeared at the entrance of the wee church, with Jillian on his arm. Smiling widely, he bowed to her and stepped aside.
Kade couldn't believe how beautiful she looked wearing his mother's wedding gown, but of course, Jillian would look beautiful in anything—or naught. Her hair hung loose about her shoulders, his mother's silver combs decorating her silky tresses.
Smiling nervously, Jillian kept her gaze locked on Kade's as she slowly walked down the aisle toward him.
He took her hand and they knelt together before the altar. She was trembling. He squeezed her hand and gently threaded his fingers through hers.
Gloaming had fallen by the time Father McTavish proclaimed them man and wife. They shared a kiss to the sounds of bagpipes, whistles and shouts of joy.
Grabbing Jillian's hand, Kade quickly led his new bride down the aisle, past the crowd, and out the door. After dodging the many well-wishers, he hurriedly lifted Jillian onto Caesar's back, where she sat with both legs dangling off one side. Kade swung up behind her and kneed Caesar into a run. The two of them burst into laughter.
"I hope no one is following us," she said, nervously biting her lower lip.
Wrapping an arm about her waist, Kade pulled her against him. "Don't worry. They'll never make it past the bedchamber door. I'll not allow it."
That seemed to satisfy her, for she slipped her arms around his neck, and gently brushed her lips against h
is. He'd quickly learned she enjoyed kissing, which was just fine with Kade. He moved to explore the base of her throat with his lips, whilst at the same time keeping an eye on the path. By the time they reached the castle, they were both breathless.
"They're coming," she cried out.
Laughter and shouts drew nearer and nearer.
"Och, we have to hurry. I'm in no mood for an audience tonight. I want you all to myself," he said quickly sliding from the horse and bringing her down with him in one swift movement. They ran through the castle entrance and up the stairs to the bedchamber. Kade quickly bolted the door behind them. Thankfully, they'd arrived before the others. He didn't relish having anyone watch them consummate their marriage and he didn't think Jillian would've cared much for it either.
"Lady MacLachlan, welcome to our bedchamber," he said, not believing his own words.
The room had been made ready. A multitude of brightly lit candles were placed about the room. A crackling fire was stoked with plenty of peat to take away the night chill. The bedcovers had been turned down and a rose scent filled the air. A platter of cheese and bannocks rested on the table alongside the bed, next to a tankard of spiced wine and two goblets.
Jillian glanced up at him, smiling shyly.
He knew she had no idea what to do—and was glad for it. He wanted to be the one to teach her. She was waiting for him to make the first move. Kade removed a half-empty bottle of whisky from one of his chests. Instead of filling the goblets with the spiced wine, he poured a dram of the whisky into each and gave one to Jillian, in hopes 'twould steady her nerves.
She took a big gulp and coughed.
He gently patted her on the back. "Just a sip at a time, lass."
"It burns," she said, gasping for air.