by Cathie Dunn
He knelt next to her and took her hand. Linking her fingers in his, he smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair from her eyes with the other hand.
“I’ve brought you here as this is a special place. A magical place. And I want only one person in the world to share the magic.” He held his hand up when she wanted to respond. “Hear me out. Because first of all I owe you an apology.”
“An apology?”
“Aye. I misjudged you. When you first arrived at Taigh na Rhon I worried you might drive a wedge between Auntie Meg and me. I feared you might take my place in her affections.”
“But—”
“Shh, mo chridhe. But it wasn’t just that, I also took you for a...a...” Words failed him.
“Strumpet,” she helped, smiling. “I know what you thought of me. And I can’t blame you. Angus left everyone in little doubt.”
Rory shook his head. “I don’t deserve your understanding, Cat. I was wrong.” His voice broke and he looked at the ceiling, his eyes filled with tears. “I never wanted you to get hurt. That’s why I…I pushed you away. To keep you safe. Little did I know—”
“Rory,” Catriona whispered. Her hand reached out and pulled him toward her. Guilt plagued his dear features. “It’s nothing to worry about. You came to help me, and nearly lost your life. And then you saved me. I forgive you if that’s what you seek.”
He nodded. “You’re not angry with me?”
“No.” She firmly shook her head, patting the space next to her. “Come, sit beside me. Enjoy the wonder of the cave. I’ve seen too much grief lately. This is healing time.”
Rory lowered himself and settled her into the crook of his arm. Catriona lay her head back and let her gaze roam over the flickering colors of the ceiling. Finally, she was at peace.
“I love you, Rory.” The words escaped her lips. Heat rose in her cheeks, and she closed her eyes, afraid she might have pushed him away.
But then something cold slid over the third finger of her left hand. She lifted it and stared at a solid gold ring, a large ruby set in its center. Its sparkle rivaled the cave’s ceiling.
“What’s this?” Catriona held her breath as Rory turned to her.
“It’s Auntie Meg’s wedding band,” he whispered, mouth trembling inches from hers, eyes large with hope. “Wed me, Cat. Be my bride.”
Her heart raced. A sweet dizziness threatened her, but she beamed at him. Tears stung her eyes, and her heart fluttered. “I’ll gladly wed you, Rory Cameron. Gladly.”
With shaky hands Rory encircled her face, his fingers like feathers on her skin. “I love you. Mo chridhe, my heart.” He sighed, trailing light kisses over her face. She shivered at the delicious sensation.
With a sigh of delight, she met his hungry mouth. For once in her life, she was happy. This was where she belonged.
With Rory.
As they lay entwined on the blanket, leaning into the soft cushions, Catriona was certain she heard the seal bark before a splash burst through the silence. She held her breath as the sound of water lapping slowly receded.
Rory chuckled and pulled her even closer. “See, the legend is real.”
“Yes, it is.” Catriona smiled back at him before her gaze drifted to his curved mouth.
Just one more kiss.
The End
Author’s Note
Highland Arms started off as a NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) project. I didn’t finish it in time, but embellished and completed it over the course of the next half year. The location, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, with the dramatic backdrop of Glencoe, is my favorite place in Scotland and an area we have visited many times. It is most inspiring!
Whilst the novel was always going to be about a romance between a Lowland girl and a rebellious Highlander, the idea of introducing smuggling was borne out of several booklets I found on sale in the Ballachulish Tourist Centre. They gave me an invaluable insight into local customs and culture, and I’m very grateful to their author, Barbara Fairweather. The Glencoe Folk Museum (www.glencoemuseum.com) is also worth a visit, as it gives you a wonderful glimpse of life in the past.
The scene in Edinburgh where Catriona is locked up was inspired by a visit (the first of many) to The Real Mary King’s Close (http://www.realmarykingsclose.com). The tour takes you to the forgotten streets of Edinburgh, now located below the Royal Mile. Pearson Close did indeed exist, with its multi-storey tenements, and its history is worth exploring.
Cathie Dunn
2016