Selah’s lips thinned, but her smile remained in place. “You think I’m not serious about seeing the most prominent event the Highlands have seen these past several years? I cannot believe you actually considered leaving me behind.”
Mairead had left the boulder as well and was facing Hamish. “I hope you are not planning on leaving me behind. I agree with Selah. I’m coming with you.”
Hamish’s insides clenched at the idea of anything happening to her or his baby. He found it difficult to speak and eventually blurted out, “You’re pregnant!”
“The baby is not due for months, so why should that make a difference? You cannot blame the weather. Spring is nearly over. The wet weather is gone and the sun shines nearly every day.”
“Mairead, be sensible. Even if good weather does follow us, travel will be uncomfortable and in your condition, it will take several more days for us to get there.”
Mairead’s face filled with exasperation. “Then we can leave immediately if we must travel more slowly, but I am going.”
Hamish glared at her, hoping she could see that on this he would not yield. “No, you aren’t.”
Mairead glared back and came to her feet. Hamish had not raised his voice at all, but his tone was that of a parent talking to a child. She raised her chin, and spoke in a similar, non-compromising voice. “I love that you are protective of me, but I will be going. You can either change your mind now or you can change it later, but there is no way I am not going to see this wedding for myself. This event will be discussed for years and I will not be the only one not to have been there,” she said emphatically. “I am Lady McTiernay of the McTiernays of Farr. You cannot truly think I am not going to a McTiernay wedding!”
Selah stood behind her. “And if Mairead is going, then so am I.”
Robert looked to Hamish, who just stood fuming, and then at Donald, who shook his head. It was clear the older laird knew the inevitable outcome. “If we ride together, it would be safer for all. We could depart at the end of the week. It would give us a few days to meet with Conan and see for ourselves this miracle.”
“I doubt a soul coming is there to see Conan.” Mairead chuckled. “They want to take a look at the woman who not only ensnared Conan’s heart . . . but actually agreed to marry the man.”
Mackay cocked his head to the right in agreement. He was more interested in whom Conan was marrying than the lad himself.
Mairead winked at Selah. “Leave it to Selah and me.” Her sister gave her a knowing smile. McTiernay women traded secrets and whoever could tame Conan must have some incredible ones to share.
Hamish saw the exchange and pulled Mairead into his arms. His hands caressed the planes of her back. He loved how she felt against his body and each time he held her close it was a reminder of just how lucky he was. He kissed her cheek softly and then whispered in her ear. “Should I yield now or let you try and convince me to let you come tonight?”
Mairead pulled slightly back. “Tonight,” she said with a mischievous smile. “Just as long as you know that you never had a chance.”
Hamish bent his head and pressed his lips against hers. His hand held the back of her neck as his mouth slowly glided over hers. A hungry sound escaped him as she opened up for him. The kiss was soft and gentle, melting his bones and making him forget that they had an audience.
No. He never did have a chance.
He had been hers since that first kiss.
Never Kiss a Highlander Page 42