Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series)

by Aury Dobsyn

  Standing before Ella, Nicholas took her hand and helped her to rise, before he continued, “With heartfelt approval from King Henry, Laird Mackenzie and Laird Macleod, I will be returning to England to claim my bride.”

  Turning to face her, Nicholas said, “Lady Ella, with yer blessing ‘tis my deepest wish to marry yer aunt, Lady Eleanor.”

  Stunned for the briefest moment, Ella then threw her arms around Nicholas as her cries of joy were drowned out by the thunderous cheers of the numerous clansmen.

  “She has stolen my heart, lass,” Nicholas confessed. “And, I will always be good-”

  Ella interrupted as she wiped tears from her eyes. “Aye, I know ye will treat her like gold and-” She stopped abruptly with a look of concern, then acknowledged, “My aunt may be unable to-”

  It was Nicholas’s turn to cut in with, “Aye, I ken, but dinna care. There are many children who need good homes with loving parents. We will nae be without bairns, and would like to make yer second child our heir. It was Eleanor’s wish, and I whole heartily agreed.”

  She hugged him again and cried, “Thank ye for saving their lives. I canna ever. . .”

  “I ken, lass, I ken. Ye can repay me with yer blessing,” he whispered as he stroked her hair.

  Laughing at such an outrageous comment, Ella knew she would forever be in his debt, but she would have a lifetime to thank him for this noble deed.

  Nicholas held her for a moment as he shook Gavin’s hand, then he gave her into the care of her husband. When they were all seated, all eyes went to Laird Mackenzie, who commanded silence once more.

  “My friends, we are here today to rejoice in the victory against our English enemy, but more importantly to honor my youngest child and only daughter, Bella.”

  Again the mass of well-wishers came to their feet with cries of joy and jubilation for the spirited girl they thought forever lost to them.

  Ella blushed crimson feeling the numerous eyes upon her, and was thankful when they drifted back to her father as he continued.

  “I will tell ye a story, my friends, of a man who had three motherless sons and believed he had all he would ever need. That is until he met the love of his life, and was further blessed when she gave him the miracle of a daughter.”

  Ella’s eyes became misty as she took hold of Gavin’s hand and listened to her father.

  “He was in this verra hall with Cormac Fraser, while his beloved wife labored above stairs to bring forth new life. A life that was, and still is, a reflection of our eternal love.”

  Alex softly chuckled as he continued, “After fathering three strong lads, this man arrogantly believed that only males sprung from his seed. I thank God to this day that I was wrong.”

  Gavin pulled Ella onto his lap, then pushed her chair away as Alex continued.

  “Laird Fraser did all he could to keep me from rushing to my wife’s side when her cries of pain were heard within the hall. And ‘twas unfortunate for him that he failed.”

  “Knocked me out is what he did,” Cormac yelled out, which was met with an abundance of laughter by all three clans.

  “Aye, my friend, and I thank ye for standing by me that day. Yet, I canna regret my rash action. I was able to hold my wife, and see what most men are nae allowed to witness . . . the birth of their child.”

  His eyes locked with his daughter briefly before he continued, “As a hardened warrior, one who is fearless in battle, naught could prepare me for the sheer terror I felt when the midwife told me I had a daughter. Emma was a glorious sight as she fussed over the precious bundle. And when she asked me if I wanted to hold my wee daughter. . .”

  Alex shook his head as he admitted, “I regret my first reaction was craven cowardice of the highest order. My hesitation to take the wee bairn into my arms deeply hurt my wife. I explained that I dinna want to harm the delicate perfection that was my daughter.” This was greeted with warm smiles and soft giggles from those eagerly listening. “Aye, just as you all have done, my loving and understanding wife burst out laughing, too.”

  “After Emma convinced me that I would nae injure such a fragile angel, I took my daughter into my arms for the first time. Mere words could ne’er do justice to what I felt at that moment. Like a lightning bolt I was hit, stunned by the sheer magnitude of love I felt for this priceless treasure in my arms. Emma and I agreed to name her after my mother, Isabel, who was a legendary woman in her own right. But, it was I who dubbed her Bella, my Bella.”

  Alex was silent for a moment before stating, “There is something to be said about having sons afore a daughter. Sons naturally become protective and possessive of the young, spirited imp that trails after them. Through her eyes, they are the most trusted heroes in her life, and in turn she adores and imitates them. There was a marked and unique difference when it came to my sons and daughter. As the lass grew, a time when it was expected for her to engage in more . . . uh . . . feminine pursuits, our Bella’s interests, much like her mother’s, were not hindered by her sex. Her brothers took the role of mentor very seriously when they instructed her in riding, swimming, hunting, tracking and aye, fighting.”

  Alex laughed along with others in the hall, then added, “Whether it be wrestling, sword play or using the bow, my lass became quite adept in the skills she was taught. Like mother, like daughter, we always said. As some of ye may remember, Emma was also quite skilled in some of the more masculine arts.”

  Ella whispered to Gavin, “Mama was verra accomplished with daggers among other things.”

  “That dinna surprise me, little one. Nae one bit,” he said as he kissed the back of her neck and gave his attention back to Alex.

  “Aye, my Emma could ride like the wind, throw a dagger with speed and accuracy, but her passion was healing, which she taught her daughter. Our Bella’s zeal to learn the healing arts matched the innate gift she inherited from her mother. Emma’s pride was limitless when Bella learned how to cure those in need, and read and write in multiple languages. Watching the pair together was like seeing the sunrise and set each day. Nae matter how often ye saw it, it’s pure beauty took yer breath away.”

  Emotion choked Alex as he concluded, “Eight years ago, I learned that death comes in many guises, and dinna always deliver a mortal wound. If it had nae been for the love of my sons, Eva, and her family, as well as the continuous support of my clan, I would have welcomed death.”

  “Yet, as was God’s intent, I learned that I am blessed beyond measure. I was gifted with three strong and honorable sons by an amazing woman. My first wife taught me how to love, and receive love in return. It was the pain of losing her that made me vow ne’er to wed again. A few years later, by some generous miracle, I was graced with my heart’s true love, and a beautiful daughter who is the spirited replica of her mother. God bestowed on me ten years with my soul mate, and the knowledge that I will reunite with her in His kingdom when my time here comes to an end. A man canna ask for more.”

  “Yet in spite of all I have been given, I discovered that the good Lord has decided to lavish upon me once again.” Tears sprung in Alex’s eyes as he concluded, “God must surly love me, for he has returned my angel, my pride and joy, my sweet Bella.”

  Ella flew into her father’s arms as the horde of onlookers surged to their feet with deafening cheers.

  Alex held his youngest child to his heart, and when the roar of the crowd abated, a devilish grin crossed his features. He then spoke to one and all. “The greatest mystery in life for a father is whether or not there is a man alive who is good enough for his daughter.”

  Gavin stood and smiled before asking, “Do ye still ponder this enigma, old man?”

  “Aye, son that I do. But dinna fash, I’ll be letting ye ken soon enough.”

  Alex gave his daughter into the waiting arms of her husband, then turned to the three clans before him and announced, “I, Alex Mackenzie, would like to announce the betrothal of my daughter and Laird Gavin Macleod.”

  This was greete
d with cheers and applause as Ella said with a giggle, “Father. . I . . uh . . I assure ye that Gavin and I are . .that we . . we are verra much wed.”

  Those at the high table burst out laughing when Alex gave his daughter a reproachful look and admonished, “I dinna think so, honey.”

  “But . . .” Her words trailed off when her father turned his gaze and attention to Gavin’s men.

  “Osgood, ye are an honest fellow. Pray tell me, did ye witness yer laird marry my lass?”

  The highly amused redheaded warrior stood, wiping away the joyous tears in his eyes, then clearly stated, “Nae, Sir, I dinna witness such a momentous occasion.”

  “Edric,” Alex began, “Ye are a good man that I trust will speak the truth. Did ye witness the vows between yer Laird and my Bella?”

  “Nae, Sir. It saddens my heart to declare that I was nae present for the marriage proclaimed by Laird Mackenzie.”

  “Paen, Tavish, ye are Laird Mackenzie’s brothers, his own flesh and blood. Surly if such an event took place, ye were witness to it.”

  Both brothers stood and Paen stated, “Nae, Laird Mackenzie, and I have my doubts that said vows were actually spoken. Ye must realize that ye, the father of the bride, would have to give his approval of such a union.

  “Papa, ye jest with us!” Ella exclaimed with a giggle.

  Alex turned to his stunning daughter, then said with no amusement in his voice, “Nae, my wee angel, in this I dinna jest. I have waited many years to fulfill this dream of giving my only daughter into marriage. After I came to ken Gavin, Laird of the Mackenzie Clan, I had decided that there was nae finer man for my daughter. Ye were only ten summers, but yer mother and I had agreed on betrothing ye to Gavin when we returned from England. Although that dinna happen, I believed fate intervened. As I see it, ye were destined for one another.”

  A fortnight later Ella and Gavin were not wed in the church where her parents had exchanged vows, but within the special place her parents had fallen in love. It had been the bride’s teary wish to be wed to the man she loved near the mother who would forever live in her heart.

  As was tradition Alex Mackenzie placed her hand in Gavin’s, then stepped back with radiant joy shining in his eyes, and watched his baby exchanged wedding vows with the man he had chosen for her eight years ago.

  After the union was sealed with a kiss, Gavin whispered, “Ye are my happiness, little one, my heart’s true love.”

  “As ye are mine. And throughout eternity our hearts and souls will be united as one.”

  Epilogue

  ONE YEAR LATER

  “Dinna ye ever leave,” Gavin said in mock anger to Guy, his wife’s brother.

  With mirth in his eyes and a chuckle on his lips, Guy replied sarcastically, “I see the time we have spent in each other’s company has been as special for ye as it has been for me.”

  “Bae, ye, yer brothers, yer father and my sister have been the bane of my existence this past year,” Gavin snorted.

  The mid morning sun amidst a cloudless sky bathed Doran castle as Gavin and Guy stood atop the stone stairs of the keep, looking out beyond the bailey to the stable yard. Both men continued to banter as they watched the familiar scene of Ella working with the horses, while Thea and Colban were tending to their laird’s four and a half month old son.

  “Ye have the look of a man who has had all his dreams come true,” Guy said as he glanced at Gavin.

  “Aye,” he said with a broad smile. “Seeing both my wife and son hale and hardy, after enduring a year of hell, warms my heart.”

  Chuckling, Guy asked, “A year of hell? Ye canna honestly believe that.”

  “Och, ye have nae idea.”

  “From what I remember my sister was healthy throughout her pregnancy, only occasional morning sickness. And that she remained active up until her time to deliver.”

  “Aye, trying to get yer sister to rest was like trying to halt the tides of the ocean. Lady Eleanor was nae help either, insisting that regular physical activity was good for the babe.”

  “Aye, I heard ye fought with her often after I left, arguing that she miscalculated when Bella conceived.”

  “My wife dinna show until her fifth month, and even then she carried verra small. The only change in her body was to her belly.”

  “Much to the envy of all women, I would assume.”

  “Mayhap to them, but nae me. Just before her ninth month, Lady Eleanor informed me that if Ella dinna birth the babe soon it would grow too large for her to birth at all. My wife is naturally small, with hips more narrow than most women. It was decided to give her herbs that would induce labor pains. My fear for my wife was so great; it outweighed my want of an heir.”

  “Aye, I heard ye refuse to leave yer wife while she labored through the night.”

  Smiling at Guy, he explained, “'Tis my belief that a man should stay by his wife’s side, and see the pain she endures while she brings yer bairn into the world.”

  “Most men would say birthing is women’s business, but I agree with ye and my father that a husband should be present. That is unless he is nae up to the challenge. Keir passed out when Eva birthed Gabriel.”

  “Aye, but at least he did better the second time around,” Gavin chuckled. “When his daughter was born, Keir managed nae to swoon.” He would never forget how touched his wife had been that Eva and Keir named their daughter after her and her mother.

  As they made their way to the stables, Guy asked, “My father said yer difficulties dinna end when yer son was born?”

  “Yer sister is as stubborn as a mule. She insisted on resuming her duties three sennights after our son’s birth. I refused and demanded she wait the full six until her body recovered.”

  “So when did she resume her duties?

  “Three sennights,” he admitted grudgingly.

  Trying to contain his mirth, Guy asked, “How is that possible without the help of a wet nurse.”

  “I have been married to yer sister for a year now, but still she finds ways to amaze me. With the help of my mother, Thea, Rachel, even my blackguard and the villagers, Ella was more than capable. In the mornings she takes my son to the stables where Thea fights off Colban and Leif to tend to my son. In the afternoon while Ella and Rachel see to the villagers, my son is passed around like a jug of ale to the women as well as the men of my clan. My son adores the attention my people lavish upon him, and by twilight he is so exhausted he sleeps through the night.”

  “There is much wisdom in this, I think,” Guy said as he clapped Gavin on that back. “Are ye honestly dismayed by my sister’s actions?”

  They arrived at the stables to find another newly made crib crafted by Iain. As norm, it was empty since the bairn was being tossed around by Paen and Tavish. Thea was frantically trying to reclaim the giggling babe, and Gavin sighed at his two dim-witted brothers.

  He strolled over and took his son from his brothers, then turned back to Guy and said with pride, “Nae, quite the opposite in fact. Her methods will secure the love and respect between my son and his clan. At almost five months of age, Alexander Bowen Macleod has already come to ken them, recognizes their voices and puts trust in the people he will one day rule as Laird.”

  Ella came to Gavin’s side and nuzzled her son’s cheek until he squealed with joy, then she kissed her husband.

  “I was wondering when ye would remember me, wife,” he teased.

  “I would remember ye much sooner if ye would stop referring to Alex as yer son instead of our son. I do recall I helped a wee bit in making him, nae to mention carrying and delivering him.”

  Gavin covered her mouth hungrily and with all the passion he felt for his fiery wife while his son was pulled from his arms. He looked up, saw Guy shaking his head as he held little Alex.

  “Och, ravish yer wife in private, man. Dinna ye see there are bairns around? Look at Thea, she is overwhelmed with shock.”

  Thea was now on Paen’s shoulders, giggling at the very familiar sight of
her laird and his wife.

  Gavin said to Guy, “I would most heartily welcome a private moment to ravish my wife.”

  Ella playfully slapped his arm, then hugged and kissed her brother. As she reclaimed her child, she said to the babe, “Are ye ready to go swimming with Mama and Papa?”

  Guy asked, “Ye are taking the mite swimming?”

  Gavin wrapped his arm around Ella, then said, “'Tis the only way I can be alone with my wife and son.”

  Laughter rang through the stable yard as Gavin asked his wife, “Are ye ready, my love?”

  “Aye,” she said with gleeful anticipation.

  As Ella stared at her husband, she thought about the amazing life and future he had given her. One that had purpose within the clan, freedom to pursue her dreams, and roots that would bind her to him for eternity. He was her best friend, her protector, her lover and her soul’s other half. And her love for him knew no bounds.

  Together they went to the cascading waterfall, where the burn poured into the loch. It had become a very special place for them, a place to seek solace and be alone with their son.

  After swimming and playing in the frothy water, they sprawled out on a plaid and Gavin relished in the sight of watching her breastfeed their son. His wife fascinated him.

  It had taken her a month and a half to regain her natural slim, lithe shape. With the exception of her full breasts, her body was as tight and firm as it was before pregnancy. It was mainly due to the fact that she had resumed her duties so quickly after giving birth and her insatiable need to be active. Ella was her happiest when she was being productive and amongst her friends and family. Since he loved her so fiercely, he conceded to let her have her way.

  As she finished feeding Alex, she asked, “What are you thinking as you stare at me so intently?”

  Gavin took their son upon his shoulder, then began to pat his back as he replied, “That I am happy that we have decided to wait a few years before ye give me a daughter. I pity men who get their wife with child every year.”