The Draig's Wife

by Lisa Dawn Wadler

  “Why do you only agree your daughter is my wife in private, old man?” Declan lifted her in his arms and strode to the chair, settling with her secure on his lap. Resting her forehead against his neck, she waited for Cortland’s answer. Like any of this matters. This wonderful man holding me is mine.

  “Two reasons. First, all here need to hear you proclaiming Emma as yours over and over again. Too much happened to pretend otherwise. As her father, all will expect me to challenge you and demand amends. Second, with the threat of Glenn permanently removed, I need to make certain your vows are binding. Emma has choices and another place to call home if she prefers.”

  Lifting her head, she stared in surprise at the comments. “I am where I want to be,” she quickly interjected. Then the rest of what he said clicked in her mind. Declan no longer needs me to be his wife. His lands and title are secure.

  A warm hand lifted her chin and forced her gaze to his. “Remove the doubt from your eyes, wife. Once I promised you I would still want you when the danger had passed. On that day, I vowed we would live in peace, raise our bairns, and care for the clan. What I dinna ken on the day I asked you to wed was that I would love you beyond telling. I want you by my side more than I ever dreamed possible.” Declan’s gaze shifted to Cortland. “Enough, old man. Emma and I are bound. You will nay take us apart.”

  “Fine,” Cortland quickly agreed with a wink for her. “Be prepared to make such a fine speech in the hall on the morrow before all. I would leave with all kenning the marriage is secure.”

  “When are you leaving?” Emma asked, afraid of the answer. She depended on Cortland for companionship and love every single day. It was nearly impossible for her to imagine life without him.

  “Once we finish negotiations with Merrick, I will ride back to my lands to remind Kathryn she has promised to be mine. William will ride at first light to tell her of our victory and to ease the worry from her mind.”

  With her hand toying with the laces on Declan’s shirt, she asked, “What negotiations?”

  Declan kissed her forehead and lifted some of her hair to smooth between his fingers. “Merrick will ride to claim the lands of his father. None expect the men remaining there to cause trouble. Glenn paid for loyalty but never earned it. His widow may baulk at her son being forced out as heir. However, he is but a wee lad of ten summers and not ready to assume the mantle of laird. Despite all, Merrick is favored by the men as he has always trained with them and stood by their sides during the tasks of the day. Most should welcome and honor him as laird.”

  His fingers released her hair and pulled her hand to lace within his. “Glenn has not overseen the planting of crops because he was so convinced of his taking the Draig lands that he neglected his own. On the morrow, we will continue talks of seeds and other household supplies. There will also be a fair amount of silver to provide for the household and payment for the men. My cousin will ride with several of our warriors to secure his place if needed.” He glanced at Cortland and sighed. “It has been suggested that I welcome Merrick as family, as an equal, and support him in all ways.”

  She didn’t need to question Cortland to see his wisdom in the idea. Placing a quick kiss to Declan’s cheek, she said, “It seems like a good idea. After all, he did promise to treat his stepmother and stepbrothers very well. Besides, it’s the right thing to do. He’s family.”

  Declan shifted her on his lap until his forehead rested against hers. “I have no intention of letting you ride away with Merrick.”

  With his hands framing her face, she whispered, “I have no intention of leaving with him.” Pulling back, she stared into his eyes. “I meant it when I said you are my life.”

  “Leave, old man. We can continue on the morrow. It appears I have much to discuss in private with my wife.” Declan’s lazy, sensual grin made her laugh.

  Cortland rose and shook his head. “Bold words for a man who forgets his child fills his bed. Besides, Emma needs to rest after the trials of the day.”

  Declan’s amusement sobered, and he turned his head to view Mary asleep in the bed. “A night spent with the two I cherish above all ‘tis what is needed. Go to your rest so I can see Emma to hers.”

  Emma lifted from his lap and gingerly made her way on her sore ankle to stand at the bedside with her gaze locked on Mary’s sleeping form while Declan whispered to Cortland before securing the door behind him. She is so beautiful.

  “Would you put these away now or in the morn?” Declan asked, holding out the leather saddlebag. “I sent one of the stable lads to fetch the horses and your belongings.”

  She met him at the chest at the foot of the bed, shook out her tightly rolled gowns and shifts, and placed them in the empty chest.

  When his gaze narrowed at the chest that should have contained expensive silks, she said, “I think someone must have taken what was left behind.” Meggie had only packed the gowns Cortland had ordered for her, none of the finery Declan had provided. Good riddance.

  “That explains the old tattered robe,” he said with a gruff nod. “Tell me what you would have replaced, and I will see it done.”

  “Nothing. I have everything I need. The rest is only stuff.” You are all I need.

  Declan chuckled. “I should have kenned your reply. Finery has never touched your heart. But, so you ken, a few fine gowns will be replaced. When others come to visit, I would have them confident I spoil my wife with our wealth.”

  For his benefit, she said, “I would like another silk robe.” While she loved the battered robe, Declan had been quite pleased with her covered in what he had given her. The robe seemed the perfect compromise.

  “Then you will have it.” Pulling her close with the edges of the robe in his hands, he said with a twinkle in his eyes, “While I have fine memories of revealing your flesh to my eyes from this garment, you are a sight of beauty covered in silks.” His head lowered to kiss her slowly and tenderly. Breaking the sweet moment, he pulled back. “Do you truly ken my joy at your safety? That our wee Mary sleeps safe within our sight?”

  She exhaled at his choked words, his emotion ringing in her ears. “We have so much to be thankful for tonight.”

  His lips twitched in a cocky grin. “While I would have ended the night claiming you again in our bed, your father is correct, you need rest.”

  Emma stepped back out of his reach. “No more claiming me. I’m already yours.” Walking to the bedside, she again focused on Mary. Declan immediately followed and wrapped his arms around her middle, pulling her back against his strong chest.

  “She sleeps with no cares or worries,” he whispered into her hair.

  “She’s amazing. Mary was so relieved to have us back that she didn’t really dwell on our time apart. Other than not wanting to sleep alone tonight, she was happy.” Emma chuckled as she remembered her time alone with the child. “Though it still took me two stories to get her to close her eyes.”

  “Mayhap she wished to hear the voice of one who loves her beyond measure.” His hand lowered to cover her flat womb. “Did you speak of the bairn?”

  “No, not tonight. She needed all of me, I think. Let’s wait until she is confident the danger has passed before we shake up her world.” When Declan made a grumbling noise in her hair, she asked, “What?”

  “I would tell the clan on the morrow of the bairn. In their eyes, it would bind us and remind them of our vows spoken before all.” His lips brushed her temple. “I would share my happiness with our clan.”

  Emma winced at the notion some might question the validity of the marriage. In her mind, she could see the women at the well gossiping over the events that had passed and heard the potentially hurtful comments too clearly. Her head shook to clear the negativity away. “After Cortland holds your feet to the fire in the morning, gossip should fade. Besides, the fact that we are here together
should be all that matters. Let them whisper.”

  “Let them whisper that I am the most fortunate of men to have the woman I love by my side,” Declan purred into her ear. “But our joyous news will wait until you decide Mary is ready to hear it. I trust your judgment.”

  Laughing, Emma turned to face him. “How far we have come since that first argument in your study.”

  “Aye, wife. That night I baited you to see the blue fire burn in your eyes and wondered if it would shine as brightly when your passions were roused. Aye, it burns even brighter when our bodies are locked together. I may still pick quarrels with you from time to time to stoke the fire.”

  She shook her head in disbelief. He never fails to amaze me. “Somehow I never assumed life with you would be completely peaceful.”

  After laughing at her comment, his features settled into a sober expression. “I have you to thank for our lives. The training you gave Mary, against my wishes, saved us all. Forgive me for doubting your wisdom.”

  “Then forgive me in advance. I plan on continuing the lessons. She will learn to be strong and be able to take care of herself.” Emma buried her face against his neck and sighed into his embrace. He will never understand that Mary did it all. A lesson is only a lesson. Practical application takes fortitude, something Mary has in abundance.

  Against her hair, he whispered, “Raise our wee ones as you see fit, wife. I will support all you do.”

  “I know.”

  Declan loosened her arms from his neck and pulled the covers back from the bed. Helping her settle, he covered her and walked to his side of the bed. She heard his boots hit the floor and smiled at the perfect sight of him settled against the pillow with Mary between them.

  The child stirred when he kissed her head. “Da,” her sleepy voice said.

  “Aye, sweet Mary. I am here as is Emma. Sleep in peace. You are safe with those who love you,” Declan crooned to the child who rolled over to snuggle against him.

  “I want to see Aalish,” she whispered, half asleep.

  When Declan frowned, Emma chimed in, “I want to see her too. We’ll go in the morning as soon as we are able. She will want to see you with her own eyes. You can tell her how you brave you were.”

  When Mary’s breathing settled back to a rhythm of sleep, Emma whispered to Declan. “Aalish will always be a mother to her. Be grateful that so many of us are here to love her.”

  Declan sighed. “Aye. Our child is loved.” Taking one of her hands, he leaned to brush a kiss to her palm. “Sleep, wife. We are safe.”

  Emma knew she couldn’t have kept her eyes open if he had demanded it. The events of the day had left her exhausted. Letting the first night of their new lives soothe her battered nerves, she let Declan’s whisper wash over her. “We will always be one.”

  Chapter 37

  “How long before everyone is talking about me throwing up?” Emma groaned from Aalish’s kitchen table. She knew the cup of minty water in front of her would only lead to more gossip. Aalish had to ask for the mint from Gilda, who promised something better later in the day.

  “Tongues wag, Emma,” Aalish replied with a bit too much laughter. “When the laird’s wife loses her meal and tells the onlookers it passes, all ken the meaning.”

  Sipping the water, Emma asked, “So what were you saying before I humiliated myself before half of the village?”

  Ignoring the question, Aalish asked, “Have I told you how I will love the bairn you carry as if it were my own?”

  Smiling at the comment she knew to be true, Emma said, “He’ll love you, too.”

  “A fine lad for Thomas to play with, ‘tis a grand thought.” Aalish’s face sobered. “So, you plan to marry the arse again?”

  Emma’s hand gripped the dagger strapped to her side, secured with a new piece of rawhide that Declan had tied to her waist that morning with Mary watching. “I don’t have to marry him again.” Emma felt a confidence that filled her being. “We were never truly apart.”

  Aalish seemed to mull over the statement, and Emma knew the woman considered every detail she had shared during her long retelling of everything that had happened. Nothing had been left out. She spoke of the afternoon her world crashed to her feet when she had been cast aside and Declan left with Ciara . . . and ended with every glorious detail of the previous night’s triumph. Parts of the story filled their eyes with tears, yet she had covered every detail. I need her to agree with me that we are still married. I want her to tell me that she respects my choice.

  “Some will say you are no longer wed,” Aalish finally said.

  Rolling her eyes, Emma laughed, “Some will say anything if it wastes the day.”

  “True. So you have enough faith in the laird?” Aalish’s attempt to make Emma question the decision to love and trust Declan failed. She loved him and knew deep in her soul that he loved her. “My only question is can you tolerate the laird?”

  Both women laughed at the comment, and Thomas looked up from his blanket on the floor to babble at them. Unable to resist the child’s smiling eyes, Emma rose and scooped him into her arms before settling again at the table. Without facing Aalish, she said, “I can handle the laird.”

  Voices carried through the open cottage door. “I certainly hope so. It would seem his journey throughout the village has finally led him here.”

  Emma had known Declan and Cortland were in the village for a while. Given the events of the past night, Declan needed to make the rounds and reassure everyone about the gossip that had spread like wildfire since dawn. Having Cortland at his side would let whispers fade into the past. Declan’s duties as laird were also the reason she hadn’t seen him since breakfast.

  Declan had been locked in his study with Cortland, William, Merrick, and a few of Merrick’s men, presumably making plans for the future. Meggie had informed her a feast was being prepared for the evening meal for all under the Draig’s protection. All of it had given her the excuse she needed to leave the keep and seek her friend.

  “Why are you nay at his side as he greets all?” Aalish asked.

  “You mean besides for the fact I limped down here?” Emma teased rather than answered. Leveling her gaze at the woman across the table, she said, “I knew you would need to see Mary for yourself to know she was safe. Not to mention that I needed to be with you.” Emma had stayed in the hall long enough to witness Declan’s public apology to Cortland. The story he had spun about ending the marriage being false and solely a rouse to allow Cortland to spirit her to safety would have impressed a modern public relations expert. While full of mistruths, it had been readily accepted by those gathered. That Declan had finished on his knees before Cortland and had begged for forgiveness from Emma’s father had been brilliant and far too real. It had left her more shaken than she cared to admit.

  Aalish’s hand reached over the table to grasp hers and squeezed. “Aye, to see you both safe in my home fills me with such happiness. Thank you for sharing Mary with me.”

  Before she could reply, a knock sounded on the open door. Cortland was immediately at her side with her chin tipped to face him.

  “I am too late. The sickness has already come upon you,” his worried voice proclaimed. Seeing the cup on the table, her father thanked Aalish for the mint and her wisdom at seeking Gilda’s aid.

  “So, I finally found you,” Declan said as he entered the cottage and sat at her side.

  Glaring at his vocal tone, she mocked, “Really, laird? You knew exactly where I would be.”

  Declan chuckled and leaned in to kiss her temple. “The laird wished you by his side as he greeted our clan but is pleased to find you resting. The man is shamed he wasn’t by your side when you fell ill.”

  Shaking her head at his dichotomy, she had the feeling life would hold a similar pattern. The laird needed to see to
the clan first, and she would have to wait for rare stolen moments and each evening to have the man to herself. In the end, it didn’t matter to her because she loved them both.

  “You should be ashamed,” Aalish hissed across the table. “Your wife needed you. Though I am amazed she is willing to be such after your horrid treatment of her. And you, Cortland, how dare you permit Declan to even speak to your daughter.”

  Emma gaped at the woman who had been rational all morning only to lose it now. “Aalish, calm down,” she pleaded.

  Declan rose and walked around the table to sit at Aalish’s side. To everyone’s amazement, he pulled the woman against him and kissed her forehead. “I deserve your wrath for hurting your friend. Ken only that Emma and I stand as one on this and every day with Cortland’s blessing.”

  Aalish shoved him away and stared at Cortland. “‘Tis true?”

  “My daughter has made her choice, and I will honor it. Though I constantly question her taste in men.” Cortland teased, and Declan growled.

  “Why are you in my home?” There was only a hint of Aalish’s usual good nature.

  Declan straightened his posture, Emma caught the visage of the laird take over. “To invite all to our wedding feast.”

  “Excuse me?” Emma stilled at the pronouncement she had expected. “What are you talking about?”

  “Too many speak of burned contracts,” Cortland said from her side. “Those that already whisper at you being ill also recall the days you spent away from Declan. Keep in mind, we also spread the false tale of you losing a bairn.”

  Emma stared, dumbfounded by her father’s insinuations. “Are you trying to tell me that . . .” She couldn’t even finish the thought that someone had dared to suggest that she was pregnant by someone else. These people clearly need a hobby.