Reclaiming His Bride

by Bethany Hauck

  “Lorna,” he said as he dismounted, “you’ve grown even more beautiful over the last year.” Lorna blushed.

  “You’ve been gone so long, Thomas, I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever come home,” Lorna teased.

  “You knew I’d be coming home,” Thomas said, kissing the back of her hand, “I wrote to you every fortnight. Do you think I’d let anyone else get the chance to marry you?” Once more, they looked at each other and grinned.

  Their parents may have betrothed them at an early age, but neither Lorna or Thomas ever tried to get out of the agreement. The two of them had always gotten along. Even when Lorna was still a girl, and Thomas, a young man he’d been kind to her. Thomas always made certain he greeted her and kissed her hand when they saw each other, and Lorna had loved him for as long as she could remember for it.

  Lorna thought about the last time they’d been together, almost a year before. Her Da and Mither trusted the two of them, and they’d been permitted by her parents to go for a ride together, just her and Thomas. In a field far enough away from the castle and village that they wouldn’t be seen, their shared kisses had almost gone too far.

  Thomas would never tell Lorna the truth, but it was because of what happened in that field that he’d gone away for the past year. He knew he’d never be able to keep his hands off of her until she was seventeen, which had still been a year away. He’d only been twenty himself at the time and had virtually no experience with women.

  His brother Dylan was the one that suggested a year in Glasgow to learn more about the business dealings of running a Keep, and other things. Thomas agreed, even though he knew he’d miss Lorna. What he hadn’t known at the time, was how much he’d miss her. He’d thought about her every day. Now that he’d returned home, he was excited about marrying Lorna and having her by his side.

  Lorna led Thomas into the castle, where he greeted her parents. They’d always liked Thomas, and Lorna’s Da had been good friends with Thomas’s Da. Laird Grant had been a good man, but a hunting accident three years earlier ended his life. Thomas’s mither died two years before that.

  Thomas stood and talked with Elliot, Lorna’s da, and Sorcha, her mither for a few minutes, filling them in on Dylan and his wife Ava. Elliot had been a big help to Dylan, who’d been thrown into the role of Laird at the age of three and twenty. He gave his advice whenever Dylan asked, and there was no one Dylan trusted more. The McNee’s had all been at the wedding. Elliot and Sorcha were glad to hear that Dylan and Ava were happy, and hoping for a bairn in the near future.

  Lorna’s brother, Calvin, was nowhere to be found, but that wasn’t unusual. He never made an effort to be part of her life. The relationship they shared was strange. They ate meals together as a family, but Calvin was a bit of a loner and preferred to only participate in the discussions by answering questions. He was always polite and never disrespectful to either of his parents. Lorna and Calvin rarely had a private conversation with each other, and if they did, it was cordial, but never personal.

  “What do the two of you plan on doing today?” Elliot asked the two youngsters.

  “I wanted to take Thomas on a picnic,” Lorna told her Da. “If you don’t mind us missing the evening meal.”

  “Nay,” Elliot told them, “the two of you will be wed soon, I see no harm in it.”

  “Just be back before sunset,” Sorcha added, smiling at the young couple.

  “Aye,” Thomas told them, “we’ll be back well before that time. I still have to ride home later.”

  “You’re welcome to stay at Castle Sween tonight if you’d like,” Elliot offered.

  “Nay,” Thomas answered, “thank you for the kind offer, but my brother will be expecting me home. He’ll worry if I don’t show. It’s less than a two-hour ride.”

  “Then you must leave well before dark,” Sorcha said graciously. “I’d hate to see Dylan worry.”

  Lorna grabbed Thomas by the hand and pulled him to the kitchen to collect the basket of food she’d asked the cook to prepare. Leaving the kitchen, their next stop was at the stables, where two horses were already saddled and waiting.

  “Where do you intend to take me?” Thomas asked, smiling at her.

  “Back to our field,” Lorna whispered and then grinned.

  “Aye,” Thomas said, “I did enjoy our last trip there, although I was very frustrated when we left.”

  “Aye,” Lorna said, blushing.

  The conversation between them was easy as they rode out to the field next to a loch far enough away from the Keep that no one could spot them from on top of the wall. Thomas told Lorna all about the things he’d been doing in Glasgow, well most of them, which was less than a two-hour ride beyond the Grant Keep, Doune. Lorna spread out the plaid she’d brought for them to sit on and laid out the food. They both ate and continued to talk.

  “I’d like to marry in a fortnight,” Thomas told her “if you agree.”

  “I’d marry you tomorrow,” Lorna answered. “I love you, Thomas, and I can’t wait to be your wife.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Thomas said, “because, Lorna MacNee, I love you too, and once we wed, I’m never letting you go. If your Da agrees, I’d like you to come to Doune a few days before the wedding. That way you’ll have some time with Ava, Dylan’s wife. She can show you what your duties will be, and you’ll learn the rules of the Keep.”

  “I know Ava, Thomas. I have been to Doune,” she said teasingly. Then becoming more serious, she asked, “what rules?”

  “There will be rules, Lorna. Ava follows them too, but she understands Dylan only wants to keep her safe. I want to keep you safe,” Thomas told her. “You will follow them, Lorna.”

  “If I agree with them,” she replied.

  “If you agree with them or not,” Thomas insisted, “you will not like the consequences if you don’t.”

  “I don’t like where this conversation is going,” Lorna said. “I will not sit here and listen to you talk to me like a bairn.”

  “Maybe a demonstration is what you need,” Thomas said, reaching out and pulling her down over his stretched out legs. Figuring they’d be married soon, and it didn’t matter, he pulled her skirt and shift up, baring her to the waist.

  “Thomas, what do you think you’re doing?” Lorna cried out. “Unhand me right now.”

  “Nay,” Thomas said, rubbing his hand across her bare flesh. She was warm and soft. “You need a lesson on what happens to lasses who don’t listen to their husbands at Doune.”

  Then he brought his hand down on her backside. First one cheek, and then the other. Smack, smack. “Stop struggling, Lorna, I intend to go easy on you, this time.” Smack, smack. “The rules should be easy to follow.” Smack, smack. “You will always tell someone where you’ll be when you leave the castle.” Smack, smack. “You will always take a guard or escort with you when you leave the keep.” Smack, smack. “And you will speak to me respectfully at all times in front of the men.” Smack, smack.

  Thomas flipped Lorna back over and sat her on his lap. Tears were on her cheeks, and he gently wiped them away. He pulled her into his chest and held her close as she calmed herself.

  “Are those the only rules?” Lorna asked quietly.

  “Nay,” Thomas told her, “you will also not put yourself in any danger, ever. I love you too much to let anything happen to you, Lorna. Can you follow these rules?”

  “Aye, Thomas,” Lorna said, looking up at him, “they’re reasonable.”

  Thomas brought his lips down on hers and kissed her gently. Lorna wrapped her arms around his neck and held on, making the kiss linger. Thomas thrust his tongue past her lips and touched his to hers. Lorna groaned.

  Thomas didn’t want to stop, and neither did Lorna. The spanking Thomas had given her made her feel funny, and for some reason, she craved his touch more than she ever had before. With the wedding only a fortnight away, they both decided waiting didn’t matter, and within minutes they were stretched out on the plaid tog
ether, naked.

  “Are you sure?” Thomas asked as he played with her nipple.

  “Aye, Thomas,” Lorna answered, “show me what to do.”

  “You don’t need to do anything,” Thomas assured her, “I’ll take care of you.”

  He leaned forward and licked one of her already hardening nipples as he cupped the other breast. Lorna moaned, and his hand slid lower. As he kissed her again, his fingers slid between her folds, finding her already wet and ready for him.

  Thomas found her clit and slowly rubbed it. Making circles around it and then letting his thumb flick over the hardening nub. Lorna moaned again and thrust her hips up at him.

  “Please, Thomas,” she said, wanting more, but not knowing exactly what she wanted.

  “Let me make you feel good,” Thomas said, scooting down between her legs and letting his tongue replace his fingers.

  He licked and sucked, making her moan and grip his head between her hands, not wanting him to ever stop. He found her opening and pushed a finger up inside her, she was tight, but didn’t seem to feel any discomfort. He sucked her clit into his mouth and added a second finger in her cunny. With a squeal, her cunny gripped his fingers tight as her nub spasmed under his tongue.

  Thomas slowed his ministrations down, and once Lorna calmed a bit, he slowly climbed over her. He lined his cock up at her opening and asked one more time, “are you sure, Lorna? I can wait for a fortnight.”

  “Nay, I don’t want to wait,” Lorna said, “please, Thomas, love me.”

  Thomas grinned down at her and slowly pressed forward until he came up against her barrier. He kissed her once more as he thrust his hips forward, breaking through her innocence. He felt Lorna flinch.

  “Are you alright?” He asked, holding himself still.

  “Aye,” Lorna said, moving her hips a bit and experimenting. “It hurt a bit for just a moment, but I think I’m alright now.”

  Thomas nodded and slowly pulled his cock most of the way out of her cunny before pressing forward once more, burying himself fully into her.

  “You feel tight,” Thomas said, “and wet.”

  “Is that bad?” Lorna asked.

  “Nay, lass,” Thomas said, “that’s good,” He pulled out and pushed back inside her again. “Very, very good.”

  They didn’t speak again. Thomas began pulling out and thrusting into her again and again, and kissing her like he just couldn’t get enough. Lorna wrapped her arms and legs around him, not wanting it to ever end. Too soon for both of them, Lorna’s cunny gripped his cock as she again reached her pleasure. Thomas tried, but he couldn’t hold back, shooting his seed far up inside of her.

  Once they’d both caught their breath, Thomas rolled off of Lorna, taking her with him. He rubbed her back softly, enjoying having her in his arms.

  “I can’t believe we just did that,” Lorna said and giggled.

  “Aye,” Thomas said, grinning, “the wedding will have to take place in a fortnight now. Maybe we created a bairn already.”

  “I wish it were in a sennight,” Lorna said and sighed.

  “You’ll come to Doune a few days before the wedding?” Thomas asked.

  “Aye,” Lorna answered, “I’ll come. I’ll miss you until then.”

  “And I, you,” Thomas said, “but we’ll be together after that until the end of our days.”

  Then he kissed her again, and once more they shared their love for one another before getting dressed and riding back to Castle Sween.

  Thomas and Lorna spent some time with both her parents in Elliot’s study after their return. Soon wedding plans were confirmed, and everyone was happy. Lorna walked Thomas to his horse and kissed him goodbye, looking forward to their wedding day, and night.

  **********

  “Why did Da ask me to escort you to Doune?” Calvin asked, complaining for at least the tenth time since they’d left home. “I was supposed to visit Ayla Buchanan today. Doune is an hour ride out of my way.”

  “Don’t let me ruin your plans,” Lorna said, tired of hearing him complain, “we’re almost halfway there, and you would’ve had to go this way anyway. We can go our separate ways when you need to. Da never needs to know.”

  “Nay,” Calvin said, “if something happens to you, Da will blame me.”

  “Nothing will happen to me,” Lorna assured him. “I’ve ridden this route to Doune many times.” This was true, but she didn’t tell him it was always with an escort, “and never had a bit of trouble.”

  “And what about your Dowry?” Calvin asked. “Da said I was to give it directly to Thomas when we arrive.”

  ‘I can take it,” Lorna told him. “No one will know I’ve got it. Don’t start worrying about me now, Calvin, you never have before.”

  “Nay,” Calvin admitted, “I haven’t. You’ve had Mither and Da’s attention since you were born. You didn’t need mine too. Once Mither and Da are gone, I’ll be the Laird of Castle Sween. You won’t be welcome to stay there anymore.”

  “Aye,” Lorna said, holding back her tears. His words weren’t a surprise, he’d told her this before, but they still hurt. “I know you mean those words, Calvin, and I won’t be back for more than an occasional visit to friends once our parents are gone.”

  “As long as you understand,” Calvin said. He took the bag of coins that was tied to his saddle and handed it to her. She tied it onto her horse and once more grabbed the reins, ready to ride.

  “I’ll see you in a few days with Mither and Da for your wedding,” Calvin said, as they prepared to go their separate ways. “You may not believe me, Lorna, but I do hope you find happiness in your marriage.”

  “Aye,” Lorna said, “and I hope you find a lass that will make you happy.”

  “I will,” Calvin said, and he actually grinned at her, “but I don’t plan to marry for a few years yet.”

  Lorna only watched for a moment as Calvin rode away. She turned her horse back towards Doune and kicked it into a canter. She was only a few miles from her destination when she spotted a carriage traveling with two guards. It looked like it was also heading to Doune.

  Lorna stopped her horse and watched the travelers for a minute. Once she decided they weren’t a threat, she called out a greeting as she carefully approached. The guards stopped, and once they did the same and deciding she wasn’t a threat, they waved her forward. The carriage stopped, and a woman stuck her head out the window.

  “And what have we here?” The woman in the carriage asked, looking at Lorna.

  “I’m Lorna MacNee,” she introduced herself. “I was on my way to Doune when I spotted your carriage.” The woman’s eyes lit up. Lorna disliked her instantly.

  “I was just about to stop for a break to stretch my legs and get a bite to eat,” the woman said. “My name is Lorraine Anderson, and I’d be happy if you’d join me, Lorna MacNee.”

  Lorna didn’t want to, she didn’t want to spend time with the woman, she wanted to get to Doune, but she didn’t want to be rude either. “I’d love too,” she said, trying to smile.

  As the woman climbed down from the carriage, Lorna couldn’t help but notice she was pregnant. Probably close to her sixth month.

  “Aye,” Lorraine said. Seeing that Lorna was staring she put a hand on her stomach, “I’m hoping it’s a lad. His Da would be so happy.”

  “Does your husband live at Doune?” Lorna asked.

  “Nay,” Lorraine answered, “I’m not married, but I will be soon. The babes Da doesn’t know about him yet. I’ve traveled from Glasgow to tell him.”

  Lorna didn’t know what to say. She nodded her head, trying to think of a way to get out of the uncomfortable situation.

  “Thomas will be so happy,” Lorraine said, trying to hide her smirk. She knew who Lorna was. Thomas had told her all about his betrothed. In fact, she was his favorite subject.

  “Thomas?” Lorna asked. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach.

  “Aye,” Lorraine said, “Thomas Grant. The two of us becam
e very close while he was in Glasgow. It was scandalous, but he just about lived with me. The two of us were so in love, but then I had to leave and go to Edinburgh for a while. My poor Thomas was so upset that I had to go.” Lorraine could see her words were getting to Lorna, the woman stood, now pale as snow, in stunned silence, while Lorraine went on. “I realized I was with child while we were apart. I came back to Glasgow as soon as I could, but when I returned, Thomas was already gone. It took me a while to find out where Doune was, and then arrange an escort to get here. Do you know my Thomas?”

  “Aye,” Lorna said, walking back to her horse.

  “Where are you going?” Lorraine called out as she watched Lorna mount and then turn her horse in the opposite direction. “I thought you were going to Doune?”

  “Nay,” Lorna said quietly, “I don’t need to go there anymore.”

  Lorna rode off quickly and never looked back. She couldn’t stop the tears that were running down her cheeks as she sobbed. She didn’t know where to go next. She couldn’t go back home and face her Mither and Da. She couldn’t go to Doune. She finally decided to ride into Glasgow. She’d have a day or two before anyone noticed she was missing to figure out what she wanted to do next.

  Lorraine watched Lorna ride away and laughed. She knew Thomas would marry her once he found out about the bairn, as long as his betrothed was out of the picture. He was that kind of man, even if the babe wasn’t his. But that was information she never planned to tell Thomas.

  **********

  Lorna sat by the river in Glasgow and watched as some of the boats come in and docked while others pulled up their anchor and sailed away. She still had no idea what to do, but at least she’d managed to stop crying. One minute she was heartbroken, and the next, she was angry. How could Thomas tell her he loved her and then sleep with another woman? She wished she could board one of the ships to wherever it was going and start over again. She barely noticed when a man holding a small child sat down next to her.