“And your husband, Craig McCabe, do you love him?” King James asked.
“Aye,” Peigi answered, her cheeks turning pink, “very much.”
“What about you, Craig McCabe? Do you love your wife?” King James asked.
“Aye,” Craig said, the look on his face softening as he looked at Peigi. “She’s my life.”
“None of this matters,” Cory interrupted, annoying King James. “We’ve already agreed…”
“Our agreement has been fulfilled,” King James said, turning to look at Cory. “I said I would have McCabe marry your sister. He’s married to your sister, isn’t he?”
“Not this sister,” Cory tried to argue.
“McKinnon, you told me you liked this sister, so why would you want to make her hate you?” King James asked. He didn’t wait for an answer and continued, “she loves this man, and you want me to annul her marriage to Craig, and then force him to marry a woman neither one of them likes. Do you think Peigi will ever forgive you if I do that? Do you think the McCabes will ever forgive you? Or me?”
“But what about Isla?” Cory asked. “I need her to marry, and soon.”
“I’m tired of the name Isla McKinnon, and having to deal with her, so I have two solutions. I’ll let you choose which one you think is more appropriate. First, we could put her in an abbey. If I order it done, they won’t let her leave, and she’ll spend the rest of her days there,” King James said. “Or secondly, she thought Laird McNary an acceptable husband for young Peigi here, so I think he’d make an acceptable husband for Isla.”
“He won’t want her,” Peigi said quietly, “he wants an...ah...untouched bride.”
King James laughed and said, “I assume after a sennight of marriage to young Craig here, that you wouldn’t be a bride he’d want anymore either.” Peigi’s cheeks turned pink again. “I thought so.”
“He’s very old,” Peigi said to the King.
“Aye,” King James answered.
“And he has a missing tooth,” Peigi said.
“Aye,” King James answered, fighting the urge to laugh. “Do you think I’m cruel if I make your sister marry him?”
“Nay,” Peigi said quietly and giggled, “I think they deserve each other.” King James did laugh this time.
“I choose McNary,” Cory said, “but I want Peigi to come home with me. I never gave permission for her to wed.”
“I will not leave my husband,” Peigi said to her brother. “This is my home now.”
“Nay,” Cory argued, “you will leave with me in the morning.”
“Gory McKinnon you’re being unreasonable,” Peigi shouted out.
“Easy, lass,” King James said and chuckled. “I like her Craig, she’ll do well here with the rest of the McCabes. I remember the women here are a feisty lot.”
“Aye,” Craig said. He held out his hand and Peigi took it, he pulled her into his arms. “We like them that way around here.” He kissed her in front of everyone, long and hard. His brothers and sisters cheered until King James motioned for them to quiet down.
“Your Majesty,” Cory started to protest.
“Be quiet, McKinnon,” King James said. “I’ll personally write out a missive arranging the marriage of Laird McNary to Isla McKinnon.”
“And if McNary refuses?” Cory asked.
“You ride home tomorrow and begin preparing Isla. I suggest you lock her in her bedchamber with a guard at the door once she hears about the wedding that’s been arranged for her. I’ll meet you at McNary’s Keep in a sennight. I’d like to stay for Hamish and Davina’s wedding first. I’m sure I can convince McNary to marry your sister,” King James assured Cory. “The man is old, and should be thrilled to have a woman as young as Isla in his bed.”
“Aye,” Cory said, still unsure.
“She’ll probably hate you for it,” King James warned him.
“She hates me already,” Cory said and shrugged his shoulders. “She’s been a problem since she was three and ten, and I’m ready to be done with her.”
“Are we done here then?” King James asked. “McNary gets Isla, and Peigi stays here with her husband.”
“Aye,” Cory agreed sadly and sighed.
“Cheer up,” McKinnon,” Craig said, slapping Cory on the back, ”you’re family now, and always welcome a Gleann.”
“You wouldn’t mind if I come to visit Peigi every now and then?” Cory asked.
“You better,” Peigi answered, going up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “I love you, Gory, and I’d miss you if you never came to see me.”
“I used to have a strong alliance with your Da, Cory,” Hamish said, “it’s something I’d like to have again, with you. A family should stick together.”
“Aye,” Cory agreed, “I’d like that too.”
King James nodded approvingly, happy with the way things had turned out. He’d never felt right about making one of the McCabes marry Isla McKinnon, but her brother had been so persistent. The McCabes were loyal, and he wanted to keep them that way.
“Hamish, I believe you said a meal was going to be served soon?” King James asked.
“Aye, Your Majesty,” Hamish answered, “and I suggest we should celebrate with some wine and Gleann whiskey.”
“Sounds perfect,” King James said as everyone hurried to find spots at the table.
**********
“Gory and Doxy?” Craig said to Peigi as he stood behind her unlacing the back of her gown. Then he repeated himself, “Gory and Doxy?”
Once he was done he pulled the gown off her shoulders and let it fall to the ground around her feet. Next, he grabbed the bottom of her shift and pulled it up over her head. He reached around her and grabbed both breasts before pulling her naked body back against his still clothed one.
“I didn’t mean to deceive you,” Peigi said, beginning to pant as Craig pinched each of her nipples just hard enough to sting. She felt the moisture gather between her thighs and pushed back even closer to him. “If you would have mentioned Gory or Doxy, I mean Cory or Isla, I would have told you everything, but you never mentioned their names.”
“I was trying to spare you from hearing all the unpleasant details,” Craig told her. “You should have been honest with me, Peigi. I would’ve insisted on seeing your brother after we wed.”
“I didn’t even know where he was,” Peigi panted and then groaned when Craig let his hand slide down between her legs and started rubbing her cunny.
“I think you deserve a bit of punishment,” Craig said quietly in her ear, “don’t you?”
“Aye, husband,” Peigi said, then squealed as Craig pinched her nipple hard before letting go. She heard Craig laugh softly before his hand connect with her backside. Smack, smack.
He stayed behind her and marched her over to a corner. Peigi looked over her shoulder and he tried to hide his grin, but failed. She grinned back, excited to see what he was going to do next.
“Put your hands next to your head,” Craig said to her. Peigi did. Craig then grabbed her hips and said, “now take a step back but keep your hands on the wall.” Peigi again did as he asked. “Spread your legs,” Craig said to her. Again Peigi listened.
“What now?” Peigi asked, breathing heavily.
“I decide what happens next,” Craig said, bringing his hand down on her arse again. Smack, smack .
“Ouch,” Peigi said, and giggled. It stung, and she felt more moisture gather between her legs.
Craig pushed two fingers up inside her cunny, finding her already wet and ready for him. He kept one hand on her hip as he plunged his fingers in and out of her opening.
“You’re enjoying your punishment, wife,” Craig said, and when she groaned he laughed softly. Smack, smack. “Tell me you like this.” Smack, smack.
“Aye,” Peigi agreed. Smack, smack. “I like it.” Smack, smack.
“You’re so wet and ready for me,” Craig told her. Smack, smack. He stripped off his clothes and stood naked behind her.
> “Aye,” Peigi agreed again. Smack, smack. “I need you, Craig, I need you now.”
“Turn around,” Craig said, pulling his fingers out of her. His cock was hard, and although he wanted to play longer, he needed to be inside her; he’d have time to take things slowly later.
Peigi turned and Craig picked her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he stepped forward with her in his arms until her back hit the tapestry covering the wall.
“Wrap your legs around me,” he said to her.
Peigi did, and as she locked her ankles behind him he lowered her onto his cock, filling her completely. He pulled out and then plunged back in forcefully, Peigi moaned. He did it again and again, keeping a hand on each side of her arse to lift her and then let her fall back down on him.
Peigi tried to rock her hips, but Craig pressed her back even more firmly against the wall as his pace quickened. She groaned and gasped as Craig made sure he gave Peigi as much pleasure as he was getting. She felt her stomach tighten and squeezed him with her legs as an orgasm overtook her. She bit down on Craig’s shoulder to keep from crying out.
Craig thrust into her again and again. Her cunny gripped his cock so tight he didn’t want it to end. He knew he couldn’t last much longer, and with one final thrust, he shot his seed deep up inside her. Craig didn’t even pull out, he just sank down onto the floor with Peigi in his lap.
“You are incredible,” he said to her once he was able to catch his breath. He kissed her softly. “The most incredible woman I’ve ever met.”
“Nay,” Peigi said.
“Aye,” Craig argued, then chuckled.
“What’s so funny?” Peigi asked, still trying to breathe normally.
“I was just thinking about something,” Craig told her.
“Tell me,” Peigi said, kissing him this time as she snuggled closer to him.
“It’s nothing really,” Craig said, “just a conversation I had with Ethan on the way here.”
“What was it about?” Peigi asked.
“You,” Craig answered, “but I didn’t know it was about you at the time. Ethan was telling me about his marriage, and how I shouldn’t marry until I found my perfect match.”
“Do you think I’m your perfect match?” Peigi asked.
“You’re just perfect,” Craig answered, kissing her once more.
“Nay, I’m not,” Peigi said, “but you are.”
Craig laughed and stood with her in his arms. He carried her over to the bed and threw her onto it playfully. He straddled her waist and then lifted both her hands above her head, securing them quickly to the board at the top.
“I’m not perfect either, but you and me, Peigi McCabe, are a perfect match,” Craig said as he ran his tongue down her body until his mouth hovered about her cunny.
“Aye,” Peigi was able to answer before he lowered his head between her legs and showed her what a perfect match they were.
Chapter 11. Lady McCabe
Davina Graham spun around in front of the mirror, feeling like a lass half her age. She couldn’t believe that in less than an hour she’d be marrying once again. This time it felt so different, and she knew it was because she was marrying a man she already loved.
“You look beautiful, Davina,” Jacqueline told her as she placed a ring of flowers on top of her head. “Annabelle and Alyssa made this for you, I hope you don’t mind wearing it.”
“I love it, and I love them. You’ll thank them for me, won’t you?” Davina asked. She waited for Jacqueline to nod before adding, “I can’t believe I’m going to do this again.”
“You make my Da very happy,” Jacqueline said, “and he deserves to be happy, so do you.”
“And you truly don’t mind if we wed?” Davina asked.
“Not at all,” Jacqueline told her, “I’m thrilled, we all are. I don’t ever remember my Da being like this with any other woman.”
“Like what?” Davina asked.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” Jacqueline said. “Attentive? Infatuated? Smitten? He loves you. We all see it when he looks at you. Eadan remembers the most about our mither, and he says he remembers Da looking at our Mither like that.”
“He loved your Mither very much,” Davina said. “It nearly killed him when she died.”
“So I’ve been told,” Jacqueline replied, “but I have no memories of my Mither. What I will always remember is the love I see in his eyes every time he looks at you.” Davina nodded and tried to hold back her tears.
“Nay, don’t cry, Mither,” Lynsey said, jumping up from the chair she was sitting in. “Your eyes will be red and swollen when you get to the Kirk. Laird McCabe will wonder what we’ve been doing to you.” She soaked a cloth in cold water and gave it to Davina. “Put this over them, it should help.” Davina nodded and took the cloth, placing it over her eyes.
“May we come in?” Jacqueline heard Flora call through the door as she knocked.
“Aye,” Jacqueline said as she opened the door to find all of her sisters by marriage on the other side. “Of course you can.”
“Oh, Davina, your dress is lovely,” Kirstie told her as they entered. Her belly was huge; the bairn was due in a fortnight. “Da will love the sight of you in it.”
“You may not make it to the celebration feast after the ceremony,” Nellie teased, “Da may just take you right up to his bedchamber instead.” All the young woman laughed as Davina’s cheeks turned red.
“Stop it,” Davina said, and then she giggled, because she knew they were right, Hamish would try.
“All the guests have arrived and the kirk is ready,” Angela added, “everyone’s just waiting for you and Da.”
“Did I thank all of you for arranging all of this?” Davina asked.
“Many times,” Flora answered. “But there’s no need, we loved doing it.”
“Aye,“ Mairi agreed. “I’ve missed being at Gleann, and it’ll be good to see everyone from the neighboring clans.” Emelia nodded as she stood next to her sister.
“Where are all the bairns?” Davina asked.
“With their Da’s or nurses,” Flora told her. “We wanted some time with you, alone, before your big day. They’ll all be at the feast though, even the babes, Da insisted they be there.”
“I would hope so,” Davina answered, “the day wouldn’t be complete without them. I love them all so much already.”
“And they love you,” Jacqueline said, “Annabelle and Alyssa asked me this morning if they could call you Grandmither once the ceremony was over.”
“So did Eadan Hamish,” Kirstie said and giggled.
“I would love that, if you don’t mind,” Davina told them both. Before Jacqueline and Kirstie could answer another knock sounded on the door.
“If that’s Eadan he’s early,” Kirstie said, walking to the door to open it. It’d been decided that as the oldest son and heir, Eadan should be the one to escort Davina to the Kirk, while James, the youngest, would accompany Hamish.
“Your Majesty,” Kirstie said after opening the door and finding King James on the other side.
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but if Lady Graham is finished dressing, I’d like a few minutes of her time,” King James said.
“Of course,” Davina said, “I’m ready, and I always have time for you, King James.”
King James waited until all of the other women left the room before stepping inside and shutting the door. He had a small box in his hand and he looked quite pleased with himself.
“Is something wrong, Your Majesty?” Davina asked.
“Nay,” King James answered. “I just wanted you to know how happy I am for you today. Donnell was one of my oldest and closest friends, the closest thing to a brother that I had.”
“He always spoke highly of you,” Davina told him. “He loved you, not because you were his King, but because of the bond you shared.”
“It was the same for me,” King James told her. “Now, enough with our memories, today is a happ
y day, and I’ve come here for a specific reason. First, I’d like to give you this.” He handed her the box.
Davina opened it and found a beautiful necklace made of gold with rubies evenly spaced across the chain. It was the most beautiful piece of jewelry Davina had ever seen.
“How lovely,” Davina said, almost afraid to touch it.
“It would please me if you would wear it today,” King James told her. “It is my wedding gift to you.”
“Of course,” Davina answered, “I would be honored.”
“It would also please me if one day you’d pass it down to Lynsey,” King James told her.
“She’d like that,” Davina answered as she put the necklace on. “She’s a bit nervous that you might still be angry with her.”
“I spoke with Lynsey and Rory in private after the evening meal yesterday,” King James told her. “I have been assured the punishment I ordered had been carried out.”
“It was,” Davina said, and couldn’t hide her grin.
“I see you agreed with it,” King James said and laughed out loud.
“Aye,” Davina told him, “I was considering taking a hairbrush to her myself. I didn’t read the missives she sent you, but when she told me about them…,” King James cut her off, waving his hand.
“That is all in the past. Lynsey told me herself she regrets her actions. We need never speak of it again,” King James told her.
“I’m happy to hear you say that,” Davina said.
“I was also assured during our conversation that the marriage is good, and Lynsey is happy,” King James said, “everything worked out as I planned. Hamish McCabe is a fine man, and I’m so happy for the two of you.”
“You planned for Hamish and I to wed?” Davina asked.
“I hoped,” King James corrected. “I thought the two of you might suit. He’s a good man, and I believe you’ll be very happy here.”
“I am,” Davina answered truthfully. “I barely knew Donnell when we married, and although I grew to love him, it took time. With Hamish it’s different, I already love him, and can’t wait to be his wife.”
They sound of cheering in the Keep yard floated in through the window. Davina knew Hamish must have left the castle and was making his way to the steps of the Kirk where they would be saying their vows in front of all the people at Gleann.
A Perfect Match Page 11