Stark relief unknotted his shoulders. He had prayed she would truly forgive him, and it seemed she had. He went to speak but snapped his mouth shut when the horse neighed.
Activity ahead stopped them in their tracks.
Chapter 9
Rona pulled her blade free and scanned the woodland, trying not to panic. She must not let what happened a few nights ago rule her emotions. Something had stirred the horses. So if miscreants were ahead, she must face them.
“’Tis just a small boar,” one of Colmac’s men called out.
She breathed a sigh of relief, sheathed her blade, and shook her head. “How ironic.”
“Why is that, lass?” Colmac’s warm breath against her ear invoked a variety of sensations. Overwhelming desire. A need to kiss him again. To lose herself in something she never imagined feeling.
But he knew what he did, did he not? And was every bit aroused. So said what had been pressed against her backside since he got on the horse. The same thing she’d felt in his arms last night dancing then very much so during their kiss. A hard length that pressed against her belly, reminding her just how much she still had to experience…what life had to offer.
What Colmac had to offer.
“Why is it ironic?” he prompted, reminding her she had commented on the boar.
“Because the beastie seems to mark important moments in my life,” she replied. “Ye and Bróccín so long ago and now…”
When she trailed off, he whispered, “Now what?” in her ear then dropped several small kisses on the side of her neck.
She shivered with awareness and glanced at Brighid and Aaron to see if they noticed, but they seemed lost in their own world, talking softly to each other. In fact, they appeared more at peace than ever, her aunt cozy in his arms.
“Now it seems I am at another important moment in my life,” she whispered, closing her eyes to the feel of Colmac’s warm lips.
“Boars symbolize many things,” he said. “But above all fearlessness and strength.”
“Have I those qualities then?”
“Aye, lass, always,” he said softly against her ear, sending another round of delicious shivers through her. “Mayhap, God is trying to remind ye of that.”
She met his eyes over her shoulder again. “Why would God need to remind me of such?”
“Because this is not easy,” he murmured. “Not for me and most especially not for ye.”
Their gazes held, and she understood what he spoke of. She could see it in his steady gaze. The deep love he felt. What he wanted from the future. Rather than respond, she leaned back against him again. This was the very thing she had dwelled upon into the wee hours of the morn.
How much she desired Colmac.
How much, despite the years between, she still loved him.
What was she to do with such love considering she had been betrothed to his brother? What would her clan make of it? His? Would everyone think they betrayed Bróccín’s memory if they came together? If they loved as they wanted to?
As it turned out, they boarded a boat a few hours later without further incident. It was hard to say goodbye to her horse, but she was assured he would be well cared for. Once the weather permitted and it was safer to ride around the loch, she could come back for him.
She and Brighid smiled at each other, eager to return home after so long. The whole way across Loch Fynn she about burst with anticipation until someone eventually said the words she’d been longing to hear.
“There they are,” a Sinclair called out. “MacLomains await us ashore!”
Within moments, she spied them. Teary, she glanced from Brighid and Aaron to the shore. “’Tis Adlin and Mistress Mildred.” She nodded. “I see Laird Tiernan too!”
A short time later, she was off the boat and embracing them, teary all the while. Despite being past their fiftieth winter, Adlin and Mildred looked well, both remarkably attractive and fit. Tiernan had certainly filled out. Like his da, he was tall and broad-shouldered with piercing pale blue eyes.
“’Tis bloody good to see ye again, lassie.” Adlin held her at arm’s length and looked her over after she had said hello to the others. “Ye’ve grown into a bonny lass, ye have!”
He had always been like another father, so it was very good to see him. “Thank ye.” She smiled, glancing from Brighid and Aaron back to Adlin. “I was well taken care of.”
He beamed at the others. “Aye, ye were indeed!”
Eager to catch up, everyone chatted away while they traveled. She and Colmac had their own horses now, and she rode alongside Tiernan.
“Look at ye, cousin.” She grinned at him. “I remember when we were the same height.”
“Och, ‘twas but for a week or two,” Tiernan chided. He winked then grew serious. “I am truly sorry for yer loss, lass. Bróccín was a good lad. This should have been a verra different sort of homecoming for ye.”
“Aye, he was,” she said softly.
“But at least ye arenae alone.” He’d always had a way of putting her at ease. Soothing her sadness. He glanced back at Colmac then looked to her. “’Tis good Colmac came with ye. We were hoping he would.”
“Ye were?”
“Aye.” He smiled. “He’s a good man and has done well by his clan since returning from battle.” He cocked his head. “If I recall correctly, ye were fast friends with both Colmac and Bróccín, aye?”
“Aye.” She nodded. “Verra much so.”
Though the conversation moved on, she got the impression Tiernan was even happier than he let on that Colmac was here. Happy they would be celebrating Hogmanay together.
“So have ye a lass ye’ll be marrying before midnight, m’Laird?”
“Och, nay.” Tiernan chuckled and shook his head. “I enjoy the lasses plenty, but I’ve had little time or inclination to get that serious.”
“Aye, ‘tis a lot of work running a clan,” she conceded. “But I suspect love will find ye when the time is right.”
“Mayhap.” He met her eyes, his focus not on his lack of romance but that which flourished between others. “Whilst old friends will be missed, I believe ‘twill still be a joyous Hogmanay. One that will bring many a couple together. True love, indeed.”
Like his father, Tiernan had always been good at saying one thing, while getting another point across. This time, based on the way he glanced at Colmac again and nodded once with approval, he made his point very clear. Not only did he think Colmac was her true love, but he very much approved of their marrying if that was her desire.
She looked ahead, not sure what to make of that. She’d been on MacLomain land less than an hour, and already she had the chieftain’s approval to marry another.
More than that, to marry the brother of her former betrothed.
“There it is at long last, lassie,” Brighid exclaimed, her gaze alight with excitement.
Fluffy, white snowflakes started falling as they left the woodland behind and MacLomain Castle loomed ahead. Surrounded on three sides by water, it was a mighty fine sight with its numerous wall walks, turrets, multiple drawbridges, and motes. Torches were lit, and sparkled along its expanse, making it almost magical in appearance. Honoring holiday tradition, a great bonfire surrounded by dancing clanfolk burned on the field to purify MacLomain land and drive away evil spirits.
Aaron joined them, grinning widely. “We are home, at last, my lasses.”
“Aye,” they said in agreement.
“I remember a time we would have raced each other at this juncture.” Colmac joined them and met her smile. “Do ye remember lass?”
“All too well.” She chuckled, fondly recalling the many times they had raced across this very field. “If ‘twas not for the snow and ice, I would race ye now and beat ye just like I always did.”
“Ha!” He met her chuckle. “Is that how ye remember it?”
They laughed as they headed forward. What a wondrous thing to be home again. Though she had both anticipated and dreaded this momen
t, it was far less sad than she imagined and she knew why.
She glanced at Colmac again, so very grateful he was here.
That she was not facing this eve alone.
Upon arrival in the courtyard, they were greeted by many, and she rarely had dry eyes. The wall surrounding the castle had been expanded substantially years ago, and many more cottages were built within. Well-protected, they were part of a thriving community where commerce was alive and well.
Fiddles and pipes played, a merry backdrop to the falling snow. A variety of wares were sold from multiple carts, last minute gifts for the midnight hour. Children raced around, playing and laughing. Couples both young and old strolled by and nodded at them in greeting.
Tiernan assured Rona that her chambers were ready for her arrival then left to see to business. Brighid and Aaron floated off together as well, charmed by something that caught their attention.
“Shall we then, lass?” Colmac held out his elbow to her at the base of the stairs leading to the castle’s great hall.
She smiled and looped her elbow with his. “We shall.”
They climbed and admired the endless holly and ribbons strewn about. Colmac nodded and thanked a lass who gave him two mugs teeming with whisky. He handed her one, his smile firmly in place.
“It doesnae seem right,” she said.
“What’s that?”
“My clan doing so well when others struggle.”
“’Tis what it is,” he replied. “What ye overlook is how much the MacLomains help not only their people but other clans at every turn.” He shook his head. “’Tis a rare clan that builds an extra wall and numerous cottages so that more might be safe. People that werenae even a part of their clan.”
“Aye,” she whispered, proud. “They have always been exceptional.”
“So ye dinnae need to feel guilt that ye see one thing here and another at my castle.” He gave her a pointed look. “All that matters is the happiness ye witness at both.” Warmth lit his gaze. “Because ye did, aye?”
“I did,” she agreed. “Ye really have done well by them Colmac.”
“I have only helped them along,” he replied. “Once my cousins get home from war, the MacLauchlins will start rebuilding. Mark my words.”
“Now that ye have rebuilt yer clan’s foundation, how else can it be?” She squeezed his hand. “Never forget that. ‘Twas ye that brought yer people back from a verra dark place.”
Clearly grateful for her words, he squeezed her hand in return. Near the top of the stairs, he leapt ahead despite his limp and opened the door for her. He bowed and made a hand flourish that she enter. “Wishing ye a verra warm welcome home, lass.”
Just like it had all day, her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. She nodded, curtsied in thanks then walked into the MacLomain great hall.
She put a hand to her heart and took it all in. “’Tis just as I remember.”
A fire burned on the monstrous hearth at the far side of the hall. As always, the faces carved into its mantle seemed to celebrate alongside endless folk. Candles and torches burned everywhere lighting monstrous tapestries depicting oceanscapes, and even a mighty Viking said to be their ancestor. Sweet and spicy scents filled the air and pipes played, echoing far and wide. Red berries speckled vibrant green holly, and festive ribbons hung all about.
“’Tis bonny, aye?” Colmac whispered in her ear from behind, weakening her knees. “But not nearly as bonny as…”
When he trailed off, she understood why. A little girl had just stopped in front of them and offered Rona a ribbon to tie in her hair for the holiday. She smiled in thanks and took it, staring for a moment before she looked at Colmac. “’Tis the same ribbon that tied the scrolls, aye?”
“Aye, lass, ‘tis the verra same,” Adlin confirmed, joining them. He looked from the ribbon to her and shockingly enough, referred to the last letter Bróccín had left her. “Have ye not a question for me then, lass? Mayhap what should have been yers from the beginning?”
Chapter 10
Adlin had insisted Colmac follow him and Rona up to her chambers, so he did, suspecting all the while what the former chieftain was leading her toward. What he was not sure of, however, was how he felt about that.
After all, many a year ago, he had raced into this castle one Hogmanay night, hoping to have something forged for him despite the late hour. Where that had gotten to, though, remained a mystery.
“Sweet Heaven,” Rona whispered, awed as Adlin opened the door to her chambers. “’Tis just as I left it.”
“But of course, lass.” A fire crackled on the hearth and candles flickered. Food and drink lay invitingly on the side table. The air smelled faintly of evergreen and juniper. A clan true to Hogmanay tradition, someone would have walked from room to room earlier in the day with a burning juniper branch to discourage evil spirits and chase away disease for the New Year.
“Did ye expect yer chamber would change, Rona?” Adlin arched a brow. “Ye’re kin.”
She smiled and stopped when she spied what lay on the bed.
“Lord above.” She drifted to the satiny red dress. “This is lovely.”
“’Tis yers to wear this eve.” Adlin gestured to her bedside table. “But there is more, lass.” His kind gaze went to her. “Something awaits ye.”
Her eyes widened at the scroll on the table. Just like the others, it was tied in red ribbon only the holly was fresh like the first missive. “It came from here.” Her attention returned to Adlin. “The ribbon around all of them came from here.”
“Aye.” Adlin shook his head. “But not the letters themselves.” He looked from Colmac to her. “Those came from Bróccín.”
“But how did he get the ribbon after he fell sick?” Colmac asked. “How did he get the scrolls spread about? The scroll that was there when Rona first awakened?”
“I will tell ye later.” Adlin gestured at the scroll again. “Until then, ‘tis best ye spend another moment or two with yer brother, lad.” His gaze went to Colmac, quite serious. “For this is his last communication.”
He left, shutting the door softly behind him.
Rona scooped up the scroll, sat on the bed, and stared at it. “The last then?”
“Aye.” He sat beside her and eyed it too, both sad and curious. “’Tis odd. Two days ago I thought I had long said goodbye to my brother, but I feel as if he stands here with us now…as if these are indeed his last words.”
“Aye.” She untied it slowly, her gaze full of sentiment. “Though sad, I thought it would be worse…harder.”
“There has already been a year of grieving,” he reminded. “Even longer for ye as ye were apart whilst he battled.”
“Aye, ‘tis not just that, though,” she whispered. Her hands stilled on the ribbon, and her eyes met his. “’Tis because ye’re here going through it with me…giving me strength.”
“’Tis good,” he said softly, tempted to kiss her again no matter how inappropriate the moment.
“Verra good.” Her gaze stayed with his for another moment then she finally unrolled the scroll only for a small green velvet pouch to fall out of it. “What is this?”
Colmac took it, fully aware of what it likely was. “First, the scroll then we will find out what is in this.”
She nodded, her gaze lingering on it a moment longer before she read the letter. He was shocked to discover Bróccín had addressed both him and Rona this time.
Dear Rona and Colmac,
Rona, if ye made it this far then ‘tis my fondest hope ye make it all the way. ‘Tis time we say farewell once and for all, and for ye to live the life ye were always meant to. A life I took from ye. I was selfish and wanted yer loving light all to myself. Ye shone where so few did. Yet, in truth, I stole that light. It never belonged to me but another. So if I can give ye one final gift for Hogmanay from the beyond ‘tis that ye finally give yer heart to my brother as ye tried to do all those years ago…
Her teary eyes met Colmac’s before the
y returned to the missive, and she kept reading.
Brother, if ye are reading this, then ye are precisely where God intended ye to be from the start. A place I had no right to intrude upon. I was weak and lonely and loved her so. But that does not justify my actions. I took what did not belong to me because I could. I knew ye would deny me nothing. ‘Twas wrong a thousand times over and I can only hope in time ye will forgive me. That when we meet beyond this life, ye will embrace me as a brother once more. Now tell her the story behind the ring and might ye both find the Hogmanay that always belonged to ye…
Until we meet again,
Bróccín
“What ring?” she whispered and looked at him. “What is he talking about?”
“He is talking about something I gave him.”
His gaze fell to the velvet pouch. Should he listen to Bróccín and tell her the truth or protect his brother’s actions? As it were, the contents of the pouch were supposed to have come from Colmac. Yet when his eyes rose to hers again, he knew he had to listen to his brother and tell her everything. All of it.
Not to benefit himself but because she deserved it.
More than that, she deserved it to be presented to her the way Colmac had intended all those years ago.
So he got down on one knee, poured the contents of the pouch into his palm then held the golden ring out to her. With two hands coming from opposite directions holding a crowned heart, it signified how strongly he felt both then and now.
“Though I had started to suspect for some time,” he began, “when we danced together, and I gazed into yer eyes, I knew ye were not just the lass I loved but the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.” He looked at her with everything he felt. “So I raced off that Hogmanay eve to the one place I knew had a smith who could create a masterpiece. Adlin, of course, assured me he would make something that depicted how I felt. Something that said ye and only ye hold my heart.”
He glanced from the ring to her, caught in the moment…the memory. “I could not wait to give it to ye. To ask ye to be mine…” He shook his head. “I wondered at yer reaction the whole way here and back. Would yer eyes grow as bright as they did when we danced? Or would they turn soft and sensual, wondering what came next?”
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