She dropped to her knees and clasped his face with shaky hands. “I love you too, more than my heart can stand. Yes, a hundred times over, yes.”
“You’ll never leave me again.” He stood and swung her into his arms. He kissed her, allowing his hunger its ultimate release. She would be his, in this time and any other.
He had his woman back.
“Okay, Alex, let’s get one thing straight. I can walk. You didn’t have to carry me down the steps.” Alex set her down between him and the birlinn bobbing against the stone landing of Dunvegan’s sea-gate. The new day had dawned, and the rising sun glimmered gold over the frothy waves rolling in. Even though chilly, the day was bright with wispy clouds streaming across the clear sky. A good day for sailing. “I’d also like to say goodbye to Annie and Margaret. To do that, I need you to move aside.”
“The steps were slippery.” Alex wrapped her more securely in his plaid. “And I’ve already invited Annie and Margaret to Dunscaith. You’ll see them again soon.”
“I’d like to see them now.” She ducked under his arm. Men. Still, she understood why Alex had become so territorial since her return last night, but he’d have to let up a little, and soon.
Annie pulled her into her arms. “Margaret and I shall see you the moment we twist Rory’s arm hard enough to allow the journey.”
Rory grunted from beside Dad. Arms crossed, he nodded to her. “Safe travels, Anne. You and your parents are welcome to return whenever you wish.”
Margaret joined hers and Annie’s hug. “Take care and journey safely.”
“I’ll miss you both.” She squeezed them so hard they groaned. Then it was her parents’ turn. Mum held Annie close and promised her they’d visit her as well, and as often as they could.
Perhaps the feud had been set aside. Only time would truly tell. Regardless, she had her heart’s desire. Her parents. Alex. She couldn’t wish for anything more.
“What are you thinking?” Alex lent her a hand and guided her into the birlinn. He seated her next to him on the wooden bench at the stern.
Her parents boarded and took a seat next to Mary. Alex’s mother had missed their arrival last night and only caught up with all the happenings as they’d broken their fast. Mary too appeared eager to leave.
“Too much, yet not enough.” She snuggled into Alex. “I’d like to see more of Scotland. You’ll show me, won’t you?”
“Whatever you wish, but within reason.”
The men rowed, and James, aboard the other birlinn, sailed in tandem with them.
Together they left the seclusion of the loch and rounded the tip. Sails raised, they cruised south.
Alex lifted his face to the wind, his eyes closed as he breathed deep.
She did the same, taking in the scents of sea and Scotland’s freshest air.
They stopped to rest during their trip as often as needed. This was the tour of her dreams, with her parents by her side.
They came ashore that night and the men set up camp, hunted game then roasted their meal over an open fire. She slept with Alex among their kin, sharing his plaid. Her heart expanded with love.
“Why are you no’ asleep?” he murmured in her ear.
“I’m counting my blessings.” She nuzzled into the small V at the neckline of his white linen shirt.
“Take care with how you touch me, love. A certain part of me has no’ ceased aching since we left Dunvegan.”
“Why didn’t you say?” She swept her hand over the bulge in his trews. “Oh, that’s got to be some ache.”
He muttered several unrepeatable words.
“Come on. I’m going to ease your frustration right now, and you’re not going to argue otherwise.” She pushed to her feet. “Take a walk with me.”
“Nay, I can wait,” he whispered madly.
“It doesn’t appear so.” She gripped his hand and tugged him until he stood.
“You are far too obstinate. We’ll have to mind the guards.” He ushered her around those sleeping and out of camp. Through the bush, he led her, until he slowly turned and nodded. “Aye, this is far enough.” He spread his plaid under a tree. “Are you sure?”
“I’m a twenty-first century woman, and a very adventurous one at that. You never have to ask if I’m sure.” She released the front laces of her amethyst gown. The cool night air skimmed over the exposed sliver of flesh.
“I’m quite taken with your adventurous nature.” With painstaking slowness, he trailed his finger from between her breasts to her belly, his touch sending a torrent of delicious tingles spiraling out. “I cannae believe you’re finally mine.”
“I always have been.” She eased her arms free of the long sleeves and the fabric slid down and bunched on her hips.
“Allow me.” He lowered to his knees, planted his hands on her waist and pressed his lips to her belly. He kissed her where their child lay, the baby he would raise right along with her. “Your body is my body.”