Last night they’d spoken their vows before Brother John and their entire clan. She’d worn Mary’s wedding dress a second time, and afterward, a feast had been held in their honor. Later, the night had been theirs, and today they lazed, enjoying being together, a freedom they’d fought so hard for.
“Can you hear that?” Alex played his fingers in her hair, surrounding her in his warmth.
“You mean my mother’s laughter?” She shuffled forward. The land below sloped gently away, the lower meadow abloom with wildflowers. “Mary and Mum have baskets in hand. The castle shall be radiant on our return.”
“I meant your father. James is working with him outside in the yard.”
The warriors trained, although only half of them below, the other half swimming in the loch. James swung his sword, instructing Dad in the movements required. “He’ll be in his element. Dad’s always longed to take lessons with the sword. Men still wield those in the future, but in sport alone.”
“I’ll aid in his training as well. ’Tis no sport here. He’ll need to become proficient in order to defend himself and those he loves in the Highlands.” He eased back, taking her with him to lie flat in their hidden hollow.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as she wriggled on top of him. “Before you begin on him, I still need training.”
“What would that be for?”
“For appreciating the fine wealth of flesh you’ve currently got covered.”
“Aye, though ’tis you who wears far too many clothes.” Grinning, he caressed her belly, holding her and their child close.
Intense emotions swamped her, the most wondrous love. It filled her heart to capacity. “I’ll never let you go.”
“I’ll never allow it.” He rolled her onto her back then kissed her, long and deep, and with infinite precision.
Every inch of her throbbed for more.
“I promise you forever, Alex.”
“And I vow my eternal devotion. Let me begin your training, because I do recall you promised me a certain reward, one I intended to seek on our return from the hunt.”
“Oooh, I love a good hunt.”
Oh yes, and to have an abundance of time. Now with it returned to them, she allowed her love for him to overflow.
Love. Theirs had transcended time.
Author’s Note
The ruins of Dunscaith Castle have always intrigued me, as well as the Highlander clans on the Isle of Skye. I chose to send Anne MacLeod back to the year fifteen-hundred and ninety, because Donald Gorme Mor MacDonald of Sleat, the Chief of Clan MacDonald at this time, had been imprisoned by the king due to his feud with the MacLean of Duart. The king did in fact induce all those involved in the dispute, being Donald MacDonald of Sleat, Angus MacDonald of Dunnyveg and Lachlan MacLean of Duart, to go to Edinburgh. When they each arrived, they were apprehended and imprisoned. I altered this event slightly, allowing for MacDonald’s capture by the king’s men to suit the story. His successor was his nephew Donald MacDonald, a minor, and with someone needing to lead the clan, I chose Alex.
Alex MacDonald, Anne and Annie McLeod are fictional characters.
Sir Roderick Ruairidh Mor MacLeod, the fifteenth Chief of Clan MacLeod, was known as Rory, and Margaret was his younger sister.
The Fairy Flag belonging to clan MacLeod does hang within a frame in the great hall of Dunvegan Castle, although it’s now merely a thin piece of fabric.
This story is woven with as much accuracy to the period and locations as possible, but any mistakes made are mine alone.
This book forms part of my Highlander Heat series, and each within it are stand-alone.
Please feel free to search for any of my other works. I simply adore strong heroines, and have a ton of fun matching them with their honorable alpha heroes.
Joanne Wadsworth
I love reading romance, but even more, I love to write it. My characters hound me, demanding their stories are told. I’m happy to oblige, giving them the romance they’re after, provided they can accept a little angst and adventure along the way.
In beautiful New Zealand, I live with my hubby and four energetic children, and adore using the stunning countries of the South Pacific as backdrops in many of my books. One day I hope to travel further afield, to visit the Scottish Highlands, America, and everywhere between.
Currently I have three series underway. Highlander Heat, historical Highlander romances, feature strong heroines whose paths collide with their delicious Highland heroes. Look out for Highlander’s Captive, Highlander’s Magic, and Highlander’s Charm, stories that continue to bring this series alive.
Magio-Earth, is a fast-paced YA fantasy romance line, where across worlds, soul-bound mates battle against both love and land.
And in Bodyguards, each heart-pounding story will bring you a bodyguard and the woman he protects.
There is no greater feeling than seeing my characters come to life, so thank you for joining me...where romance meets fantasy and adventure.
To learn more about Joanne and her works, visit:
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