Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

At least he wasn’t lurking within the hallway, awaiting Lila’s first step out of her chamber this morning. In the days following her father’s return, he’d ordered Ian accompany her whenever she’d wandered beyond the keep. The hulking warrior was everywhere, his protection absolute. Certainly, her father’s worries were legitimate considering any wish they might make in desperation could come true, but she and Nanna had returned and were done traveling through time. This was her rightful place and here she wanted to remain.


She shoved her bedcovers back, hopped across the cold polished planks then crawled onto the wooden trunk’s engraved lid under the window. After flinging open the shutters, she flipped her nightrail’s hem over her dangling feet to warm them against the chill.

Outside, the sun hovered on the horizon, promising some warmth to the cool autumn day. It had poured the night before, a deluge that caused the green hills to glisten with a wealth of new growth. This land was beautiful, with its lochs and bens and grassy moors.

Better still was the view toward Mull. Each day she took a stroll along the shore and the sight toward Duart brought her closer to the warrior who never left her mind.

Goodness, she missed Calum. Their night in the cave, now three weeks past, would be forever burned into her soul. If only she could see him in truth, to have the chance to tell him she’d never set out to deceive him. A fanciful wish, one she’d never make.

“We’re almost there, Malcolm. Bring the loaves of bread, beans and oats from the kitchens.” Ian stood with one hand braced against the wooden sides of a cart overflowing with blankets, clothing, tools, and supplies for the warriors camped east of here.

Two lanky lads dashed out from the side entrance and tucked several loaves of bread into the rear. Both had red hair and breeches three or four inches too short on their legs. Twins, and the head cook’s eldest sons. She’d come to learn they were a boisterous pair.

Hmm, where was her father? He was usually in the midst of such happenings. Maybe cloistered again with his seneschal. Yesterday he’d spent the entire day examining the accounts.

During some time alone with him in the evening, she’d explained how computers worked in the future, and how specialized software programs kept a tally of it all. He’d looked at her in complete astonishment. Oh, the things she could tell him, and would. She smiled at the thought.

“Lila, it’s me.” Nanna knocked then walked in with a swish of her bronzed skirts. She plowed to a stop. “Oh, why aren’t you dressed?”

“I’m brooding. Where’s Father?”

“He left at dawn to visit two tenants to collect overdue rents. He’ll be gone for a night or two. He’s organized for us to travel with the men to the camp. He thought you might like to see more than Mingary’s stone walls.”

Would she ever, and she’d be even closer to Calum. “How long will we be away?”

“We’ll stay the night and return tomorrow with Ian.”

“I can’t believe Father is allowing such a trip.” She jumped off the trunk. “Is Janet coming?”

“No, she left with John.”

“That’s a shame.” She and Nanna had enjoyed spending the afternoons with Janet in her solar. The stories Janet had told them about the MacLean and MacIan clans fascinated her. Janet loved both her kin, no matter the feud and the wrongs done between them. She also held hope that one day things would ease and she’d once again be able to see her family. She missed Margaret and her grandchildren.

“You’ll enjoy watching the warriors train. It’s a sight to behold.” Nanna crossed and glanced out the window. “Oh dear, look at poor Ian. He can’t stop scratching his jaw. Clearly he doesn’t care for the clean-shaven feel.”

“That might be my fault. I told him ladies don’t really appreciate rough beards.” He’d gotten a little too close during a dance one evening in the great hall, and it had been the only way to ensure he didn’t get any ideas.

“I see. He’s clearly taken your word as truth. I’ll keep an eye on him for you.” Nanna wandered to her curtained ambry and foraged through her clothing. She hauled out a deep blue riding habit and a broad-brimmed hat. “This is perfect. I’ll choose a second outfit for tomorrow and ensure it goes into my bag.”

“Will I get to ride?” That’s something she’d yet to experience. She tugged her nightrail over her head then folded it under her pillow.

“You’ll need lessons first. For today you can ride with a warrior.”

“Perfect, but anyone other than Ian.” She donned the white shirt Nanna handed her, then tugged on the fitted jacket. The riding habit’s skirt was long and full, cumbersome and weighty, but the extra layers would keep her warm outside. She laced her leather boots and pocketed her charm. “Will Josiah be coming along on this trip?” Nanna and the warrior had taken an endless number of walks together.

“Yes, and I shall not be telling him he has a rough beard.” Nanna fanned her face. “Sixty-five and I’m allowing a man’s attentions again. Whoever would have thought?”

“Me.” Nanna had so much love to give.

She splashed her face with cool water, combed her hair and left it long and loose.

“I’ve never considered seeing anyone in all these years, not with the secrets I’ve held.”

A knock sounded and Nanna walked to the door and opened it.