Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

“I can swim without your supervision.”


“The water’s chilly.” The waves rolled in, splashing her skirts and darkening the hems of his leather pants. Farther along the beach, a fire blazed within a small pit at the edge of the dunes as a final blaze of red seared the sunset sky. The rays lit Calum’s golden eyes, turning them a smoldering hue as he set her down on the tartan spread before the fire. He eased in behind her, rested his chin on the top of her head.

“This is a beautiful spot.” She tucked her skirts under her legs and embraced his warmth as the crashing waves rolled in.

They’d made so many new memories this past month. Calum had even taken her to the meadow of wildflowers. He was her destiny, and always would be.

It had been hard knowing Nanna was so close, that she was unable to see her, but here she’d remained. At least Calum had ensured the letter she’d written her had been received. His man had even waited for a response, and she kept her grandmother’s note close, right in her pocket along with her charm.

“What has that worried look on your face?” With one arm wrapped around her, he caressed her belly, holding her and their child close.

“Nanna, John and Janet are arriving in another two days. I’m getting nervous.”

“You’ve already met your father.”

“Yes, but you and I are the only ones with memories from the time I traveled. I returned to the same moment I first had, and I’ve never been anywhere now but with you.”

Since Margaret and Colin hadn’t remembered her, she’d detailed everything in her letter to Nanna, telling her exactly what had happened. Nanna’s answering letter had confirmed that she too hadn’t recalled Lila’s first journey through time. No memories. Not one of their reunion at Mingary.

Still, Nanna had reassured her she’d pave the way with her father, ensuring he knew her marriage to Calum was her choice. Nanna had written she held hope that another marriage between a MacLean and a MacIan might tip the scales toward finally cementing closer ties between their two clans. Instead of inflaming the feud, Lila might just be the one to calm it.

“John agreed to enter into talks with me. ’Tis a good start.” Calum slid her hair to the side and nuzzled her neck. “I’ve received word too that Janet longs to see Margaret and her grandchildren. We’ll begin working on a resolution, with or without the king’s decree. While your MacIan kin are at Duart, I give you my word no harm shall come to them.” He eased back, taking her with him to lie flat on the sand. “Do you trust me?”

“With my life.” She rubbed her nose against his. “Nanna always said one day I would spread my wings and fly. I only wish to fly with you.”

“Then allow me to see to that.” He kissed her, long and with sensual seduction.

Her charm heated in her pocket, and she smiled against his lips.

Every moment with him now was hers to cherish forever.

Soar she would, and to the very stars.



On her tiptoes, Lila tried to shove past Calum’s broad back as they waited on Duart’s sea-gate stone landing two days later. The MacIan’s birlinn had berthed, and John, in a white tunic and leather pants, aided Nanna and Janet out as several of their warriors surrounded them. They were well armed, but no surprises there. Still, this was to be a peaceful visit, one that both Calum and her father had agreed to.

From beside her, Margaret, in a flurry of teal skirts, squealed and raced toward Janet. The two women cried and jumped in a dizzying circle.

Nanna, her black hair wisped with gray pinned high atop her head, waved to her, and Josiah bounded out and caught Nanna’s arm to keep her steady on the landing. She looked healthy and happy in a burgundy gown with long lace tapered sleeves.

“Let me go, Calum.”

“Aye, love.” He kissed the top of her head then stepped aside. “Go and see your kin.”

“Nanna!” She ran into her grandmother’s open arms, and tears streaked down their cheeks. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I’ve been waiting forever to see you, my dear. I couldn’t believe your letter said you’d already traveled through time, but it looks like that’s been for the best. We’re here, and that would never have happened otherwise. You have to tell me everything.”

“I can’t believe the secrets you kept from me as a child.” She tapped Nanna’s nose. “No more.”

“Oh dear.” She smiled mischievously. “I promise. No more. Just as well we don’t have to have that conversation again. Come meet your father. It’s past time.” She turned and grasped John’s arm. “John, this is your daughter, Lila.”

“Aye, I hear we’ve already met.” Eyes twinkling, he lifted her off her feet and swung her about. “I cannae believe I have a daughter. ’Tis a miracle you survived your birth, and most grateful I am for your grandmother’s wish.”