Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

“Matthew.” Julia raced across the room and gathered him in a hug. “You’re walking about and oh, you look so very well. The arrow is gone. ’Tis incredible what Tavish has done.”


“Aye, your mate removed the pesky thing, and all while I slept. Just dinnae ask me how he did that. Make sure you keep your mate close, lass. He’s a keeper.” He shuffled toward Aleck and Adair with a grin on his face. “’Tis about time you two returned. Your daughters have been quite the handful to watch over of late, both of them whisking here and there and without nary a word of where they’re going.”

“’Tis so good to see you, Matthew.” Father gripped Matthew’s forearm and Mother embraced Matthew, as gently as she could with his wound.

A rush of wind swirled and Cherub and Kirk arrived with Arabel and Finlay.

“I cannae believe what I’m seeing.” Tears flowed down Arabel’s cheeks as she dashed toward their parents and clutched them to her. “You’re both back and alive. You’re alive, truly alive.”

“We have our parents back.” Julia wrapped her arms around Arabel and their parents. A fresh wave of tears fell, soul-cleansing tears. From the day Gilleoin had told her and her sister the devastating news of their parents’ death, a piece of her heart had died, but now her heart was once again alive and bursting with so much happiness and joy. This moment was one she’d cherish forever.

A click sounded from behind her and she glanced over her shoulder.

Tavish blew her a kiss, his clever device in hand. “Smile, love.”

She beamed as he circled their group and snapped pictures of them.

Chatter abounded, each of them talking over the other in their rush to share all their news.

An hour or more passed before Megan declared the evening meal would soon be served, and for those who wished to join the rest of their clan downstairs in the great hall, could do so after they’d had time to bathe and change. Megan grasped Mother’s hand. “I’ll bring all you might need to your chamber, clothes and such for you and Aleck. The one a few doors down shall be all yours, and for as long as you need it.”

“You have my most grateful thanks.” Mother squeezed Megan’s fingers in return. “I cannae wait to see more of this time since my daughters will soon be living in it.”

“Then I hope you and Aleck will consider Ivanson Castle your home just as your daughters soon will. You are both welcome here whenever Cherub brings you for a visit.”

“Aye, I will gladly bring one and all.” Cherub twirled around with a giggle. “This is a most wondrous day.”

“It surely is.” Julia nabbed Arabel’s hand, caught Cherub’s hand too, and the three of them all danced around in a circle together.

Dizzy, Arabel stopped and grabbed a breath. “All right, time to show Mother and Father to their chamber.” She kissed Julia’s cheek then Cherub’s. “I’ve never been so happy.”

Neither had Julia. She opened the door for everyone and Matthew padded out then her sister led their parents down the hallway to their room.

Kirk swiped a blue pen from Tavish’s countertop and tossed it to Finlay with a grin. “Here’s your pen, as promised.”

Finlay chuckled and pocketed it, one hand on the doorway. “Thanks ever so much, but now I’m leaving you in charge of Gilleoin’s accounts and ensuring the rents are received, as well as watching over his lands and clan. I’m going to stay here for a few days with Arabel and get to know her parents while they heal. Are you up to holding the fort while I do?”

“Absolutely.” Kirk glanced at Tor. “Want to give me a hand back on the other home front?”

“Of course. That’s where my mate resides and where I’ll need to be to find her come the next full moon.” Tor clapped Tavish on the back. “Will you remain here for a bit too?”

“Aye, until Aleck and Matthew are all clear to return. We may even take some time out to show Julia’s parents and Matthew the sights.” Tavish pulled his brother into a hug. “I’ll see you when we return to the past. I don’t want to miss your journey in finding your mate.”

“Aye, I long for the next full moon when I can begin the chase. I’ll stop at nothing to find her.”

“Then let’s be away.” Cherub held out her arms for Kirk and Tor and the two men joined her. The wind swirled and the three of them disappeared through time.

Finlay closed the door behind him as he headed after the others, leaving her and Tavish completely alone.

“Goodness, it’s so quiet now.” She leaned against the wall and smiling, crooked a finger at her fierce protector. “Whatever could we do now we’re all alone?”