Page 83 of The Highlander's Illicit Bride
“Why are ye botherin’ me wife!”
A lopsided grin crossed Finlay’s face at Struan’s booming voice. “Someone had tae keep her company while ye were off politickin’ with the clan elders,” he said. “Why ye’d rather spend yer time with them than this bonny lass is beyond me, braither.”
Isolde’s face burned so hot she feared it was going to burst into flames. A giggle burst from her lips, and she turned away. Struan pulled Finlay into a tight embrace, pounding him on the back.
“I’m glad ye’re home, Braither,” Struan said, his voice thick with emotion.
“I’m glad tae be home.”
They stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment and Isolde could see the affection between them as plain as the nose on her face.
“There ye are!” Mairi squealed as she looped her arm through Finlay’s.
For a moment, the three siblings stood in silence, just staring at one another. It was as if they were all realizing, at the same time, how close they had come to losing one another and were taking a moment to appreciate each other.
Then Mairi grabbed hold of Isolde’s arm and pulled her into their circle too. A warm bubble of affection seemed to descend and envelop them all and Isolde smiled, genuinely feeling like part of their family.
“Can ye believe it?” Mairi asked. “’Tis all finally over.”
“We can finally live in peace,” Finlay said.
Struan slipped his arm around Isolde’s waist and turned to her, a gentle smile on his lips. “We can finally be happy.”
She leaned into him and absorbed the warmth and strength of his body.
Mairi favored her with a warm smile and reached out, giving her hand a quick squeeze before turning to Finlay, dragging him away, leaving Isolde and Struan alone.
Isolde turned her face up to him and smiled. “’Tis a lovely party,” she said.
“I could dae without a party,” he said. “But since the Council thought it was important fer everybody tae celebrate…”
“Aye. I agree with them.”
Struan groaned. “’Tis goin’ tae make life very difficult if ye start agreein’ with the bleedin’ Council about everything.”
She giggled and playfully slapped his arm. He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles, his eyes peering deeply into hers.
“Everythin’ has been so busy the last few days since we returned. I havenae… I mean, I just want tae…”
His voice trailed off and he lowered his gaze, uncertainty flashing across his face. Struan was always so sure of himself that seeing something akin to doubt in his eyes was strange. It made her even more curious about what was going on inside that head of his.
Isolde laid her hand on his cheek, and he leaned into her, finally raising his eyes to her.
“What is it, me love?” she asked.
“Ye are sure ye are alright with everything that happened?” he finally asked.
“Me? I’m fine.”
“I ken ‘tis a lot tae take on. I can only imagine it has left ye feelin’ conflicted and?—”
She cut him off with a shake of her head. “I was feeling strange at first. He was me faither after all,” she said softly. “But when I think about all the evil he did—and would have kept daein’ if ye hadnae stopped him—that feeling goes away. I’m glad ye did it. I’m glad ye rid yer clan of that man once and for all. That we’re all safe now.”
Struan brightened at her words and leaned down, giving her a gentle kiss. She stared into his eyes, her heart swelling with the emotions he stirred in her.
“Ye ken me biggest takeaway from all that then?” she asked.
“What’s that?”
