Page 71 of Don't Give A Damn About My Plaid Reputation
The insult surprised a laugh out of Kester, and as he watched, Pudge’s lips reluctantly curled upward.
In the distance, a single, clear pipe note began. As the attention of the gathered men swung toward the hill, more notes—more pipers—joined in.
And Kester didn’t think his smile could grow, but he was wrong.
Heralded by their music, the best pipers of the Highlands began to march in step down the rise where the Murrays had camped. And in the middle of their honor guard marched a phalanx of MacBains: Mook in the front, Weesil in the back, and Auld Gommy and Giric flanking.
And in the middle…
In the middle of his men and the Highlands’ best pipers, marched Lady Robena Oliphant.
Kester was already moving, striding toward the newcomers. But before he reached them, the pipers split and spread out, moving to stand around the inside of the circle the gathered clan representatives had formed.
And as the MacBains came to a stop, a small figure in a blue dress ran up.
‘Twas Elspeth Murray, and she held an armful of wildflowers.
Kester watched Robena’s smile grow as she pulled the lassie into a hug, then chuckled when the girl scolded her for crushing the flowers. Robena took the bouquet in one arm, and Elspeth’s hand in her other, and the pair of beauties turned to face Kester and the men.
His heart swelled with pride as her chin lifted and she marched toward him, proving to everyone watching how happy she was to become his wife.
He met her at the edge of the circle and leaned in close enough so the nearest men—they were wearing Sutherland plaid, but he didn’t recognize them—couldn’t hear.
“Are ye certain, Robena?” he murmured.
She seemed surprised. “About marrying ye?”
“About marrying me without yer father’s permission. About marrying metoday,here, instead of waiting to get back to MacBain Castle.”
Her smile softened, and she pushed herself up on her toes to brush a kiss across his cheek.
“Of course, I’m certain, my love. Da approved of ye as a match for me; ‘twas just Murray we needed to convince.”
“And the King.” He shrugged ruefully.
“Laird Murray says—”
Wee Elspeth interrupted. “My da has already drafted a letter to the King, explaining we’re now allies with the MacBains, and as such,Iget to choose myownhusband, instead of being handed over like a sack of peas in exchange for some stupid meadow.”
Robena’s expression went curiously blank as she inclined her head regally. “Aye, as it should be.”
“So.” The girl hefted a big sigh and tossed her hair. “Ye two can marry with Da’s blessing. And the King’s, too. Da isverragood friends with him, ye ken.”
Kester’s brow rose. “I ken,” he managed blandly.
When Robena’s attention turned back to him, she was smiling again, but teasingly. “So ye see, Laird MacBain, I’ve nae objection to marrying yehereandnow. My father approves of the match and we’ve two dozen Highland chieftains standing as witnesses.” Her wink was exaggerated. “The only concern is that if ye’re unlucky to sire a son on me immediately, ye might end up as laird of the Oliphants as well.”
His heart began to pound faster at the thought of Robena’s belly swelling with their child. “I think—I think ‘tis a risk I dinnae mind so much.”
He offered her his arm, and as she slid her hand through it, he heard Giric mutter, “Nay,sex, ye big oaf. They’re speaking ofsex.”
“Aaaah,” Mook rumbled. “’Tis my favorite part!”
Robena began to chuckle, and Kester followed. Laughing, he gently tugged her across the circle, toward the waiting men.
Here and now.
And forever.
