Page 53 of Kilty Plea
“I love ye, Payton,” she whispered fiercely. “I’m the luckiest woman alive, to have found ye. I cannae wait to start on my forever with ye.”
Smiling, Payton looked at his brother. “We need ye to marry us. Here. Now. For real this time.”
Laughing at his brother’s incredulous look, Payton claimed Flora as his own.
Chapter 10
“To yer wife, Payton!”Craig laughed as he punched Payton’s shoulder with his free hand, and guzzled ale with his other.
Unfortunately, since Craig Oliphant was the size, shape, and intelligence of an ox, when he punched a shoulder, it stayed punched.
“Ow!” Good-naturedly, Payton rubbed the bruised area. “Ye can admire her without hurting me, eh?”
The other man snorted. “Ye hang up yer helmet and retire, and within a fortnight ye’ve gone weak? Marriage does that to a man, eh?”
“Weak? My Flora doesnae think me weak!”
Craig shrugged. “Well, she’s a wee sprite of a lass, eh? She likely prefers a weak man like ye, who’ll no’ crush her.”
“I’m no’ weak!” Scowling, Payton reached for his own ale.
His friend was wearing an expression of sympathy. “That’s aright, Pay. I’ll no’ tell her of her ill-will. She likely doesnae even realize a man’s cock can fill her—”
“My cock can fill her—och, why am I having this argument?”
“Because ye’re ashamed of yer weak, wee cock,” Craig explained seriously. “’Tis aright, I understand. No’ all men can be as well-endowed as I—”
With a growl, Payton launched his own punch at his friend, who dodged, laughing.
Instead of blocking the subsequent attacks, Craig merely leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Payton, pinning his arms at his side.
Payton gave up struggling. “Get off me, ye ox. Did nae one tell ye ye’re supposed to bathe afore accepting an invitation to a celebration?”
“I bathed! Twice!” Craig was grinning when he released Payton and straightened. “I couldnae risk losing the chance to impress yer family. Do ye have any unmarried sisters?”
“Stay away from my sisters.” Payton scowled, but there was no heat in it. In truth, he washappy.
Happy Craig was here, celebrating Payton’s new life.
Happy the Abbot was safely in the gaol on the King’s orders, awaiting execution.
Happy the Abbey was being disbanded, and all the people taken care of.
He was even happy his family was here at the tower house tonight, helping Payton and Flora start their new lives together.
And Flora…
Ah, Flora.
He wasbeyondhappy to have her as his forever.
Daniel had married them a month ago, on Hogmanay. He’d done it quietly and without questions, and Payton appreciated that he hadn’t had to explain to his family why he and Flora weren’t actually married in the first place. His brother was settling into his new role as the priest of MacIntyre Castle, and was grateful.
Flora had come with Payton—and a dozen MacIntyre warriors—to deliver the bound Abbot to Drummond. She’d stood brave and strong at Payton’s side as she’d given her story first to the commander of the Hunters, then to the King himself. After, she’d cried in Payton’s arms, but it had been worth it; the Abbot would be punished, and her father avenged.
Then, Payton had held her in his lap on the return journey, marveling at this woman who loved him despite his flaws.
It had been Mam’s idea to celebrate the start of his new life with a feast. Flora had agreed but had refused help in planning it. She was becoming confident in her ability to run a small keep like the tower house, and Payton loved to watch her grow.
