Page 86 of The Wrong Bride
He cupped her face in one hand. “Ye’re sure.”
At last, she allowed a small smile. “I’m sure. Let me do this, Hugh. I think Owen is right—it’s meant to be.”
Owen’s smile faded a bit as he stared at Maggie, but he said nothing.
Riona’s hope tried to soar, but she held it furled, fearful. “Maggie, are you certain?”
Maggie turned, and her strange eyes glittered. “I’m certain. I’ve been waiting for my destiny to reveal itself—and now it has.”
Owen rolled his eyes. “Enough of this nonsense, Maggie. I won’t hear any more of it.”
“Oh, we will be discussing things,” Maggie said.Then she turned to her brother. “Hugh, may I have your permission to accept Owen’s romantic proposal?”
Cat didn’t bother to hide her laughter.
“Was I not romantic enough for you?” Owen asked, his triumphant smile returning. He took a step toward her as if he meant to prove his intentions.
Riona saw Hugh stiffen, knew he held himself back.
Maggie kissed her brother’s cheek. “This is what I want, Hugh,” she said in a low voice. “Let me have it.”
Hugh nodded, but he didn’t look happy about it. “Ye have my permission,” he said quietly, enfolding her in a quick hug. “But if these negotiations don’t work out, he and I will have another discussion.”
Maggie gave a small smile. “They’ll work out.”
“Come here and speak with me, Maggie,” Owen said, turning his back and striding toward the edge of the bog.
She followed him with an elegant, confident stride that said she was prepared to have her way, now that she’d accepted.
Hugh turned to Cat and bowed. “Lady Catriona, I apologize for the wrong I’ve done ye, the dishonor I’ve brought to ye.”
Cat eyed him speculatively. “I can feel no offense for something I didn’t even know about—something I didn’t want. Riona and I always talked about choosing our own husbands. If Riona willingly chooses you, then I am content, for I, too, will have the man of my own choice.”
Riona thought her heart would burst with love and gratitude. She hugged her cousin hard. “I’ve missed you so! I thought I’d ruined everything between us.”
“Oh, Riona, in some ways I envy you.” Cat broke the hug, then quickly added, “For your relationship, of course, not the man himself. But I do believe he is waiting to claim you.”
Suddenly, Riona didn’t seem to be able to take a deep enough breath. Was this really happening? Could she have her own happiness?
Hugh, Riona, and Cat waited silently as Maggie and Owen spoke privately. Owen practically stood over Maggie, he was so close. They didn’t touch or betray a yearning, but there was something there between them, something that must have been simmering a long time.
Hugh seemed distracted by worry for his sister, and Riona understood. She still felt dazed herself. He didn’t bring up their marriage or their future.
Only when Maggie at last turned away from Owen did Hugh say stiffly, “’Tis time to return to Larig Castle. We can discuss your wedding there.”
Notourwedding,Riona realized with a start. But she knew he loved her—she could be patient.
“Wait,” Maggie said. “Hugh, what will ye say to the clan about how we’ve changed the contract?”
Without hesitation, he answered, “I will explain what happened, of course.”
“No, you will not,” Riona said sharply.
Everyone turned to look at her.
“You may be their chief, Hugh, but they are only just beginning to know and trust you. You made mistakes in your youth, and I alone know how much you’ve changed.” As that came out of her mouth, she thought Maggie might protest, but the woman said nothing. “Since the clan does not yet know you as I and your family do, they don’t need to know the truth of what went on between us, as long as it solves the problems between the McCallums and the Duffs.”
“Ye’re suggesting I lie?” Hugh asked stiffly.
