Page 55 of The Devil in Plaid
Chapter Twenty Six
The laird of the MacLeod had, indeed, brought home an army.
Fiona gazed out across the great hall in wonder. MacDonnell warriors filled the trencher tables, sitting among theLàidirMacLeod and the MacLeod warriors from the Isles of Harris and Raasay. Smiling, she waved to her kinsmen. The evening would be perfect if only her father was present, but Gordon MacDonnell had stayed behind at Castle Creagan to safeguard his fortress against attack. Still, he had ridden out to meet Jamie with nearly two hundred warriors to aid their cause.
“I wish my father could be here to see this,” she said to Jamie.
“He had a glimpse of our clans together when our men gathered at Loch Ewe. I’m sure he won’t mind me telling ye that he shed a tear or two at the sight.”
Fiona’s gaze darted across the room, following a pack of wee ones racing after Broden with wooden swords raised high. The tall, handsome warrior laughed as he jumped up on one of the tables, then skirted platters of roasted meat and good-natured diners to reach the other side. But the children were already waiting for him. He raised his hands in surrender, and the wee ones squealed with delight.
Everywhere Fiona turned, people were laughing and toasting the day that had begun with tragedy but ended in gratitude. At one table near the front of the hall, she spied Esme and Abby. They both looked radiant with their hair unbound, skimming their waists in flaxen waves. Clearly, Fiona was not the only one who appreciated her maids’ beauty. Sebastian had his arm wrapped possessively around Esme’s waist while Thomas straddled the bench at Abby’s side and held her close. He wore a soft expression as he grazed the backs of his fingers down her cheek. Fiona smiled when her maid blushed in response.
“Love seems to be blossoming,” Fiona told Jamie.
His gaze followed hers. “Aye, in fact, both Sebastian and Thomas made mention of their growing affection for yer maids on our journey to Loch Ewe.”
Fiona smiled. “I am glad. They both seem like fine men.”
Jamie nodded. “Thomas has proven himself a natural warrior. He works hard and is eager to please his captains. Sebastian has a keen mind. He will be a captain one day, but his true passion is for the land. If he had his way, he would trade his sword for the plow.”
She raised her cup to Jamie. “To lives saved and love found.”
He joined her, lifting his tankard of ale. “There could be no finer reasons to celebrate.” Then he motioned to the room. “Never did I dream this could be possible.”
She laughed. “And to think, the same bustling merriment fills our courtyard and the land beyond the outer wall.”
Jamie smiled. “I told ye I would bring home an army.”
She leaned close. “More than anything, ‘tis yer homecoming that fills my heart with joy.”
He shifted in his seat, turning to face her. “Thank ye for the selfless way ye aided my people today.”
“They are my people now, too,” she said softly.
He cupped her cheek. “Our people.” His eyes glinted with hope. “We will have our peace, Fiona. This I do not doubt.” He leaned closer, his face earnest. “Our children will know peace.”
Fiona’s breath caught. She swallowed hard. “Our children,” she repeated, her heart hammering in her chest. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, causing the room to erupt into cheers.
That night, Fiona stood in front of the hearth. Her heart raced but not from fear—it was need.
It was hunger.
Hunger for her husband. She wanted to be his, body and soul. She wanted to feel the heat of his hands on her skin, to feel the passion of his kiss. The last few nights alone in that empty bed had only fueled her desire. But how could she tell him that she was ready, ready to feel his touch, ready to be his? Dare she speak of her heart’s longing? Or mayhap, she could just leap—throw herself into his arms and boldly kiss him. It was within her rights, was it not? Or was it just the husband who could make demands of his wife’s body? She took a deep breath. Somehow, she would give herself to her husband that very night.
~ * ~
Jamie paced outside his chamber door. He wanted his wife.
Nay, he needed her.
He hungered for her. Desire hardened his body, making his heart pound.
But what if she wasn’t ready? What if she still feared his touch?
He stopped pacing and faced the door. Once he brought her body to the heights of glorious passion, she would forget her fear.
He threw the door open.
