Page 71 of The Devil in Plaid
Epilogue
Fiona sat near the hearth with only the demons to keep her company. She held up a long piece of gauzy lace, which lay across her lap and puddled at her feet. She was stitching small, yellow flowers around the top edge that were sure to bring out the brightness of Esme’s flaxen hair.
“Ye ken Esme and Sebastian’s wedding is still weeks away,” Jamie said, coming up behind her.
Fiona smiled at him. “Ye’re back!”
She set her wedding present to Esme aside and stood, throwing herself into his arms. His lips descended, stealing her breath with the passion of his kiss.
“I missed ye,” he breathed.
“I missed ye with my whole heart,” she beamed.
He sat down and pulled her onto his lap.
“How was Tormod?” she asked.
“His wounds are healing. He is moving around now, although it will be some time before he can ride and take on his usual duties, or, rather I should say, his new duties.”
She grabbed his arm. “Ye mean the MacKenzie council voted?”
He smiled. “Aye, they did.”
“And Tormod is their new laird?”
“Aye, he is!”
She squealed with delight and threw her arms around his neck. “’Tis happening, Jamie. Peace has come to us, just as we dreamed.”
“Hard lessons had to be learned, but I think ye’re right. Speaking of hard lessons, how does Abby fare?”
Fiona’s chest tightened, thinking about her dear maid. “’Tis hard. Every day is a struggle. But I tell her not to give up hope. Thomas is young and strong. I believe he will yet recover from his wounds.”
Jamie nodded. “I pray that he does.”
She raised a brow at him. “Does that mean ye’ve forgiven him.”
“Nay, but I pray to God for help on that matter as well.”
“He saved my life, Jamie,” she said pointedly.
“Aye, I ken, but he’s also the reason ye were in danger to begin with.”
She clasped his hands. “I feel in my heart that his soul is good.”
He smiled sadly. “I ken, but I don’t know if I will ever be able to trust him as I once did.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Trust is earned. Ye just need to open yer heart to the possibility.”
He gazed into her eyes. “Ye walk through life with love in yer heart, Fiona MacLeod. It radiates from ye.” He chuckled. “’Tis contagious, I swear.”
She laughed. “Next ye’re going to claim that I’ve made ye love sick, and that’s why ye can’t keep yer hands off me.”
He stood up, cradling her in his arms. “I definitely feel like I’m coming down with a fever.”
She kissed his lips. “Aye, are ye feeling warm?”
“Hot.” He laid her on the bed, covering her with his hard, strong body. “I’m burning up.”
