Page 19 of To Wed a Witch
Chapter 5 - The Journey Home
The morning mist stillclung to the hills when the Ferguson party prepared to depart MacKay Keep.What had begun as a simple escort of armed men had transformed into something resembling a small caravan, complete with a sturdy cart loaded down with trunks, bundles, and carefully wrapped jars of preserves from Sìne's cottage.
Sìne stood in the courtyard holding Aidyn, who was bundled against the cool morning air.The memory of waking in Bhaltair's arms lingered in her chest.She'd stirred before dawn to find herself pressed against his solid warmth, his arm wrapped protectively around her.For a few precious moments, she'd allowed herself to pretend they had truly married for love rather than convenience.
Now, watching him direct his men with authority, she found her gaze lingering on the breadth of his shoulders, the way his hair still showed traces of dampness from his early morning wash.When he caught her looking, something flickered in his dark eyes that made her cheeks warm before she looked away.
Bhaltair stood beside his destrier, watching his men secure the last of the baggage with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.When he'd ridden north seeking a bride, he'd expected to return with little more than a shrew and her dowry chest.He had not anticipated the mountain of household goods that apparently constituted a healer's necessary supplies, nor had he expected to find himself so thoroughly bewitched by his new wife.
The memory of holding Sìne through the night made his jaw clench with an effort to maintain control.She'd felt so right in his arms, soft and warm and trusting.When she'd stirred at dawn and looked up at him with those remarkable eyes, still heavy with sleep, he'd nearly forgotten all his resolutions about taking things slowly.
"Is that truly necessary?"Dugald asked as Bhaltair wrestled another heavy sack into the cart.
"Dried herbs for winter," Sìne replied."And healing supplies.The clan may have need of them."
Bhaltair's expression softened as it always did when she showed such consideration for his people."Aye, of course.Forgive Dugald.He should be grateful that ye'd think of their welfare."
The gentle approval in his tone made Sìne's pulse quicken.He seemed more attentive, his gaze lingering on her in ways that made her remember the solid warmth of his body against hers.
Dugald watched the exchange and just rolled his eyes before muttering under his breath about womenfolk trying to pack everything under the sun.Paisley gave Dugald a withering glare, and he frowned back at her.
The cart itself had been Paisley's suggestion, but Bhaltair had agreed and fitted it with a canvas cover to shield against wind and rain.The men had also added a soft feathers-stuffed mattress inside for added comfort.
"Ready, my lady?"Murphy called out, unable to hide his grin at using Sìne's new title.
"Aye," she replied, settling Aidyn against her shoulder.The child was alert and content, her dark eyes taking in all the activity with curiosity rather than fright.
Bhaltair mounted his horse and moved to ride beside the cart, close enough to converse but positioned to scan the road ahead.Behind them, an escort of eight MacKay guardsmen formed the rear guard, their orders to accompany the party halfway to Ferguson lands.
"'Tis a fine day for traveling," Laird MacKay observed as he approached to bid his daughter farewell.
"Aye," Bhaltair replied."We should make good time."
MacKay's eyes lingered on his daughter and granddaughter."Take care of them, Ferguson.They're all I have left in this world."
"With my life," Bhaltair replied solemnly, and meant it.
The farewells were brief but heartfelt.Then the small caravan was moving, horses' hooves clattering on cobblestones as they passed through the Keep's gates and onto the winding track that led to the main road.
***
BY MIDDAY, BHALTAIRhad to admit he was impressed by how smoothly the journey was progressing, though he found himself increasingly distracted by his wife's presence.He'd expected chaos with women and a babe, but instead found himself stealing glances at Sìne as she tended Aidyn or pointed out features of the landscape.
