Page 11 of MacAlister's Hope
Carefully, he stepped back out into the corridor and instructed the lass who had been assigned to fetch things for Fia, to bring food for her, and broth for the chief, as well as fresh water. He crossed back to Fia and lifted her gently into his arms, then sat, cradling her in his lap. She snuggled her head under his chin and laid her hand over his heart, but did not wake.
A peacefulness Kieron had never felt drifted over him and he knew this woman, his Fia of the azure eyes and tinkling laugh, his whip-smart Fia who never failed to make him smile just to be in her company, his Fia who made his blood heat and his heart yearn—she was his destiny. Just as Beira had told him the Winter Stone would bring him to his destiny, it had. The stone was responsible for Fia coming to Kilglashan.
He did not know how long he sat there, imagining his future with Fia by his side, making a family together, growing old together as his parents never had the chance to, but when the lassie returned with a tray piled with enough food to feed three warriors after a battle, followed by a lad carrying a bucket of water, he knew ’twas time to wake her.
“Fia-love,” he said, laying a kiss upon the crown of her head. Her soft hair tickled and made him smile. “You need to eat.” She snuggled deeper into his embrace and he could not help but hold her tighter. Perhaps he could let her sleep awhile longer. “Have a bath prepared for Mistress Fia in the next chamber,” he said to the lass. “Send word when ’tis ready.”
The girl and boy left and in between the chief’s rhythmic snores, quiet once more settled in the chamber. Kieron allowed himself a little longer to enjoy the simple pleasure of having Fia in his arms. He knew, now that the chief was improving rapidly, that he must return Fia to Kilmartin soon, but not before he convinced her to wed with him. He’d had no choice but to part with her the first time they met. He’d not allow that to happen again.
Chapter Five
Fia pressed herself into the warm embrace of her bed. A familiar spicy-fresh scent wrapped around her, though she could not remember where it came from. Someone whispered her name and ran a callused hand down her arm, but she was so comfortable, so tired, she refused to rouse. Fingers twined with hers then, drawing her hand up. The softest, feather-light kiss skimmed across her knuckles, sending tendrils of desire through her sleep-fogged mind.
“Fia-love?”
The voice was close and tender, like a lover’s, in her dream. Another kiss, this time upon her forehead, just as soft. Such a lovely dream. She instinctively raised her lips to meet that kiss. Warm lips touched her own, but oh so gently.
“Fia, ’tis time to wake.” The words were whispered against her mouth, his lips never leaving hers.
His lips…
Fia opened her eyes and found herself staring into Kieron’s emerald gaze. He smiled at her and ran his palm over her cheek.
“You have slept most of the afternoon away, sweetheart. I would not wake you if ’twas not necessary, but the chief—” He nodded toward the bed and Fia gasped.
“The whole afternoon? Nay! I did not mean—“
“You did not mean what, lass?” The voice came from behind her where the MacKenzie chief was sitting up, watching them with a twinkle in his eye.
“I did not mean to shirk my duty, sir.” Fia leapt out of Kieron’s lap, suddenly aware that she did not know how she had come to be in it, but so pleased to see the chief much improved that she did not stop to question Kieron.
A quick check told her that the fever-shine was gone from his eyes—in fact, the swelling in his left eye was lessened enough that she could see both eyes now—and the grey pallor of his skin had been replaced with the beginnings of a healthy glow. And though there was still the telltale grimace when he adjusted the blanket, the pain was so much less than before, that he banished it and quickly replaced it with a genuine smile.
“How are you feeling?” she asked the chief.
“I dinna feel like dying anymore.”
Fia laughed. “An improvement to be sure!”
Kieron joined her at the bedside.
“Chief,” he said, “this is Fia MacLachlan. She is responsible for your return to health.”
Fia slanted a look at Kieron and cocked her head. “I am not entirely responsible.”
“Do not let her modesty fool you, chief.” Kieron smiled at her and took her hand. “She alone figured out how to help you.”
The chief was nodding his head as he watched them. “Then she should be rewarded, for I thought for sure there was a fire burning through me from the inside out. I have been wounded in battle more than once, but never have I felt such pain. You are an angel, lass, and you have my thanks. What would you wish of me?”
Surprised, Fia looked from the chief to Kieron and shook her head. “Nothing,” she finally said to the chief, who looked well pleased with himself, though she knew not why. “I want for nothing, except to return to my home now that you are better, and Kieron has already promised me that.”
The chief raised his eyebrows. “I think you want for something beside your home. When you decide, tell Kieron. I am sure he’ll be able to provide your reward.” The man actually winked his good eye at Kieron. “For now,” the chief continued, “I think a celebration is in order.”
“You cannot—“
“I can sit in a chair as easily as I sit in this bed, can I not, healer-lass?”
“But—“
