Page 78 of The Rogue's Bride
“What do ye mean?”
“I saw the look he gave ye that morning in Da’s solar. He said something to ye.”
Alasdair favored her with an enigmatic smile. “Nothing of importance.”
Caitrin drew back. “Very well … keep yer secrets then.”
His smile widened. “There aren’t any. We just had words that’s all.” His expression turned rueful then. “I was jealous of MacNichol, ye know? I thought ye would choose him.”
“I would have,” she admitted. “If ye hadn’t made yer feelings known.”
Their gazes fused. “It took everything I had to go down on one knee before ye again,” he murmured. “I’m not sure what I’d have done if ye had sent me away.”
“Ye were brave to say what ye did,” Caitrin replied softly. “I’m so glad ye took the risk.”
He smiled. “Ye have a tender heart, wife.”
Caitrin stared up into his eyes, her fingers stroking the line of his jaw. “Aye, and it belongs to ye.”
Chapter Thirty-four
A Man of My Word
CAITRIN TOOK A seat at the table, next to her husband.
The noon sun warmed her face, and a sea breeze tickled her scalp. Three weeks had passed since Duntulm Fair, and the Cleatburn Bridge was now complete. To celebrate, Alasdair MacDonald had put on a feast. All the folk of Duntulm—from the high to the low—had been invited.
Alasdair rose to his feet, raising the tankard he held into the air. Caitrin glanced over at him, admiring his strong profile, his lean features and flowing raven hair. Alasdair looked every inch a chieftain today, especially since he wore the MacDonald sash over his léine.
They sat at the center of a long table that had been erected in the center of Duntulm village’s market square. Locals, both from the village and the keep, packed its length on both sides.
Once Alasdair stood up, the chatter of excited conversation died down, and all eyes settled upon their chieftain. Caitrin saw the respect in the men’s eyes and the appreciation on the women’s faces. Alasdair had won their hearts, as he had hers.
“People of Duntulm.” Alasdair’s deep voice traveled across the square. “Thank ye all for joining us here. Today we celebrate our new bridge, but also much more. I want to thank ye all for the support ye have given me and my kin over the years. We’ve had difficult times—famines, wars, and sickness—but ye have stayed here, farmed this land, fished these seas, and kept our people strong. I will not forget it. By sea and land, the MacDonalds stick together.”
“By sea and land!” A roar went up. Men and women raised their tankards.
When Alasdair sat back down, Caitrin flashed him a smile. “Well spoken.”
An excited chatter rose around them as the feasting began.
His mouth curved. “We MacDonalds have a way with words.”
Caitrin snorted. “And a self-confidence that knows no bounds.”
He laughed. “Admit it … it’s just one of the many things ye love about me.”
“Conceited cockerel,” she muttered, smiling. Of course, he knew she did.
“Ye look radiant today.” Alasdair said as he handed her a goblet of sloe wine. “I don’t think I’ve seen the smile leave yer face since dawn.”
Caitrin laughed and took a sip of wine. “On a day like this, I have much to be happy about.”
“And what’s that?” he asked, a teasing edge to his voice.
“A sunny sky, fine food and wine, and a handsome man by my side,” she replied. “What more could a lass ask for?”
Alasdair grinned. “The lady is easy to please it seems.”
