Page 37 of An Allusive Love
“A lesson for another day, my voracious lass.” He stood and held out his hand to help her up, tugging her snugly against him. His need was evident and rigid against her belly. If he let go at that moment, she would drop to the ground in a heap.
She slapped his shoulder and wriggled her hips against him. “Voracious?”
He growled at her frisky squirming. “Aye, and I hope it never changes.”
“She’s fine, Charlie, I dinna hurt her,” Brodie called to the deerhound, who responded with a bark. “Next time, perhaps ye should leave him back. It’s a wee strange to have a set of eyes on ye when ye’re…”
He kissed her soundly and collected the plaid. Kirstine imagined them folding a blanket in their own cottage, laying it across their own bed.
She giggled and sprang up on her tiptoes to kiss him, clutching the soft wool between them. “I love ye, Brodie MacNaughton, more than life itself. Ye’ve made me the happiest woman in Scotland.”
“Och, no’ the happiest woman in the world?”
Kirstine rolled her eyes. “Will ye never be satisfied?”
“Aye, lass.” He waggled his eyebrows. “I plan on being satisfied soon and verra often.”
*
Kirsty willed herlegs not to run. He’d watch her leave, wait until she disappeared over the next hill. Her heart was close to bursting and she couldn’t wait to tell her mother. As soon as she and Charlie were out of sight, she picked up her skirts and flew the rest of the way home.
“He’s done it!” She flung open the heavy door. Her mother looked up from the bowl and pestle and paused her work. The scent of lavender filled the room. It helped to calm Kirstine’s racing pulse. “I’m betrothed.”
She fell into the chair, panting.
“I dinna believe it.” Her mother rose to hug her daughter. “The mon does have some sense. Is he off to tell his family?”
Kirstine nodded. “He says he prefers to be wed sooner than later.” She blushed at the memory that had caused the statement.
“Judging from the color of yer face, that would be the wisest course.” Ma sat again and picked up her pestle. “He’s no’ had his—”
“No, he’s been verra gallant and wants to wait for a proper bed.” The heat increased, spreading down her neck.
“That’s good to hear, I suppose. Have ye made any other plans?”
“Och, I was so happy, I just wanted to rush home and tell ye.”
Her mother seemed pleased by that admission. “I would say three or four weeks would give us enough time for a trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh. We’ll need to make ye a new dress for the ceremony and decide what ye will take with ye.”
“I’ll be living in the castle,” she murmured. “I’ve dreamt about that since I was ten.” They both laughed.
“Weel, ye willna dream about it anymore. I’m happy for ye, my sweet. Verra happy for ye.” She pushed the bowl and dried lavender toward Kirstine. “Now, while ye’re still a poor, unmarried lass, I’ll ask for yer help.”
With a distracted sigh, Kirstine began crushing the fragrant leaves. Her body still hummed and tingled from Brodie’s touch.
This was just a taste, love. There’s so much more to come.
Never had she been so eager for the future.
*
Brodie took thenarrow, winding steps two at a time. His boots thudded softly on the worn stone as he emerged onto the first landing. Voices drifted from the dining hall and wiped the silly grin from his face before he entered.
His grandparents, mother, and Lissie sat at the long table. All four wore a look of misgiving.
“What’s with the long faces? I’ve no’ seen so many unhappy faces since Brigid was in the kitchen.” He paused, seeing his grandfather cringe. “No, tell me she’s not at it again.”
Peigi nodded. “She’s determined to make a good dish. It’s that competitive nature ye both inherited from yer grandfather.”
