Page 46 of An Allusive Love
“Weel, if I lost, I promised no’ to pester him about proposing, and I heeded yer request and kept my goading to a minimum.”
“I appreciate that,” Kirstine agreed drily. “What about the pastry?”
“Brodie added to the original bet and offered me a new saddle and bridle to go with the pony if I managed atastydish. When I wanted to substitute for something else, he agreed, assuming it was a different purchase.” Brigid scuffed the toe of her boat against the wood planks. “If I succeeded, he had to propose—sooner than later. And he did.”
The two women glared at each other.
“And I dinna care if ye’re upset because ye both love each other, and I have a sister now.” Brigid stuck her chin out and collected the basket.
“Dinna count yer sisters before their wed,” Kirstine yelled after the retreating form. “He hasna got me to the kirk steps yet.”
She clenched her fists and growled, which sent Charlie into a bout of howls. Scratching his ears, she wondered what to do with this new information. How could Brodie have kept this from her? Had he really proposed only because he’d lost a wager?
Don’t be silly,her mind argued. No, she didn’t doubt his love. She did doubt his humility, though. The arrogant oaf. He had some explaining to do, and she would enjoy watching him squirm while he did so. Brigid wasn’t sure which was worse: Brodie’s wager or Brigid’s smugness that she was responsible for their betrothal.
*
Brodie was waitingfor her at their usual place and time. She smiled sweetly and accepted his kiss. When he tried to pull her close, she ducked under his arm.
“We need to talk, Brodie.” Kirstine stood on the plaid, afraid to sit down or let him too close. His touch always muddled her brain.
“About?”
“Wagers and ponies and betrothals.”
His face fell, those blue eyes avoiding her gaze. “Ye’ve been speaking with Brigid.”
She nodded. “How could ye? Is our love so trivial that ye’d bargain with it?”
“It wasna like that.” He tried to take her hand, but she clasped her fingers tightly behind her back. “A mon needs to make such decisions on his own and no’ be harangued under his own roof. I was only trying to gain some peace for a bit. Ye ken how much I love ye.”
His voice was low and convincing; her reserve was crumbling.
“I remember ye complaining about it. It’s the other half of the bargain that has my feathers ruffled.” She stepped off the plaid, putting more distance between them. “Brigid feelsshe’sthe reason ye finally asked me.”
Anger flared in his eyes. “Ye truly think Brigid could push me into something so serious and final?”
Kirstine shrugged as the knot grew in her stomach. Maybe she was making too much of this. “She certainly believes it.”
“Ye dinna understand,” he said, his tone cajoling again. “I went home that day, and she’d made some tarts. The expression on her face was so pitiful, I couldna tell her, right then, that I was already betrothed. I wanted her to enjoy her moment.”
Kirstine softened and ventured a look at Brodie. He was so handsome today. His black hair combed back, a fresh shirt already untied at the throat, showing a hint of his chest.
“Will ye set Brigid straight?”
He nodded, stepped forward and pulled her close. “Aye, as soon as I get home. I would have told her later that day, but we got word about Ian.” A shadow flashed over his face. “After that, it didna seem important. Until now.” He nuzzled her neck.
“I want us both to be ready when we join hands.” She tipped her head back and gave him access to her neck, her pulse quickening. Would his effect on her ever dampen?
“To be honest, I’d decided to wait until the fall.” His lips trailed fire along her shoulder.
“What changed yer mind?” He pulled her hips closer and squeezed her buttocks, sending sparks of heat to her core. She closed her eyes and moved against him.
“When we met that day, I saw the tears in yer eyes and ken I’d hurt yer feelings.” One hand came up to cup her breast, kneading and teasing through her bodice. “I felt sorry for—”
Her eyes flew open. “What?”
His hands came away, palms out as if to defend himself. “Och, let me rephrase that.”
