Page 77 of The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain
“Apparently, you haven’t noticed the number of warriors and warhorses around us. If you’d like to commit suicide, then please do attack, but not until I can get away, fool.”
The English cavalry returned to their boats, and when Lennox was certain it was safe, he turned around, his gaze scanning the area just as a lovely figure flew across the bridge. Meg launched herself at Lennox and buried her face in his shoulder, clinging to him. The baron was gone forever, if she were to guess. “I’m so glad you came. I was penning you a note tocome for me just before the baron arrived.” She tipped her head back to look at him. “I’ve missed you so much. You are the other half of my heart, Lennox MacVey. We belong together.”
Lennox dropped his weapon and wrapped his arms around Meg, taking in her sweet scent, then kissed her. “I love you, Meg. Come home with me, please. Marry me. Make it official with the church?”
“Aye,” she said, grinning from ear to ear. “Naught would make me happier.”
She swore she heard someone clapping behind them again.
Chapter Forty-Three
Meg
The day had finally arrived, and Meg couldn’t possibly be any happier. The forecasted rain was going to hold off until the evening. She’d made a point to ask Lia about the weather. The sweet girl had smiled at her and said, “Of course, we will see that your wedding day is as wonderful as you all deserve. This is a day for many of you, not just you and Lennox, but Thane and Tamsin and his parents. And I’ll tell you a wee secret. Magni has been counting the days because he’s so excited.”
Meg finished dressing and went to her sister’s chamber to help her do her hair. Knocking on the door, she hid the wrapped gift inside the fold of her gown. When she entered, Tamsin gasped. “Oh, lassie, you are so beautiful. You will be the most beautiful one there, by far.”
“Except for you. I have something for you that I nearly forgot.” She held the twine-wrapped package out to Tamsin.
“What is it? I have no guesses at all.”
Tamsin sat on the bed, unwrapping it carefully until the bracelet nearly fell out.
“Do you remember it?” Meg asked, fiddling with her fingers, but not counting. Something she worked on frequently.
“I do. Oh, Meg. I do recall when I made these bracelets for us. I loved the blue yarn. You still have yours? I think I have mine too.” Tamsin moved over to a chest and rummaged through it. “It’s here! I found it. Shall we wear them?”
“Aye. We should. And we nearly match. The green MacVey plaid is lovely too. It reminds me of a forest in spring, the blue thread is the same shade as the sky and the bracelets.” Tamsin teared up. “I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for the two of us. I’m sorry Mama isn’t here to enjoy our weddings.”
Lia opened the door and held it for a moment, but no one entered.
“Lia, is everything all right?”
Lia wiggled her nose and said, “All is fine. Do you lasses believe in heaven? You do, surely?”
The sisters nodded in unison. Meg looked at Lia, “Why do you ask?”
“No reason.”
Meg didn’t believe Lia. After learning the truth about her, she guessed she had a reason for asking, but she had no idea what it could be.
Tamsin said, “I do believe in heaven, and I think Mama is watching over us right now, and she is more than happy.”
A waft of berry blew past Meg, and she breathed in the scent, then gasped, looking at her sister. “Tamsin, it’s her. Do you smell it?”
Tamsin turned to face Meg and said, “Oh my, it is Mama. How could that be?” Tamsin teared up, and the two turned to look at Lia, her face smug.
“Lia?” Tamsin asked. “What do you know of this?”
Lia whispered, “I know not what you mean. But it’s a lovely day, is it not?”
Tamsin wiped her tears and said, “It is the loveliest day of all. I hope our mama is here, but I hope she hasn’t seen all we’ve gone through because of Papa’s choices.”
Lia whispered, “I would wager she is proud of all you both have become.” Then she giggled.
A knock sounded, and the door flew open with a bang. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.” Magni stood there, flushed and upset about something.
“Magni? Is something wrong?” Meg asked, sitting on the bed and tugging him in front of her. “I love how you arranged your plaids.”
