Page 60 of The Beast of the Highlands
“I have nothing left to run from,” she replied, rising up on tiptoe to kiss him.
As ever, she was the salve to heal his wounds. In her kiss, her embrace, her presence, he could forget his pains and past suffering. With her, he finally saw a bright future ahead of him.
It seemed this beautiful, intelligent, hilarious woman had not come to teach Leighton at all. Instead, she had become Flynn’s tutor, teaching him to laugh, and love, and live again. And those were, perhaps, the most valuable lessons of all.
Epilogue
Three Months Later…
Autumn fidgeted anxiously at the edge of the woods, awaiting Desmond’s signal for her to proceed. She already felt terribly nauseous, though she had a feeling that had less to do with the occasion, and more to do with the life that was growing inside her. A secret that had yet to be revealed.
“You have no need to fret.” Orwell, who stood at her side, weaved his arm through hers. “You are about to marry the man you adore. There are so few who are given that same gift. So take command of your nerves and be joyful!”
Autumn flashed him a smile. “I am too excited, Dear Brother. My nerves are of the good kind, not the bad.”
“Ah.” He nodded in understanding. “Then… you may continue.”
Autumn jabbed him playfully in the ribs. “I must say, it is rather glorious to have a General of the English Army at my wedding. Flynn is less pleased, but he shall have to endure it, for you will soon be brothers-in-law.”
“I owe it to you and your future husband, Sweet Sister.” He sighed contentedly. “If you had not imprisoned Keira, there would not have been enough evidence to convict Philip Johnson. Her testimony sealed his fate.”
Autumn snorted. “And gained her a lesser sentence.”
“Indeed, but a life in prison is far worse than death for an arrogant, greedy creature like her,” Orwell replied sagely. “Even if she were to be released, she would have nowhere to go. Her father’s lands and title belong to another now, and everyone has heard of her misdeeds. She will certainly never be welcome in Scotland again.”
After the fateful dinner which had seen Keira captured and Laird Dunn killed; Flynn, Autumn, and a small army had ridden to the encampment close to the border. They had intended to apprehend Philip Johnson and turn him into the Royal Court for incitin’ hate and violence.
However, upon their arrival, they discovered that Orwell had already performed the task himself, singlehandedly. The battalion had scattered, though the cause was unknown, and Philip Johnson was bound and gagged, awaiting an uncomfortable ride upon Orwell’s horse, all the way down to London.
Orwell had convinced them that Keira would be a valuable asset and had returned to MacLennan Castle with Philip on the back of his horse. There, a small escort had been banded together, to deliver both Keira and Philip to the Court.
With Keira ready to betray Philip in favor of a lenient sentence, she told the Royal Court everything. As punishment for inciting trouble within the already troubled realm of Scotland, they sentenced him to hanging, while Keira received a lengthy term in prison.
As a reward for his heroism against Philip, and for his work in rooting out corruption that might threaten a peaceful treaty with Scotland, Orwell was promoted to General. Although, Autumn still suspected he might be continuing his work as a spy.
“You never did tell me how you managed to scatter those soldiers.” Autumn had asked countless times, but her brother had never given her a suitable answer. “Might you tell me, as a wedding gift?”
Orwell chuckled. “It involved a canister… and a fairly large explosion.”
“Orwell!” she scolded. “How many times must I tell you not to put yourself in danger? Goodness. I do not know that I will sleep well again, knowing you are out there, meddling with such things.”
He smiled down at her. “I told you—I am one of the best.”
“The Autumn who sat at your bedside for weeks would beg to differ,” she retorted, though not unkindly.
“That occurred when I was behaving as an ordinary soldier. Being a spy is far safer, I assure you.” His eyes snapped up. “Desmond is signaling to you.”
Autumn turned to see the torch aflame and felt her heart flutter. After three long months of waiting, mainly until Keira’s sentencing had passed, the day had finally come. Today, Autumn would become Lady MacLennan.
“I might faint,” she gasped.
Orwell shook his head. “You will not. If you do, your husband will be there to catch you.”
As fiddles began to play, Autumn let her brother lead her toward the ruined chapel, which had never looked more beautiful. Garlands and wreaths of wildflowers adorned every available space, and candles flickered invitingly in the low light of early evening. Chairs had been arranged for the hearty congregation which had gathered for the event. Indeed, most of the castle were in attendance, alongside Autumn’s mother, father, and sister.
“I thought he had decided not to come,” Autumn whispered, spotting her father.
Orwell sighed. “I told him you would remember forever, if he did not attend, and that he owed it to you to be here. After all, he still has his title and his manor because of Flynn, and he will live in comfort for the rest of his days because of that fine gentleman.”
