“Everyone is married and havin’ babies but me,” scoffed Morag. “When will I have a turn? I am always forgotten.”
“Mayhap, if ye’d stop spillin’ everyone’s secrets, a laddie might want ye someday,” said Reed.
“I dinna think anyone will ever want me,” pouted Morag.
“That’s not true,” said Maira. “There is always a chance. After all, I never thought I’d marry and, yet, here I am.”
“Wife, I’ve been meaning to give you this,” said Jacob, pulling the jeweled dagger from his waist belt and holding it out to Maira. Maira put Ricker on the ground and took the dagger with both hands.
“But Jacob, this is the dagger that used to be your mother’s. I know how much it means to you.”
“Isna that the dagger he gave his last lover?” asked Morag. “Ye ken who I mean. Lady Catherine. Ricker’s mathair who is dead.”
“Morag, haud yer wheesht,” said Fia under her breath.
“And you wonder why no man wants you? How insensitive of you to say that,” grumbled Willow in her normal haughty manner.
“I’m sorry,” said Morag, looking to the ground. She seemed as if she were going to cry.
“It’s all right, Morag,” said Maira giving her a half-hug. “I don’t let things of the past bother me. And I am honored that Jacob loves me enough to give this to me. Thank you, Husband. I will cherish it always.” She tucked the dagger into her waist belt, loving the weapon. “However, now that I’m Lady of the Castle and soon to be the mother of two, I think my warrior ways are going to be reserved only for protecting my family and those in my care.”
“I appreciate that,” said Jacob, pulling her to him and kissing her passionately in front of everyone. “And I also appreciate the fact that you told me your secret of being a Follower of the Secret Heart. However, I don’t ever want you to stop being who you are. As a matter of fact, I think my new squire is going to need all the practice he can get. Mayhap, you can keep him in line for me.”
“Branton will make a wonderful squire and doesn’t need my help,” said Maira, throwing the boy a smile. “And I promise to always be open and honest with you, Jacob. With you as my husband and at my side, I know I will no longer hold anyRebellious Secrets.”