He rose upward, flicking his hair from his face with a jerk of his neck. “God’s bones, it’s cold in here.”

“You didn’t really think it would be warm.”

“No, but this will shrivel my balls.”

She giggled. “I’m sure they’ll recover.”

“If I have a healer on hand.”

She laughed louder then struck out toward the waterfall. It had been a long time since she’d taken a swim in a loch or river. It felt good, freeing. Her body was at one with nature. The water seeped between her legs and peaked her nipples. It soaked to her scalp and seemed to enter her very core.

“Hey, wait.”

He was right behind her, and as she reached the crashing water her feet hit a rocky shelf. She stood on it, finding that it came to her waist.

“This is Mother Nature at her best.” She tipped her head back into the crashing water and smoothed her hair so it flowed down her back. Her bare breasts jutted forward. This was so good for her, to be like this—naked and alive.

“For the love of God, what are you doing to me, woman?”

He was before her, pulling her close, so her breasts pressed up against his wet chest.

“I’m washing my hair.”

“You’re putting me under your spell, that’s what.”

She grinned at him. “I thought you already were.”

“That’s true.” He kissed her again, his stubble rubbing against her chin. “And I believe it to be a lifelong spell.”

She looped her arms around his neck. “I believe the spell works both ways.”

He tipped his head a little and frowned.

“I’m under your spell too, Trevor McTavish. You’re all I want. You’re the man for me.”

“Then you’ll accept this?”

“I don’t ken what you mean?”

“This.” He released her and held his hand between them.

Confusion creased her brow.

Then he turned his fist over and spread his fingers. In the centre of his palm rested a small gold ring with a blood-red stone set in it.

“McTavish,” she whispered. “What is that?”

“It’s a symbol of my love for you.” He paused and crooked his finger beneath her chin forcing her to look up at him. “A ring that says we’ll be together forever. I am yours and you are mine.”

“Do you really mean that?”

“I’ve never meant anything more.” He dropped to one knee. The water splashed around him, peppering his skin in diamond-white spray. “I ken you are the lass for me. Never did I see one more beautiful or more perfect.”

“What are you saying?”

“Will you marry me? This day or the next. Will you be my woman until our dying day?”

Isla flung herself onto him and was glad when he caught her with such a sure grip. “Aye, I will.”