One month later

Ross Clan Keep, Scottish Highlands

 

Graeme leaned back against the stone wall inside the Ross keep’s great hall. He folded his arms and whistled softly through his teeth at what he was witnessing.

Laird William Ross had scribed his name on the piece of parchment spread out on the table before him, then pressed his signet ring into a glob of red wax to put his seal on the document.

Laird Ross handed the quill to Laird Donald Munro, who did the same. Munro passed the quill to Laird Iye MacKay with a serious nod, who provided the final signature and seal on the alliance treaty between the three clans.

“I never thought I’d see this day,” Colin said, coming to stand beside Graeme to watch the three Lairds exchange firm forearm shakes.

“Nor did I,” Graeme murmured.

“I dinnae just mean the alliance, either,” Colin said. “I mean I never thought I’d see Graeme MacKay go from blunt-tongued warrior to smooth-talking diplomat. Who kenned ye had it in ye, cousin?”

Graeme turned to find one of Colin’s blond brows lifted, a taunting grin on his mouth.

This time Graeme could not control the urge to punch his cousin. Since Colin had been such a help in securing Laird MacKay’s cooperation, however, he satisfied himself with pounding Colin in the shoulder rather than in that damned annoying smile of his.

Before Colin could return the blow, Jerome stepped in front of the two men. Graeme stilled, for he hadn’t spoken more than a terse greeting to the man who seemed so set on disliking him.

To Graeme’s shock, Jerome hesitated for a moment, then extended his hand for a shake. As Graeme clasped forearms with him, Jerome spoke quietly.

“Ye accomplished quite the feat today, MacKay,” he said grudgingly. “My Laird and my people are grateful to ye.”

“Thank ye,” Graeme said. He couldn’t help but notice that Jerome had left himself off the list of those who were grateful to him for this alliance, but knowing what a proud and stubborn warrior Jerome was, Graeme would take it as high praise.

As Jerome moved off to his Laird’s side, Graeme leaned back against the stones once more. “If the Bruce is still looking for good men for his Bodyguard Corps, he’d be hard-pressed to find one better than Jerome Munro,” he said, tilting his head toward Colin. “If the loyalty he’s given his Laird could be harnessed for the King’s missions, he’d be an unstoppable force. I certainly dinnae want to cross him again.”

“I’ll make sure the Bruce hears that,” Colin replied. “But are ye sure Jerome would be willing to work with ye? The Bodyguard Corps is small, and the men have to be able to train together, fight together, and follow orders side by side. Jerome looks like he’d still rather knock ye around a bit for stealing his Laird’s bride.”

Graeme jerked up from the wall and spun to face Colin. Ignoring the teasing grin he still wore, Graeme fixed Colin with a hard stare.

“Are ye…are ye saying that I am still in the Bodyguard Corps?” Graeme breathed.

“Aye, of course, man,” Colin replied easily. “Ye think the Bruce has never dealt with one of his bodyguards falling in love on a mission?” Colin snorted. “Hell, it seems to be an occupational hazard.”

“But…but he tasked me with delivering Anna safely to her betrothed, and instead I kidnapped her so that I could marry her myself.”

“The way Anna tells it, she went with ye willingly,” Colin said, giving Graeme a sideways smirk. “Besides, ye did keep her safe. And though ye managed to destroy one Highland alliance, ye formed two more, so I believe the Bruce is actually quite pleased with ye.”

Colin turned fully to Graeme then, his face growing serious. “Truly, Graeme, ye dinnae need to fash. The Bruce insists that ye remain in the Corps, for he wants good men like ye—men with no’ just the mission in mind, but also the peace and prosperity of all of Scotland.” He slapped Graeme’s shoulder. “Ye did well, cousin.”

Graeme felt his chest swell with pride at the praise. He’d never been more than a soldier, a warrior, until now. When his leg had been injured, he’d feared that he would be neither, that his whole life would amount to naught.

Instead, he found he’d gained so much more. He’d gained Anna as his bride, a new role in the Bruce’s cause—he was even regaining strength and stability in his leg.

“Are ye staying for the feast this evening?” he asked Colin. “It promises to be one for the ages.”

With Laird Ross’s blessing, Graeme and Anna had agreed to hold their wedding later that evening, followed by a feast to celebrate both their union and the alliance forged between the MacKays, Rosses, and Munros. All three clans had gathered at the Ross keep, and the air nigh hummed with anticipation for the joyous occasion.

“I wouldnae miss it,” Colin said.

“Good. Then I’ll see ye later tonight.” Graeme shoved himself off the wall and began making his way toward the doors that led from the great hall to the courtyard outside.

“Where are ye going?” Colin called behind him.

“To find my bride.”

Graeme pushed through the double doors and into the bright summer sun. His gaze immediately landed on Anna, who stood at the other end of the yard with a mare on a tether. She was gently urging the mare to walk in slow circles around her.

The technique was normally used to tame wild horses, but Anna had decided to use it to instead tame her own fear of the animals. Graeme’s heart filled to overflowing as he walked toward her. He hardly noticed his limp as he watched her bravely facing her fears.

When she lifted her golden head and her gaze fell on him, his breath caught in his throat. And when she gave him a smile more radiant than the sun overhead, he forgot to breathe all together.

“Are ye nervous to be around the horse?” he asked, coming to a halt before her.

She glanced at the sweet, gentle mare, then back at him, her smile widening.

“Nay.”

“Then mayhap ye are anxious about tonight? Having doubts about marrying me? Or a wee bit uneasy at what will happen in our marriage bed?”

Now a bright flush of pink rose to her cheeks, sweetening her smile even more.

“Nay. No second thoughts, and no nerves for the marriage bed.”

“Then why are ye smiling so fiercely, lass?” he teased, running a thumb along her heated cheek.

“Because I am happy,” she replied, her blue eyes shining with emotion. “Purely, truly, and completely happy.”

 

The End