Chapter Eighteen
The castle and the surrounding lands were a hive of activity. Abby strolled with Aedan toward a field at the northern side of the estate. The land this side of the castle was relatively flat and went for some miles uninterrupted by woodland.
They walked side-by-side, the odd bumping of hands followed by heavy-lidded gazes that made her stomach clench. Somehow, in the last few weeks, Abby had started to call this land, this time, her home, and the future seemed so very far away—an impossibility that she’d no longer have to concern herself with.
She smiled, contentment warming her soul. “It’s so beautiful here. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to Scotland’s majestic splendor.”
Aedan put an arm about her shoulder and pulled her against his side. “Aye. It has a way of needling into yer heart.”
They stopped at the side of a wheat field, the tenant farmers hard at work with the start of the reaping. “Explain to me again how Lammas works?” A young boy ran past, giggling as an older lad chased him as if the hounds of hell were on their tails. Abby laughed and watched them disappear toward a small, shallow river.
“It’s the first harvest festival for the year. All my tenant farmers will bring a loaf made from their new crops harvested during Lammastide.”
The wind picked up, and the wheat made a dry rustling sound, its golden yellow color all but shouting it was ready for cutting. Abby caught the faint smell of Wheat Chex cereal and smiled, as it reminded her of home. “And what happens then?”
“It’s blessed and broken into four bits and placed at each corner of our barn, to protect the garnered grain.”
Abby looked up at Aedan and took in his features. They were relaxed, a slight smile tweaking his lips, completely serious. “And do you believe that the blessing actually works?”
“Of course.” He pulled back a little affronted. “Don’t ye?”
“Not at all.” She chuckled at his shocked expression. “Somehow, I can’t see how saying a prayer over wheat will stop it from going moldy, or sprouting, or whatever wheat does once it’s harvested. I think the elements or rodents are more likely the cause for any trouble you have with the crop and no wishing it away will change that.”
“Perhaps you’d like to tell me what you really think.”
Abby laughed at his teasing, wrapping her arms about his waist. “Just because I don’t believe the prayer will work doesn’t mean I won’t be standing beside you, hoping it does.”
He leaned down, taking her lips in a kiss. Abby leaned into him, pulling him close. The continued sound of sickles chopping through wheat stems sounded around them. She ran her hand over his shirt, the smoothness at odds to his woolen kilt. “Do you think it’ll be a good harvest?”
Aedan nodded, turning them toward the castle. “I do. There was plenty of rain in the season followed by good growth periods. The harvest should be enough to keep all of those involved happy.”
They walked for a little while in silence, before something that had been bothering her for the past few days niggled to the point she had to ask. “I have a question that’s not related to farming, but I don’t want to alert you to anything, as I’m not sure if you’ve noticed like I have.” They continued toward the large grey edifice of Druiminn Castle, but Abby could feel his curious gaze.
“Out with it, lass.”
She placed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, the wind coming straight at them in this direction. “Well, I wanted to know if there was anything ever between Gwen and Ben. Sometimes, the way he looks at her…”
“How does he look at her?” Aedan pulled them to a stop, his easy-going manner now replaced with that of a protective brother.
“You are not going to declare war on your friend. So behave yourself. Gwen is a grown woman, well and truly old enough to make decisions for herself.” A muscle in his jaw worked, and Abby ran her finger over it. He glared, and she smiled.
“He looks at her sometimes how you look at me, and it made me wonder if they’d had a past.”
Aedan seemed to think on it, a slight frown between his brows. “’Tis possible, I suppose. We have known each other since childhood, but Ben’s never mentioned anything, and Gwen is in love with Braxton.”
“I know she is, I’m not disputing that, but I wondered.” Abby stopped them beside a slow flowing river, watching as the water trickled over stones, green moss swaying beneath the surface. “We should set him up with someone. Maybe’s he’s lonely now that all of his friends are marrying, finding the person they want to be with forever, he’s becoming nostalgic.”
He lifted her chin with one finger, smiling down at her. “You’re too kind-hearted, and I love ye for it. As for Ben, and whether he wishes to be saddled with a woman, I’m not certain. I’m sure whatever ye picked up on between Gwen and him was affection that stemmed from familiarity and duty. Nothing more.”
“Perhaps.” Abby shrugged, not buying that for a moment. There was history there, but for whatever reason, Gwen wasn’t as enamoured of Ben as he was of her. It didn’t mean that Ben couldn’t find love elsewhere. He had to meet the right woman. “I was just curious… I promise I’ll leave him alone.”
“Trust me when I tell ye, he’s more than busy with the lasses. He doesn’t need any help.” Aedan smiled. “Behave, wench, or I’ll be forced into actions that ye may not approve of.”
Abby leaned into him, sliding her hand over the front of his kilt. Whenever they were together like this, all she wanted to do was consume him. Touch him, bathe in his love, wonder that he doted on her. He was becoming a very addictive man to be around.
She stroked his manhood. His eyes darkened with desire, his hand coming around her back and holding her against him. “There aren’t many things I wouldn’t approve from you, Aedan MacLeod. Do your worst.”
“You try my resolve.” His breathing hitched when she covered him with her hand, pulling, teasing his hardened flesh that she craved.
“Do not threaten me with things that I’d enjoy. And certainly do not tease me where we cannot act on our desire.”
“There is no one about.” Abby looked up at the castle walls and didn’t spy any men on the battlements, nor were there any loitering on the outside of the castle walls.
He nipped her earlobe, kissing his way down her neck. Taking her hand away from him, he lifted her slightly against his chest, undulating against her sex. Abby gasped, fire replacing the blood running through her veins.
“Behave, lass.”
Abby laughed and stepped away, pulling him toward the castle. “You know, you shouldn’t—” her words trailed off when she saw Ben and Gwen down by the river, seemingly in some sort of argument.
“What’s wrong?” Aedan came to stand beside her, and she pointed out what had caught her attention.
“What do you think they’re talking about?”
“With those two? It could be anything and nothing at all.”
Abby didn’t think it was, but then why would they be arguing if they didn’t have anything to discuss. “It’s a little odd. You should ask them. Gwen could be up to something like bringing someone else through time for someone else she wants to matchmake.”
Aedan laughed. “‘They’ve argued for as long as I can remember. If one said the grass was green, the other would say it was blue. ’Tis how they are. Come, I need ye.”
The deep sound of his voice and his words, which could only mean one thing, sent her body into overdrive. She was turning into a horny, insatiable woman and she loved it. “What for?” she teased, grinning up at him.
He raised one rakish eyebrow, and her legs turned to jelly. As usual. “What do ye think?”
“Well, I don’t know. It could be anything…” He kissed her, putting a stop to her prattle, and all thoughts of Gwen and what she was doing with Ben flew out of her mind. In fact, Aedan kept her occupied for the remainder of the day with little thought other than themselves.
...
Lammas came and went and so, too, did the day of Gwen’s wedding. Scotland had pulled out all the stops to ensure the day dawned without a cloud in the sky, and no sign of forthcoming weather. Abigail was certain her future sister-in-law’s life would follow a clear and sunny disposition, as well.
The morning had passed in a rush of bathing, eating, laughing, and joy over her friend’s forthcoming nuptials with Braxton. Gwen’s chamber servant had fixed the bride’s hair in plaits with an assortment of ribbons and flowers threaded throughout.
The gown was tartan in the family colors of red and blue. With long sleeves and a low square neckline, the dress reminded Abby of the sort she’d seen in princess books, but without the silk. There was no veil, only a train that fell from the lower back and made from one solid color of emerald green. Gwen looked beautiful and from the smile she offered to Braxton when she came to stand beside him for the ceremony, she was a woman in love, filled with hope for the future.
The wedding took place in the castle church. It was a simple building made of stone, with slate tiles covered with green moss. Graves sat scattered about its exterior in a chaotic order, not lined up in an orderly fashion, as they were in her time. Abby looked about, trying to see if she could spot where Aedan’s parents lay, but couldn’t find them. Inside the building was a simple room with a large stained glass window at one end and an altar made of stone, not marble.
Abby sat in the front pew. The coarse wooden seat could use a cushion or two and Abby shifted about, trying to find a comfortable position. She gave up when the church started to fill with guests and the groom himself.
Light sprinkled in through the stained glass window, casting colored shadows on the aisle. The church doors opened and Gwen, on the arm of her brother, walked toward Braxton. Abby took in Aedan and could clearly read his face. He was like an open book that screamed pride and love. Abby smiled at them, her eyes welling up with tears and she quickly searched for a handkerchief.
The service was to-the-point and quick, the priest not taking the opportunity for a lengthy scripture because the church was full of congregants. It seemed no sooner were promises made and the exchange of rings performed, along with the handfasting, that it was over.
Abby took Aedan’s hand and smiled up at him as the priest announced the husband may kiss his bride. He squeezed hers in return and lifted it to his lips, placing a kiss against her palm. Abby’s heart beat out a fluttering tattoo at the heavy lidded gaze he assailed upon her. Just a look or touch and she was lost.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Abby looked back toward the happy couple. Weddings had always made her emotional, even if she’d been a plus one and hadn’t even known the couple, she’d never failed to cry, and it seemed that today was no different.
Gwen and Braxton kissed and the guests cheered, standing and clapping to mark the end of the ceremony. A piper, standing to the side of the church, started a lively tune and led the newly married couple outside. Aedan stood, pulling her beside him to follow them. “That was so beautiful. I’m so glad I was here to see it.” She stood on the steps of the church and watched as the newly handfasted couple made their way toward the castle, the tenant farmers, clansmen, servants alike, shouting out congratulations as they made their way along the grassy path.
“Aye, it was. Gwen will be happy, which in turn makes me so. I’m glad for her.”
Abby nodded. “Braxton loves her dearly, but I’m sure you’ll miss her. How far is his estate?”
Aedan frowned in thought. “His land borders mine to the south. Two days by horseback. I’m sure we’ll see her often.”
“So not too far then.” Abby didn’t know if she should bring up the fact that his other sister was not present, but her absence was odd. “Why isn’t Jinny here today? Gwen mentioned it a few weeks ago that you’d sent word for her to return.”
He made a growling sound, and Abby thought maybe she should’ve kept her mouth shut. “Jinny never wants to return. She feels she’s a burden and embarrassment for the family. Utter nonsense, of course, but she’s as stubborn as Gwen. I’ll not change her mind.”
“So she’s to stay at the convent for the rest of her life? Doesn’t she wish for marriage or a family? I thought being handfasted, even though it was with the wrong man, didn’t mean the end of the world for a woman of her standing. Life goes on. She could find love and marry again, I’m sure of it.”
Aedan smiled, shaking his head. “Ye modern mind dismisses the deep scar that the O’Cains inflicted on Jinny. She feels humiliated and unworthy. Thinks all men would view her as disabled and barren. She was married into the clan for a year and no bairn came of it. Perhaps ’tis better she stays where she is. At least she’s happy and safe.”
Abby pulled back and tried to understand Aedan’s words. “I think that’s all the more reason for you to bring her home and make her see sense. To make her see that there is a future to be had after such a disappointment. That there are good men out there waiting to be plucked like a petal.” Annoyance tinged her tone, and she narrowed her eyes when Aedan grinned.
“‘Plucked like a petal?’ Do I even want to know what ye mean by that?”
She shrugged, losing a little of her anger at his teasing. “Probably not. My mind wasn’t being totally proper.” She laughed. “But really, Aedan, you should think about it. She can have a future, even if it isn’t what she first thought it would be.”
“I’ll think on the idea,” he said, placing her hand back into the crook of his arm.
When they made the castle, Abby was pleased with what they’d managed to create for the wedding party. Every available surface in the great hall was decorated with wildflowers. Multiple candles sat on every table, their soft light casing the room with an air of romance and beauty. Gwen looked eagerly about, the smile on her face giving her joy away.
“Congratulations,” Abby said, kissing Gwen and Braxton on the cheek and hugging Gwen. “I wish you all the very best for the future.”
“Thank you, Abigail.” Gwen beamed up at her husband. “I’m sure we will be very happy.”
Abby left them to talk with the other well-wishers and sat down at the dais with Aedan. Servants bustled about with mugs of ale and wine, before the first dishes were brought out.
The first course was a vegetable soup that looked as delicious as it smelled and Abby remembered having a similar meal at a wedding in the twenty-first century. She looked out over the guests, each one enjoying the night, partaking in the celebration, getting obscenely drunk, and she smiled. Being here, living here, dressing in the fashions of the time, following rules appropriate to her status, resembled what she thought it might be like to make a period movie.
Except, the man who graced the seat beside her was no actor playing a part. He was real, with true emotions and reactions. No acting at all, just honest, genuine feelings and thoughts, and with all of it combined, it made the night more than she imagined.
Never had she felt more at home, or more welcome than she did around the present company. This was her home now. Aedan was her future, and she couldn’t wait to take the vows that would join them in marriage and make him hers for all time.
“Did I tell you that you’re looking very handsome in your newly made kilt and freshly pressed shirt?” She placed her hand on his leg and stroked the linen high enough that her palm touched the flesh of his thigh. The hairs on his leg tickled her palm, and she smiled up into eyes that would rival the darkest emerald.
“As do you,” he said, halting her hand when she slipped it a little higher.
His intense gaze sent her stomach into knots. “Thank you for making me feel so special, Aedan MacLeod.”
“I’ve been meaning to apologize for my treatment of ye when you first arrived. I acted appallingly, and I’m not proud of it. Please understand it was out of fear for Gwen that I blamed you and made ye pay for her interference. I’m truly sorry.”
She blinked back tears, never expecting the great Laird MacLeod to right a wrong, especially to a woman, but then he wasn’t like most men. Not of her own time or his. “Thank you. And I hope you, too, can forgive my mouth, which at times has a tendency to blurt out words before they’ve been properly thought through.”
He laughed and gestured to the servants to commence the second course. “Your mouth is one of the things I love best about ye. I’d never wish to silence it. Always speak the truth to me, lass. Promise me you’ll never lie.”
“I promise.” Forgetting where they were, Abby leaned up and kissed him. He didn’t shy away. In fact, he clasped the nape of her neck and deepened the kiss.
Gasps, clapping, and laugher sounded around them, but she didn’t care. As long as he continued to kiss her as he was now, like there was no ending in sight, that forever and a day this was all he wished to do, she’d be one content woman.
Like all their kisses, this one sent a fiery need burning through her soul. And by the demanding, hungry touch from Aedan, he, too, didn’t seem to care where they were or who they were in front of.
“Are ye trying to outshine your sister’s day of days, brother? Very bad taste, if I do say so myself.”
Aedan laughed as he pulled away, swiping his thumb over Abby’s bottom lip. Every inch of her skin responded, craved for his touch. Her well-kissed lips were swollen, and she grinned.
“I would never try to do so, Gwen,” Aedan said, winking.
Abby flopped back into her chair, marveling at how, while her body was going crazy with unsated need, Aedan went back to eating his meal, as if nothing was amiss. The thought of dragging him up to her room and having her wicked way with him crossed her mind more than once as his strong arms reached out for his mug of ale, or to place more food on his plate. He was so devilishly handsome, so sweet, that her teeth ached.
His lips quirked into a grin.
“What are you thinking?” she asked, wanting to know what was going on in his mind.
He leaned back in his chair, eyeing her over the top of his cup. “That you’re the most interesting, consuming, beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and how thankful I am that Gwen found ye and brought you back.”
Warmth flowed through her, making her a big pile of love. “Really?” she asked, not sure she’d heard right. He clasped her hand and kissed it, nodding.
Gwen leaned over to them, smirking. “And yet I’m still waiting for my apology from ye, brother. Calling me an interfering so-and-so all those weeks ago. As far as I can see, you’ll never be able to repay such a boon.”
“Apologies, Gwendolyn. I hope you’ll forgive my extreme reaction to ye meddling with the Abigail lass.”
His sister snorted. “Aye, that’ll do. It’s probably the best I’ll get from ye, in any case. Now, dear brother, signal the minstrels. I want to dance with my husband.”
Aedan looked up at the minstrel’s gallery and gestured for the music to commence. The guests helped the servants push the tables to the side of the room, making plenty of space for the dancing. Gwen and Braxton started off with a reel that soon had everyone joining in.
The bagpipes sounded clear and strong, and mixed with drums, harps, and flutes made the music come to life. The haunting sound washed over Abby and she sat there for a moment and watched this medieval life at play. Within the castle this night, there was nothing but enjoyment, high spirits, and merriment. Gwen couldn’t have had a better wedding reception no matter what century she was in.
“Do ye want to dance, lass?”
She took Aedan’s hand and held it in her lap. “No. I want to sit here with you.” And she did. Just being near Aedan left her feeling a contentment she hadn’t known before. Even in the twenty-first century something had never sat quite right within her, like a part of her was missing, or she was missing something from her life. Now she knew what that was.
Her soul mate.
“Do ye miss your home?”
Abby looked out over the wedding celebrations, the clan that had welcomed her as one of their own, of the man beside her who loved her beyond any doubt. “No, I don’t. Not really.”
“Not really?”
She laughed, knowing she missed one thing at least. “I suppose I miss toilet paper. I can’t quite get used to the leaves and linen rags that you use here.” She sighed. “And I’ll miss my cell phone, the technology. Oh, and my studies. I guess you’d call me a scholar in this time.”
“Well, now ye must explain what a toilet is? And once you’ve answered that, what the hell is toilet paper?”
Abby pushed her plate away, not able to eat another bite. Grabbing the wine flask she filled up her cup. “A toilet is a garderobe or privy. Toilet paper is what you use to…you know, to wipe yourself.”
Aedan watched as she took a sip of her drink, his gaze darkening with intent. “I’m not sure if I want to know any more about ye time.” He laughed, pushing a lock of hair from her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“So am I.” Abby stood and pulled him up to follow. “Let’s go outside for a walk. I think there’s a full moon and it’ll be nice to have you all to myself.”
“Are ye trying to lure me to an indiscretion with ye? I’m a gentleman, I’ll have ye know, lass.”
“I don’t believe that for a moment,” she said, clasping him about the waist, the corded muscles of his lower abdomen distracting her for a moment. He was so hard and toned. A real, live fighting machine. “I think you’d love for me to lead you into temptation…”
“Aye, you know me well.” They walked toward the outer courtyard, climbing up a staircase that ran on the outer kitchen wall, leading up to the roof. Aedan dismissed the guard who greeted them at the top and told him to wait until their return.
Aedan leaned against the battlement, pulling her against his chest. She loved the feel of his arms about her waist, the thump of his heart strong against her back. They stood in silence, both lost in thoughts as they looked out onto the Isle of Skye glistening in the moonlight beyond. The few cottages that lay scattered within the forests and along the shoreline had small lights burning in their windows.
Abby looked up into the sky and sighed at the millions of stars that twinkled in the heavens. In Salem where she lived, such a sight was marred by city lights, and with the clear air here in Scotland and not a cloud in the sky, every star shone as bright as the sun.
“I think I could look at this view forever.”
Aedan kissed the skin beneath her ear, nibbling his way down to her shoulder. “Just as I’d wish for ye to see this view forever.”
His kisses made her shiver, and she tilted her head to give him easier access. “Are you certain it doesn’t matter if you marry a woman who isn’t a clan member or a woman of importance from the surrounding clans?”
“Nay. My wife. My choice, as I said, lass.” He kissed across her shoulder, slipping her gown partly off her shoulder. “And I choose you.”
Abby turned in his arms and met his gaze. “I don’t want to be the cause of any trouble for you, Aedan. This time is hard enough already.”
“Ye are not. Trust me when I tell ye, you’re never a burden to me.”
Slowly, he leaned down and kissed her, the slightest touch, a flittering of lips. “I want ye to stay. You know that. And I wouldn’t say I want ye as my wife, unless I was sure of the fact.”
Abby nodded, swallowing the lump that formed in her throat. “I don’t want you to regret your decision. You know I’ll not always agree with you on everything. I’m opinionated, stubborn, very much like you, actually.” She smiled.
“Minx.” He tickled her, and she squealed. As she tried to squirm away, it only made him more determined to torture her, and she ended up more entwined in his arms. “Aye, that mouth needs to shut for a moment.”
She gasped, and he grabbed the opportunity to distract her. His lips took hers, and she was lost. The embrace turned hot, wet, and demanding. Abby lifted herself to be against his chest, wrapping her arms about his neck. Their bodies fit perfectly. Like they were meant to be. Her breasts, pushed hard against his chest, felt full, and she moaned when his hand came up and cupped one, his finger finding her pebbled nipple and rolling it between his fingers.
Her tongue touched his, a melding of mouths and souls. His deep growl caused her body to flush hot, and she willed him to do whatever he wanted with her.
“Should we sneak off to my room where I can have my wicked way with you?”
He nipped her bottom lip, kissing his way down her chin and neck, eliciting a shiver down her spine. She was so ready for him, was in fact, too impatient to take them back to the room to finish what they’d started.
“Don’t tease me, Aedan.”
“I like teasing ye.” His hand slipped over her bottom, clasping her through her dress.
Two could play at this game and she slid her hands down the front of his kilt, over the coarse wool to clasp his erect cock. Her hand struggled to circle his length. “You know, in my time, there is such a thing as the internet, with social media platforms that people use to keep in touch. I know none of this is making sense, but on the internet there are funny sayings and such that people use to explain what they’re feeling or thinking at times. You and me, here, now reminds me of a funny saying I read once.”
He pulled back and watched her, his hand still firmly against her ass. “What was the saying?”
“What does a real man wear under his kilt?”
“Ye know what I wear under me kilt.” Aedan grinned, kissing her quickly.
She laughed. “Do you want to know?”
“Aye.”
“Lipstick, if he’s lucky,” she told him, running her hand over his balls.
“I know not what lipstick is, but I can guess.” He gasped as she continued to tease him. “You’re a wicked lass. And here I was thinking ye were sweet and honorable.”
“What can I say? You bring out my special talents.” She stepped closer, running her hand over his ass, running her hand inside his kilt to have flesh against flesh.
“Seems like I bring out your special talent as well,” she said as he dipped his head to kiss the tops of her breasts, his hand kneading her senseless.
“You do, and quite often.”
She smiled, loving that she could bring this Highlander to his knees. Aedan closed his eyes, and groaned. It was one of the hottest things she’d ever seen or done to a man and she loved it. The way Aedan stood, even if someone came up to them they’d not notice her hands beneath his kilt. But the sound of ongoing revelry inside masked their pleasure and the sentries knew better than to follow their laird to see what was going on around the corner.
She flicked her thumb over the head of his penis and met his gaze, his eyes burning with unsated lust.
“That feels good, lass. So good.”
Abby tightened her hold and stroked his full length, squeezing a little. Aedan’s breathing became heavy, and she touched his chest, loved the feel of its sudden rise and fall, could picture in her mind the hardened contours that made up his muscular abdomen flexing with each breath.
“I want to taste you,” she said, watching as he slowly opened his eyes and comprehension dawned.
“As much as I’d adore allowing ye to do that to me, we cannot. We could be found at any moment.”
“Adds to the excitement, though, doesn’t it?” She kneeled before him and lifted his kilt, bunching it at his waist.
“Abigail, nay. Not here.”
His hold loosened a little and she licked her lips, liking that his gaze snapped to her mouth and stayed there. “Let me. I’ll make it quick. We’ll not get caught.”
He looked around, torn between his desire to let her have him this way, and that of a laird who should probably show more decorum than what they were. “No, lass.”
Abby pouted, but did as he bid. She slipped her hand up to his chest and felt the corded stomach flex at her touch. “Very well, I’ll behave.”
Aedan stood and settled his kilt back about his legs. “You’ll behave? Don’t ever become too tame, lass. I love the fire within ye.”
Her heart did a little flutter at the word love. Abby wrapped her arms about his neck and hugged him, paying homage to his earlobe. “You say the sweetest things.”
“And I’m going to do the dirtiest things to ye upstairs. In private.”
He lifted her and she squealed, having not expected to be thrown over his shoulder. “Aedan, put me down. You can’t carry me across the castle and through the hall like this. What will people think?”
“That I’m going to have my wicked way with ye, which I am.” He slapped her ass, squeezing her a little.
“Ouch. That hurt,” she said, grinning.
“It was meant to, but don’t worry, I’ll kiss it better in a few short minutes.”
She ran her hands down his back and clasped as much of his backside as she could from this position. “You better kiss me in more than that spot, my liege. You owe me after denying me what I wanted.”
“Minx!” he said, as he casually strolled through the hall.
Abby waved to everyone who stopped to watch the laird carry her upstairs and out of sight.
“I plan on using my mouth on a lot of your person, so prepare yourself for much pleasure.”
She bit her lip, only managing to hold back a moan at what delights he’d bestow on her in the next few hours. “Hurry it up then. Your minx is impatient.”