Epilogue

When Kristina awoke, she remembered that this night would be Hogmanay, the most festive night of the year, and tomorrow would be the beginning of the New Year. Even though Scots had not been permitted to officially celebrate Yule for several decades, the Camerons found a way to make the whole season festive. All week, they had indulged in much music, dancing, drinking and feasting, yet tonight would be even grander with bonfires outside the walls.

Anna, Neacal, the rest of the MacDonalds and the MacKenzies had left for their homes a few days after the wedding. There had been a break in the weather, and they had taken advantage of it. Kristina had wanted them to stay until after Hogmanay, but she understood they needed to return to their own castles and clans.

Kristina's broken arm was healing nicely and growing stronger, but she still wore a light splint for support. By the spring, she would be strong enough to ride beside Colin to Bearach Castle to visit Anna and Neacal, and she planned to be there when her niece or nephew was born in June.

Kristina smiled, remembering that, the night before, she and Colin had retired to the laird's bedchamber early so they might have their own private Hogmanay celebration. Though they had been married for a month, the honeymoon wasn't over, and she hoped it never would be. Each day, she loved her new husband more and more. His kindness and generosity always amazed her.

Opening her eyes, she felt Colin behind her, but he was not close enough. She turned over so she might snuggle into his warmth, for the room had grown chilly. Something caught her attention—a vague light.

"Saints!" She blinked and shifted her eyes. The faint glow was the rectangular shape of a window, and it remained.

"What is it, love?" Colin murmured in a rough voice.

She could scarce breathe for fear she was only imagining what she saw. "Is it daylight?"

"Aye, we slept late."

She pointed at the luminous spot. "Is the window there?"

"Aye." He paused. "Can you see it?" Excitement suffused his voice.

She burst into joyful tears. "Aye! I see faint light."

"Thanks be to God." He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a tight embrace. "'Tis what I've been praying for."

"This was how it happened last time. First I saw light, and then other things." Kristina pressed her eyes closed, saying a quick prayer of thanks for her returning vision. "Oh, Colin! I can't wait to see your face again, my handsome husband."

"Och. Hope I don't frighten you."

She playfully smacked his shoulder. "You know you're gorgeous, you rogue."

He laughed. "Nay, I do not. But you are the most beautiful woman in the known world."

"I thank you. I simply cannot wait to see everyone in the clan and our grand home. Along with the sunlight and the flowers in spring. 'Tis a fitting start to the New Year, don't you think?"

"Indeed." He rolled onto his other side. "I have a surprise for you."

"What is it?" Excited, she sat up beside him.

He handed her a small wooden box tied with a ribbon. Though she could not see it yet, she examined it with her fingers. She then slid the ribbon off, opened it and felt inside. "'Tis my mother's earrings. Both of them! Where did you find the lost one?"

"I didn't. I had one made to match your original."

"Colin, how sweet you are! That was why my earring disappeared for a few days when I'd thought I lost it."

"Aye. I sent Bryce to Inverness to have one made just like it. He's the only man I would trust with your precious earring."

"I thank you!" She took one earring from the box and put it on, and then the other. "How do they look?"

"Ravishing."

She chuckled at his exaggeration. "Soon, I'll be able to look in the silver mirror and see them myself. To have my vision back is a dream come true! I so look forward to seeing our children's faces one day." She could already visualize their wee blond heads and blue or gray eyes.

Colin was uncharacteristically silent for a long moment.

"Are you holding your breath?" she asked.

"Do you ken something I don't? Are you with child?" His tone was so intense, she had to smile.

"Not that I know of, but I'll ask Deidra if she thinks I am."

He released a breath. "How many children do you want?"

"At least a half dozen."

"Saints! 'Haps we should get busy, then." He chuckled, laid her back on the pillow and kissed her.

***

Thank you for reading my book!

I hope you'll join me for more wildly romantic Highland adventures…

The Highland Adventure Series

My Fierce Highlander (Alasdair and Gwyneth)

My Wild Highlander (Lachlan and Angelique)

My Brave Highlander (Dirk and Isobel)

My Daring Highlander (Keegan and Seona)

My Notorious Highlander (Torrin and Jessie)

My Rebel Highlander (Rebbie and Calla)

My Captive Highlander (Shamus and Maili)

Highlander Unbroken (Neacal and Anna)

Highlander Entangled (Colin and Kristina)

More coming soon!

The Scottish Treasure Series

Stolen by a Highland Rogue (Dugald and Camille)

Defended by a Highland Renegade (Mairiana and Darack)

More coming soon!